International Acceptance Guide

WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU ON CAMPUS

I N T E R N AT I O N A L W E L C O M E G U I D E

WELC

COME TO MSSU

CONGRATULATIONS

on your acceptance to Missouri Southern State University!

Choosing where to attend college is a major milestone in your academic career, and we are pleased you are joining the Lion Pride family.

As we continue to grow and develop our beautiful campus, we maintain our focus on what’s important‌you.

Here at Missouri Southern, we want to see all of our students graduate and succeed in their future careers. To ensure you have a great experience academically and socially, we offer a

small average class size, modern technology and labs, valuable degree programs, and enjoyable activities and organizations. This booklet is designed to get you started on the right path.

From the moment you arrive on campus until the day you graduate, the dedicated members of our faculty and staff will be here with you every step of the way. We want your dreams to become a reality. We look forward to seeing you on campus!

#GOINGGREENANDGOLD /MSSULIONS

@MOSOLIONS

@MOSOLIONS

/MSSULIONTALES

S H O W YO UR P R I D E!

Tag us in a selfie with your Acceptan ce Guide!

SO, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? YO U ’ VE

B E E N

ACCE P TE D!

A P P LY F O R A U . S . V I S A

INSUR ANCE

1. Pay the SEVIS fee

U.S. law requires all international students maintain worldwide health insurance. All international students must purchase insurance through Missouri Southern upon arrival. The cost is approximately $663.50 for the fall semester and $663.50 for the spring.

• Use the SEVIS ID# on the top left side of your I-20 form to pay the I-901 fee • For payment options and other payment information visit ICE. (www.ice.gov/sevis/i901) 2. Schedule and prepare for your visa interview with the American Embassy 3. Check the expiration dates on your passport to make sure they are up-to-date 4. Carefully review your documents to verify the information is correct

This is included in your semester cost, and the insurance fee CANNOT be waived.

5. Refer to the U.S. Department of State website for instructions from your consular office for additional information at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en.html 6. For information on the steps needed to apply for your student visa, please refer to travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/study-exchange/student.html for the most precise and up-to-date information 7. Prepare documents needed for your visa interview: • Passport valid for travel to the United States - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States • Official MSSU admission letter • Proof of finances to pay for one academic year • Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page • I-901 fee payment receipt • Passport-style photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo • Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students, Form I-20

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I M M U N I Z AT I O N FORM FOR ALL I N T E R N AT I O N A L STUDENTS Missouri Southern State University requires that ALL students be immunized against Meningitis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) before or upon arrival. You must receive a TB screening test during orientation. Be prepared for any additional cost for needed vaccinations. You cannot register for classes until you receive approval from the Missouri Southern Health Center.

S T U D E N T P O R TA L

UNIVERSIT Y EMAIL

This portal will house all your university login credentials including your email, student identification number (SID), and password. It will also have additional information based on your chosen major.

This is your MSSU email address. All school information will be communicated through your school email from the moment you are accepted to the university. This should be checked regularly to ensure you aren’t missing important information.

How to Access: • Go to mssu.force.com/portal • Login with your personal email and password you used to submit your application • After viewing your password, click on the applications tab at the top to view your acceptance letter. This will include the rest of your login credentials needed for Blackboard, Lionet, and email

How to access: • Go to outlook.com/mymail.mssu.edu • Use your university email address and university password to login

I M P O R TA N T N E X T S T E P Make sure you are able to login to your account!

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B L AC K B OA R D

DEGREE WORKS

This is your course management tool. It should be viewed on a regular basis once classes start. Blackboard contains virtual classrooms of your enrolled courses, class announcements, and your current grades.

Degree Works is an online version of a degree requirements check sheet. It provides a review of past, current, and planned coursework as well as information about completed and outstanding requirements. Use this tool to help plan your upcoming semester’s schedule or view how your transfer credits were evaluated.

