VCU International Student Orientation

International Student

Global Education Office

Orientation Fall 2013

Spring 2014

Summer 2014

Welcome The Global Education Office is pleased to welcome you to Virginia Commonwealth University.

We’re glad that you’ve decided to pursue your education here. Whether you’re here for a

semester or for the next four years, our office is here to help you succeed. We have a host of programs and services designed to help you thrive in the classroom, make friends on and off campus, learn about U.S. culture and accomplish your goals, whatever they may be.

International Student Orientation is your first step in getting settled at VCU. Please use this booklet throughout orientation to take notes and refer back to it later to find resources around campus that you need.

Table of contents

VCU Global Education Office

Global Education Office Programs

1

New International Student Checklist

2

University Support Resources

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817 West Franklin Street P.O. Box 843043 Richmond, Virginia 23284-3043 USA

International Student and Scholar Programs 4 Getting Started 5

Phone: (804) 828-8471 Fax: (804) 828-2552 Email: geo@vcu.edu Website: global.vcu.edu

Getting Connected

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Immigration Matters

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Global Education Office Programs Education Abroad• www.global.vcu.edu/abroad Room 144 • abroad@vcu.edu • 804-827-7882 VCU students from every academic discipline are encouraged to extend their educational horizons by pursuing a part of their studies through an international program. Students can choose from a variety of education abroad options including short-term faculty-led study abroad programs, a semester or year abroad at one of VCU’s International Partnership Universities, an exchange or direct enrollment abroad in one of 50 countries through the International Student Exchange Program, and direct enrollment in non-VCU short- or long-term accredited programs.

English Language Program • www.global.vcu.edu/elp Room 222 • geo-elp@vcu.edu • 804-828-2551 VCU’s English Language Program offers language classes taught by professionally trained language teachers with master’s degrees who are fluent in English. The ELP concentrates on academic English and study skills so that students can be successful in their academic and career pursuits.

International Student and Scholar Programs • www.global.vcu.edu Room 221 • issp@vcu.edu • 804-828-8471 International students and scholars enrich our learning environment with their unique experiences, perspectives, and knowledge. GEO provides a full range of services to our international students, scholars, and visitors including acadenic advising, immigration advising, student engagement advising, and special programs.

VCU Globe, A global education living-learning community • www.theglobe.vcu.edu 830 W. Grace St. • theglobe@vcu.edu • 804-828-5794 VCU Globe is the university’s living-learning program which prepares VCU students to live and work in a 21st-century global environment. Students in the program come from a variety of academic majors and participate in a specialized, globallyfocused curriculum. In addition to the academic component, students in the program live together in the West Grace Student Housing-North residence hall, and together, the group participates in community engagement initiatives and leadership building activities.

Notes:

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New International Student Checklist Now that you’ve arrived at VCU, are you wondering what you need to do next?

Below is a complete list of items you should complete before classes begin.

Get your VCU student ID card.

Students must be registered for classes at least 24 hours before requesting a VCU ID Card at the VCU Card Office located at 701 W. Broad Street in the Technology Administration Building. Don’t forget to take your passport with you!

Find your eID and create your password to log in to your VCU email and e-Services.

For assistance, attend the e-Services help session at International Student Orientation or visit www.ts.vcu.edu/kb/eID for instructions. All university correspondence will be sent to your VCU email address, so you should check it daily.

Purchase health insurance.

International students are required to have accident and sickness insurance during their stay in the U.S. The coverage must include medical evacuation and repatriation and have at least $250,000 in medical benefits.

Submit the certificate of immunization and complete the PPD skin test (tuberculosis skin test).

This can be done at University Student Health Services located at 1300 W. Broad St.

Complete the online Math Placement Test (undergraduates only).

All entering first-year students are required to complete the math placement test prior to attending New Student Orientation. You may access it online at www.pubapps.vcu.edu/mathplacement/infotest.

Register for courses through www.eservices.vcu.edu.

Undergraduates should attend New Student Orientation and meet with their undergraduate academic adviser before registering for courses. Graduate students should contact their departmental adviser. New undergraduate international students are required to register for UNIV 101: Introduction to the University for International Students. This one-credit class introduces students to the University and provides information that will support academic success. For general questions about course registration or advising, contact Dr. Amber Hill at abennett@vcu.edu or 804-828-0178.

