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Starting this fall, incoming international students have a new way to access important information to support their transition to UD.  Bridges Orientation Program is a two-day orientation especially designed for international students starting an academic program and new to the University of Dayton.  Hosted by the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Office, Bridges is now extending some of their orientation by offering an online Isidore class for new, incoming degree seeking international students.

The online course consists of six modules, each containing an interactive video presentation and text, followed by a quiz students need to successfully complete in order to finish the course. The online and interactive format is an enhanced way to engage with international students and allows students to access information on campus policies and resources at the time it's most needed and in the most appropriate mode, whether that's during their first few weeks on campus, or later on during the first semester.  Suzanne Richardt, International Student Advisor, shared “the course should only take approximately 1 hour to complete, and we’re encouraging teamwork among the students! The goal is ultimately additional exposure and to deepen their understanding of the various Bridges orientation topics – plus the ability for our office to check students’ comprehension of these key concepts for student success.” 

The course targets six areas where students may need additional information later in their academic career. Topics include Immigration Regulations, Student Handbook/Student Behavior, Academic Integrity, alcohol education and sexual violence prevention and campus resources. The ISSS Office partnered with several offices across campus to incorporate the information shared during Bridges into the online modules. The Office of Student Development, Office of Learning Resources and Learning Teaching Center all contributed their presentations, and were key partners in the creation of the program. The course will remain on the student’s Isidore account, and can be accessed throughout their time as students at UD. 

For more information contact the ISSS Office at isss@udayton.edu.