Iso schedule spring 1, 2014 graduate

Spring 1, 2014 Graduate International Student Welcome Guide

Welcome Global Gorloks!

Graduate International Student Orientation

Early Move In January 2, 2014 Make your plans to settle in and fight jet lag!

Please note: early move in must be approved by the Housing and Residential Life office based on availability and advanced request.

Please contact Kelly Malone at maloneke@webster.edu with your arrival date and time to request early move in.

English as a Second Language Placement Testing January 2, 2014 Please refer to your admission letter to determine if language placement testing is required for you.  Sign up and confirm the testing location by emailing Carolyn Trachtova at: ctrachtova77@webster.edu.  Check in at 8:45 am to pay the $40 testing fee (cash or check made out to Webster University)  TOEFL: 9:00 am - 11:45 am  WRITTEN EXAM: 11:50 am - 1:00 pm (70 minutes for reading and writing an essay)  ORAL EXAM: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm (15 - 20 minutes)  Please bring #2 pencils and a picture ID. You can use a dictionary for the written portion.

Sponsored by Multicultural Center & International Student Affairs Welcome to Webster University!

Our international student orientation program is designed to answer many questions you may have and to give you information that will help you be successful in meeting your academic and personal goals.

Attendance is expected at all scheduled sessions, and we hope you will work out any conflicts with other activities. While social events are optional, you are encouraged to come to them.

While most sessions are designed for students only, spouses and families are welcome to attend.

Webster University welcomes international students from all over the world to our home campus in Webster Groves, Missouri. We are glad to help welcome you to your new home away from home.

Sincerely,

Bethany Bethany Keller, Assistant Director Multicultural Center and International Student Affairs

Graduate International Student Orientation Friday, January 3, 2014 Schedule of Events Location: Sunnen Lounge, University Center 175 Edgar Road, St. Louis, MO 63119 Parking: Garden Park Plaza 536 Garden Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63119 8:30 am Orientation Check-In and Welcome Our program begins with breakfast, introduction to your classmates and orientation leaders, and welcome activities to start your day!

9:00 am Adjusting to a New Culture Learn more about the ups and downs of adjusting to life in a new culture. Bethany Keller, Niki Parres and Carlos Sanchez, staff of the MCISA, will guide you through activities and discussion of making Webster your new home away from home.

9:45 am Personal Support Resources Gladys Smith, Assistant Director of Counseling and Life Development will discuss services available for personal support and counseling, as well as provide information on personal wellness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle during your studies.

10:15 am Immigration Rules and Regulations This important session is required for all F-1 and J-1 visa holders.

Other international students may opt for a break.

Wence P’Oryem, Associate Director from International Recruitment and Services provides information on office procedures for advising requests and applying for benefits, and learn the essential requirements for maintaining your F-1 or J-1 visa status. Bethany Keller, Assistant Director MCISA will discuss tax filing requirements for those students on F-1 and J-1 visas.

11:45 am Lunch Break Join us for an informal lunch or take a break.

Lunch is provided for all new students and guests.

1:00 pm

Health Insurance Requirements & Student Health Services Meet the staff of Student Health Services to learn about the University health insurance requirements for international students, Webster’s insurance plan, and how you enroll in insurance or receive a waiver for other approved coverage.

1:15 pm Academic Orientation Meet your key academic support resources at Webster University:  Suzy Schmieder & Chrissy Boyce International Academic Advisor Academic Advising Center  Dr. Roshaunda Cade, Writing Center Coordinator, Academic Resource Center  Carolyn Trachtova ESL Faculty, International Languages and Cultures Department Learn more about the US academic culture, classroom etiquette, student-teacher interaction, methods of assessment and grading, and discussion requirements. Learn to familiarize yourself with your Degree Audit, online registration requirements, ESL courses available to support your English language proficiency, and free tutoring and writing assistance from the Academic Resource Center and Writing Center.

2:45 pm

Meet the MCISA! Programs and Services for Your Success MCISA staff introduce you to the programs, resources and activities available to international students at Webster. Meet the Director Colette Cummings, Department Associate Rene Murph as well as Justin Barton, Retention Initiatives Program Coordinator and other representatives of international clubs and organizations you are invited to join.

3:45 pm Walking Tour of Campus Our campus tour includes academic buildings, recreation facilities, bookstore, support service offices and more.

