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The Student Affairs Committee (SAC) is a registered student organization of the University of Oklahoma serving all the students of the School of Meteorology (SoM). SAC serves as a support network that helps incoming international students adjust to the new environment and aims to increase cultural diversity and cross-cultural communication within the SoM. The committee also provides a platform for all students to communicate their opinions and struggles about any academic and administrative issues within the SoM. Furthermore, international students also have legal rights guaranteed by the US constitution, and are protected against discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, color, and national origin. We emphasize that your immigration status can not be used as a means of retaliation or coercion by faculty.
Useful Resources
The resources provided below will be useful throughout your new and exciting journey can be found in the following sections:
Important Websites
Important Websites
The OU International Student Service is an office entirely dedicated to aiding foreign students and their dependents. Here, you will find guidelines on how to proceed with your immigration, obtaining your visas before you move, and the mandatory New International Student Orientation (NISO). You will also find information about your immigration and visa documents, receiving your immigration documents, maintaining or changing your immigration status, traveling, enrolling in classes, employment, scholarships, healthcare, fees, and community events. Upon admission, you will also be assigned to an ISS advisor with whom you will be able to ask questions and seek help with any relevant paperwork. You can schedule appointments with your ISS advisor for guidance at any time.
The US constitution guarantees legal rights to its international citizens; likewise, nonimmigrants are subject to US federal immigration laws that do not apply to US citizens. You can learn about them through the ACLU website. Moreover, the University of Oklahoma Office of Equal Opportunity is responsible for investigating situations where OU students or staff believe that an OU employee has treated them unfairly because of their race, religion, or national origin.
Before Arriving to the U.S.
Before Arriving to the U.S.
1) Immunization Requirements
1) Immunization Requirements
During your move, you will be required to provide proof of immunization as mandated by immigration laws. OU has strict regulations with respect to the immunization records of incoming international students. Through this page you will be able to find all immunization requirements and how to provide them before you move.
2) Visa Application
2) Visa Application
Once you receive your I-20 document from OU, you should schedule an appointment to apply for a U.S. student visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. During the visa application process, you will attend a visa interview and submit the required documents, including your passport and I-20. If your application is approved, a U.S. visa will be placed in your passport, allowing you to travel to the United States for your studies.
After Arriving to the U.S.
After Arriving to the U.S.
1) Identification (ID) and Social Security Number (SSN)
1) Identification (ID) and Social Security Number (SSN)
For international students, your passport serves as your primary form of identification when opening a bank account or visiting a doctor in the United States. You should also apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) at the SSN office in Moore, as it is typically required when applying for a credit card and for other financial or employment-related purposes.
2) Health Resources
2) Health Resources
Goddard Health Center (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m)
Urgent care: Classen Urgent Care Norman (covered by Student Health Plan)
3) Bank Account
3) Bank Account
As you move to the US, you will have to create a bank account to receive assistantships or scholarships. This link will provide you with all the relevant information about bank accounts for US international students and how to create one.
4) English Resources
4) English Resources
OU Writing Center: Appointments available for writing guidance!
English Training and Certification Services (Graduate College): Academic English communication/writing courses provided every semester.
If you have any questions about moving, administrative protocol, academic life, or to report academic issues, you can also contact SAC’s international representative via email: shuhsuan.lin-1@ou.edu.
Last update: March 2026
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