New International Student Handbook

WELCOME TO YOUR

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK We are happy you have chosen The University of Texas at San Antonio. You join more than 30,000 students on campus who are committed to becoming future leaders. Your courses at UTSA will encourage you to think critically, question your professors, and help you develop problem-solving skills that will assist you in your future plans.

This handbook provides you with helpful information, which also can be found in your Undergraduate or Graduate Catalog or in the Class Schedule.

Please check with the International Student Advisors for assistance with questions regarding your visa or non-academic issues.

Meet with your Academic Advisor regarding information about academics, class-specific policies and procedures.

We hope that you have a rewarding experience and wish you success!

- UTSA Office of International Programs

INSIDE THIS HANDBOOK  School Pride  Obtaining the I-20/ DS-2019  Student Visas  Identity/UTSACard  Class Registration  Paying for Tuition  Financial Aid  Health Insurance  Code of Conduct  Campus Services  Libraries and Books  Wayfinding  Student Activities  Helpful Information  Glossary

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

SCHOOL PRIDE Now and Forever, I am a Roadrunner!

UTSA Basics UTSA was founded on June 5, 1969, by Governor Preston Smith.

SCHOOL MASCOT The Roadrunner

SCHOOL COLORS Orange, Blue and White

UTSA Fight Song Go, Roadrunners, Go! On to vict’ry with all your might.

Fight, Roadrunners, Fight!

For the Blue and the Orange and the White.

We fight for U-T-S-A Alma Mater proud and strong.

Win, Roadrunners, Win! And unite in our battle song.

(Repeat for second verse)

The Alma Mater “Hail UTSA” From our hills of oak and cedar To the Alamo, Voices raised will echo As, in song, our praises flow.

Hail Alma Mater!

Through the years our loyalty will grow.

The University of Texas San Antonio.

Roadrunner Hand Sign Make the sign by opening your hand with your palm facing away from you, as if you were telling someone to stop. Then, curl your first three fingers toward the center of your palm, leaving your thumb and little finger upright.

Roadrunner Creed I will: Uphold the highest standards of academic and personal integrity by practicing and expecting fair and ethical conduct; Respect and accept individual differences, recognizing the inherent dignity of each person; Contribute to campus life and the larger community through my active engagement; and Support the fearless exploration of dreams and ideas in the advancement of ingenuity, creativity, and discovery.

Guided by these principles now and forever, I am a Roadrunner!

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

OBTAINING THE I-20/DS-2019 Require a Form 1-20 or DS-2019 to study at UTSA? Submit the mandatory documents to UTSA International Student Services after being admitted.

International Student Services • 210-458-7202 • international.utsa.edu • internationalprograms@utsa.edu

Tips to Have a Successful Visa Appointment at the Embassy

Required Items for I-20

• Be sure to take all the relevant documents with you to your appointment: • Passport • Form I-20/DS-2019 • Acceptance letter

• • • •

• Be sure to take proof of financial support.

• Bank statements • Scholarship/stipend letters • Sponsorship letters if applicable

Completed Confirmation of Financial Resources Form Financial Supporting Documentation Copy of the name page of your passport Permanent overseas/foreign address

• If you are already studying on an F-1 visa in the U.S. and you plan to transfer to UTSA, see the webpage Transferring to UTSA for instructions.

Required Items for DS-2019 • Completed DS-2019 Request Form • Proof of Funding • Copy of the name page of your passport • If you are already studying on an J-1 visa in the U.S. and you plan to transfer to UTSA, see the webpage Transferring to UTSA for instructions.

• Be able to demonstrate that you have strong ties to your home country.

• Examples of this are: • Job offer letter upon completion of studies • Assets in home country – house, land, vehicle, bank accounts, etc.

• Be able to explain why you want to become and international student and study abroad.

• Know your plan of action for when you return home after completing your studies. What will you do postgraduation?

