INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION

1. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION Fall 2014 Presented by the Office of Global Education

2. MEI-CHI C. PILETZ • Executive Director • Contact • Telephone: 601.925.7635 • Email: mcpiletz@mc.edu • ELIOT SANFORD • DSO/International Student Advisor • Contact • Telephone: 601.925.7700 • Email: ebsanford@mc.edu • WEN WENG • Admission Specialist • Contact • Telephone: 601.925.7703 • Email: wweng@mc.edu

3. Immigration Regulations Presented by Eliot Sanford

4. MAINTAINING YOUR F1 STATUS 1. Passport 2. I-2o 3. Enrollment 4. On-campus work 5. Updating information 6. Payment 30 day waiting period

5. MAINTAINING YOUR F1 STATUS: PASSPORT • Keep your passport up to date and accurate • Apply for renewal at least 6 months before the expiration date • Keep copies of your passport, visa, I-94, and I-20 in your possession at all times

6. MAINTAINING YOUR F1 STATUS: I-20 • Contact our office to make any changes to your I-20 • Get a new signature on your I-20 before traveling outside the U.S. • When your I-20 expires you must leave the U.S.

7. MAINTAINING YOUR F1 STATUS: ENROLLMENT • You must be a full time student! • You must complete your course of study by the date listed on your I-20. Graduates: 9 hours/semesterUndergrads: 12 hrs/semester

8. MAINTAINING YOUR F1 STATUS: WORK • Students can work on campus. Students can NOT work off campus. • Students can work 20 hours or less each week • You must meet with our office before accepting any kind of employment

9. MAINTAINING YOUR F1 STATUS: INFORMATION • Let us know immediately when you change any general information: address, phone number, etc. • Our office will communicate with you through your mc email. It is YOUR responsibility to check this email! • Students must obey all federal and state laws.

10. MAINTAINING YOUR F1 STATUS: PAYMENT • Pay student bills at the business office in Nelson Hall • You need to pay two weeks after classes begin

11. E-COMMUNICATION • We will communicate with you through your mc email address • Check email DAILY • You will receive an MC email after you register for class • After you register for class, contact Computer Services at 601.925.3939 to help you set up your email • You may also come by the Office of Global Education, and we will help you set up your email

12. Health and Wellness Presented by Huan “Ken” Qiu

13. Two important issues: Do exercise -Build your health -prevent you from sickness Have a health insurance -reduce the cost to pay for health service

14. HEALTH & WELLNESS Baptist HealthPlex Gym • $115 August – December (1 semester) • Hours: Monday – Thursday 5:00 AM-10:00 PM Friday 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

15. HEALTH & WELLNESS • REMEMBER: Go to the Healthplex during its open hours if you feel sick. You don’t need to go to an Emergency Room unless it’s a life threatening situation! = =

16. HEALTH & WELLNESS • Baptist HealthPlex MedicalFacility • 601-924-9005 • Visit is FREE • Nominal charge for x-rays, blood work, etc • Hours: M-F 8:00 - 11:15 a.m. T/Th 1:00 - 4:15 p.m.

17. INSURANCE • ALL international students are required to have a health insurance through Mississippi College • Having insurance reduces the amount of money you will pay for health services • Insurance cards are scheduled to be at the Office of Global Education in the next two weeks! After getting your insurance card, please register online at hthstudents.com • Flat rate regardless of your age

18. Features of our current insurance • Reimburses you 50% for prescription medication • $100 copayment for regular health facility while half will be waived for registered student center • 80% of reasonable expenses after up to $2,000 • 100% of reasonable expenses up to additional $190,000

19. Driver’s Licenses • Qualifications: • Age • Update of SEVIS Record-30 days after your program start date • Website: http://www.dps.state.ms.us/driver-services/

20. Driver’s License Procedure • Purchase a driver’s license manual and review it • Buy a physical copy at $2 • Download online at http://www.dps.state.ms.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Driver-License-Manual-Jan-2012.pdf • Take the written test (including eye test) to obtain a learner’s permit • Practice your driving skills • Take the driving test • Get the official driver’s license if you pass the driving test

21. Documents Needed • Translation of Birth Certificate (Required translation certified by government and OGE) • Address Certificate (Bank statement or any mail that has your name and mailing address) • I-20, Passport, Visa, I-94

22. Social Security Number (SSN) What is SSN? • Basically, for tax purposes • Commonly used in U.S. as identification • Not necessary to have it in order to get a cell-phone, sign a contract, open an Entergy or internet account, or get a driver’s license You must have an on-campus job in order to apply for a SSN. You cannot apply for one otherwise.

23. Resources/Ways to Get Involved Presented by Ran An

24. International Mentor Program • What is the Mentoring Program? • Who takes part in the program? • What do Mentors do? • How do I join? Contact MC International Mentor Program at an@mc.edu 601-925-7701

25. International Host Program • Sponsored by the OGE. • Geared by the local community to help MC’s diverse international population experience the richness of American culture • The program pairs international students with American host families. • In 2012, OGE paired 34 international students from China, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Nepal with 19 American host families.

26. Ways to Get Involved • On-Campus Organizations: SGA, CAB, Tribes/Clubs • Global Café – February 7, March 7, & April 4 • International Festival – April 5

27. Important Things to Know! Beautiful Campus, Fantastic Lifestyle!

28. Absolutely No Candles in the Dorms!

29. No Smoking in your ROOM or on Campus!

30. No Alcohol or Alcohol Products

31. Traffic SAFETY!

32. Contact information is located in your orientation manual! Or online at www.mc.edu/international/contact/ CONTACT US! Follow us on Facebook! Mississippi College Office of Global Education