PSU International Student Handbook 2016-17

International Student Handbook 2016-2017

View online at: http://www.pdx.edu/international-students/international-student-life

Contents Welcome to Portland State University (PSU)......................................................................................... 3 Office of International Student and Scholar Services Staff Directory.......................................... 4 Academic Studies ............................................................................................................................................. 5 Code of Conduct.............................................................................................................................................. 14 Cultural Adjustment ...................................................................................................................................... 18 Email, Banking and Telephone Options ................................................................................................. 21 Employment Options ..................................................................................................................................... 24 Entertainment, Activities, Religious Centers and Shopping ........................................................... 28 Getting to Know the PSU Campus ........................................................................................................... 36 Health Insurance ............................................................................................................................................ 38 Fees, Coverage Requirements and Deadlines ................................................................................. 38 Housing............................................................................................................................................................... 39 Immigration Regulations ............................................................................................................................. 42 Safety .................................................................................................................................................................. 44 Call or Contact ............................................................................................................................................. 46 Transportation ................................................................................................................................................. 48 Glossary of Academic Terms and Abbreviations ................................................................................ 51

Special Thanks We would like to thank the PSU Iranian Student Association (ISA) for sharing information and materials which have been used in this handbook.

Cover Images Images by PSU international students including Vu Tran and Khalil Alfuraih.

Disclaimer All information contained within this document was correct on September 9th, 2016. For the most up to date version of this document, please see our website: http://www.pdx.edu/international-students/pre-arrival

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Welcome to Portland State University (PSU)

We extend a special welcome to all new international students at PSU. As an international student, you have a unique opportunity to expand and share your cultural, social, and academic experiences.

We encourage you to come in to the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS)* with any questions you may have. Not only can we provide important information about your immigration status, but we can also answer questions about PSU, the city of Portland and the surrounding area.

Our office is located in:

East Hall, Room 101 632 SW Hall Street (Corner of Broadway Ave. and Hall St.) 503-725-4094 oia@pdx.edu http://www.pdx.edu/international-students/

The International Student Life Team can be found in East Hall, Room 122.

503-725-8569 intl-life@pdx.edu http://www.pdx.edu/international-students/international-student-life Appointments and Drop-in Hours: To make an appointment with an advisor or to see their drop-in hours, please visit the website https://www.pdx.edu/internationalstudents/see-an-advisor *see glossary for definition

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Office of International Student and Scholar Services Staff Directory Call 503-725 + extension Name

Position

Email

Extension

AlQara, Abdallah

International Student Life Assistant

intllife@pdx.edu

X8569

Brandt, David

Visiting Scholar Advisor (J-1)

dbrandt@pdx.edu

X8596

Bransford, Jonna Lynn

International Student Advisor

jmehrens@pdx.edu

X2367

Dietz, Rachel

International Student Life Advisor

rkrueger@pdx.edu

X9766

Harper, Emily

ISSS Program Assistant

harper@pdx.edu

X4094

Davis, Joshua

Assistant Director, OISSS

jndavis@pdx.edu

X4050

Harris, Paula

International Student Advisor

harrisp@pdx.edu

X5503

Honda, Yoko

International Student Life Advisor

hondy@pdx.edu

X5943

Igarta, Christine

International Student Advisor

igartac@pdx.edu

X5077

Kennedy, Krista

Sponsored Student Program Administrator

krista5@pdx.edu

X8560

Koida, Alyssa

Program Assistant, Int’l Student Life and Sponsored Students

alk@pdx.edu

X8569

Luther, Christina

Director, OISSS

lutherc@pdx.edu

X5468

Skaar, Eric

International Student Advisor

eric.skaar@pdx.edu

X4197

Montejo, Pilar

International Student Advisor

montejom@pdx.edu

X2441

Pfizenmaier, Emma

ISSS Program Assistant

pfizen@pdx.edu

X4094

Tian, Mike

International Student Life Assistant

intllife@pdx.edu

X8569

Townley, Jill

Associate Director, Int’l Student Life townlej@pdx.edu

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X8563

Academic Studies Learning how to operate in a new academic situation is a challenge, and doing so in a different culture and in another language can be especially challenging. In many cultures, there is a great difference in status between students and professors. Students listen quietly, not questioning what the professor says. In the U.S., it is acceptable for students to ask questions and discuss topics with the professor. You are expected to come to class on time, to notify your professor ahead of time if you will be absent, and to participate. During your first class, your professors will give you a syllabus, which lists office hours, and when and how they can be contacted. If you have a problem with the material presented in class, it is expected that you will see the professor during office hours and ask for help. The syllabus also tells when assignments are due.

The dress code is informal in U.S. classrooms. Smoking is not permitted in classrooms, university offices and on campus. Some professors permit students to have food and beverages in the classroom.

(Reprinted from Ohio State University International Student Handbook)

Academic Conduct Americans value originality and individual achievement. These values are reflected in the rules of academic honesty, and thus, students are evaluated academically on their own original work. What constitutes academic honesty varies from culture to culture, and it is important to understand the rules of academic conduct at PSU. Academic Misconduct (Cheating) In many cultures, it is common for students to collaborate on papers and projects. In the U.S. it is against the rules to do so, unless the professor states that the paper or project is to be worked on in groups. PSU defines academic misconduct as any of the following behaviors:      

Violating course rules as stated in the course syllabus (this includes getting assistance from or providing assistance to another student or students on a project or paper).

Providing or receiving information during quizzes and examinations.

Falsifying, fabricating, or dishonest reporting of research results.

Taking the place of another student or enlisting another student to take your place in an examination.

Altering grades or marks by the student in an effort to change the earned grade.

Plagiarizing.

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Plagiarism In the U.S., ideas are considered the property of their author. It is considered stealing to use the ideas of another in a paper or presentation without giving credit to the author of the idea.

Types of plagiarism include:  Word-for-word copying of someone else’s work without attributing the source (this would include using the words of an author or another student without indicating that they are not your own).  Changing a few words of someone else’s work but not acknowledging that the ideas are not your own. When using the ideas of another person, give that person’s name and the publication where the ideas were published. If you have any questions about this, contact your instructor.

(Reprinted from Ohio State University International Student Handbook)

Academic Advising The goal of PSU's academic advising services is to assist you in understanding the following:    

Both the requirements for graduation and the university's institutional policies.

What campus resources are available.

The value of activities outside the classroom.

The balance between your responsibilities and those of the university.

PSU believes that academic advising should be a part of your entire academic career, beginning with your pre-admissions contacts with the university and with International Student Orientation, and that you should have frequent contact with advisors during the entire time you attend PSU. Academic advising, provided by both professional advisors and faculty advisors, will assist you with the following:       

Exploration of personal life goals.

Exploration of career and academic goals (including graduation and professional programs).

Integration of personal, academic, and career goals.

Selection of general education options, degree, and major or program of study Selection and scheduling of courses.

Understanding university policies and regulations.

Information about and referral to university resources and services.

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Undergraduate and transfer students should visit an academic advisor in their department. If you are an undergraduate student and you are thinking about changing your major, you should visit Advising & Career Services: Advising & Career Services University Services Building, Room 402 503-725-4005 askACS@pdx.edu http://www.pdx.edu/uasc Graduate students are assigned an academic advisor within their graduate department. Graduate students should also become familiar with the Office of Graduate Studies which is the principal resource for student’s graduate programs: Office of Graduate Studies Extended Studies Building (XSB), Room 184 503-725-8410 grad@pdx.edu http://www.pdx.edu/ogs/

Academic Help A variety of resources exist on campus to provide students with direct academic assistance. In addition to the office hours of their professors, there is also a Math Lab, the Writing Center and the Learning Center. Students can use these resources to receive help with specific assignments, general concepts or ideas, preparing for tests, conforming to the different stylistic guidelines (e.g., MLA, Chicago, APA), and a variety of different subject-specific assistance.

More information can be found at the following websites or under the following numbers: Math Computer Lab Fariborz Maseeh Dept. of Mathematics and Statistics, Neuberger, Room 465 Math Tutoring Neuberger Hall, Atrium outside of Room 334 http://www.mth.pdx.edu (With tutoring schedule) 503-725-3621 Learning Center Millar Library, Second Floor http://www.pdx.edu/tutoring/ 503-725-4448 Writing Center Cramer Hall, Room 188 http://www.writingcenter.pdx.edu 503-725-3570 7

Graduating is not always as simple as it may appear to be. There are three sets of requirements for a baccalaureate degree at PSU: 

General education (University Studies or the Honors Program).



Degree (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Music).



Major requirements.

For a graduate degree, students should consult with their academic advisor to find out about their graduate degree requirements. It is important that you stay in touch with your academic advisor to ensure that you meet the requirements for each of these areas or you may find that you have to spend additional time studying at PSU. This, in turn, could jeopardize your immigration status.

Your Academic Status International students must maintain full-time status (a minimum of 12 credit hours for undergraduate students and a minimum of 9 credit hours for graduate students in every term enrolled). If you choose to WITHDRAW from a course or change the grading option to AUDIT, you MUST consult with your international student advisor prior to doing so.

Reducing your credit load to less than full time may place you out of status with the United States Citizens and Immigration Services (USCIS)*. Failure to maintain the proper number of credits may also result in you having to abandon your studies and return to your home country.

Do not take too many classes. Give yourself time to adjust to the U.S., to PSU, and to your classes. Taking too many classes can result in you receiving low grades and increasing your stress level. Taking too many classes and receiving poor grades may also endanger your academic standing and admission to professional programs. Listen to your academic and international student advisors.