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

STUDENT VISAS After admission, you will be contacted by UTSA International Student Services regarding your next steps.

This is based on your current immigration status.

Visa Basics

Applying for a Visa

As an international student coming to UTSA to study, there are two types of sponsored visas offered by our office:

The two most common student visas are the F-1 and J-1.

To receive an F-1 or J-1 student visa, a student must have a Form I-20 (for F-1 visa) or DS-2019 (for J-1 visa).

• F-1 visa (most common) • J-1 visa for Exchange Visitors.

For more information on these two visa categories, please visit the U.S.Department of State website.

There are a multitude of visas issued based on the purpose of the visit to the U.S. and desired duration of stay. Many of these allow for either full or part time study depending on the category.

For more specific information about the different visa categories, please visit the U.S. State Department’s website on visa categories.

Additional Resources • International Student Services Process After Admissions to UTSA • Department of Homeland Security, Study in the States

UTSA can issue both the Form I-20 and the DS-2019 with the proper documentation.

Once a new student outside the U.S. has the Form I-20 or DS-2019, he/she can apply for a student visa at the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy.

See our Applying for a Visa webpage for more information and tips on how to successfully complete a visa interview.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

YOUR IDENTITY Before you can access UTSA resources, you must first ACTIVATE your myUTSA Account. You should have received an email from myUTSAaccount@utsa.edu to begin. myUTSA ID Your myUTSA Account is essential for accessing resources at UTSA. Your myUTSA account is used to log in to: • • • • • • •

ASAP Blackboard/Learn Housing applications Air Rowdy wireless network Campus computers myUTSA email Other UTSA network resources

Your myUTSA account consists of a three letter/three number combination (abc123).

You can find your myUTSA account on your UTSA admission letter and the Welcome Letter from International Student Services.

ACTIVATE YOUR myUTSA ACCOUNT You will receive an e-mail from myUTSAaccount@utsa.edu with information and directions for activating your myUTSA account. This e-mail will be sent to the e-mail address that you provided on your Admission application. For more information regarding your account, please contact Enrollment Services at 210-458-8000, option 3.

CHANGE/RESET YOUR PASSWORD 1. Log in to the Identity Manager website (https://idm. utsa.edu) and enter your myUTSA ID in the User ID field.

2. Click the “Change Password” link.

3. Enter a new myUTSA password into the Password and Confirm Password fields.

4. Click “Change Password.”

ASAP The Automated Student Access Program (ASAP), is your portal into almost everything you’ll need to do at UTSA: registration for class, online payments and more.

SET YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS While in ASAP, you may check your myUTSA email account.

You may also change your myUTSA account to another e-mail address as the official method of communication from UTSA.

UPDATE YOUR LOCAL ADDRESS - REQUIRED You are required to update your local address in ASAP and with the Office of International Programs. If you do not have a local address, use your temporary address and update again after you move into your residence hall or apartment. This is an immigration requirement!

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

YOUR IDENTITY Your UTSACard is your photo ID. It allows you to use and access multiple services across campus.

UTSACard The UTSACard is a photo identification (ID) for all UTSA students. All UTSA students are required to have a current UTSACard with their student identification number.

You are required to carry the UTSACard at all times while on university property. You must have this card to access various UTSA facilities, including student computer labs, the Recreation Center, the libraries, and Student Health Services. Your UTSACard is valid as long as you remain enrolled at UTSA. The UTSACard is an all-campus debit card.

You can load a pre-paid debit account (Rowdy Dollars), and use the card at many locations on campus, such as dining facilities, vending machines, copiers and printers. You can transfer funds to the UTSACard online through ASAP. HOW TO GET YOUR UTSACARD: You will need to go to the UTSACard Office in person with your passport AFTER you register for classes. The UTSACard Office is in the MS Building, Room 1.01.52 on the Main Campus, or the Frio Street Building, Room 1.506 on the Downtown Campus.