Notes:

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University Support Resources VCU has lots of resources available to help you succeed in the classroom, make friends around campus, and ease your transition to the U.S. Here are some useful university resources.

Campus Learning Center Offers one-on-one peer tutoring in all subjects and supplemental instruction (peer-assisted study sessions) for selected courses. Call (804) 827-8108 or stop by the front desk on the first floor of Hibbs Hall to make an appointment. www.uc.vcu.edu/learning-support/campus-learning-center Campus Writing Center  Offers thinking, learning, and writing support to all students in 30-minute consultations.

Call (804) 827-8108 or stop by the front desk on the first floor of Hibbs Hall to make an appointment. www.uc.vcu.edu/learningsupport/writing-center.

Office of Multicultural Student Affairs Supports all university students in activities that enrich culture and diversity. Office is in the University Student Commons on the second floor. www.omsa.vcu.edu Undergraduate Academic Advising Assigns first year students an academic adviser by major. Offices are located on the first floor of Hibbs Hall. www.vcu.edu/uc/advising

Writing Center Services for International Students English Language Resources The Writing Center offers one-hour consultations for non-native speakers to focus on English language. In addition to writing, students can work on listening, speaking, and reading skills with a consultant specially trained to work with English Language Learners. Students are encouraged to meet the same consultant up to three times a week to build a relationship of language learning and support. Call (804) 827-8108 or stop by the front desk on the first floor of Hibbs Hall and ask for an “ELR appointment.”

Writing Center Workshops The WC offers a wide variety of workshops for undergraduate and graduate students. Each session, at least one language-based workshop is offered by ELR@ the Writing Center. All workshops are held in Hibbs Hall, room B-16. No advanced registration required. www.uc.vcu.edu/learning-support/writing-center/undergraduate-andgraduate-workshops

University Career Center Provides support to students and recent alumni in life-long career development. Office is located in the University Student Commons, room 143. www.students.vcu.edu/careers University Counseling Services Monroe Park Campus: University Student Commons, Room 238 l VCU Medical Center Campus: Grant House, B011 Offers counseling and mental health services to all VCU students. www.students.vcu.edu/counseling University Student Health Services Maintains a convenient on-campus clinic which provides quality outpatient medical care and public health services.

Services are free of charge for full-time VCU students. Office is located in the VCU Sports Medicine Building, 1300 W. Broad Street, Suite 2200. www.students.vcu.edu/health VCU Libraries (two locations) Monroe Park Campus: James Branch Cabell Library l VCU Medical Center Campus: Tompkins-McCaw Library Offers print and electronic media, research help, student study space, and much more. You can receive one-on-one assistance by contacting Research Librarian, Liz Johns at 828-3952 or emjohns@vcu.edu.

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International Student and Scholar Programs Amber Bennett Hill, Ph.D. abennett@vcu.edu Director of International Student and Scholar Programs Paul Babitts, Ph.D.  babittsp@vcu.edu Assistant Director of International Student and Scholar Programs Meghan Barger  msbarger@vcu.edu Immigration Adviser Pamela Haney  pohaney@vcu.edu Student Engagement Coordinator

The Global Education Office offers a full range of academic, immigration, and student support services in our offices located in the Franklin Street Gym, Room 221.

Academic Advising ISSP’s academic advising team helps with registration and enrollment; provides graduate school application and career counseling; provides comprehensive academic support for English-Language Learners; and offers specialized educational counseling to students and scholars finishing the English Language Program.

Immigration Advising Immigration advisers support all international students and scholars in maintaining their legal status in the U.S. Immigration advisors issue and process necessary documents and advise students and scholars on U.S. immigration regulations.

Elizabeth Hiett  eihiett@vcu.edu Special Programs Coordinator Hannah Hyun  hyunhj@vcu.edu Transition Coordinator Ingrid Mercer  iamercer@vcu.edu Immigration Advising Coordinator Wendy Nugent  whnugent@vcu.edu English Language Support Coordinator Amanda Velez  advelez@vcu.edu Sponsored Programs Coordinator Sarah Young  syoung8@vcu.edu Academic Advising Coordinator

Student Engagement Advising Student engagement advisers offer programs to fully engage international students and scholars in campus and local communities; help with practical concerns such as transportation, housing, shopping, banking, and health insurance; provide personal, legal, medical, and cultural support; and plan social events, group activities, and trips. Student engagement advisers also help students and scholars find local families with whom to enjoy activities, celebrations, and meals.