Academic Standing Grades End of term grades are available on the Wednesday following finals week. Students may view grades and print grade reports using the PSU Information System called https://my.pdx.edu* online.

Calculating your Grade Point Average (GPA)* Each letter grade corresponds to a numeric value on a scale from 0.0 to 4.0, in which A corresponds to 4.0. A student’s academic success for a quarter is measured cumulatively, which is computed by dividing the total number of points earned by the total number of credits taken. Under specific circumstances, letters such as: I (incomplete); W (Withdraw); X (No basis for grade); P (Pass); and NP (No Pass) may appear in grade reports. These letters are not grades and are not included in the calculation of the cumulative GPA. 8

*see glossary for definition

Types of Academic Standing Good Academic Standing Course hours are completed with a satisfactory grade point average required for a specific year of college so that the student is making satisfactory progress.

Academic Warning A notice that your grades are below the academic requirements. The minimum university grade point average is 2.0 (higher for some majors) for graduation with a baccalaureate degree and 3.0 for a graduate degree.

Academic Probation An enrollment restriction as a result of poor grades. If you are placed on academic probation, be certain to consult your international student advisor.

Academic Disqualification A suspension from the university due to academic difficulties. If you are placed on academic probation, you will be automatically disqualified at the end of the following quarter after the warning if you have not raised your GPA. Please note: In case of academic warning, probation, disqualification/suspension, consult OISSS. For additional information on warning levels and GPA requirements, see the PSU Bulletin or consult your major department.

Office Hours Each instructor and professor has regularly scheduled office hours each week. During this time, students can meet with their professors to discuss course work, ask questions, or get to know their professor. Professors often recommend that students schedule time to see them within their office hours. Information on office hours will be available in the course syllabus for each class or by contacting the professor or the department office.

Registration and Records All new international students are eligible to register for their first term of classes online before International Student Orientation.

It is important for students to be aware of the available dates for registration, as well as deadlines for adding and dropping classes, making grade changes, withdrawing from classes, refund percentages and other policies.

You can find these dates in the PSU Student Handbook, or online at: http://www.pdx.edu/registration/calendar or on page 17 of this handbook.

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If you are unsure which classes to register for, please schedule an appointment with your academic advisor.

Student Identification Number (PSU ID Number) PSU assigns each student an ID number which will be used during your studies at PSU. Your PSU ID number will be a 9-digit number beginning with the number 9.

Adding Classes A student who has registered and wishes to add a course may do so in the first two weeks of the quarter. If you want to add a class after the first week, you must go to the Registration windows in Neuberger Hall Lobby and complete a Special Registration Form.

Dropping/Withdrawing from Classes Classes may be dropped during the first four weeks of the quarter online. If you wish to drop a class after this time, you must get permission from the academic department delivering the class. The department will stamp or sign the Special Registration Form, which can be obtained at the Registrar’s Office.

After you have this form filled out by the academic department, you will need to take it to the Registration window in Neuberger Hall Lobby.

You must get permission from an international student advisor if you want or need to drop below full time enrollment.

You can find out more information on paying fees on the Business Affairs website: http://www.pdx.edu/financial-services/payments Please note: If you do not officially drop a class that you do not attend, or if you receive an X grade, you will fail the class, be charged for the class and you will be expected to pay the fees. You may also violate your student status because this course may not be counted as part of your full time course load. Be sure to check your term calendar in the Bulletin for deadline dates.

Enrollment Verification If you need to provide verification of enrollment, you may obtain this at the registration windows. Often, this is necessary for health and car insurance, scholarships, loans, and employers. If the verification does not have to be signed by a university official, a student can print their schedule from the web. Some students may also require this verification in the form of a status letter. These may be requested from OISSS by filling out a Student Request Form. Status letter requests take about three to five business days to process, so please plan accordingly.

Student Records The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)* gives domestic and international students certain rights with respect to their educational records. These include the right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s 10

records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. FERPA authorizes the university to make public disclosure, upon request, of student directory information. Student directory information includes the student’s name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, number of credits earned, and the fact of enrollment, including whether the student is enrolled full-time or part-time.

Students may request nondisclosure of student directory information by specifying nondisclosure, in writing, to: The Office of Admissions, Records, and Financial Aid Portland State University, PO Box 751 Portland, OR, 97207-0751 Due to FERPA regulations, the university cannot release information to parents and family; therefore it is always important to keep them up to date on your academic and living situations. International students should be aware that the Patriot Act gives special permission to employees of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)*. At their request, university officials are required to release information to Homeland Security about any F-1 or J-1 students who are currently studying at or have previously studied at PSU.

Student ID Cards If you are enrolled in one or more credits at PSU, you are eligible for a student ID card which can be used to access many services on campus and in the community. To get an ID card, students must go to the Neuberger Hall ID Windows and have a photo taken.

The first card is issued at no charge and replacements are $21.

A valid ID can be used on campus for building and parking access, the library, computer labs, athletic events and gym facilities. Off campus, the ID can be used for discounted movie tickets, museum passes, the Japanese Gardens and for Symphony tickets, and other places that accept student ID cards.

PSU OneCard PSU students also have an ID card called the PSU OneCard. Higher One distributes university refunds to you onto the card. You can choose to have the funds deposited to a free OneAccount checking account, transferred to an existing bank account, or have a paper check mailed to you. If you choose to open an OneAccount checking account, you can use your ID card as a debit card off campus wherever MasterCard is accepted.

Manage your OneCard online at: https://psuone.higheroneaccount.com/ The Higher One institution does not have any physical branches in Portland, so if an issue arises (fraud, card theft, overdraft fees, etc.) it must be resolved over the phone.

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For further information about ID cards, please contact: ID Services, Neuberger Hall Lobby 503-725-8333 http://www.pdx.edu/financial-services/id-card-services

Tuition and Fees Tuition and fees are determined by the Portland State University (PSU) Board of Trustees and are subject to change.

Each year, the Offices of Admissions and OISSS determines how much money international students will need for tuition, fees and other normal living expenses. For more information on tuition and fees see: http://www.pdx.edu/financial-services/tuition-fees

How to Pay Tuition and Fees You have three options for paying your tuition and fees: 1. Online through PSU ePay: You can pay using the PSU Information System at: https//banweb.pdx.edu/  You can pay with an e-Check if you have a checking account (separate bank fees may apply). There are no processing fees with the e-check option.  Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover have a service charge of 2.75%  If you open a Higher One account you can pay through that, free of charge.

2. U.S. mail: You can send a check (make sure to write your student ID number on the check) in the mail.

3. In person: You can visit the cashier’s windows in the Neuberger Hall lobby and pay using cash or check. (Please note: during the first several weeks of each term, lines can be very long.)

For more information on how to pay your tuition and fees, see http://www.pdx.edu/financial-services/payments.

PSU Payment Plan The PSU Payment Plan makes it possible for you to pay your tuition in three installments over the course of the term. You must opt in to the payment plan online every term before the first due date (the 6th of the first month of the term). You then pay your remaining tuition and fees in two more payments on the 6th of each of the remaining months of the term. If you do not enroll in the payment plan but you have a balance on your account after the first due date, you will be auto-enrolled in the plan and your account will be charged with a $100 late fee. There is a $100 late fee for any missed payment and a hold may be placed on your account. If you miss the final payment for the term, you may be dropped from your classes for the following term until payment is made. To find more information and Frequently Asked Questions, see http://www.pdx.edu/financial-services/payment-plans.

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Students are financially responsible for all classes for which they are registered prior to the second week of each term. Students who discover that they cannot attend must cancel their registration prior to the second week of each term to avoid financial obligation.

Tuition Refund Policy For more information on tuition refunds see: http://www.pdx.edu/financial-services/tuition-refunds

Scholarships and Awards OISSS administers three scholarships that are available to qualified F-1 and J-1 students: ● International Student Retention Scholarship. ● International Cultural Service Program Scholarship. ● Keith Morden Memorial Scholarship.

Please go to: http://www.pdx.edu/international-students/international-studentscholarships for more information.

PSU International Admissions administers one scholarship: ● International Achievement Scholarship (this scholarship is only awarded to new students who have not yet attended PSU classes with a PSU I-20 or DS 2019).

Please go to: http://www.pdx.edu/scholarships/future-international for more information.

Students apply for the general undergraduate scholarships, as well as many of the departmental scholarships, through one single online scholarship application. The link to that online scholarship application, as well as additional information about specific PSU scholarships in the online PSU Scholarship Database, is available online at: http://www.pdx.edu/scholarships/ Another great resource for information on national scholarships is: http://www.fastweb.com While many scholarships are available only to U.S. citizens, there are often scholarships that are available to international students as well. Be sure that any scholarships of interest to you are not limited to U.S. citizens.

Academic Calendar Portland State University operates on a quarter system (4 terms per year). It is very important for you to know the important dates! To view 2016-17 Academic Calendar, please click: http://www.pdx.edu/registration/calendar http://www.pdx.edu/registration/sites/www.pdx.edu.registration/files/Academic_Calenda r_2016-17.pdf 13

Code of Conduct All Portland State University Students are bound by the Code of Student Conduct and Responsibility.

The University supports the right of all people to live and learn in a safe and respectful environment that promotes free speech. The student conduct code is designed to protect the freedoms and fundamental rights of all members of the University community. The Code applies to all students and activities at the University, during any University event (regardless of location) and to off-campus conduct that is connected to the University.