A $10 fee will be charged to replace your ID card if it is lost, stolent or damaged.

• For more information, www.utsa.edu/auxiliary/ utsacard.html.

YOUR UTSACARD: • Contains your Rowdy Dollars, which can be used at campus dining facilities, vending machines, copiers and printers, and the UTSA Bookstore.

You can transfer funds to the card online through ASAP. • Is your free ticket to UTSA sporting events, the Institute of Texan Cultures and the San Antonio Museum of Art. • Gives you access to the Rec Center and treatment at Student Health Services.

• Is your library card at John Peace Library

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

REGISTRATION HOLD Before you can register for classes, you must remove all registration holds.

Holds Chart Holds will prevent you from registering for classes. This is a list of common holds for new international students.

HOLD CODE

OFFICE THAT CAN CLEAR HOLD

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO?

IP

Office of International Programs

Attend UTSA New International Student Orientation & complete Immigration Check-in.

EL

Office of ESL Services

Take an English language test called ELAP. You need to take this test at a designated time during UTSA New International Student Orientation.

HE: Inoculations

Student Health Services

Submit the results of Tuberculosis blood test (QuantiFERON or T-Spot) to UTSA Student Health Services. It is recommended that you complete this requirement before UTSA New International Student Orientation.

HM: Meningitis Student Health Services

Submit your record of Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccine immunization to UTSA Student Health Services before arrving at UTSA. To learn about the bacterial meningitis requirement, visit the UTSA Student Health website.

TSI

Take the Accuplacer at UTSA Testing Services. This test can be taken before the orientation or at a designated time during orientation week. Register by logging onto your ASAP account. If you have this hold, you must register and add classes with an academic advisor.

Colleges’ Freshman Advising Center

CONTACT INFORMATION

Office of International Programs

210-458-7202

Main Building (MB) 1.210

Office of ESL Services

210-458-7677

Multidisciplinary Studies (MS) 3.02.05

Student Health Services

210-458-4142

Recreation Wellness Center (RWC) 1.500

Testing Services

210-458-4125

Multidisciplinary Studies (MS) 1.01.04

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

REGISTRATION To register for classes, meet with an Academic Advisor and discuss course choices that follow your degree plan.

Academic Advisor All new international students must meet with an academic advisor first to select classes.

After you meet with an academic advisor, you may register for classes in ASAP, unless you have a TSI hold. (See Registration Hold page.)

If you have a TSI hold, you must register with an academic advisor’s assistance.

UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC ADVISING Freshman (0-29 credit hours earned) who have declared a major

Visit advisor at Colleges’ Freshman Advising Center (CFAC)

Freshman and continuing Visit advisor in the Tomás students who have not Rivera Center (TRC) declared a major.

Continuing and new transfer students (30+ credit hours earned) with declared or decided majors

Visit advisor in the college advising center of the major of your choice. If you are accepted into the Honors College student, you may be advised by an Honors College advisor.

GRADUATE ACADEMIC ADVISING

The Graduate Advisor of Record (GAR) for your program is able to assist you with your academic, general questions, or concerns about your program. The list of graduate advisors is available on The Graduate School’s website.

IMPORTANT: HOW TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES THROUGH ASAP • • • • • • • •

•

Click Student Services and Financial Aid. Click Registration.

Click Register for classes: Add/Drop Classes.

Select Term: Use the down arrow next to Select Term.

Highlight and click on the semester you are registering for.

Click Submit Term.

Use Class Search button to find classes. You can narrow choices by campus.

Click Search Schedule.

To register for an open class, check the box next to the Course Registration Number. Then click Add to Worksheet. Click on Submit Changes.

You can search by entering the course numbers in the CRN field. Click on Submit Changes. If your class has a required lab, you must register for both.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

PAYING FOR TUITION AND FEES Tuition and fees bills are NOT mailed. You must check your bills online on ASAP. You or your sponsoring organization MUST pay by the deadline or your classes will be dropped.