4:45 pm Webster Wrap Up MCISA Staff and Orientation Leaders answer any last questions you have about the University!

Before You Depart From Home 

Review Visa & Immigration information to prepare for your visa interview.

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Register for classes. Academic Advising appointments are available by email, phone, or in person. Email Suzy Schmieder at susanschmieder37@webster.edu or call 314968-6972 to schedule an appointment.

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If required, sign up for On Campus ESL Placement Testing. Email Carolyn Trachtova at ctrachtova77@webster.edu.

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Activate your Connections account. All official communication from the University will be sent to your Webster e-mail account.

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Apply EARLY for on campus housing.

On campus housing is required for international students. (Graduate students over 26 years old, married students or students with dependent children may live off campus.)

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Submit your Health Packet (health insurance enrollment form, physical exam, and immunization records) to Health Services.

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Submit your Airport Pickup Request (as far in advance as possible) including your flight number, airline, date and time of arrival, and connecting cities. There is no fee for this service.

If you do not need airport pickup service, make transportation arrangements. Lambert St. Louis International Airport is approximately 15 miles from campus.

Make payment arrangements. Tuition and fees are due two weeks before classes begin.

For payment options visit www.webster.edu/ bursar

After Your Arrival  Immigration Check-In (Required)

January 6, 2014 from 12:00—2:00 pm Webster Groves Room, 135 Webster Hall 470 E. Lockwood Avenue, 63119 Bring your original documents with you:  Your passport  Your I-20 or DS-2019 form and all forms from prior institutions  Your I-94 (print a copy at www.cbp.gov)  Your new (local) address and phone number  Emergency contact information  Purchase your textbooks from the University

bookstore. Bring your student schedule with you to reference your course prefix, number and section.

 Obtain your student ID card. Visit the

Public Safety with a copy of your Student Schedule and a photo ID (for example, your passport, etc.) to get your Webster University student ID card made.

 Obtain your Metro Pass. Visit the Bursar’s

office with your student ID card to request your free Metro Pass to use public transportation.

 Purchase a parking tag at the Public Safety

office 568 Garden Avenue (Garden Park Plaza).

 Sign up for Shopping Trips. Use our online

form at http://tinyurl.com/shoppingtrip14 to request transportation assistance for shopping trips. Trips are scheduled to serve groups of students who are available at mutually convenient times.

 Join Student Clubs and Organizations. Log-

in to https://involved.webster.edu using your Connections user name and password.  Apply for a Missouri State ID or Driver’s

License. Wait at least 10 days after you arrive in the US, request a letter of reference from the Welcome Center (3-5 days to process), prepare the required documents, and go to the Department of Motor Vehicles office off-campus.

Get Connected

International Festival (I-Fest) When: Friday, April 11th Time: To Be Announced Where: Grant Gymnasium The annual Webster University International Festival, or I Fest, is held each year in April.

The annual exposition features food, music, dance, and displays, representing many different countries and cultures. The Multicultural Center and International Student Affairs presents I Fest each year to celebrate and showcase the international diversity of Webster University.

We can’t host I-Fest without you! We need you to help make this event a truly fun, educational, and interactive event for all. We are looking for students who want to share their culture and/or help with the event. Sign up if you would like to share your culture. http://tinyurl.com/ifest2014

Stay Connected!

Multicultural Center and International Student Affairs 536 Garden Avenue St. Louis, MO 63119 314-246-7658 Check out our website, like us on Facebook, or come by and hang out in our lounge!

Website: http://blogs.webster.edu/ mcisa/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ webstermcisa Email: multi@webster.edu

Meet our Graduate Assistant

Carlos Sanchez Carlos is from Comitan, a city located in southern Mexico, in the state of Chiapas. He finished his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and also has a Masters in Business Administration from Lindenwood University in Belleville, IL. Carlos joined the MCISA in December 2012 and will be working towards a degree in Finance in the George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology.

Outside of Webster, Carlos has interests in missionary work, photography, tennis, and music from all around the world.

A major aspect of Carlos’ job is the planning and coordination of international student orientation for new students. He provides a supportive welcome for all new international students, with services such as airport pick-up and trips to local resources, agencies, and cultural institutions.

As an international student in the United States for many years, Carlos has the experience to provide advice to many situations that international students might face. Come by to see him, he is friendly, welcoming, and always happy to help.