Academic Misconduct In the Code of Conduct, Academic Misconduct is defined as the act of knowingly or intentionally taking credit for the work of another person. This includes cheating, plagiarism (such as word for word copying, using borrowed words or phrases from an original text, or paraphrasing another writer's ideas), buying or selling course assignments and performing academic assignments (including tests and exams) for other people.

It is also against the rules to give the University false information (in the form of forged or altered University documents and records) or knowingly failing to provide required information to the University.

If your professor discovers that you have cheated or plagiarized an assignment they can give you a failing grade and they will report you to the Director of Conduct.

Behavioral Misconduct A quick list of things you should not do on the Portland State University campus: ● Bring weapons like knives or guns to campus. ● Bring, sell or use drugs like marijuana on campus. ● Harm or threaten to harm other people on campus. ● Stalk or harass other students, faculty or staff. ○ Stalking is defined in the code as repeatedly following another person or repeatedly sending electronic (like emails) or telephonic (like texts or phone calls) communication after you have been told to stop. ○ Basically, if someone asks you to stop a certain behavior – just stop! If you have concerns about the request to stop the behavior, ask a trusted advisor what you should do. ● Sexually harass or assault other students, faculty or staff. ○ This piece of the code is taken very seriously by the University. The consequences for these actions can be very severe.

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Again, if someone asks you to stop a certain behavior – stop right away! If you have concerns about the request to stop the behavior, ask a trusted advisor what you should do.

Drink or carry alcohol on campus (if you are under 21 years old).

Sell or give alcohol to other people who are under 21 years old.

Smoke cigarettes in non-smoking areas.

Illegally download movies, music or programs from the Internet using the University computer systems. ○

● ● ● ●

Housing Issues If you live in University Housing you must also follow the rules found in the Standards of Residence, which you can find on the Housing website: http://www.pdx.edu/housing How the Conduct Process Works ● The Complaint: Anyone can submit a written complaint to the Director of Conduct alleging that a student has broken a rule in the Code of Conduct. The Director of Conduct reviews the complaint and decides whether to move forward with an investigation. 

The Email: If he decides to investigate the complaint, the Director of Conduct will send an email to your PSU email address. This email describes the complaint and requests a meeting to investigate the matter.



The Meeting: You are required to participate in the meeting. During the meeting you have the opportunity to talk about the situation. The Director of Conduct has the right to decide whether you are responsible or not without your participation.

Sometimes, the Director of Conduct will decide that someone else should hear the complaint. This may be a different Conduct Officer, or it may be the Student Conduct Committee.



The Decision: After the meeting the Director of Conduct will send you his decision via email to your PSU email address. If you are found responsible you will be assigned sanctions, which are assignments you must complete by a certain deadline. If you are found responsible you may also be assigned a conduct fee.

This fee will be charged to your PSU student account.



The Sanctions: Assigned sanctions can include mediation, monetary restitution, an educational assignment such as researching and writing a paper, disciplinary probation, and even suspension or expulsion from the University. If you do not complete the sanction by the assigned deadline a hold will be placed on your student account which prevents you from registering for classes or dropping classes online. It can also prevent you from requesting transcripts from the University when you leave PSU.

If you have any questions about the Student Code of Conduct, please contact the Office of the Dean of Student Life. You can reach the office by phone at 503-725- 4422, by email at: conduct@pdx.edu or by visiting the office in SMSU, Room 433.

Please note: These Code highlights are for your convenience only. The full Code of Student Conduct and Responsibility is available at: http://www.pdx.edu/dos/psu-student-code-conduct 15

Hostile Environment and Harassment A work or learning environment is “hostile” when unwelcome verbal, non-verbal or physical behavior of a prohibited nature is severe and pervasive enough to unreasonably interfere with an employee’s work or a student’s learning, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment to a “reasonable person.” The hostile environment standard focuses on the “poisoning” of a work or learning environment rather than on tangible actions directed against a person. An employer, teacher, co-worker, vendor, or fellow student can create a hostile environment. Individuals holding positions of authority are responsible for ensuring that employees or students do not create a hostile environment. A single incident or a few incidents may not necessarily rise to the level of illegal harassment; however, a single extreme incident could constitute prohibited discrimination or harassment. Each matter needs to be evaluated individually.

If severe and pervasive enough to interfere with work or learning, the following types of conduct may create a hostile environment:       

Jokes or insults.

Flirting.

Comments about a person’s body or sex life.

Sexually degrading comments.

Repeated invitations for dates.

Abusive language directed at a person because of his or her belonging to a protected class.

Sexually crude hand gestures, leering at the body, sexually suggestive winking, standing too close.

      

Display of posters, cartoons, etc. regarding sexually suggestive themes, race, religion, etc.

Pornography.

Sexually suggestive “gifts.”

Stalking behavior.

Touching, hugging, kissing, or patting.

Intentional and repeated brushing or bumping against a person’s body.

Restraining or blocking a person’s movement.

Some behaviors, which may be acceptable in certain contexts, are inappropriate in the workplace or classroom, particularly if an objection is expressed. Whether or not the behavior is contrary to law or university policy depends upon the circumstances of each case. Taken from http://www.ohsu.edu/aaeo/investigation/hostile_environment.html  

For Campus Public Safety Office Information, go to: http://www.pdx.edu/cpso/safety-security For policies, go to: http://www.pdx.edu/ogc/sites/www.pdx.edu.ogc/files/Policy_on_Prohibited_Discri mination_and_Harassment.Final_.pdf

Alcohol Policy 

The PSU campus has been designated “Drug free” and only under certain circumstances is the consumption of alcohol permitted. The possession, sale, manufacture or distribution of any controlled substance is illegal under both state

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



and federal laws. Such laws are strictly enforced by the Campus Public Safety Office.

Violators are subject to University disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, fine and imprisonment. It is unlawful to sell, furnish or provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21. The possession of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age in a public place or a place open to the public is illegal. It is also a violation of the PSU Alcohol Policy for anyone to consume or possess alcohol in any public or private area of campus without prior University approval. Organizations or groups violating alcohol/substance policies or laws may be subject to sanctions by the University.

The State of Oregon sets 21 as the minimum age to purchase or possess any alcoholic beverage. Specific ordinances regarding violations of alcohol laws, including driving while intoxicated, are available from the Campus Public Safety Office. Effective January 1, 1990, a package of state laws was passed regarding alcohol. They include the following:  Minor in possession – any attempt to purchase by a person under 21 years is a violation (up to $250 fine).  Providing liquor to a minor – Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in prison and a fine, plus restitution and community service).  Mandatory minimums: 1st conviction is $350; 2nd conviction is $1,000; 3rd or subsequent conviction is $1,000 and 30 days imprisonment.  For the purposes of the Oregon DUII statutes, for a person under 21 years of age, any amount of alcohol in the blood constitutes being under the influence of intoxicating liquor (Class A misdemeanor: penalty of up to 1 year and $2,500 fine, and suspension or revocation of driving privileges). o A violation of any law regarding alcohol is also a violation of the University's Student Code of Conduct and will be treated as a separate disciplinary matter by the University.

Smoking Policy  

No tobacco products are allowed on campus.

Smoking of any kind is prohibited in all university buildings, balconies, patios, awnings, overhead walk ways, covered walk ways between buildings, stairwells, vehicles, parking garages and any other enclosed areas owned or leased by Portland State University.

Weapons Policy  

The policy of the Oregon University System is that the possession of weapons, including firearms, is prohibited on all property owned or controlled by the Oregon University System.

Students, faculty, staff, and guests of PSU may not bring weapons, including firearms, onto University owned or controlled property. Students who violate this prohibition will be subject to appropriate discipline through the Student Conduct Code process. Similarly, faculty or staff members who violate this prohibition will be subject to appropriate discipline through the applicable employee discipline process.

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Cultural Adjustment The Adjustment Experience When you decided to study in the U.S., you may have anticipated that some adjustments would have to be made with respect to differences in climate, food, time, and culture. The cultural adjustment process is not an easy or comfortable one, but it can be an extremely productive and rewarding experience. It may take several months to feel comfortable in your new environment. Many people attain new levels of self-awareness, personal growth, and gain a new understanding of their own cultures in addition to that of the new country. Although everyone goes through some adjustment process, it is important to remember that the experience is different for each of us!

Stages of the Cultural Adjustment Process Stage 1: You may experience general anxiety combined with a great deal of excitement.

There are many details to keep you busy. Often, you find there is no real time to sit down and think during the first few weeks in a new place. When the excitement wears off, you may feel very emotional.

Stage 2: When the initial excitement fades, you may feel a lot of frustration and become tired of operating in English. It may seem to take forever to accomplish something that once took you a very short time. You may miss friends and family back home and have less energy and tolerance than usual. Changes may occur in your eating and sleeping habits. This is a time you need to pay extra attention to your health. It is important to remember that this is a normal and expected part of the cultural adjustment process.

Stage 3: A greater sense of regularity now becomes noticeable. During this time, you may find that you laugh at the mistakes that irritated you only a few weeks ago. You may also find that information is more easily absorbed, and your energy level is higher.

Stage 4: The final stage is a sense of ease in the new culture. You have a better understanding of how the culture works, and parts of it may even begin to feel comfortable.