Where to Contact FISCAL SERVICES OFFICE CONTACT utsa.edu/fiscalservices Location on Main Campus: John Peace Library 1.03.06 Location on Downtown Campus: Frio Street Bldg 1.508 Telephone: 210-458-8000 Mailing Address:

The University of Texas at San Antonio

Fiscal Services Office

One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249

HOW TO PAY TUITION AND FEES • • • •

Online through ASAP In person at one of the UTSA Fiscal Services offices By phone (credit card payment only) By mail

Third-party Payment International students who have been awarded a scholarship for tuition and fees, a stipend or receive tuition assistance from an organization, agency or government MUST: • Check with your sponsor to determine if they are ready to pay for your enrollment in the current semester.

• Send all necessary documents to your sponsor.

• Send your VALID letter of financial guarantee or stipend from your sponsoring organization or agency WITH your myUTSA number noted on all pages to UTSA Fiscal Services.

• Confirm that your document has been received by the UTSA Fiscal Services. Call 210-458-2825 OR email a copy of your signed letter to Julia.Poo@utsa.edu.

• You must pay any remaining balance on your bill.

ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT • • • • •

• • • • •

Cash Personal Check Cashiers Check Money Order Credit Card - American Express, MasterCard, and Discover credit card payments only. 2% service charge added to all credit card transactions.

Wire Transfers Third-party Payment Emergency Tuition and Fee Loans Installment Plans Financial Aid

The Office of International Programs does NOT process tuition payments.

Do not send your financial guarantee/stipend letter to the Office of International Programs for tuition payments.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

PAYING FOR TUITION AND FEES Tuition and fees bills are NOT mailed. You must check your bills online on ASAP. You or your sponsoring organization MUST pay by the deadline or your classes will be dropped.

Wire Transfers To have money directly wired into the UTSA bank account, you will need the following: • • • • • •

Name of UTSA Financial Institution = JPMorgan Chase Account Name = The University of Texas at San Antonio UTSA bank account number = 754620094 UTSA bank routing number = (ABA) 021000021 Full name of student and your Banner ID (@01234567) For foreign transfers, SWIFT code = CHASEUS33

Email Director of Financial Services Gary Lott (gary.lott@ utsa.edu) when the transaction has taken place. Please indicate the name and Banner ID number of the student, the purpose of the transfer (For example: payment of 2nd installment) and the amount that has been transferred.

Payment Deadlines Tuition and fees payments must be received by 5 p.m. local (San Antonio) time by the deadline. It is your responsibility to pay your tuition and fees by the deadline.

Check payment deadlines at utsa.edu/fiscalservices/ deadlines.html

Please note that your classes will be dropped if you do not pay by the deadline.

The Office of International Programs does NOT process tuition payments.

Do not send your financial guarantee/stipend letter to the Office of International Programs for tuition payments.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS Limited financial aid and scholarships are available. Most scholarships require applicants to demonstrate financial need in addition to other criteria.

You must check eligibility requirements!

Scholarships

International Aid Programs

GENERAL SCHOLARSHIPS

INTERNATIONAL GRANT PROGRAM: F-1 / J-1 ONLY

• General scholarships vary in eligibility requirements and award amounds. Visit the Office of Scholarships website: utsa.edu/scholarships

• The UTSA International Student Grant is a need-based award given to F-1 and J-1 international students.

Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. The maximum award varies depending on available funds. More information at utsa.edu/financialaid/special-programs/intlgrant.html

DEPARTMENTAL SCHOLARSHIPS • The various departments and colleges on campus have their own general applications for scholarships. A list of departmental scholarships and the criteria for each scholarship is listed on utsa.edu/scholarships/deptcoll.html.

Please contact your college or department for details and application procedures.

MISCELLANEOUS SCHOLARSHIPS • These scholarships are from donors outside of UTSA, such as scholarship organziations, foundations, businesses and the like. Students are encouraged to check these applications available at the Student Financial Aid & Enrollment Services Center to see if they meet eligibility requirements.

