New Student Orientation

Orientation is required for all new first-year and transfer degree-seeking students. We’re sure you have a question or two (or twenty) about coming to U-M, and we are ready to help.

To assist students in making a smooth transition to life as a Wolverine, we have designed a hybrid orientation experience. This means that every student will have virtual and in-person components as part of their orientation experience. These components include:

1. Virtual Orientation Experience: In May, students and parents will have access to a virtual orientation course designed to set the foundation for the Michigan experience, build familiarity with resources, and prepare students to have a successful academic advising conversation.
2. Testing, Advising and Registration for Classes: Throughout May and June, students will complete online placement exams required by SMTD and participate in a virtual academic advising day with our Academic Advisors.
3. Summer Orientation In-Person Experience: Then in July and August, students will participate in a one-day on-campus experience. This orientation day will include opportunities to get to know other new students, become familiar with our campus, participate in small group discussions, and learn more about resources and topics of interest. We will also offer programming for the parents and families of our new students during this time as well.
4. New Undergraduate Student Welcome: To complete their orientation experience, all new SMTD undergraduate students will attend SMTD’s New Undergraduate Student Welcome event, which will take place on campus the Thursday before classes start. During the event, students will be welcomed by the SMTD leadership, get to know their new classmates, and see performances by current students.

After you have been admitted to U-M and paid the $300 enrollment deposit, you will receive an email by early May with instructions on how to register for orientation. You will also receive instructions on how to complete the online orientation modules and placement tests prior to registering for classes.

More information can be found on the Office of New Student Programs website. If you have any questions, please reach out to Alexa Martinez ([email protected]), one of SMTD’s Undergraduate Orientation Coordinators.

Summer 2024 Orientation Schedule

Welcome to the University of Michigan! New graduate students starting classes in Fall 2024 will complete orientation remotely via a Canvas course. Upon receiving an invitation to the course, you will be able to view and complete your specific requirements and their respective timelines. You will have an opportunity to learn about our campus, meet with a faculty advisor, get to know your future peers and register for your first semester of classes. Exams will open on June 1 and close by the end of June 15. (please be sure to check the Canvas course for exact times exams will open and close)

Important Things To Do Before Summer Orientation

1. Get your Uniqname; activate your U-M email account.
2. Have your official final transcript from your most recent degree program (with degree conferred date) sent to U-M.
   — MM & SM students should have their transcripts sent by mail to SMTD or via email to [email protected].
   — MA, MFA, and Doctoral students should have their transcripts sent electronically to Rackham. Read here about how to send transcripts to Rackham.
3. Start planning your schedule on Wolverine Access. Use the Backpack feature to assemble classes you’re interested in taking.
4. REGISTER for classes.
5. Visit the ensembles office page for details about the required repertoire and how to schedule an ensemble audition.
6. Prepare for Theory and other placement testing:
   — Theory Preparation Information
   — Practice Theory Test
   — Lyric Diction Requirements
7. Get your Mcard.

Finally, when you arrive on campus in August you will attend the SMTD New Graduate Student Welcome event at 12:30 PM on Friday, August 23 in Britton Recital Hall of the Earl V. Moore Building to be welcomed to the community by SMTD’s leadership and to see performances by current graduate students. A reception with refreshments will follow in the lobby.

International Student Orientation for Fall 2024 will take place online.

Undergraduate Orientation

All SMTD international undergraduate students will complete online orientation activities with the Office of New Student Programs as well as SMTD-specific programming.

Graduate Orientation

Graduate students will complete SEVIS processing on campus as part of orientation, and complete the placement tests and programming for all SMTD graduate students online.

Visa Processing

If you are not a U.S. citizen and will need an F-1 visa, the U-M is required by U.S. government regulations to obtain documentation that proves you have adequate financial resources to pay your expenses for the duration of your program. Please select your academic area to learn more about the visa process.

The Fall 2024 semester starts on August 26, 2024. Students should arrange travel so that they arrive no more than 30 days prior to that date.

Undergraduate Students
International undergraduate students will be contacted by the Office of New Student Programs regarding the orientation and visa process.

Graduate Students (MM & SM)
SMTD will prepare the immigration documents separately from your offer of admission after you accept an offer of admission. You will need to submit certified documents of financial support in English. All of the required documents are listed on the Financial Resource Statement. It will be prepared using the U.S. Government SEVIS system. All visa documents must be correct and received by SMTD Admissions no later than May 31, 2024 in order to enroll for Fall 2024 classes.

Graduate Students (MA, MFA, DMA & PhD)
International students in MA, MFA, DMA or PhD programs will be contacted by the Rackham Graduate School regarding the visa process.

Required Documents for All International Students

1. 2024 Financial Resources Statement
2. Supporting Financial Documents
   • Most common docs submitted and accepted:
     • Bank statements – must include: account holder’s name, account type, statement date (must be dated within 90 days of submission to IC), include bank letterhead or official stamp, if there is a maturity date it must be before the program start date (08/26/2024).
     • Loans – including sanctioned and pre-approved loans. Must include the exact amount that the account holder will be getting and may include a date of disbursement prior to the program start date (08/26/2024).
   • NOT accepting:
     • Investments
     • Property – no real estate, jewelry etc.
3. Copy of your passport page with biographical information, photograph, and expiration date

Additional Documents for Students Already Attending School in the USA

We also need the following documents from those students who are currently attending school in the United States:

1. SEVIS F1 Transfer In Form
2. A copy of your most recent I-20
3. A copy of your most recent I-94

Required Documents for Students with a Sponsor

1. Completed and signed  Financial Sponsor Affidavit
2. All documents must be in English. If not, an English translation by a Certified Translator must accompany the original (must include currency conversion from www.xe.com)

FAQs

• Who can I contact with questions about the I-20 process?
  • MM/SM Admitted Students: Alexa Martinez ([email protected])
  • MA/MFA/DMA Admitted Students: Melynee Weber-Lynch ([email protected])
  • Undergraduate Admitted Students: https://admissions.umich.edu/explore-visit/contact-us
• Once I have my I-20 who should I contact about questions regarding my student visa, SEVIS check-in, etc.?
  • https://internationalcenter.umich.edu/about/contact
• How long will it take to process my I-20? How will I know when it’s ready?
  • Processing for I-20s can take up to six weeks once all materials have been submitted (and corrected). Your will receive an email from the U-M International Center prompting you to create a login for the U-M database, MPassport where you’ll be able to download your I-20. You must have a U-M uniqname in order to create an MPassport login after receiving the invitation link.

Other Resources for International Students
The U-M International Center

U.S. Department of State