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Steps that will help you through the Cultural Adjustment Process: Be aware of the cultural adjustment process. Realize that it is natural to miss your family, friends, and home. Talk about these feelings with someone you feel comfortable with, or someone who has experienced the same feelings in the past.

Spend time with people from your home country or other international students. There are many international student organizations that you can join to meet new friends.

Find an American to be a cultural informant for you to gain insights into American culture. Also, try asking several different Americans the same question. The differences and similarities in answers may surprise you.

Stay busy. Get involved in activities, but also continue hobbies and sports that you enjoy in your home country.

Maintain your sense of humor. Anyone who has lived in another culture has funny and/or embarrassing stories. You are not alone. Laughing at these situations can ease the tension.

Keep realistic expectations. It may take longer to accomplish tasks in a new culture, a new academic environment, and a new language.

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Remain open minded, flexible, and adaptable. You will find things that do not make sense. Remember that you are experiencing these events through your particular cultural lens. It will take some time before you can see through an American lens.

Remember that being in a new culture can be confusing. It is often difficult to figure things out on your own, so ask questions.

Communicate with your professors at PSU. In many cultures students do not talk to professors, but here, in the United States, it is extremely important to talk to your professors. If you do not understand an assignment, are going to miss a class, or are unable to hand in an assignment, talk to your professors. The only way they can make informed decisions about your class work is if you inform them. If you feel uncomfortable speaking with them directly, you can speak to an advisor in OISSS.

International Student Life Team Support The International Student Life Team supports students during their time at PSU. If you are having any adjustment issues, you can visit the International Student Life Office, East Hall, Room 122, Monday-Friday, for drop-in questions or to make an appointment.

For more information go to http://www.pdx.edu/international-students/see-an-advisor to schedule an appointment online. You can also reach us by email at intl-life@pdx.edu or by phone at 503-725-8569.

The International Student Life Team organizes many events and activities which you can get involved in to help you meet new people and learn more about Portland. All international students receive two communications each week which contain important information about upcoming trips, events and activities. Be sure to check your PSU email regularly to ensure you stay up to date with what is happening on and off campus.

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Email, Banking and Telephone Options PSU Email Accounts PSU offers free email accounts to all students. Students must use the account not only for the email service, but also for accessing student accounts and information on class registration, financial aid, and Desire2Learn (D2L)*. OISSS only sends emails to student’s PSU email accounts.

Forwarding emails to an outside email account is not reliable, so be sure to check your PSU email regularly. If you have questions regarding your email account, D2L account or access to my.pdx.edu please contact the Office of Information Technology at: help@pdx.edu or 503-7254357.

Banking Checking/Savings Accounts Opening a checking and/or savings account is a good way to keep your money safe while you are in the U.S. Basic information will be asked of you to prevent fraud. A Social Security Number (SSN)* should not be required to open an account. If you have any questions about opening an account, please contact the International Student Life Team in East Hall, Room 122.

Credit Cards In order to apply for a credit card, a credit history and SSN are needed. A good credit history is a requirement for many financial affairs like attaining good interest rates on loans, but unfortunately new students usually do not have a credit history in the U.S..

To build a good credit history, it is recommended not to purchase more than half of your credit line each month and to pay the balance on due dates.

Things to look for when selecting a bank:  Amount of branches and ATMs/cash points in the area.  Online banking system.  Student benefits.

Banks around campus include Wells Fargo, Chase, Bank of America, U.S. Bank, and Umpqua Bank.

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*see glossary for definition

Telephones There are many different phone companies which provide land line service inside your home or apartment. Often phone companies offer packages (bundles of phone service, wireless service, cable TV service, etc.) for lower prices than you would pay if you signed up for each service separately. Be very careful, though, when entering into such agreements, as most “good deals” require a year or longer commitment. A phone company will charge an initial installation fee (about $60.00), and there will also be monthly fees (depending upon services, they can be $20-$50). For general plans, you will not be charged for local calls you make from your home, but you will usually be charged for “long distance” calls.

Please note: Long distance often means outside the greater Portland area!

International calls can be extremely expensive!

As cell phones become more popular, there are fewer and fewer public phones, but those that do exist are mostly still coin-operated rather than card-operated. Phones can be found in public places and a local call is usually $0.50 and you can talk for an unlimited period of time.

The phone company publishes telephone books for every town. Most people who receive telephone services are listed alphabetically in the telephone books. If you would prefer to not be listed, you need to tell the phone company this when you sign up for service.

Local information or directory assistance can be obtained by dialing 411. Check the front of the phone book for area codes and tips on how to find long-distance numbers. There is a charge for 411 calls.

Please note: Oregon uses a system of 10-digits. In the Portland area, you must dial the area code (503) or (971) before dialing the phone number. All calls with the area code (541) are considered long distance.

Cell Phones There are various cell phone providers in the area whose plans and prices vary. Provides include Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and Virgin Mobile.

The best way to find what you are looking for is to go into a store and see what they have to offer. Remember to shop around before you decide on a particular provider.

Prepaid services are not as common in the U.S. as they are in other countries, but they are becoming more popular and you may find options for prepaid, month-to-month, or no-contract phone services.

SIM Cards Free SIM cards are available for a grab in East Hall 122 if you need a U.S. phone number and mobile services right away.

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Computers Many computer manufacturers offer discounts to students which can be obtained by confirming your PSU e-mail account through their website or logging into your my.pdx.edu account in the store. This is a great way to cut costs! To see some of the companies that offer this discounted pricing please click: http://www.pdx.edu/oit/personal-technology-discounts

Software & Technology Many software and technology companies also offer discounts on their products for students. Popular programs that are available include Microsoft Office and Adobe Illustrator. One website that includes these programs and several other is TechHead which you can access here: http://techhead.org/highered/

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Employment Options On-Campus Employment On-campus employment is granted to full-time students as long as it does not interfere with the student’s program of study or delay graduation.

New international students are eligible to work on-campus as soon as they report to the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS), but no sooner than 30 days prior to their first term of study. Transfer students may work on campus as soon as PSU has issued them an I-20.

Permission must be obtained from OISSS before beginning work. At your request, OISSS will review your eligibility and then issue a letter authorizing you to work on campus. If you do not already have one, you will need to present this letter (along with a letter of offer from your employer) to the Social Security Administration Office to obtain a Social Security Number (See SSN section on page 31 for more details).

The PSU Human Resources Office will also need to see your on-campus employment authorization letter. The office is located at: PSU Human Resources Office Market Center Building (MCB) 1600 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 518 Federal regulations limit your on-campus employment to 20 hours per week while classes are in session. In your annual vacation term, you may work full time (40 hours per week) on campus even if you choose to take classes. If you work more than 20 hours in one week (outside of your vacation term), you are working illegally.

On-campus jobs are posted on Career Connect: http://www.pdx.edu/careers/jobs-databasecareerconnect

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International students are not eligible for “work study” positions on campus.

If you would like assistance writing your resume or a cover letter, please contact Advising & Career Services (contact details below).

Located within Advising & Career Services, the Student Employment Office posts hundreds of part-time jobs, many of which are degree related. Please note that you MAY NOT work off-campus without prior authorization from OISSS and/or USCIS. For more information contact: Advising & Career Services University Services Building (USB), Room 402 503-725-4613 askACS@pdx.edu http://www.pdx.edu/careers

Off Campus Employment Students with F-1 Visa Status Practical Training Practical training is employment in a student’s major field of study. You are eligible for practical training if you have been a full-time enrolled student for one academic year and are in F-1 status. There are two types of practical training: Curricular (CPT) and Optional (OPT).

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)* In order to be eligible for CPT, you must be in F-1 status and have been enrolled for 9 consecutive months, unless you are enrolled in a graduate program which requires that all students in your program begin an internship earlier within the first academic year of the program. This exemption currently applies only to programs in the Graduate School of Social Work and the Graduate School of Education.

CPT must be related to your field of study. This type of practical training can be an internship, cooperative education, practicum, or professional experience listed as a course in your curriculum. It may be full-time or part-time employment and must be credit bearing. Additionally, the credit you earn for doing CPT must count toward the completion of your degree. Because CPT credit must be degree related, you may only use CPT before you have met your degree requirements.

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Please note: If you complete a total of 12 months of full-time CPT, you are not eligible for any period of Optional Practical Training (OPT). Part-time CPT does not affect a student's eligibility for OPT. *see glossary for definition Authorization for CPT is obtained from OISSS. You must submit your CPT application to EH 101 at least ten business days prior to your employment start date and you may not begin working until you have been authorized. If you start working before you are authorized, or if you fail to request a timely extension, you are considered to be working illegally.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)* Optional Practical Training (OPT) enables international students to gain valuable work experience related to their fields of study. F-1 students are eligible for up to 12 months of full-time employment authorization for each HIGHER level of education completed (i.e. Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD). Applications are filed with OISSS, but it is U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that approves the applications. While OPT is not employer specific, OPT work must be related to the field of study for the degree program listed on the I-20.

International students who wish to gain OPT authorization must demonstrate that they are in valid F-1 status, which means that they must have been enrolled full time for a full academic year prior to the OPT start date.

Please visit the OISSS office or attend an OPT/CPT workshop, held throughout the academic year (http://www.pdx.edu/international-students/) for more information about:    

Pre-completion vs. Post-completion OPT. Application timing (at least three months before you plan to start working).

Starting OPT / Travel while on OPT (it is not advised that anyone travel before they get approved for OPT).

Unemployment during OPT period.