GOOD NEIGHBOR SCHOLARSHIP: F-1 / J-1 ONLY • The Good Neighbor Scholarship provides an exemption of tuition for F-1 and J-1 international students from the nations of the Western Hemisphere (Cuba excepted).

Students may be awarded one year of tuition (fall, spring and summer). More information at utsa.edu/ financialaid/special-programs/intlgrant.html

THE BORDER COUNTY PROGRAM • The UTSA Border County Program is a student-tuition assistance program that allows eligible F-1/J-1 visa students from Mexico with limited financial resouces to pay Texas in-state tuition. This is a need-based program; it is not a competitive scholarship.

You must re-apply for this program each year. More information can be found on the International Gateway: http://international.utsa.edu/financial-aid-resources/ border-county-program

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

HEALTH COVERAGE The University of Texas System Board of Regents requires that all international students holding non-immigrant visas must maintain comprehensive health insurance while enrolled at any UT System institution.

Health Insurance

Health Insurance Waiver

The Board of Regents of The University of Texas System requires that all international students holding non-immigrant visas must maintain comprehensive health insurance while enrolled at any UT System institution.

Students with alternative insurance that meets or exceeds the UT System requirements may request a waiver of the student health insurance fee.

The Board of Regents permits our institution to charge students the fee for enrollment in the system-sponsored student health insurance plan. The fee is automatically charged to your account when you register for classes.

The university has the discretion to determine what constitutes sufficient documentation demonstrating approved health insurance coverage. Acceptable proof of coverage must be written in English and money listed in U.S. dollars.

This requirement applies to all students who are not U.S. citizens, lawful U.S. permanent residents, asylees, refugees or undocumented aliens.

If a student can demonstrate existing coverage of a comparable comprehensive health insurance plan from a source other than the UTSA student insurance plan, the student may be eligible to waive the mandatory insurance fee.

For consideration of a waiver you must adhere to all requirements of the waiver process by the applicable deadline.

Does your existing insurance meet the mandatory requirements?

Review the insurance coverage requirements, waiver process and deadlines: • http://international.utsa.edu/insurance/healthinsurance-waiver

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

CODE OF CONDUCT Students are required to follow the UTSA Student Code of Conduct. It is posted online at http://www.utsa.edu/ studentlife/conduct.

Student Code of Conduct The Student Code of Conduct provides the standards of conduct expected of individual students enrolled at UTSA. It also outlines the administrative due process and disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed when there are violations of the code of conduct. Examples of violations include, but are not limited to, underage drinking of alcohol, use of illegal drugs, plagiarism and academic cheating.

You can find the Student Code of Conduct in the UTSA Informational Bulletin, and on the Student Conduct and Community Standards and Student Affairs websites.

• Visit utsa.edu/infoguide/appendices/b.html

UTSA Police

Tips for Academic Success • Read and follow each course syllabus.The syllabus serves as a contract in the classroom. It outlines academic, attendance and participation expectations.

• Be aware of the drug and alcohol policies at UTSA. This is especially related to campus housing. You must know the expectations and possible impact of your decisions.

Breaking the law is one way to have your visa revoked and be deported!

• Learn how to properly cite your academic sources!

Plagiarism is one of the most common forms of cheating. Unsure if you are plagiarizing? Visit The Writing Center.

• When working in groups, make sure you know what assignments are to be written as an individual and what can be collaborative with your group.

• Identify and use the many on-campus resources, such as Counseling Services, Student Activities, Health Services, the Career Center, the Writing Center, Tomás Rivera Center and CampusRec.

The on-campus police department is available 24 hours if you need assistance while on campus.

They also have the campus lost and found repository. Do not hesistate to call UTSA Police if you think you might need assistance!

