BU First Class is an online, noncredit, pre-arrival orientation course developed by Global Programs in 2016 to prepare incoming international students for their transition to the Boston University (BU) classroom and community. The online course is comprised of written information, short videos, and self-checks.
There is a second course, titled BU First Class ISSO Immigration Overview for Students, developed by the ISSO. This course is also online and delivers important information for international students about maintaining their immigration status while at BU. Students can learn where to find key information on the ISSO website, the types of employment they are eligible for while a full-time F-1 or J-1 student, and the steps they need to take if they plan on traveling outside the U.S.
For the fall and spring, all incoming international students receive information on how to participate in the two courses, and why they are of value to them.
BU First Class Content
Below is a summary and a sample video of each BU First Class unit.
Unit 1. The BU Classroom
This section encourages students to think critically about the education system or systems they grew up in and compare their academic background with the academic expectations at BU. The section introduces students to common terms used in the BU classroom, the importance of class participation, and how to use office hours. After completing this section, students should have a better understanding of what to expect in a variety of classroom settings and should be more comfortable interacting with BU professors and understanding how they will be assessed.
Watch: The American Way of Learning
Unit 2. Academic Integrity and Expectations
This section introduces BU’s Academic Conduct Code and why it is important. It outlines the most common Academic Conduct Code violations, such as plagiarism and misrepresentation of data, and potential consequences. It introduces students to University services and resources, including BU Libraries, the Educational Resource Center, and the CAS Writing Center, to help students write with integrity and avoid plagiarism.
Watch: Citation, Quotation, and Plagiarism
Unit 3. Transition to Campus
This section presents unique content to undergraduate and graduate student populations. Information that is common to both populations focus on how to prepare for arrival in the U.S., how to navigate academic, community, housing, and employment resources using the Compass, as well as how to locate health and wellness resources and services offered on and off campus.
Undergraduate students receive information about how to sign up for programs designed to support their transition to BU, including the International Peer Mentor Program and FY101 First Year Experience courses. Graduate students receive information unique to graduate student life at BU, such as student groups and organizations, graduate students with children resources, and financial support.
Watch: What to Expect at the Port of Entry
BU First Class ISSO Immigration Overview for Students Content
Below is a summary and a sample video of each BU First Class ISSO Immigration Overview for Students unit.
You may have seen recent announcements regarding changes to F-1 and J-1 student immigration regulations. Because these changes were announced very recently, ISSO is still reviewing the new guidance and preparing updated information for our community. As a result, some of the content in First Class was created before these announcements and may not reflect the upcoming changes.
Once you arrive on campus, you will have multiple opportunities to learn about the new regulations, ask questions, and receive guidance from ISSO. The new rules are scheduled to take effect on September 15.
To ensure you are able to begin your studies smoothly and receive the latest information and support, it is important that you arrive on campus in time for the start of the semester on September 2, well before the September 15 effective date. We look forward to welcoming you to campus and helping you navigate these changes.
Unit 1. Before Your Arrival
This section focuses on preparing international students for their arrival in the United States. Students will become familiar with their immigration documents, the entry process, and the steps they will need to take once they arrive. The unit introduces the ISSO office, its website and portal, and explains how these resources can help students manage their immigration status and keep their SEVIS record up to date.
Watch: Immigration at the Border
Unit 2. After Your Arrival
This section focuses on employment opportunities and travel responsibilities for international students while studying at BU. Students will learn about the rules and limitations surrounding on-campus employment, as well as the requirements for off-campus employment through options such as CPT and OPT. The unit also prepares students to travel both within the United States and internationally while maintaining their immigration status and ensuring they have the necessary documents.
Watch: On-Campus Employment
To experience BU First Class or BU First Class ISSO Immigration Overview, or if you have any questions about the courses, please email Sheila Hernandez, Assistant Director of International Student Initiatives, sheilahz@bu.edu.