Economic Hardship Off-Campus Employment Authorization can be granted based upon severe economic hardship if you are in good academic standing, carry a full-time course load, and have been in F-1 status for nine consecutive months. Economic Hardship authorization allows students to work off campus in any job for up to 20 hours per week during the term and full time during the annual vacation term.

Severe economic hardship is a situation caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond your control. This may include a loss of tuition waiver, loss of on campus employment, substantial fluctuation in the value of currency or the exchange rate from your home country, unexpected changes in the financial condition of your source of support, medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses. An increase in tuition does not constitute an unforeseen economic need. Please see your international student advisor for more information. *see glossary for definition 26

Students with J1 Visa Status Employment authorization for J-1 students takes the form of a letter from OISSS. J-1 students may work on campus just as F-1 students may, however most J-1 students choose to work off campus if at all. To do so, Academic Training must be authorized.

Academic Training (AT) Students with J-1 status are eligible for Academic Training (AT). AT is a term used by the United States Department of State to describe employment in the student’s major field of study. This training may be done at a company or an organization and either before or after completion of studies. To be eligible, you must find work that is directly related to your field of study as indicated on your DS-2019 form, and you must be a fulltime student in good academic standing. Authorization for academic training is provided

by OISSS. Please see your international student advisor for more information about the approval process. Employment can only begin after you have received authorization from OISSS.

Getting a Social Security Number (SSN) To be employed in the U.S., you must have a Social Security Card. You can apply for a card at any Social Security office. Please be sure to bring:  An employment authorization letter and offer letter from your supervisor.  Passport.  I-94 Departure Card (Can be printed out from the online I-94 database. If you entered through a land port of entry or prior to May 2013 you will have a white card from customs).  DS-2019 or I-20 certificate of eligibility form.

Be sure to get your receipt as this is your only proof of employment eligibility until you receive your card in the mail. Make sure you provide the Social Security Office with a valid mailing address on your application.

Social Security Office Locations: 1538 SW Yamhill Portland, OR, 97205 (Closest location to PSU) 211 NE Schuyler St Portland, OR, 97212 17421 SE McLoughlin Blvd Milwaukie, OR, 97267 11975 SW 2nd St Beaverton, OR, 97005 27

You can also find a list of Social Security Administration Offices here: http://www.ssa.gov

Entertainment, Activities, Religious Centers and Shopping Portland is the largest city in the state of Oregon and offers variety of entertainment and activities.

Travel Portland: https://www.travelportland.com/ Things to do in Portland with Children: http://www.thingstodoinportland.org/

Arts and Cultural Events Colored Pencils Art and Culture Night: http://www.coloredpencilsart.com/ First Thursday: http://www.firstthursdayportland.com/ Last Thursday: http://www.lastthursdayonalberta.com/ Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI): http://www.omsi.edu/home The Oregon Ballet Theatre: http://www.obt.org/ The Portland Art Museum (PAM): http://www.portlandartmuseum.org/ Portland Opera: http://www.portlandopera.org/ Portland Symphony: http://www.orsymphony.org Saturday Market: http://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/

Festivals Art in the Pearl: http://www.artinthepearl.com/ Bite of Oregon: http://www.biteoforegon.com/ Christmas Ship Parade: http://www.christmasships.org/ Cinco de Mayo: http://www.cincodemayo.org/ 28

Country Specific Festivals: http://www.travelportland.com/ Musicfest NW: http://www.musicfestnw.com/ Portland Jazz Festival: http://pdxjazz.com/ Portland Rose Festival & Parade: http://www.rosefestival.org/ Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival: http://www.waterfrontbluesfest.com/

Parks and Gardens Forest Park 1505 NW 23rd Avenue http://forestparkconservancy.org/ Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park Naito Pkwy between SW Harrison Street & NW Glisan Street International Rose Test Garden 400 Southwest Kingston Avenue http://www.rosegardenstore.org/ Jamison Square 810 NW 11th Avenue Japanese Garden 611 SW Kingston Avenue http://www.japanesegarden.com/ Mount Tabor Park SE 60th and Salmon Street North and South Park Blocks SW Park Avenue from Salmon Street to Jackson Street Portland Classical Chinese Garden 239 NW Everett Street http://www.portlandchinesegarden.org/ Vera Katz East bank Esplanade SE Water Ave & Hawthorne Boulevard Washington Park http://www.washingtonparkpdx.org/ 29

Religious Centers Below is a list of some of the many religious centers in the Portland Metro area. You can find many more using the Google search engine: http://www.google.com Baha’i Faith: 8720 North Ivanhoe St, 503- 289-6331 Bilal Masjid: 4115 Southwest 160th Avenue Beaverton, 503-591-7233 Congregation Beth Israel (Jewish): 1972 Northwest Flanders St, 503-222-1069 First Baptist Church: 909 SW 11th Ave, 503-227-0041 First United Methodist Church: 1838 SW Jefferson St , 503-228-3195 Iranian Church: 6550 SE Alexander St, Hillsboro, 503-818-1321 Islamic Center of Portland: 6940 SW Hall Blvd, Beaverton, 503-526-9305 Mahasiddha Buddhist Center: 3635 SW Hood Ave, 503-233-6747 Saint James Lutheran Church: 1315 SW Park Ave, 503-227-2439 Saint Mary’s Catholic Cathedral: 1716 NW Davis St, 503-228-4397

Restaurants and Groceries Portland has restaurants which offer food from all over the world. Using the search engine Google: http://www.google.com you can type in a specific type of cuisine followed by the word “Portland” will generate a number of restaurants and a map to help you locate them.

The food carts scattered around the city are a must and offer foods from all over the world—find Food Carts Portland on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/FoodCartsPortland to get the most up-to-date information on food cart happenings.

To see a list of restaurants in Portland that offer cuisine from different regions (African, Brazilian, Caribbean, European, Indian, and Middle Eastern) please click: http://www.pdx.edu/international-students/food-and-groceries

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Grocery Shopping We advise you to shop at major grocery stores rather than small convenience stores, as the larger stores offer less expensive products.

The three largest grocery stores closest to PSU are: Safeway 1030 SW Jefferson St Portland, 97201 Fred Meyer 100 NW 20th Ave Portland, 97209 Target 939 SW Morrison Portland, OR, 97205 If you are shopping at Fred Meyer or Safeway, do your shopping during the weekend, preferably Sunday, as the sales are at their highest on fresh products. Check local newspapers and your mailbox for coupons as well.

The large chain stores normally offer free rewards card. Signing up for a rewards card often enable you to get discounts on certain items, so it is definitely worth going to the Customer Service Desk and signing up for a card.

At Target and Fred Meyer you can find more than just food, you can also find electronics, clothes and more.

If you are looking for items that you can use to prepare foods from your home country, you should use the Google search engine. Some of these stores are listed on our website: http://www.pdx.edu/international-students/food-and-groceries

Shopping The city of Portland will not disappoint those who are looking for the typical American experience of shopping in a mall. The closest mall, Pioneer Place, is located downtown, just a 5-10 minute walk from campus, or two stops on the Max train. The Lloyd Center is another mall just across the Willamette River. You can get there by taking the Max 31

(Portland’s rail line) from downtown. The Lloyd Center also has two movie theaters.

Shopping Malls Lloyd Center 2201 Lloyd Center / Broadway District in Northeast Portland http://www.lloydcentermall.com/ Pioneer Place 700 SW 5th Ave / Downtown in Southwest Portland http://www.pioneerplace.com/ Washington Square 9585 SW Washington Square Rd / Outer Southwest Portland http://www.shopwashingtonsquare.com/ You may choose to buy second-hand clothes at one of Portland’s many thrift shops.

These stores sell things that are used. In the last few years, there has been a growing trend for college students to buy clothes in second-hand stores. Sometimes the items they sell are very good, and you can buy them for much less than if they were new.

Look in the Yellow Pages under the heading Second Hand Stores and Thrift Shops to find one near you. Some of these stores sell items that were donated. When these items are sold, the money is used to help people who are hungry or homeless.

Furniture Furniture can be purchased or rented. A number of companies rent furniture in the Portland area. Call around to compare prices. You can also find some furniture renting companies, such as CORT: https://stores.cort.com/oregon/portland/, that offers student packages.

There are many different ways to find beds, mattresses, rugs, desks, chairs, and kitchen equipment. A lot of furniture items may be found on: http://www.craigslist.org.

Switchboard PSU Switchboard is an online community where you can ASK for what you need and OFFER what you have. You sign up with your email address and then you are able to post items you are selling, connect with other people in your field, or ask for job opportunities, furniture, or any other needs. It’s like Craigslist, but narrowed down to the PSU community. To learn more, visit http://www.pdx.edu/alumni/Switchboard.

Textbooks Textbooks are available from the PSU Bookstore, located at: Portland State Bookstore 1715 SW 5th Avenue Portland, OR 97201 503-226-2631 32

http://www.portlandstatebookstore.com/ The easiest way to purchase textbooks is at the PSU Bookstore, where new and used books are for sale.

Full refunds are given for returned books during a short time at the beginning of each term. SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS for proof of purchase when returning books. Your used books may be sold back for a percentage of the price paid at the end of each term. The bookstore also has a textbook rental program. Ask for details at the PSU bookstore. http://www.half.com/ and http://www.amazon.com/ are among the most popular websites to obtain the least expensive books in various conditions (brand new, like new, used, to very used) and you can sell them after you are done using them.