Not an emergency: 210-458-4242 Emergency: 210-458-4911 http://utsa.edu/utsapd

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

CAMPUS SERVICES Computer labs, available locations to print on-demand, and postal, fax, publishing and shipping services.

Computer Labs Each location has personal desktop computers for student use, preloaded with popular software applications.

LOCATION

HOURS

Business Building 2.01.20

7 a.m. – midnight

JPL 2nd Floor, Information Commons

24 hours

Frio Street Building (Downtown)

7 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Print Spot You can send your document to print at many locations on campus.

Check the Print Spot list online: http://utsa.edu/oit/printing/howToPrint.cfm.

UPS Store Services The UPS Store at University Center 1.04.02 offers: • • • • • • • •

Black and white printing Color printing Passport photos Postal services Mailbox rental FAX services (domestic and international) Shipping services (domestic and international) Notary service

More information: TheUPSStoreLocal.com/6150

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

LIBRARIES & TEXTBOOKS UTSA Libraries have quiet rooms, scanners, printers, copiers, computers and helpful tutoring resources.

You will need to buy your own textbooks.

UTSA Libraries

Buying Textbooks

John Peace Library (JPL) on the Main Campus, the Downtown Campus Library, the Applied Engineering and Technology Library (AET) all have study areas and resources that you can use. The Applied Engineering and Technology Library is bookless; everything there is available online.

Purchase textbooks and school supplies after you register for classes. You may purchase new or used textbooks. Used textbooks are less expensive. Some textbooks may be available for rent. Bring your course and section number with you to be sure you are purchasing the right books. You can find your schedule in ASAP.

JPL HAS

FINDING YOUR

• • • • • •

COURSE AND

Books, databases, ejournals and ebooks Quiet rooms, study rooms, computer labs Printers, copiers, scanners On-site librarian assistance Online chat or text with a librarian from anywhere Tutoring sessions, Writing Center

DOWNTOWN HAS • • • • •

Books, databases, ejournals and ebooks Quiet rooms, study rooms, computer labs Printers, copiers, scanners On-site librarian assistance Online chat or text with a librarian from anywhere

AET HAS • • • • • •

Databases, ejournals and ebooks Study areas Three study rooms Printers, copiers, scanners On-site librarian assistance Online chat or text with a librarian from anywhere

SECTION NUMBER: Once logged into ASAP, click on: • Student Services and Financial Aid • Registration • Student Detailed Schedule. You can print out the schedule and use it to help you find your books by course number.

PLACES TO BUY TEXTBOOKS • UTSA Bookstore: 210-458-4220 Main Campus, University Center, first floor • L&M Bookstore: 210-695-8872 15503 Babcock Road at Loop 1604 – walking distance • University Bookstore: 210-561-8872 6827 N. Loop 1604 West – walking distance • Textbook Rentals: 210-699-0200 6851 N. Loop 1604 West – walking distance

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

WAYFINDING Building acronyms and room numbering methodology.

Building Acronyms AET Applied Engineering and Technology Building ART Art Building BSB Biosciences Building BSE Biotechnology, Sciences and Engineering Building

BB

Business Building

BV

Buena Vista Building (Downtown)

CC

Convocation Center

CDC Child Development Center DB

Durango Building (Downtown)

EB

Engineering Building

FLN Flawn Science Building FS

Frio Street Building (Downtown)

MH McKinney Humanities Building JPL

John Peace Library

MB Main Building MS Multidisciplinary Studies PNB Plaza Norte Building RRC Roadrunner Café SC

Sculpture/Ceramics

SEL Science Engineering Labs SRL Science Research Labs RWC Recreation and Wellness Center UC

University Center

Room Numbers Room Numbers: The numbering system at UTSA is a standard architectural system used in new buildings. For example, a room number may be listed like this:

UC 1.02.08     • The letters stand for the building name.

(University Center) • The first number is the floor number of the building.

• The second number is the corridor.