Special Programs The special programs team offers special short-term programs for international students, scholars, and visitors; coordinates international student transition workshops; supports international student organizations; and identifies community service opportunities for international students. Special programs staff also serve as the primary contact for international alumni.

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Getting Started First things first! Here are some important things you will need to know to get off to a successful start.

Health Insurance All international students are required to have health insurance while enrolled as a student at VCU. Medical care in the U.S. can be expensive and students need health insurance to help with these costs. Please make an appointment with Pam Haney at pohaney@vcu.edu to discuss health insurance options.

Housing On- and off-campus housing is available for international students. To discuss options for on-campus housing, contact Amanda Velez at advelez@vcu.edu; to find out about off-campus housing options, contact Pam Haney at pohaney@vcu.edu.

Helpful tips to keep in mind when deciding on housing: ^^ Use the Inventory Checklist to document the condition of your apartment. The checklist is located online at: www.usca.vcu.edu/docs/Inspection_Work_Sheet.pdf ^^ Buy renter’s insurance. ^^ Keep safety and location in mind.

The Off-Campus Student Services office can also provide information about off-campus housing options. They can be reached at (804) 828-7205 or offcampus@vcu.edu.

Be sure to attend the Off Campus Living Fair held in the University Student Commons at the beginning of each semester.

Immunization Requirements All full-time international students must submit their immunization record to University Student Health Services located in the VCU Sports Medicine Building, 1300 W. Broad Street, Suite 2200. If you did not bring your immunization record with you, your doctor must send you a copy or you must retake the required immunizations at USHS. If you have lived in the U.S. for less than 5 years and were born in a country that is not on the list of exceptions, you are required to complete a tuberculin skin test (PPD test) at USHS within the first 2 weeks of the semester. VCU does not accept PPD tests completed outside the U.S. Immunization clinic hours: Mondays and Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. l Tuesday and Thursdays: 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

No TB tests will be given on Thursdays or Fridays.

Motor Vehicles (DMV)

 You can get a Virginia driver’s license or state ID card at the Division of Motor Vehicles located at 2300 West Broad Street. www.dmv.virginia.gov

Items you must take with you to the DMV:

^^ Passport/I-94 card/I-20 or DS-2019 (required) ^^ Certified VCU transcript that can be obtained at Records & Registration Office, Harris Hall, 1st floor (required)

^^ Apartment lease, utility bill, or recent bank statement (optional) ^^ Social security card, if you have one (optional)

Safety Use the VCU smartphone app to keep emergency phone numbers handy or enter them into your contacts. VCU Police Emergency: 828-1234 l VCU Police Non-Emergency: 828-1196 Tips to help you stay safe on campus: • Sign up to receive VCU text message alerts: www.vcu.edu/alert • Register your computer and bike with the VCU Police: www.police.vcu.edu

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• • • •

Use the VCU police website to familiarize yourself with local laws (ex: alcohol & drugs, traffic/parking, biking).

Use ERTS phones in emergencies.

Never leave items unattended.

Beware of scams.

Student Accounting You will need to make sure your student bill has been paid.

For information about paying your student bill, visit: www.enrollment.vcu.edu/accounting Payment methods accepted: • Check, cash, or money order at cashier’s office (Harris Hall) • Credit card via eServices: MasterCard, Discover and American Express. VISA is not accepted.

A 2.75% convenience fee will be applied to your payment.

• Electronic wire transfer (bank transfer) If balances are overdue, a hold will be placed on your account and you will not be: • allowed to register for future classes • allowed to receive your diploma • issued official transcripts of grades • able to obtain a travel signature from GEO on your I-20.

Transportation RamRide is the university bus that connects the Monroe Park and MCV campuses. Use the VCU smartphone app to track RamRide’s location or visit www.vcu.transloc.com.

RamSafe is a door-to-door transportation service students may use from 5pm to 8am. To request a ride, • Call 828-SAFE (7233) • Visit www.ramsafe.vcu.edu • or use the VCU smartphone app Public transportation • Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC City Bus): www.ridegrtc.com VCU students may receive a free GRTC city bus pass at Parking and Transportation Services (1108A W. Broad Street) • Amtrak Trains: www.amtrak.com • Greyhound Bus: www.greyhound.com

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Getting Connected VCU has lots of programs designed to help you make friends and learn about your new home in the U.S. Here are some ways that you can get involved.