Ask your fellow classmates and friends to share books or buy them for a used price.

This is an inexpensive and convenient way to obtain textbooks.

Please note: Graduate students often need to use textbooks for projects or thesis writing. It is a good idea to keep your books until you graduate.

Summit Library An easy way to get books that are not available at PSU’s Millar Library is to use the Summit Libraries or Interlibrary Loan (ILLiad). Books requested through Summit usually arrive at the PSU library within three to five days and are available to loan for six weeks; students can scan or copy the pages that they will need before they return it. Ask a librarian to show you how to do this the first time and you should have no problem doing it yourself afterwards (you will need to put in your last name and PSU ID number).

Please note: Interlibrary Loan cannot be used for textbooks.

Sports & Recreation Support PSU Sport Teams PSU has many sports teams which you can support including basketball, football, and soccer. Admittance to any of the PSU sporting events is free for students with a valid student ID. Attending these sporting events can be a great way to connect with other students and get a taste of Portland State culture. For more information, please go to: http://www.goviks.com/index.aspx Intramural Sports The Portland State Student Recreation Center offers a variety of intramural sports teams that you are able to join or create a new team to compete against other Portland State students. These teams usually have a small fee associated with them and you play 33

against other students from the university. For more information on intramurals please go to the intramural website at: http://www.pdx.edu/recreation/intramurals Basketball Portland loves basketball and they love the Portland Trailblazers. http://www.nba.com/blazers.com/blazers Golf There are over 60 public and private golf courses in the Portland metro area. http://www.oregongolf.com/destination/portland.htm Soccer The Portland Timbers Soccer team is a part of Major League Soccer (MLS) and plays at the Providence Park. http://www.portlandtimbers.com/

Outdoor Activities Bicycle Paths Cycling is a favorite sport in the Northwest, especially in Portland, which features hundreds of miles of bike lanes and trails. http://btaoregon.org/ Campgrounds If you are ready to explore Oregon’s natural beauty, sleep under the starry night sky and sing around a campfire, then it’s time to go camping! http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/index.shtml Skiing and Snowboarding Mt. Hood’s naturally rugged terrain offers skiers some of the best skiing in the Pacific Northwest.   

Meadows: http://www.skihood.com/ Ski Bowl: http://www.skibowl.com/ Timberline Lodge: http://www.timberlinelodge.com/

Wind Surfing: http://www.oregon.com/windsurfing

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Weekend Getaways Columbia River Gorge: http://www.fs.usda.gov/crgnsa Mount St Helens: http://www.mountsthelens.com/ Multnomah Falls: http://www.multnomahfallslodge.com/ Oregon Coast Beaches: http://visittheoregoncoast.com/ Photo by Hao Nguyen.

Photo by Shadman Samin

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Getting to Know the PSU Campus To interact with the campus map, visit: https://www.pdx.edu/campus-map

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Campus Resources Information about campus resources for students, including Advising and Career Services, the Learning Center, Office of Graduate Studies, Disability Resource Center, Campus Recreation Center, Writing Center, Queer Resource Center, Women’s Resource Center, and Student Activities and Leadership Programs can be found at our website, http://www.pdx.edu/international-students/campus-resources, along with links to each resource’s general website for more in-depth information.

Family Resources at PSU PSU supports all types of families and offers many resources to help balance family and student life. There are many places on campus that are family friendly spaces as well as lactation spaces for women who wish to nurse their children. The link below provides a map of these spaces as well as additional resources for student parents. http://www.pdx.edu/students-with-children/family-friendly-and-lactation-spaces Resource Center for Students with Children Located in the Smith Memorial Student Union, Room 462, the Resource Center for Students with Children offers help finding child care as well as some financial assistance for childcare. They also offer events and support to help student parents balance their responsibilities as both a parent and a student.

For more information, call 503-725-9878 or go to: http://www.pdx.edu/students-withchildren/about-us

Harvest Share: Free Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Harvest Share is a partnership between Portland State University and the Oregon Food Bank that brings free fresh fruits and vegetables to the students and the greater PSU community. This is an effort to reduce food insecurity among our students and increase access to healthy food choices.

When: Second Monday of every month at 12 p.m.

Where: Outside Shattuck Hall in the Park Blocks.

Please bring your reusable shopping bags. Limit one of each kind of vegetable or fruit per person. Quantities are limited. For more information, please visit: http://www.pdx.edu/studentaffairs/CISFS

Recycle at PSU Recycling is easy at PSU! There are two containers for recycling:  

Mixed recycling for notebook paper, soda & soup cans and plastic bottles.

Glass recycling for all clean glass bottles and jars.

Pay attention to labels on the bins to know how to recycle your items.

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Health Insurance All F-1 and J-1 international students and their families at PSU are required by law to carry health insurance for the duration of their studies. Healthcare in the U.S. is very expensive and this is intended to protect you from serious financial hardship.

It is your responsibility to comply with insurance requirements by checking your student bill for insurance fees each term or meeting all of the requirements for a waiver. This includes vacation terms, thesis and dissertation research periods, internship training periods, etc., whether you are enrolled or not, as long as you are on a valid PSU I-20 or DS-2019.

For information about the benefits provided by this student health insurance plan, please view the PSU Health Insurance Brochure. You can find out all about the Health Insurance Plan and SHAC services at: http://www.pdx.edu/shac/international-studentsinsurance. You can also email the Health Insurance Coordinator at insurancehelp@pdx.edu.

Special Circumstances for Waiver of the PSU Health Insurance Plan Fees for health insurance will appear on your student bill each term and cannot be waived unless allowed by one of the following special circumstances:    

You are on a J visa and have adequate health insurance purchased before you arrive in the U.S..

Your government or embassy pays for your insurance through an outside company.

You have insurance coverage through your US employer during your practical training period.

You have insurance through your spouse’s employer.

For more information about the Health Insurance Waiver, please visit http://www.pdx.edu/shac/insurancewaiver.

Fees, Coverage Requirements and Deadlines You can find more information about coverage requirements, fees, and deadlines at this link: http://www.pdx.edu/international-students/health-insurance.

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Housing One of the most important issues to address after students are admitted to PSU is where they are going to live. Housing depends on a student’s financial situation, desired commute time to and from school, and the location they want to live in.

Choosing the right housing option contributes significantly to your mental peace and educational success. We believe that students who live on campus are more likely to be successful at PSU!

PSU Residence Halls On the housing section of the university’s website, students may view photos, floor plans and virtual tour videos at: http://www.pdx.edu/housing/buildings.

You can find more information about rates, specialized or theme housing, dining options, waitlist and contracts at the PSU Housing website: http://www.pdx.edu/housing/futureresidents.

If you have questions about living on campus, please contact the PSU Housing office at: housing@pdx.edu or 503-725-4375.

Other Housing Options You can find more information about other housing options including local apartments, homestay providers, and short term housing options at our website http://www.pdx.edu/international-students/internationalstudent-housing.

University Pointe @ College Station – On Campus Apartments University Pointe is an on campus student apartment development that opened in fall 2012. While University Pointe is considered on-campus living at PSU, it is developed and professionally managed by American Campus Communities. Spaces are limited and are filling up quickly for fall. Visit University Pointe online at: http://univpointe.com or call the leasing office at: 503-924-0003 to get more information!

A variety of floor plants, pricing options, and amenities are offered. You can find more information at http://univpointe.com/floorplans.

College Housing Northwest 39

Started by PSU students in 1969, these housing options are close to campus and more information may be found at: http://www.housingnorthwest.org/  Typical prices range from $600-700 for studios, one-bedrooms from $700-850 and 2-bedrooms from $900-1,200.  Except for the electricity, all utilities are included in the rent. There is a small fee for internet access (for example, it is $6 a month in the Goose Hollow Tower).  There is a deposit, and in many cases it is considered the last month’s rent.  If you want your deposit back, residents should give 30 days’ notice prior to vacating.  All tenants must go through a criminal and credit screening process.  Each tenant is responsible to the building financially, so if a roommate does not pay their share of the rent on time you are not held responsible.  At least one tenant in each unit must be a current college student.

Host Family (Short-term and Long-term) You can request to stay with a Portland family in their home. Three host family organizations that PSU students use on a regular basis are: Friends of Overseas Citizens and University Students (FOCUS) FOCUS is a Christian organization which offers short and long term home stays to international students. For more information please see the FOCUS website: http://www.focuspsu.com/ ANDEO International Homestays ANDEO is a non-profit organization that specializes in providing host families for international students living in Portland. Please see the ANDEO website for more information: http://www.andeo.org/ American Homestay Network AHN provides international students with the option to live with an American family for as short as one month to as long as an entire school year. Students choose how close they would like to live to campus and the cost is based on that proximity. Find out more at www.homestaynetwork.com or call 1-888-268-1903.

Short-term, Temporary, or Emergency Housing Friends of Overseas Citizens and University Students (FOCUS) FOCUS is a community coalition of non-profit organizations, churches, campus ministries and individuals in the Portland metropolitan area that provides support and services for international students and scholars of all cultures and beliefs. FOCUS has many providers who are happy to take in students for a few days or weeks when they first arrive and need time to look for an apartment. Please contact the FOCUS Homestay Coordinator at least 1 week before your planned arrival.

For more information, please see the FOCUS website: http://www.focuspsu.com/

PSU University Place Hotel 40

310 SW Lincoln Street Portland, OR 97201 1-866-845-4647 http://www.uplacehotel.com/ University Place sometimes offers discounted rate for PSU international students.