• The third number is the room number.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

STUDENT ACTIVITIES Student organizations, student government and the Paisano newspaper help you stay connected to campus.

Student Organizations

Student Newspaper

UTSA has more than 300 registered student organizations. Student Activities provides co-curricular opportunities that foster and recognize leadership, learning and development while promoting a connection ot the UTSA community.

The Paisano is the independent student newspaper of UTSA. The Paisano is a selfsupported, student-run weekly newspaper.

You can search for organizations that you may want to participate in through RowdyLink.

This online system matches your likes and interests with student organizations that may be a good fit for you. You also can find contact information and meeting times on RowdyLink.

• RowdyLink: http://utsa.collegiatelink.net • Organizations Directory: http://utsa.collegiatelink.net/ Organizations

Student Government (SGA) Student Government is a sponsored student organization that serves as the official advocate and voice of the student body.

SGA has weekly meetings among its General Assembly every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the University Center Harris Room. The SGA office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the University Center. Please stop by if you’d like to learn more!

The Paisano is distributed at both UTSA Main and Downtown campuses, as well as several local businesses. The Paisano publishes 7,000 copies every Tuesday, except holidays and exam periods, with a weekly circulation of 20,000. See more at paisano-online.com.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

HELPFUL INFORMATION UTSA, state and federal offices and websites that you may need to use while at UTSA. International Student Services

U.S. Department of State

• 210-458-7202 • international.utsa.edu • internationalprograms@utsa.edu

• travel.state.gov/visa

Housing • 210-458-6200 • utsa.edu/housing

Testing

Social Security Office • 1-800-773-1213 • Northwest San Antonio Office: 411 Richland Hills Drive, San Antonio, TX 78245 • www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10096.pdf

Texas Drivers License

• 210-458-4125 ( MAIN ) • 210-458-2941 (DOWNTOWN ) • utsa.edu/testing

• international.utsa.edu/living-in-san-antonio/driverslicense - Basic information for international students • www.txdps.state.tx.us - Texas Department of Public Safety website for how to apply, sample tests.

Financial Aid & Enrollment Services

Counseling Services

• 210-458-8000 ( LOCAL ) • 1-800-669-0919 ( TOLL-FREE ) • utsa.edu/financialaid

Student Disability Services • 210-458-4157 ( MAIN ) • 210-458-2945 ( DOWNTOWN ) • utsa.edu/disability

• 210-458-4140 • utsa.edu/counsel

Parking • utsa.edu/auxiliary/parking.html

Dining options • campusdish.com/en-US/CSSW/UTSA

Frost Bank • https://www.frostbank.com/Pages/UTSA-Students.aspx

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

GLOSSARY

Common words and abbreviations you should know.

Academic Advisor

Core

The staff member who assists students with academic decisions, course selection and registration.

An abbreviated term for the core curriculum; part of each student’s degree program that meets requirements common to all undergraduates.

Add/drop The period (usually the first week of classes) allowing students to add courses or drop registered courses. See the online Registration Instructions for specific dates each semester.

Dead days

ASAP

UTSA campus, located at 501 W. César E. Chávez Blvd.

Classes available in the Buena Vista Street, Frio Street, Monterey and Durango buildings.

Automated Student Access Program; online computer system for all UTSA students to register and access student records and general information.

CAB Campus Activities Board

Catalog UTSA undergraduate or graduate catalog; a publication containing information about university degree programs, regulations, policies and course requirements necessary to earn a degree.

Designated study days before final examinations. Classes do not meet.

Downtown Campus

ELAP English Language Assessment Program - Englishlanguage test to evaluate a student’s proficiency in the areas of academic reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Financial Aid and Enrollment Services Center The office where students can get answers to financial aid, admissions and scholarship questions.

Census Date

Fiscal Services

The last day to drop or withdraw from a course without a grade, choose the credit/no credit grading option, drop individual courses, and receive a partial refund. No refund will be given for dropping courses after this date.