How to access: • Go to mssu.blackboard.com • Use the first half of your university email and your MSSU assigned password (all can be located in your student portal) • Blackboard classrooms will be available the week before classes begin

How to access: • Login to lionet.mssu.edu

Having trouble logging in? Contact our IT Help Desk: 417-659-4444 or BlackboardHelp@mssu.edu

• Scroll down and click on D E G R E E E VA L U AT I O N S (Degree Works) link on the left

*Blackboard questions are answered (once logged in) under courses, labeled “Blackboard Student Information”

*No additional login needed. *View instructions for Degree Works Audit at mssu.edu/registrar under Degree Audit tab. *Only courses from regionally accredited colleges or universities are accepted for transfer credit. Courses are accepted on the basis of how well they “match” MSSU course offerings. Courses labeled as “ELEC” mean we do not offer that course or the course completed is not equivalent to what we offer. You may submit a petition form through your adviser if you wish to contest this decision.

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LIONET This is your online access to your personal information along with university updates and calendars. It also includes important information and documents such as: the campus housing form, financial aid information, your schedule and bill, posted grades, and transcript history.

How to access: • Go to LioNet.mssu.edu • Use the first half of your university email and your MSSU assigned password (all can be located in your student portal) Having trouble? Call our Information Technology (IT) Help Desk with issues: 417-659-4444 or email helpdesk@mssu.edu Get familiar with the layout and where your important tabs are located.

• Campus housing on the left-hand side • Financial aid on the left-hand side • Schedule and bill located under Student tab at the top • Book list found under Student Book List on the left-hand side

FINANCIAL AID OFFICE Phone: 417-625-9325 Fax: 417-659-4474 FinAid@mssu.edu mssu.edu/financial-aid

• Access open class list under Student tab toward the bottom

START A PAYMENT PLAN WITH OUR BURSAR’S OFFICE Phone: 417-625-9381 or 417-625-9728 Email: bursar@mssu.edu mssu.edu/bursar

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residencelife.mssu.edu

ON-CAMPUS HOUSING OPTIONS CH ECK

O UT

OU R

A P P LY F O R R E S I D E N C E H O U S I N G

Apply on LIONET starting the first business day in March How To Apply: 1. Login to your LioNet account 2. Under the Campus Housing tab, complete the housing application and personal information form 3. Turn in your $150 housing deposit • To request to room with a friend, be sure each person puts one another’s names on the application before submitting. Submitting applications around the same time will improve the likelihood of rooming together

4. Once the application and deposit are both submitted, you will be put on the list for your top preferences • Complete the application early to improve your chances of receiving your preferred residence hall • Move-in date is the weekend before class begins.

You’ll receive additional information once rooms have been assigned

HOUSING COS T S 2020 - 2021 ROOM + WEEKLY MEAL PLAN

Option A 23 Meals

Option B 15 Meals

Option C 10 Meals

Option D 5 Meals

Traditional Doubles

$6,476

$6,276

$6,092

$5,920

Apartments

$7,056

$6,856

$6,672

$6,500

Traditional Private

$7,256

$7,056

$6,872

$6,700

Suites

$7,560

$7,360

$7,176

$7,004

Quads

$8,178

$7,978

$7,794

$7,622

*Prices based on 2020-2021 cost, fall & spring semester combined.

Due to a change in Missouri State law in 2015, you will NOT be permitted to move into the

P L E A S E residence halls without proof of your meningitis vaccination. You must provide a copy of N O T E your proof of vaccination when you check in. Vaccination waivers are no longer valid.

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Lion Village Doubles and Suites will be available beginning Fall 2021

T R A D I T I O N A L D O U B L E S A N D P R I VAT E Our traditional-style dorm rooms include two twin XL beds (adjustable height), two twin XL mattresses, two wardrobes and desks, two desk chairs, and a small dresser. Each building wing has its own bathrooms with individual showers for residents to use. Traditional private rooms include the same amenities as a double with the exception of having one less of each item.

A PA R T M E N T S All apartment units are furnished with a carpeted living room and bedrooms, refrigerator and microwave, kitchenette and one bathroom. Each unit has two bedrooms housing a total of four students. Living rooms include full-size couch, two lounge chairs, and three multi-use tables.

SUITES East Hall suites are furnished with a carpeted living room and bedrooms, refrigerator and microwave, and two bathrooms.

Each unit has two bedrooms housing a total of four students.

Living rooms include a full-size couch, two lounge chairs, and three multi-use tables.

Q UA D S This style of housing features a kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, stove, microwave, sink, dining bar with bar stools, trash can and cabinet space.

In the quads, you will get your own individual bedroom and bathroom, which are accessible by a touch screen door panel.

Amenities in each quad unit include a washer and dryer, WiFi, and air conditioning/heating control.