The Mark Spencer Hotel 409 SW 11th Ave Portland, OR 97205 1-800-548-3293 http://www.markspencer.com/ Youth Hostels Hostelling International, Portland Hawthorne District 3031 SE Hawthorne Blvd.

Portland, OR 97214 503-236-3380 http://www.portlandhostel.org/ Northwest Portland International Hostel & Guesthouse 425 NW 18th Ave. Portland, OR 97209 503-241-2783 http://www.nwportlandhostel.com/ Hostelling International, Oregon Council http://www.oregonhostels.org/ For links to other accommodations in Portland you can also visit the Travel Portland website: http://www.travelportland.com/

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Immigration Regulations Responsibilities of International Students As an international student at PSU, you must always remember that your immigration status is your responsibility and that ultimately, you are in charge of maintaining it. Some things for you to be aware of: Credit and Enrollment Requirements You must be enrolled as a full-time student during fall, winter and spring terms each year for the duration of your studies. Occasionally, students are allowed to take an alternate vacation term or a leave of absence, but these situations MUST be discussed with your international student advisor well before the term in question begins.

Full-time status is defined below: Undergraduate Students: A minimum of 12 credit hours successfully completed per term.

Post-baccalaureate Students: A minimum of 12 credit hours successfully completed each term if pursuing a second undergraduate degree, OR if you are considering becoming a graduate student.

Graduate Students: A minimum of 9 credit hours successfully completed per term. At least 8 credits must be completed at the graduate level each quarter. Students may include 1 undergraduate credit in their full-time course of study each quarter (e.g., a physical education class) to complete a total of 9 credits, but it is preferred that graduate students take all graduate level credits if possible.

Full-time enrollment is a serious immigration matter and should not be taken lightly. If you have any questions regarding your class credit hours and your immigration status, contact an OISSS international student advisor.

In order to complete a credit hour, you must receive either a passing grade (A-D) or a P (pass). Withdrawal from a course or a grade option change to audit (AU) will not count as credit toward your full-time status. If for any reason you feel you are unable to complete the required number of credit hours, speak to an international student advisor so that they can discuss the situation with you.

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The following marks are acceptable grades for course completion: A, B, C, D, and P (Pass) The following marks are not acceptable:

X W AU M

No basis for grade Withdraw Audit Missing

The following grades may jeopardize your immigration status: F Fail I Incomplete NP No pass We recommend that you speak with an international student advisor as soon as you believe you may receive one of grades in the second two categories above so that your options can be explained to you.

Co-Enrollment International students may enroll simultaneously at TWO USCIS-approved institutions.

This is called being co-enrolled. PSU policy requires those students wishing to co-enroll to carry at least half of their required credits at PSU (for undergraduate students, this means at least 6 credits, for graduate students, at least 5 credits). Your remaining credits may be taken at another institution.

If you wish to co-enroll, you must do the following:  

Bring proof of your enrollment at the other institution to East Hall, Room 101 (OISSS), before the first Friday of the term in which you wish to co-enroll.

Bring an unofficial grade report to OISSS at the end of each term you co-enroll.

Please note: your co-enrollment at another institution may not affect your progress towards completing your degree in a timely manner. The classes you are taking at other institutions should count towards your graduation from PSU.

If you are interested in co-enrolling, you should speak to an international student advisor at OISSS before doing so to ensure that you understand the process and regulations.

Additional Requirements You must understand your immigration status and maintain it. This includes obtaining extensions of your I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students) if you will not complete your program by the date indicated on those forms. In addition, you must notify OISSS of changes to your major or level of study.

You must receive permission from OISSS before working on or off campus.

You are required by the Federal Government to keep the university informed if your address changes.

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You can update your address yourself online at https://my.pdx.edu/ under the student tab “view/update addresses and phone”, or you can come in to OISSS and fill out a change of address form. Make sure to provide your apartment/unit number if you’re living in an apartment. Immigration law requires that students report address changes within 10 days of moving to a new address. The OISSS Office will notify the USCIS of your new address. Please note: if you are expecting mail from USCIS you must also notify them that you have moved. Mail from the USCIS is federal mail and it will not be forwarded by the U.S. Postal Service. Addresses are not considered to be confidential and will be published in the student directory and released if requested by a third party.

Students who do not want their addresses released must complete a confidentiality request in Neuberger Hall.

If you change your address, you should also inform the United States Postal Service (USPS) at: https://moversguide.usps.com/icoa/icoa-main-flow.do?execution=e1s1 For more information about immigration regulations, please visit our website: http://www.pdx.edu/international-students/immigration.

Safety While Portland is considered to be a very safe city, you should still take the same precautions with respect to your personal safety that you would in any large, metropolitan city in the world. Please remember that if you ever feel unsafe, the best thing to do is to follow your instincts.

Personal Safety Tips Always be aware of your surroundings, and walk like you know where you are. When walking on city streets at night, always try to walk with a friend or a group in a lighted area.

If you are on campus and someone is following you or threatens you in any way, step into any campus building, call the Campus Public Safety Office at 503-725-4404 and report it to the Campus Public Safety Officer. If you are off campus, find a phone, call 911, or go into the closest open business.

On the PSU Campus you will notice that there are telephone kiosks with blue lights on top of them. These kiosks have a red button that you can press which connects you directly with the Campus Public Safety Office which you can call in any situation where you feel unsafe.

Personal Possessions In order to ensure that nothing is stolen from you, you should always keep your apartment, dorm room, or house door locked at all times.

If you live on the ground floor of an apartment building, it is not advisable to leave your windows open at night or when you are not at home. If you do want/need to leave your 44

window open for ventilation purposes, it is a good idea to open your windows only a few inches and block them with a board so no one can open them further and crawl in. ● ● ●

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If you keep valuables such as jewelry and cash in your home, make sure they are well hidden.

In the U.S., people do not carry large amounts of cash with them. Most of the time, people keep a small amount of cash and use cards to pay for everything.

Keep your passport in a safe place, and only carry it with you only when absolutely necessary. If your passport is stolen, report the theft to your Embassy in the U.S. and to OISSS*. If your passport is stolen on campus, you should also report the theft to the Campus Public Safety Office emergency line, by calling 503-725-4404.

If you own or use a car, never leave anything valuable in it. If you must, put valuables in the trunk, hide them under a seat, or cover them before you leave your car.

Avoid parking on dark streets. The best place to park is under a street light or in a staffed parking structure. Make sure the car you are driving is insured!

At Portland State, there is a period of time during the start of each term, when students can return their textbooks to the bookstore for a full refund provided you have your receipt with you. If your textbooks are stolen and the receipt is with them, the thief can return your textbooks to the bookstore for a full refund.

We advise you to keep your textbook receipt in your wallet and NOT with your Glossary for definition textbooks to prevent a thief from being able to*See return your books.

They are expensive and YOU need them!

File a theft report with the Campus Public Safety Office non-emergency line, by calling 503-725-4407 or your local Police agency as soon as you are sure that your laptop has been stolen.

Personal Boundaries In the U.S., it is illegal for one person to force another person to have sex with them no matter what the situation. If you are on a date with someone who wants to have sex with you and you do not want to have sex, tell them NO. If someone forces you to have sex, it is considered rape or sexual assault. PSU also has rules against touching someone against their will, sexually touching or having sex with someone when they are intoxicated, and harassing or hurting someone by following them, calling them against their will, or doing other things to intimidate or scare them. If you have had any of these things happen to you, you do not have to deal with it alone. PSU has a number of reporting and support service options: Reporting Options All of the following options are available to you, and can be pursued individually or simultaneously. The Advocate at the Women’s Resource Center (503-725-5672) or: ipv@pdx.edu, can help talk through your options and can accompany you through the process of accessing any of these reporting services: ● You can make a police report to the Portland Police Bureau (911 or 503-8233333). ● You can make a report to: http://www.pdx.edu/cpso/ (503-725-4404). ● If the other person is a student, you can file a Student Code of Conduct complaint through the Office of Conduct and Community Standards. For details on the 45

Student Code of Conduct, visit their website at: http://www.pdx.edu/dos or call 503-725-4422. ● This link contains the various reporting forms used by Campus Safety http://www.pdx.edu/cpso/forms-1. This includes an anonymous sexual assault form that you can use to report an assault for data and safety reasons but without filing a charge.

Support Services The PSU Women’s Resource Center supports students of all genders. Their Advocate can help you figure out your options. They can keep your information private in most situations – ask them for details. Find them at: http://www.pdx.edu/wrc or 503-7255672. ●

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The Portland Women's Crisis Line is a confidential, 24-hour service that can be reached at 503-235-5333 or online at: http://pwcl.org/ and specializes in addressing situations of sexual assault and relationship violence.

Counselors and medical professionals at the PSU Student Health and Counseling Center offer fully confidential services. You can access emergency support or make an appointment by calling 503-725-2800.

Student Legal Services offers confidential legal advice. You can call them at 503725-4556 or: http://www.pdx.edu/sls/

Emergency Services During your time at PSU you may encounter an emergency or crisis situation, such as the death of a fellow student or the death of a family member, a serious accident, physical or mental illness that requires short or long-term medical care, sexual assault, or any other situation that would require a student to leave campus for a temporary or extended period of time. In situations like these, use the following as a guide to answer the question: Who should I call?