The office where students pay their tuition and fees.

CFAC

Full-time Undergraduate Undergraduate student enrolled in at least 12 semester credit hours in spring/fall.

Colleges’ Freshman Advising Center, MS 2.02.18

Full-time Graduate Student

College

Graduate student enrolled in at least 9 semester credit hours in spring/fall.

UTSA is made up of 9 colleges: Colleges of Architecture, Business, Education & Human Development, Engineering, Honors, Liberal & Fine Arts, Public Policy, Sciences and University College, as well as a Graduate School. The UTSA catalog lists all majors by college.

Convo The Convocation Center; UTSA’s main sports venue and the location for all graduation ceremonies.

continued on next page

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

GLOSSARY

Common words and abbreviations you should know.

Grade points

JPL

The number of points earned for each letter grade earned.

UTSA uses this system: A = 4 B = 3 C = 2 D = 1 F = 0

John Peace Library, UTSA’s primary library, located on Main Campus.

Grade point average/GPA

Classes that are at the 1000 or 2000 level.

Lower-division

The average of all of your grade points. Developmental and remedial courses do not count toward GPA.

Main Building

Calculating GPA

An academic building that houses some administrative offices.

Total Grade Points ÷ Total Number of Semester Credit Hours = Semester GPA

Pre-reqs

Example: A in PSY 1013 = 4 (grade point) x 3 (semester credit) = 12 B in MTC 1023 = 3 (grade point) x 3 (semester credit) = 9 C in WRC 1013 = 2 (grade point) x 3 (semester credit) = 6 D in Art 1143 = 1 (grade point) x 3 (semester credit) = 3 F in BIO 1113 = 0 (grade point) x 3 (semester credit) = 0 -------------------------------------------------------------------------TOTAL = 15 (semester credit) = 30 (total grade points) (Total Grade Points) 30 ÷ (Total Number of Semester Credit Hours) 15 = (Semester GPA) 2.0

Hold A restriction placed on your record by various offices that prevents you from changing or registering for classes.

Honors College This college provides students with more advanced educational opportunities.

Incomplete Instead of a grade at the end of the semester, a professor may give a student an “Incomplete” until the student has completed the missing assignment(s) or other work.

International Student Advisor The Office of International Programs staff member who advises you on visa requirements, maintaining status and optional practical training.

An abbreviated term for prerequisites, which are stated for all courses in the catalog and list the background expected of all students in the course. Prerequisites must be taken before a desired course may be taken.

Registrar Office that maintains students’ academic records (i.e. official and unofficial transcripts).

Schedule of Classes An online tool that contains class listings and important semester academic information.

Semester The sections of the academic year, including Fall, Spring, Summer and mini-mester.

Semester Credit-Hour The number of hours a course is worth. This is determined by how many times it meets in a semester.

Hours a class meets per week

Credit Hours

1 hour

1 credit-hour

2 hours

2 credit-hours

3 hours

3 credit-hours

4 hours

4 credit-hours

5 hours

5 credit-hours continued on next page

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

GLOSSARY

Common words and abbreviations you should know.

Student Classifications Levels determined by credit-hours earned.

Student Classification

Credit Hours

Freshman

0-29

Sophomore

30-59

Junior

60-89

Senior

90 and up

Graduate

Master’s and Doctoral

Syllabus The class agenda and instructor policies regarding grading and testing.

Sombrilla The covered patio area attached to the John Peace Library. Sombrilla means umbrella in Spanish. It is also the alumni magazine of UTSA.

TRC TomĂĄs Rivera Center for Student Success; advising center for undecided students and houses tutoring, and other retention programs.

UC University Center

Upper-division Classes that are at the 3000 or 4000 level.

UTSACard Your official university identification card.

Withdraw Dropping all courses and leaving the university. To officially withdraw, a student must first speak with an academic advisor, an international student services advisor and withdraw at the Enrollment Services Center.