Spring Orientation Schedule

Welcome to Spring 2026 Orientation 

Times and locations for events are subject to change. Additional details to follow. Email issworld@uark.edu for the latest information. RSVP for Welcome Days, Immigration Basics, and other events through your Admission Portal. 

International Students Orientation 

International Students Orientation is hosted by International Students and Scholars (ISS) to welcome new international students to campus, connect to local resources, and start their journey of belonging at the University of Arkansas. 

Mandatory Sessions 

These are mandatory for all international students. Please make sure attend these events: 

  • Immigration Basics (Sign-up through your Admissions Portal)
  • International Student Welcome Day – Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 1:30 p.m., Arkansas Union Theater
  • Undergraduate Only: Advising Day on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Meet at Holcombe Hall at 9:30 a.m.
  • Graduate Students with Assistantships Only: Graduate Assistant Tax Compliance Session with Human Resources.

 

Immigration Basics 

Immigration Basics is mandatory for all international students on F1 and J1 status and is required before registering for classes. Schedule your Immigration Basics session on your International Admission Portal. 

If you are not on F1 or J1 status, please contact  issworld@uark.edu. 

Immigration Basics sessions are offered most weekdays at 9:30 a.m. beginning January 5 through the start of the semester. Find all the session dates and register through your Admission Portal.

Graduate Assistant Tax Compliance Session 

Required for all F-1 and J-1 students who have an on-campus job or University of Arkansas scholarship. You will schedule a meeting with the Nonresident Tax expert to help you complete the new employee paperwork required before you can set up payroll. You will need to have your GLACIER profile completed and bring all your original immigration documents to the meeting.

Spring 2026 International Students Orientation Schedule 

Below is the tentative schedule of orientation and welcoming events for Spring 2026. When planning, please also review  (link opens new window). 

Immigration Basics – Most weekdays at 9:30am beginning January 5 through the beginning of the semester. Register through your Admission Portal.

International Student Welcome Day – Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 1:30 p.m., Arkansas Union Theater. .

  • University welcome from campus leadership
  • Small group breakout sessions with your Cross-Cultural Mentors (CCMs)
  • Interactive presentations by Academic Integrity, Multicultural Center, International Culture Team, iFriend (Friendship Family Program) and more
  • Dinner sponsored by International Students and Scholars

International Undergraduate Advising Day – Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Meet at Holcombe Hall at 9:30 a.m.

  • Advising appointments for undergraduate first-time and transfer students
  • Lunch provided by ISS

Resource Fair – Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 10:00 a.m., Arkansas Union International Connections Lounge

  • Graduate and Undergraduate students invited!

Campus Tour – Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 11:00 a.m., Arkansas Union International Connections Lounge

  • Transportation to Walmart (Optional)

Lunch in an American Home – Saturday, January 10, 2026

  • Experience a family meal in an American home.
  • Registration required; transportation from campus provided. .

Virtual Pre-Arrival Sessions:

We would like to invite you to our Pre-Arrival series as an incoming international student at the University of Arkansas! Staff and current students will discuss the in's and out's of transitioning to life on campus in Fayetteville in each themed session.

  •  November 14:
  • November 21:
  • December 05:
  • December 12:
  • December 19:

Each Pre-Arrival session will take place Fridays at 9:00-9:30 a.m. CST. Register using the links above to attend the live virtual events or if you'd like to receive a recording of the event sent to your email.