Conversation partners Meet one hour per week with an American volunteer to practice English speaking skills.

Friendship Family and Cultural Exchange Program GEO matches VCU international students with an American family for the school year. Students and families meet once per month for various activities and events. Sign up for this program at: www.global.vcu.edu/pdf/student_request.pdf GEO Peer Educators Work on language, academic, or cultural concerns with a VCU student one-on-one or in small groups.

Contact Sarah Young at syoung8@vcu.edu for more information.

Global Salons An opportunity for VCU international students to learn about exciting programs and events around campus, and become active members of the VCU and Richmond communities. The Global Salons will take place at least twice per semester on both the Monroe Park and MCV campuses.

International Student Transition Workshops These topic-based workshops are offered twice weekly. No advanced registration is necessary. Follow us on Facebook to find out dates and workshop topics.

Monthly trips and activities GEO regularly schedules trips and activities that allow you to see the region, learn about U.S. culture and meet other students. Some examples include trips to Washington, D.C., New York City, and the Atlantic Ocean. Follow us on Facebook and check your email regularly for event announcements.

Other ways to get involved Student Organizations: VCU offers more than 500 student organizations in which you can be involved. www.vcu.collegiatelink.net/organizations VCU Outdoor Adventure Program: OAP provides low-cost outdoor activity-based trips, including rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, canoeing, caving, hiking, and skiing. www.recsports.vcu.edu/outdoor_adventure.html VCU Intermural and Sport Clubs: VCU offer opportunities to learn a new sport, improve existing sport skills, and/or compete at various levels. www.recsports.vcu.edu/intramurals.html

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Immigration Matters Maintaining your U.S. immigration status is critical to your success as an international student. You must comply with all relevant U.S. regulations, and immigration advisors are here to help you understand the law and to remain in status. Here are some general tips to follow: Get to know your ISSP advisers!

We welcome students to visit us on a walk-in basis and by appointment during normal business hours.

Activate your VCU email and check it daily.

ISSP will send important information and updates to you at your VCU email address.

Maintain full-time enrollment.

This equals a minimum of 12 credits each semester for undergraduate students and a minimum of 9 credits each semester for graduate students.

Be sure your immigration documents are valid at all times.

This includes your passport, I-94, and I-20 (F-1/F-2) or DS-2019 (J-1/J-2). Note the expiration date for these documents on your calendar. If any of your immigration documents are within 30 days of expiration (90 days of expiration for passport), contact us for assistance in obtaining updated documents.

Questions about immigration?

GEO’s immigration staff is here to help you understand immigration regulations and advise you regarding USCIS requirements, rules and procedures. Please remember that you are responsible for maintaining your student status while you are in the United States. Please call (804) 828-0595 if you have questions or would like to make an advising appointment.

Maintain proof of your legal status in U.S. at all times.

You need to balance this requirement against the risk of having your documents lost or stolen. Exercise your own judgment on a day-to-day basis when and when not to carry your documents. You should also make copies of your immigration documents and make sure they are in a safe place. Anytime you travel inside or outside the U.S., you should carry your immigration documents as proof of your legal status in the U.S. Update your U.S. residential address (i.e., the address where you live, where you sleep at night, not a P.O. Box) and other contact information (i.e. email, telephone number) within 10 days of any change by sending an email to issp@vcu.edu.

Obtain an ISSP “travel signature” on your I-20 or DS-2019 before departing for travel outside the U.S. To obtain a travel signature, contact ISSP at least 10 business days before your intended departure from the U.S. Notify ISSP of academic program changes.

If you are planning any program change, contact ISSP to discuss any immigration consequences long before finalizing your plans. This includes change of major, program (i.e. bachelor’s to master’s), program completion or graduation, program withdrawal, change of university, etc.

Be aware of employment rules.

F-1 students may work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week. J-1 students require prior permission from ISSP to work on campus. This includes research, teaching and graduate assistantships, and other on-campus employment.

F-1 and J-1 students may not work off-campus without advance written permission from ISSP.

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Global Education Office