The Office of International Affairs has a mandatory comprehensive orientation program designed specifically for new international students and scholars at LA Tech. The purpose of the program is to help incoming international students adjust better to their new lives in the United States, Ruston, and LA Tech.
This is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet other international students and scholars from over 52 countries around the world. You will also have the opportunity to interact with U.S. students and create friendships that will last throughout your stay at LA Tech and perhaps beyond!
Here is what orientation includes:
Pre-Arrival Orientation:
Sessions on life in Ruston, LA, USA, immigration guidelines, tips for preparing for your trip, instructions for registering for class, etc.
In-Person Orientation:
Meeting current and other new students, touring campus, learning about student organizations, meeting department faculty in your college, breakfast and lunch with new friends
Canvas instructions for your Pre-Arrival Orientation:
canvas.latech.edu
Creating your CAS login: Go to the link above. Sign in with the first part of your Tech email. For example, Sarah Ilgenfritz's email address is sarahi@latech.edu. The username is sarahi. Student addresses/usernames consist of three letters and three numbers. If you do not have your email address, contact the registrar (registrar@latech.edu). You create your password by clicking “Forgot your password?” Pick something easy to remember and strong. This username and password is your “CAS" login. You use it for almost everything related to Louisiana Tech.
Completing the orientation: Go to the web address listed above. Sign in to Moodle using your CAS login. Go to “My Courses.” The name of the orientation is “International Pre-Arrival Orientation 2023.” Watch the videos in sections “Part 1” and “Part 2". Then complete the quizzes. There’s also printable pdfs with information on various topics, most of which are covered in the videos. Feel free to print these to refer to them later. Explore the rest of the information on the Moodle course as it is all useful information.
“You are not currently enrolled in any courses”: Don’t fret! This just means that your Canvas account wasn’t activated whenever we enrolled everyone in the course. This usually happens with new students. Just log in using the instructions above, and email Ben (bolivier@latech.edu) to let her know that your account is active and you need to be added to the course. We’ll add you again and you’ll be all set! No worries.
Orientation Canvas instructions
In the time of COVID-19, we are moving our orientation online. This video shows Jay Ligon, director of ISSS, and Sarah Ilgenfritz Parks, Coordinator of International Student Activities explaining registering for class, student services, and campus life.
In the time of COVID-19, we are moving our orientation online. This video has our PDSO, Dan Erickson, explaining the rules and regulations of student and scholar visas.
In the time of COVID-19, we are moving our orientation online. This is a video from our insurance provider explaining your coverage as an international student at Louisiana Tech University.
The orientation will take place 2 days before classes begin. The program start date listed on your I-20 will be your orientation date. Please be sure to complete the online pre-arrival orientation prior to the date listed on your I-20. Both the pre-arrival and the in-person orientations are mandatory.
The in-person orientation does include department visits for advising, but does not include the actual registration. After advising, you will register online. Students must consult their with advisor or head of department to organize their class schedule.
The orientation will be held on campus, and you will check-in at the OIA. Our office address is 305 Wisteria St, Ruston, LA 71272, and our room number is 229 Tolliver Hall.
Students should have their printed initial I-20, I-94, and passport with visa. Be prepared to list your local Ruston address and phone number on your check-in forms. Failure to provide a complete Ruston address (including apartment number) will result in delays issuing your continued I-20.
Yes! It is compulsory for new students to attend the orientation session. This is an immigration requirement, and if you do not complete the mandatory immigration check-in, your SEVIS record will be terminated. Additionally, you must complete the online pre-arrival orientation. You will be unable to register for classes until you do so.