ISS Welcome Events

Students socializing

Welcome Week

Presented by the International Student Services (ISS) Office, the Welcome Week for new international students is the ISS version of orientation. It occurs the week before the start of the semester, and consists of information sessions and social opportunities, leading up to a "The Welcome Orientation and Reception." All events are optional, but you are highly encouraged to participate and get the chance to gain important information and meet other international students and the ISS staff before school starts.

Coffee Socials allow new students to meet each other informally during the week. Come in for some coffee, tea and other refreshments (food!), and stay for the conversation. There is no specific program, just a relaxing time for introducing, sharing, and de-stressing.

Topical presentations or workshops provide information that may be useful for adjusting to the campus and the local community. Starting after the Coffee Socials, these sessions will continue to offer coffee, tea and refreshments.

The Welcome Orientation ("The Welcome") is a full morning or afternoon that brings all new international students together. During this time, they will be introduced to International Student Services staff, student resources, cultural and safety issues, clubs and activities, and most of all, other students. You must RSVP through the link in the calendar schedule below to attend The Welcome.

The Welcome Reception follows the orientation. The day ends with a reception of food and other refreshments. Here you may meet new students like yourself and make new friends from all over the world. The reception will follow the orientation. You must sign up (see schedule below for link) and attend the Welcome Orientation in order to join the reception. Seating is limited!

Spring 2025 (January 6-10)

Welcome Week Schedule
Updated: 1/08/2025
Monday
(1/06)
Tuesday
(1/07)
Wednesday
(1/08)
Thursday
(1/09)
Friday
(1/10)
No activitiesCoffee Social
9:00 - 9:30 am
QLC Room 208
Coffee Social
9:00 - 9:30 am
QLC Room 208
Coffee Social
9:00 - 9:30 am
QLC Room 208
Living Local: A newcomer's guide to Hawai'i
9:30 - 10:30 am
QLC Room 208
The ABCs of ISS
9:30 - 10:30 am
QLC Room 208
Getting Settled
9:30 - 10:30 am
QLC Room 208
The Welcome Orientation
9:30 am - 12:30 pm Start Time CHANGE to: 11 am
Crawford 115 Location CHANGE to: QLC 208
RSVP Closed
[updated 1/08/25]
Employment
10:30 - 11:30 am
QLC Room 208
Taxes and Residency
10:30 - 11:30 am
QLC Room 208
Social Security Number, Driver License, and State ID
10:30 - 11:30 pm
QLC 208
MIX Program Check-in
12:00 - 1:00 PM
QLC 208
For Mānoa International Exchange Program students only
Lei Making
CANCELLED
Welcome Reception
1:00 - 2:30 pm
>>Attendance at morning orientation required to attend<<