International student orientation schedule, spring 2025

8 a.m.-midnight | Arrival and orientation check-in
Swanson Commons

Transportation to Swanson Commons will be provided for students arriving at the Moline airport, where Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS) staff will assist with check-in and questions. During check-in, students will receive their orientation folder, room key, student ID, meal card, and sign up for transportation to Chase Bank. After completing check-in, transportation will be provided to take students to their assigned residence halls.

Please note: Early move-in students or those arriving by car must check in at Swanson Commons.

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | International support and welcome hub
Gerber Center for Student Life

Visit the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS) during this time to ask questions, sign up for transportation to Chase Bank, or simply relax and connect with students. OISSS is located in the Gerber Center, Gävle 4 (4th Floor).

You can also visit with the International Enrollment staff to address any questions related to the new student checklist. If you’re missing enrollment steps in your portal, stop by the table set up in the Gerber Center, Brew by the Slough (4th Floor), to review your next steps. Remember, all enrollment steps should be completed prior to the first day of class.

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lunch dining hours
Gerber Center for Student Life, dining hall

Enjoy lunch at your own pace using the meal ticket provided at check-in. You can dine solo or join fellow new students to share a meal and connect during the dining hours.

4:30-6 p.m. | Dinner dining hours
Gerber Center for Student Life, dining hall

Enjoy dinner at your own pace using the meal ticket provided at check-in. You can dine solo or join fellow new students to share a meal and connect during the dining hours.

6 p.m. | Free time

After a long day of travel, take some time to rest and recharge. Whether you want to relax, unpack, or simply take a break, this is your opportunity to refresh.

9 a.m.- 3 p.m. | Arrival and orientation check-in
Swanson Commons

Transportation to Swanson Commons will be provided for students arriving at the Moline airport, where Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS) staff will assist with check-in and questions. During check-in, students will receive their orientation folder, room key, student ID, meal card, and sign up for transportation to Chase Bank. After completing check-in, transportation will be provided to take students to their assigned residence halls.

Please note: Early move-in students or those arriving by car must check in at Swanson Commons.

8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. | International support and welcome hub
Gerber Center for Student Life

Visit the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS) during this time to ask questions, sign up for transportation to Chase Bank, or simply relax and connect with students. OISSS is located in the Gerber Center, Gävle 4 (4th Floor).

You can also visit with the International Enrollment staff to address any questions related to the new student checklist. If you’re missing enrollment steps in your portal, stop by the table set up in the Gerber Center, Brew by the Slough (4th Floor), to review your next steps. Remember, all enrollment steps should be completed prior to the first day of class.

8:45 a.m.-5 p.m. | Chase Bank account opening
Gerber Center for Student Life (pick-up location)

Transportation will be provided to take students to Chase Bank to open their accounts. Please bring the following documents: your original I-20, passport & visa, Augustana email, and Augustana mailbox number. Account setup typically takes about two hours.

Sign up for transportation will be at Orientation Check-in (Swanson Commons) or in the Office of International Student and Scholar Services in the Gerber Center.

• Transportation departs from Gerber to Chase Bank at 8:45 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.
• Transportation departs from Chase Bank to Gerber at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lunch dining hours
Gerber Center for Student Life, dining hall

Enjoy lunch at your own pace using the meal ticket provided at check-in. You can dine solo or join fellow new students to share a meal and connect during the dining hours.

1-3 p.m. | Business Office open hours
Gerber Center for Student Life, Brew by the Slough

Meet with Kati Sproston, a staff member from the Business Office, for personalized support with your student account. Get help understanding your billing statement, using Flywire for wire payments, making payments in Arches, and setting up an authorized payer. Drop by to get your questions answered.

2:45-4 p.m. | Campus tour
Gerber Center for Student Life, Brew by the Slough

Join current student leaders for a guided tour of campus buildings, helpful tips, and explore resources to help you get to know Augustana.

4:45 p.m. | Check in and meet your ISO group (mandatory)
Gerber Center for Student Life, Gävle rooms

5 p.m. | Dinner with your Global Ambassador (mandatory)
Gerber Center for Student Life, dining hall

Enjoy dinner with your Global Ambassador (GA) and fellow new students using the meal ticket you received at check-in. Your GA will reach out to coordinate where to meet.

