Student Orientation

Pre-arrival Orientation

The pre-arrival orientation is conducted within one week of the acceptance of a new student to the IEP.  The purpose of the pre-arrival orientation is to help students prepare for their transition to studying at Discovery Learning Center. New students receive an electronic welcome package. For students applying for an initial F-1 visa, pre-arrival materials are generally provided well in advance of the expected course start date to allow sufficient time for visa application.

The welcome materials may include information regarding:

• Academic terms and holiday schedules
• Program information
• Form I-20 and F-1 visa procedures
• Student responsibilities related to maintaining F-1 status
• Placement testing procedures
• Tuition payment information
• Transportation options and directions to the school
• General information about student life at Discovery

In addition to written materials, follow-up assistance may be provided by phone, e-mail, or in person when additional clarification is needed. Students are encouraged to ask questions throughout the process.

Along with a letter of acceptance, this e-mail welcome-kit includes detailed information about academic terms and holidays, course schedules, Form I-20 and F-1 visa interview processes, responsibilities that accompany the issuance of an F-1 visa, the placement-testing requirement, tuition payment, transportation options available to and from the school, etc.

Though this pre-arrival information is communicated in writing, a follow-up orientation may also be conducted over the phone or in person when further explanation is necessary. During this follow-up session, each student has a chance to ask questions for clarity.

Initial Orientation

In most cases, the initial orientation is conducted one week prior to the course start-date. This orientation is designed to assist new students in familiarizing themselves with the new learning environment and Discovery Learning Centeru2019s school policies.

At this orientation, both the Campus Director and Academic Director welcome students and provide an overview of the school curriculum, level-advancement process, grievance process, and scheduling of classes. u00a0Each student is given a Student Handbook, academic calendar, and general, class schedule too at orientation. u00a0Additionally, students are introduced to the city of Fort Lee and the surrounding area.

The PDSO of Discovery Learning Center also leads an orientation session on F-1 regulations and answers any questions that students may have. Finally, students are asked to complete a placement test; and student advisors lead an orientation regarding placement-test results, the first weeku2019s schedule, and textbooks.

All of the above is communicated orally as well as in writing so that there is no misunderstanding with regard to the expectations that both Discovery Learning Center and its students need to fulfill to ensure academic achievement and personal satisfaction.

Ongoing Orientation

Toward the end of each term, DLC conducts information sessions to provide orientation for students regarding academic breaks, final grades, and level advancement as well as to remind students of F-1 visa policies and regulations (i.e. international-travel endorsements, course-completion requests, transfer protocol, and registration for the ensuing, academic term). u00a0All of the above is done orally as well as in writing (handouts in person and a letter by e-mail).

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