Emergency or Event

Call or Contact

Report an on-campus emergency

Dial 911. In order to reach our Campus Public Safety Office directly call 503-725-4404.

Report an off-campus emergency Dial 911.

Need emergency medical care

Dial 911.

Contact campus Dial 503-725-4407 to reach Campus Public Safety Office security (nonDispatch. emergency) Reach a counselor for Dial 503-725-2800 to reach Counseling and Psychological assistance with a Services (CAPS) between 9am and 5pm Monday – Friday. After mental health hours or on weekends dial 503-988-4888 to reach the emergency Multnomah County Crisis Line .

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If you need immediate assistance, call Campus Public Safety Office at 503-725-4404, or 911. Other options for supporting and reporting include: ●

Report a rape or sexual assault that occurred on or off campus

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Report student misconduct

To talk to someone about a sexual assault situation call 503-725-5672 to reach the Interpersonal Violence Advocate at the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) during office hours.

To reach an advocate after office hours call the Portland Women’s Crisis Line (PWCL) at 503-235-5333.

For confidential medical or counseling support contact Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) at 503-725-2800.

To make a Student Conduct Code complaint regarding sexual misconduct, click here.

To make a report to Campus Public Safety Office call 503725-4404.

To make a report to Portland Police Bureau call 911.

Contact the Office of the Dean of Student Life by dialing 503725-4422 or click here to submit a report of student misconduct.

Report a student Dial 503-725-4404 to reach Campus Public Safety Office. serious injury or death Report a crime that occurred on campus

Call Campus Public Safety Office at 503-725-4407 in an emergency. For non-emergencies dial 503-725-4404.

Report a crime that occurred off campus

Call Portland Police Bureau at 503-823-3333

Want to report a student incident, but I'm not sure who to call

Contact us for guidance! Dial 503-725-4422 or enter a report online here: www.pdx.edu/dos/care-team and you will receive a call within one business day.

Report a bias incident

Enter a report here: www.pdx.edu/dos/bias-response-team and you will receive a follow up call within one business day.

You can also speak to your student advisor or a member of the International Student Life Team in East Hall, Room 122, if you are unsure who to contact.

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Transportation TriMet TriMet is the Portland public transportation system and the least expensive way to travel around the city.

TriMet provides various commuter services in the Portland metro area, including Buses, Street Car, Max Light Rail (red, blue, green yellow, and orange lines), and WES (Westide Express Service).

You can visit the TriMet website and plan your trips, check timetables and schedules at: http://trimet.org/ Where to Buy Tickets and Passes  On board the bus: Pay your fare (2.5 hours) or buy a 1-Day Pass on any TriMet bus.

Just insert coins or bills (exact change only) into the fare box when you board. Note: Operators cannot give change.  Neighborhood ticket outlets: Buy fares at neighborhood ticket outlets in the Portland area, including most Albertsons, Fred Meyer and Safeway stores.  Ticket vending machines at MAX and WES stations: Tickets and passes are available from the self-service ticket machines located at MAX and WES stations.  The TriMet ticket office at Pioneer Courthouse Square: Buy tickets or passes in person at the office downtown at Pioneer Courthouse Square.  Online at the TriMet store: Save time and order tickets and passes online using a credit card (a shipping-and-handling fee is charged for each order).  TriMet Smartphone App: Passes are available to purchase using the smartphone app.

Individuals can purchase a pass and show their ticket on their smartphone when boarding.

Portland Streetcar All current PSU students and employees are allowed to ride the entire Portland Streetcar system for free! Just show your valid PSU Photo ID card and you can ride free from the South Waterfront to Northwest Portland and across the river to The Lloyd Center and OMSI on the East side.

Student FlexPass Program To help you save on the cost of using transit, PSU sells the Student FlexPass, a partially subsidized, All-Zone TriMet Transit Pass. The FlexPass is valid on all TriMet buses, MAX light rail, C-Tran local service buses (non-express), OHSU aerial tram, and Portland Streetcar for the current academic term.

The per-term cost for the FlexPass is approximately 40% off TriMet’s retail price. The FlexPass itself is a sticker that is applied to your PSU ID card. You simply show your ID card with the attached FlexPass to any TriMet driver or fare inspector and you are free to ride anywhere TriMet goes.

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The transportation and parking office is located at: 1812 SW 6th Ave. Portland, OR 97201 503-725-3442 psupark@pdx.edu http://www.pdx.edu/transportation/

What you need to purchase a FlexPass:  PSU Photo ID.  Enrollment in three credits or more for the current term.  Must be purchased in person at the Transportation & Parking Services Office.  Pay by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, or bill the cost to your PSU student account.  Must be purchased before the end of the second week of the term.

Refunds/Returns Full refunds are available for FlexPasses returned within five business days of the date of purchase. After that period, the FlexPass is no longer refundable.

Replacements There are NO refunds or replacements for lost or stolen FlexPasses. If your FlexPass is lost or stolen during the sales period, you may purchase a second FlexPass at its full value. For damaged FlexPasses, please contact the transportation office to request a replacement. You will need to return the damaged FlexPass sticker in order to be eligible for a replacement. All requests for replacement FlexPasses must be approved by PSU Transportation & Parking Services and TriMet.

Car Rental and Sharing Renting a car is a good option if you want to take a trip outside of the Portland metro area. Typically, you have to be at least 25 years to rent a vehicle without having to pay for extra insurance.

For more information about car sharing, please visit the PSU transportation website: https://www.pdx.edu/transportation/carpooling-carsharing

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If you are going to buy a car, you must have the following: 

An Oregon identification card and driver’s license: If you intend to stay in Oregon for more than six months (e.g., students enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students), you may apply for an Oregon Driver’s License (ODL). Proof of residence and two forms of identification are required. Students must generally wait 10 days after the start of their first term to apply for a ID or driver’s license.

More information is available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5twk8tE3aCJVTg1WTRRR0tZdjdvU2M2bXBQdXV 6MnNjUmow/view

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Liability insurance: The law requires that you have liability insurance on your vehicle. This insurance covers physical or property damage you or your car may do to another car and/or person in the event of an accident. Your license will be suspended if you do not have liability insurance.

Bicycles Portland is a very bicycle-friendly city and bikes are another inexpensive way to travel around Portland. Bike lanes and bike paths are marked throughout the city.

If you do purchase a bike, you may want to join the PSU Bike Hub, an on-campus bicycle repair shop designed specifically for the PSU Community. To find out more about the Bike Hub, please click here: http://www.pdx.edu/bikehub/ The PSU Bike Hub also has a program through which you can rent a bicycle to use for up to three terms. The rental comes complete with gear such as a lock, helmet, and lights, as well as a membership to the PSU Bike Hub and a parking permit in one of the secure PSU Bike Garages, all for only $45 per term. To learn more about the program or to apply, please visit http://www.pdx.edu/bikehub/vikebikes.

Bike theft can be problematic; therefore, it is important to keep your bike well-secured.

A good website to check out if you are interested in using your bicycle to get around Portland is: http://www.portlandonline.com/transportation/

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Glossary of Academic Terms and Abbreviations Academic Advisor

A staff of faculty member appointed to assist a student in planning the student’s academic career.

Add a course*

To enter a course in which you were not enrolled at the beginning of the semester.

Core curriculum

The courses that all students are required to complete prior to graduation, regardless of their academic major.

Course load

The number of courses taken per term.

CPT

Curricular Practical Training.

Credit hour

Credit awarded for participation and completion of a course.

Credit load

Total number of credits for which a student is enrolled. A fulltime credit load per term for undergraduates is 12 credit hours and a full-time load for graduates is 9 credit hours.

DARS

The Degree Audit Report System (DARS) is a tool to assist in the academic advising process. It is meant to help advisors and students in the process of course selection and academic program planning. Students should review their DARS report prior to meeting with an Academic Advisor.

Distance learning

Providing learning through media (e.g. computer) where the teacher and student are physically separated.

DHS

Department of Homeland Security.

DS-2019

Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) status.

D/S

Duration of Status.

D2L

Desire to Learn, PSU’s learning management system.

Drop a course*

To withdraw from a course.

EAD

Employment Authorization Card.

Elective

A course selected by the student, which is not a requirement for a program but still fulfills graduation requirements.

FERPA

Refers to a student’s right of privacy concerning release of information without authorized consent. (FERPA stands for Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974).

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F-1

Full time student visa.

GPA

Grade Point Average.

Incomplete**

A temporary mark given to a student who is unable to complete the requirements for a course during the term. You must have an acceptable reason for choosing to leave a course incomplete and must require the course requirements within a specified time period after the term ends.

OISSS

Office of International Student and Scholar Services.

I-20

A government form issued by your school letting USCIS know you are eligible for an F-1 visa.

I-94

Form noting the arrival/departure dates for immigrants

J-1

Exchange visitor visa.

My.pdx.edu

A web portal where you can check grades, pay your bills, register for classes, access D2L and more!

OPT

Optional Practical Training.

PSU ID Number

Unique, nine digit identification number given to all students when they are admitted to PSU. This number begins with a 9.

SSN

Social Security Number.

Take a “W”*

Withdraw from a class after the official drop-date, resulting in a “W” grade on your transcript.

USCIS

United States Citizen and Immigration Services.

*You MUST speak to an Immigration Advisor in East Hall 101 before you drop a course. **You MUST speak to an Immigration Advisor in East Hall 101 and with your professor before you can leave a course incomplete.

Some terms taken from the Global Compass publication at University of Pittsburgh.

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