6:30-8 p.m. | Welcome Mixer (mandatory)
Gerber Center for Student Life, Gävle rooms

Join us for an evening of connection and community! Meet the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS) staff, your Global Ambassadors, and fellow students. This is a great opportunity to build relationships and start your journey at Augustana.

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | International support and welcome hub
Gerber Center for Student Life

Visit the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS) during this time to ask questions, sign up for transportation to Chase Bank, or simply relax and connect with students. OISSS is located in the Gerber Center, Gävle 4 (4th Floor).

8:45 a.m.-1 p.m. | Chase Bank account opening
Gerber Center for Student Life (pick-up location)

Transportation will be provided to take students to Chase Bank to open their accounts. Please bring the following documents: your original I-20, passport & visa, Augustana email, and Augustana mailbox number. Account setup typically takes about two hours.

Sign up for transportation will be at Orientation Check-in (Swanson Commons) or in the Office of International Student and Scholar Services in the Gerber Center.

• Transportation departs from Gerber to Chase Bank at 8:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
• Transportation departs from Chase Bank to Gerber at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lunch dining hours
Gerber Center for Student Life, dining hall

Enjoy lunch at your own pace using the meal ticket provided at check-in. You can dine solo or join fellow new students to share a meal and connect during the dining hours.

1-3:15 p.m. | Shopping adventure
Gerber Center for Student Life, dining hall entrance (pick-up location)

Transportation will be provided to take students to Walmart, Dollar Tree, and Marshalls for all your shopping needs. Whether you're looking for school supplies, hygiene products, or other essential items, this is your chance to get what you need. 

• Transportation departs from Gerber Center to the shops at 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Transportation departs from the shops to Gerber at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m. | Pizza and Hoops: Men's Basketball game outing
Gerber Center for Student Life, meet at OISSS office (4th floor)

Kick off the evening with pizza at the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS), then join your Global Ambassador and fellow new students as you head to the Carver P.E. Center to experience an Augustana Men’s Basketball game together! The game begins at 4:15 p.m.

6 p.m. | Free time

Wear your orientation shirt!

11:30 a.m. | Lunch with your Global Ambassador (mandatory)
Gerber Center for Student Life, dining hall

Enjoy lunch with your Global Ambassador and fellow new students using the meal ticket you received at check-in. Your GA will reach out to coordinate where to meet.

12:45 p.m. | Your Path Forward (mandatory)
Olin Center, auditorium

Liz Nino and Evan Juarez, from the International Enrollment Team, will guide you on your journey at Augustana. In this session, they will walk you through important next steps, remind you of essential tasks to complete, and introduce key campus resources and partners who are here to help you succeed.

1:15 p.m. | From Abroad to Augustana (mandatory)
Olin Center, auditorium

Join a panel of current international students as they share their journeys, challenges, and successes at Augustana College. Gain valuable insights and advice on navigating campus life and making the most of your experience. This is a unique opportunity to hear firsthand from students who have been in your shoes and to ask questions that will help you feel more prepared for your time at Augustana.

1:45 p.m. | Break

2 p.m. | Immigration 101 (mandatory)
Olin Center, auditorium

Join Juanita Trevino Perez, Immigration Specialist, to learn about the essential requirements for international students in the U.S. This session will cover immigration regulations, visa requirements, and what is needed to maintain your student status throughout your time in the U.S.

2:30 p.m. | Living in America and Culture Shock (mandatory)
Olin Center, auditorium

Your Global Ambassadors will provide guidance on adjusting to life in America and navigating college life. Learn about common experiences with culture shock, practical tips for adapting, and advice for thriving in a new environment. The session will conclude with a Q&A, giving you the opportunity to ask GAs about their personal experiences.

3:30 p.m. | ISO group photo (mandatory)
Gerber Center for Student Life, dining hall stairs

3:45 p.m. | Your ISO group check-in (mandatory)
Gerber Center for Student Life

4 p.m. | Break

4:30-6 p.m. | Dinner dining hours
Gerber Center for Student Life, dining hall

Enjoy dinner at your own pace using the meal ticket provided at check-in. You can dine solo or join fellow new students to share a meal and connect during the dining hours.

6 p.m. | Free time

This is your time to rest and recharge before Welcome Week begins the next day.

Please note: Welcome Week starts on Feb. 3 at 9 a.m. in the Gerber Center