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WELCOME TO WELCOME TO THE THE LION FAMILY LION FAMILY

S T U D E N T O R I E N TAT I O N New incoming students are required to attend International Student Orientation, which is held the week before classes begin. Students should prepare to arrive to campus no later than the weekend before orientation begins.

If you are unable to attend International Student Orientation, please contact the International Student Services coordinator for advisement.

Contact: international@mssu.edu or 417-625-9378

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T R AV E L A R R A N G E M E N T S

COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING

Let the MSSU International Admissions Office know when you will be arriving in Joplin, MO (international@mssu.edu). Please book a flight directly into Joplin airport (JLN). If you would like airport pickup service from the airport, please fill out the Airport Pickup form available online:

• Online Room & Board contract • $150 residence hall deposit • Proof of vaccinations in English Note: Please email proof to: international@mssu.edu • Online Airport Pickup form

mssu.edu/arrival-procedures

I M P O R TA N T You should convert your currency to U.S. dollars at your port of entry into the U.S., as it is very difficult to do so in Joplin.

EMAIL THE FOLLOWING TO T H E I N T E R N AT I O N A L ADMISSIONS OFFICE • Housing plans • Travel arrangements • Airport pickup form • Any problems with obtaining visa

You may enter the U.S. in initial F-1 or J-1 status up to 30 days before the program start date on your 1-20 or DS-2019.

Regardless of where you enter the U.S., be prepared to provide the following documents at the port of entry to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer: Note: CBP inspection takes place before you collect your luggage, so you must have these documents on you during the flight. Do not put travel documents in your checked luggage!

C L A S S R E G I S T R AT I O N All international students should enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours. All exchange students must be enrolled in at least 12 and no more than 15 credit hours of classes each term. Special course fees may apply. Enrollment will be done during orientation.

Non-native English speakers who wish to enroll in regular classes taught in English MUST first prove English proficiency by providing official test documents and meeting the following minimum scores: • TOEFL (paper test) - 520* • TOEFL (internet based) - 68

• Passport (valid for at least six months into the future)

• IELTS - 6.0

• Visa stamp (does not apply to Canadian citizens)

• ITEP - 4.0

• SEVIS Form, DS-2019, or I-20 (F-1) • SEVIS fee receipt • Supporting financial documentation

• Michigan - 85 (given on campus during orientation) *Partner schools only A student scoring below the minimum score will be automatically enrolled in the International English Program. Those who wish to re-test their level of English proficiency may take an additional placement test during orientation at Missouri Southern.

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WE’RE HERE FOR YOU

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STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER • Receive free tutoring services • Classes offered to improve academic abilities • On-campus job opportunities

417-659-3725 studentsuccesscenter@mssu.edu mssu.edu/student-success-center

• Student Disability Coordinator on staff

ADVISING, COUNSELING, AND TESTING SERVICES (ACTS) • Degree advising • Free counseling • Testing services available such as Residual ACT and CLEP

417-625-9324 acts@mssu.edu mssu.edu/acts

CAREER SERVICES • Mock interviews • Cover letter review • Resume assistance

417-625-9343 careerservices@mssu.edu mssu.edu/career

• Dress for Success event • MSSU Career Cram event *H I R E A L I O N gives current and previous students access to our job board.

Find a job on-campus or off-campus through this site! Gain access two weeks after enrollment in first semester!

Visit: mssu.edu/hire-a-lion

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GET INVOLVED O N CE

YO U ’ R E

H E R E ,

W E H AV E S O M E T H I N G F O R EVERYONE • Join one or more of our 70+ student organizations on campus • Attend fun, weekly campus activities such as picnics, movies, and entertainers • Challenge yourself physically by competing in one of our many intramural sports • Cheer on your favorite MSSU Lions team by attending all home games for free • Enjoy our 71,000-square-foot recreation center, open to all MSSU students

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Join the International Lions Club and attend events on and off campus like ice skating and International Prom! @MSSUInternationalAdmissions @MSSUInternationalClub

#MOSOLIONS 12

3950 E. NEWMAN RD. JOPLIN, MO 64801

@MSSUInternationalAdmissions

OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS AND STUDENT SERVICES 417-625-9378 | MSSU.edu/international-admissions | international@mssu.edu

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