CYPRESS COLLEGE 2013–2014
• Only persons who qualify for F-1 student visas are eligible for admission. • Deadlines for the acceptance of applications from international students are July 1 for the Fall semester and December 1 for the Spring semester. • The fee for the necessary special handling and processing of the application package of non-resident F-1 students is $40.00. • The F-1 visa student is required to complete a full-time program (12 units or more) each semester of attendance and maintain a 2.0 GPA. • Enrollment of F-1 students is limited to a maximum of six semesters. • Criteria for acceptance of International Students: 1. The applicant must possess knowledge of the English language sufficient to result in a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 500 (written), 173 (computerized), or 61 (IBT, Internet-Based Test). Students already in the United States may take the Cypress College assessment test. 2. The applicant must offer evidence of a degree of academic achievement the equivalent of an American high school education, twelve years of elementary and secondary school, or be at least 18 years of age. The student must submit a transcript of an official school record accompanied by a notarized English translation. 3. The applicant must offer evidence of financial responsibility. 4. The applicant who has attended other American schools or colleges may be considered for admission provided the applicant meets Cypress College admission requirements and can show proof of a valid immigration status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 5. After the completion of the above requirements, the applicant will be considered for admission and will be notified of his/her acceptance or non-acceptance. If accepted, the applicant will also be sent a SEVIS I-20 form and registration information. • F-1 visa students are held to the same scholastic requirements and to the same college rules and regulations as other students. • F-1 visa students are required to purchase health insurance in the United States. Such insurance should include major medical coverage to protect the student against financial catastrophe. Students are required to provide proof of health insurance covering the full semester of current enrollment. Monthly or quarterly premiums are not acceptable. • F-1 visa students will be recommended for employment only in accordance with the rules and regulations established by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
F-2 Dependents
In accordance with U.S. Federal Code, the spouse and minor children accompanying an F-1 student are eligible for admission in F-2 visa status. The F-2 spouse or F-2 child may not engage in full-time study and may only engage in study that is avocational or recreational in nature.
Legacy Program: Celebrating the Black Experience Established in 2000, the Cypress College Legacy Program is the first community college program in Orange County to concentrate on Black Studies. Set in a positive academic environment, students create a close bond with both peers and their professors as they participate in a variety of events both on and off campus. By offering interesting and rewarding curriculum that focuses on the Black experience, students that complete the program are prepared to transfer and excel in university level work. The program consists of three academic components and sponsors a number of extra-curricular activities designed to enhance the college experience for its members. ENGLISH — Legacy students take English 060 C, English 100 C and English 104 C. These classes work to improve students’ basic written language skills, enhance their research methods, and develop critical thinking. Legacy Program students will become more confident writers as they explore African American culture and literature. COUNSELING — Counseling is a vital component of the program and to the success of its students. A counselor is available to students each semester. Students are required to work closely with their counselor to explore career options, develop an academic education plan, identify lifetime goals, and discuss personal concerns. Counseling 150 C is linked with English 060 C during the first semester of the program. ETHNIC STUDIES — While taking English 100 C and English 104 C, students will be concurrently enrolled in Ethnic Studies 129 C: Introduction to African-American Studies and Ethnic Studies 130 C: African-American History I. These classes “share” curriculum so that students will be able to take material they learn from both classes to improve their knowledge, appreciation and understanding of African American culture. EVENTS AND EXCURSIONS — The Legacy Program sponsors a number of events and trips throughout the year that provide cultural enrichment for all students. Students visit museums, see plays and films, and attend cultural events that relate to the Black experience. Students also visit UC and CSU campuses and are exposed to the opportunities that await them as they prepare to transfer. The Legacy Program is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about African American culture while at the same time developing the skills necessary to be a successful college student. Students completing the program earn 13 transferable general education units to the UC system and 16 to the Cal State system. Contact Joseph Melodia at jmelodia@CypressCollege.edu or Renee Ssensalo at rssensalo@ CypressCollege.edu for information on how to become a member of this special program.
Puente Program Puente (Spanish for “bridge”) is a national award-winning program that helps students reach their dreams of college success. For more than 25 years, the Puente Program has improved the college-going rate of tens of thousands of California’s educationally underrepresented students. Established in 1996 at Cypress College, the mission of the Puente Program is to increase the number of educationally underserved students who enroll in four-year colleges and universities, earn college degrees, and return to the community as mentors and leaders to future generations. Co-sponsored by the University of California and the California Community Colleges, Puente is open to all students eligible for English 060 C and COUN 150 C.
Special Programs
• F-1 visa students will not be accepted for admission into any program when applications by qualified U.S. citizens exceed space available.
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