International Student Arrival Services
After arriving on campus, the SUU International Student & Scholar Services staff wants to help you learn more about Southern Utah University and the local community. Join the staff for Arrival Services the week before the start of classes, important topics will be covered, such as health insurance, driver’s licenses, setting up a bank account, and cell phone. Arrival Services begins your first day at SUU continues through your first 30 days.
International Student & Scholar Services is located in the Sharwan Smith Student Center, (Building Code ST), Suite 169.
When students arrive on campus they will need to immediately check in with the ISSS staff. Students will need to bring copies of the following documents:
- Passport
- Visa
- Immunizations
- Proof of Negative TB Test
- Initial Student Visa (I-20/DS-2019)
- Proof of Insurance
The ISSS team will make digital copies of these documents for the student's record. Each student will receive a detailed schedule outlining the events and services offered over the first few weeks. We are located within the Sharwan Smith Student Center, and Check-In is available Monday - Friday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Students can also upload their check in documents on their student portal in the Check-in Documents tab.
Ensuring the safety and health of students includes completing the required Tuberculosis (TB) Test within one month of arriving in Cedar City. Throughout the first four weeks of the semester, the local health department will visit campus to administer TB tests. If the student prefers, we can accept a complete BCG Immunization record as a substitute for the TB test. For a list of dates and times, consult your arrival services schedule.
Students are expected to evaluate and select their own insurance. SUU does have a working partnership with International Student Insurance (ISI). A student can find more information about ISI on their website.
If a student has any need for medical assistance or healthcare questions, they can find more information at our on campus student clinic.
SUU is required to verify a student’s personal information upon arrival at the university. This information is used not only to validate each student’s correct contact information, but is also required by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS requires that students check-in with their new university and confirm their new address in the USCIS system upon arrival. Student’s are also required to update their address information within 10 days of any change during their time at SUU.
For more information about updating your address, visit the Online Address Update website.
Submitting copies of immigration documents is an important step in maintaining an active student visa. Students will need to bring the following documents with them for check-in:
- Initial I-20 or DS-2019
- I-94 (If a paper I-94 was received)
- Passport
- Visa
Immigration documents are VERY important. Students should keep these in a safe place, replacing any of these documents will carry a financial cost and may require several weeks before you receive a replacement.
As a residential campus, SUU is proud to offer a variety of on-campus housing for students. Students can choose between suite-style or apartment-style housing and can opt-in for an on-campus meal plan. Students can find more details about the housing options available on the SUU University Housing website.
All new undergraduate and graduate international students are required to attend International Student Orientation and Traditional Orientation when they first arrive. This program will introduce students to staff, new and current students, and to the University and community.
All new undergraduate international students and graduate students are required to successfully complete UNIV 1020: Acculturation as a part of International Student Orientation.
If you have previously attended an international institute of higher education, you may wish to transfer your credits to SUU. To do so, you will need to submit an official transcript from your current university, or have your transcripts evaluated and translated by one of our partner services. More information about transferring international credits can be found on the Transferring International Credit Website.
Culture shock is described as a stress response accompanying the transition to a foreign environment. This experience is common to travelers and international students. It is separated into four distinct phases: Honeymoon, Crisis, Adjustment, and Adaptation/Biculturalism. It is common for international students to pass through each phase, although students differ in the amount of time spent in each phase. Some students experience the range of culture shock in a month, while others may take an entire year. It is SUU’s goal to help students adapt to this new environment through education, and supportive services.
Their mission is to help SUU students achieve their educational, career and personal goals. We understand that students’ first priority is to successfully earn a degree and we are here to assist them in addressing the stress and conflicts that may distract them from achieving their full potential. CAPS is staffed with experienced licensed psychologists and social workers who work with students to reduce the interference of everyday stress and also treat more serious conditions.