INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES
International Orientation | Spring 2026
Dear International/Exchange Student,Congratulations! We are delighted that you have decided to pursue your education at Utica University. The Office of International Education looks forward to meeting you and assisting you in the transition to academic life in the United States. We are your on-campus resource for immigration issues, cultural adjustment, and referrals to other services available on campus. On our webpage you will find several documents detailing the next steps for you as you prepare for your journey to Utica.
If you are an international student on an F-1 visa with an I-20, the first step is to pay your non-refundable enrollment deposit. If you do not have a credit card, you may pay by Flywire. You will not be able to register for classes or get a room assignment before this deposit is paid. Exchange students on J-1 visas with DS-2019s do not need to pay an enrollment deposit.
Your attendance at the International Orientation Program is mandatory:
- Undergraduate Students: MUST attend orientation on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 9 a.m. in Bull Hall, Room 108.
We look forward to having you join us and enriching both the academic and social diversity of the University. Please watch your email for important information about the transition to Utica University. If you have any questions or need information, please contact us at +1 315.792.3082 or at internationaled@utica.edu.
Elizabeth Nassar
Director, Academic Business Development, PDSO
Gideon Appiah Kusi
Associate Director of International Education
International Undergraduate Student Orientation Schedule - Spring 2026
Mandatory For All International Undergraduate Students
Tuesday, January 6, 2026 | Bull Hall Room 108
| 9:00 - 10:15 a.m. | Maximizing Your International Experience Elizabeth Nassar, Director of Academic Business Development, PDSO |
| 10:15 - 10:30 a.m. | Break |
| 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | American Academic Standards Kelly Minerva, Associate Professor |
| 11:30 - 11:45 a.m. | Break |
| 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Understanding Your Visa Status Elizabeth Nassar, Director of Academic Business Development, PDSO |
| 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. | Lunch - Strebel Student Center, Dining Commons |
| 1:30 - 2:00 p.m. | Introduction to the Center for Student Success Greg Caloia, Director of Student Success |
| 2:00 - 2:30 p.m. | Introduction to Campus Safety Shad Crowe, VP for Facilities and Emergency Management |
| 2:30 - 3:00 p.m. | Health and Wellness on Campus Ariel Rios, Executive Director, Student Health and Wellness Jim McGarvey, Account Manager, Haylor Freyer Insurance |
| 3:00 - 3:15 p.m. | Break |
| 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. | Student Panel: Experiences from Students Who Have Been There |
| 4:15 - 4:30 p.m. | Closing Remarks |
Orientation Schedule (PDF)