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WELCOME! International/Exchange Student Orientation

WELCOME! International/Exchange Student Orientation. International Students & Scholars Office Tess Casler, Director Study Abroad Exchange Program Barbara Brown, Associate Director. AGENDA . Administrative ISSO Fun Facts Your ‘Status’ and ‘Responsibilities’ Activity – World Interlink…

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WELCOME! International/Exchange Student Orientation

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  1. WELCOME!International/Exchange Student Orientation International Students & Scholars Office Tess Casler, Director Study Abroad Exchange Program Barbara Brown, Associate Director

  2. AGENDA • Administrative • ISSO Fun Facts • Your ‘Status’ and ‘Responsibilities’ • Activity – World Interlink… • Culture • How to succeed as an International Student • Local Laws & Clarkson Regulations • Employment & Social Security • Travel • Hodgepodge

  3. Who – Where – What? ISSO- Any U.S. government related ‘STATUS’ issues/questions or concerns Tess Casler (Director, ISSO) Career & International Study – Exchange student “HOME” Christine Bailey (Exchange Student Coordinator) Barbara Brown-Shor (Associate Director, Career Center and International Study) Jeff Taylor (Director, Career Center and International Study) Kathryn B. Johnson (Vice President, University Outreach and Student Affairs) Service Center - Central location for all student related services SAS - Student Administrative Services – ‘check- in’ each semester to take care of things such as your student account . OIT -Office of Information Technology – assistance with email – Blackboard – PeopleSoft – passwords. Overall : general service center # is H-E-L-P

  4. Who – Where – What? Career Center- Encourage you to USE us. All about getting JOBS! Student Success Center (SSS) – Tutoring – Study Skills – Accommodations for any kind of disability… Writing Center- Appointments to assist with writing Library- Various user workshops Advisors/Professors/Office Hours - drop in times for help. NOTE – will be listed outside doors and given during class Academic Integrity/Code of Ethics (more on this later) http://www.clarkson.edu/studentaffairs/regulations/iv.html Grading System – A=4.0 B+=3.5 C+=2.5 C=2.0 D=1.0 F=0.0 NOTE – D does not usually transfer to home/other institution(s)

  5. The ISSO – Fun Facts • YOUare part of over 300 international students representing 45 countries! All managed by the ISSO. • For this term we were expecting 61 new international students 21– Graduate Students (actual 14) 2 – Undergraduate Students (actual 0) 38 – Exchange Students 7 – Graduate Exchange 1 – Graduate Research Exchange 30 – Undergraduate Exchange

  6. New Students by Country – 18 Countries Represented (expected)

  7. Countries Represented – Fall 201145 Countries Represented

  8. Your ‘Status’ & ‘Responsibilities’ Down to some business!

  9. Immigrations Terms & Documents • SEVIS • STATUS • PASSPORT • VISA • FORM I-94 • FORM I-20/DS-2019 – Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Status

  10. SEVIS • SEVIS = Student & Exchange Visitor Information System • This is a US Government database which contains data on : • F-1 & M-1 Students • F-2 & M-2 Dependants • J-1 Exchange Visitors • J-2 Dependents

  11. The Purpose for SEVIS • To collect, maintain & track information about international students and exchange visitors • Assists with compliance of US Immigrations Regulations • NOTE: SEVIS is just one of many government information systems that feeds data through the Government’s Intranet

  12. What information is stored in SEVIS? • All the information on your I-20/DS-2019 • Your physical U.S. address • Your physical address in your home country • Your passport information • Your visa information • Your arrivals & departures • Your work authorizations • Your ‘status’ here at Clarkson University

  13. Your ‘Status’ • The non-immigrant category to which you were admitted to the U.S. • Determines the conditions under which you are able to enter and remain in the U.S. • Managed by the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) • Is noted on your I-94 card and on your Certificate of Eligibility (I20/DS-2019) by the U.S. border official

  14. PASSPORT • This is a document issued by your home government • Is valid for a specific period of time • Permit you to travel to a foreign country • Must be renewed prior to expiration – you will contact your embassy within the United States • Must be valid for 6 months into the future when travelling

  15. VISA – ‘Ticket into the U.S.’ • A document obtained at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside the United States • Issued by the U.S. Department of State • Is stamped within your passport • Makes you eligible to apply for entry into the U.S. in a particular ‘status’ • Determines how many times you may enter the U.S. with that visa • DOES NOTdetermine how long you may stay in the U.S. in a particular ‘status’

  16. U.S. VISA – Cont’d • You must have a valid visa each time you enter the United States • Exception: (known as ‘Automatic Visa Revalidation’) • You reside in the U.S. • You traveled to contiguous territories • Your visit was less than 30 days • Canada • Mexico • Caribbean Islands • Note: Citizens of the following countries are not eligible for ‘Automatic Visa Revalidation’ • Cuba Iran North Korea • Sudan Syria

  17. I-94 Arrival/Departure Card • Documents arrivals and departures to the U.S. • Small white card stapled inside your passport • Contains your Admission number and visa type • Indicates your date of arrival and the duration you are allowed to stay • NOTE: ‘D/S’ = Duration of Status – means you are allowed to stay through the duration of your program in student ‘status’ – the ‘end date’ on your I20/DS-2019 • When you leave the U.S. you will surrender the card to the airline or border official – this ensures your timely departure is recorded • Exception: Short trips to contiguous territories

  18. I-20 Certificate of Eligibility Basic Bio Info SEVIS ID Your Program Info Your program dates – VERY IMPORTANT Estimated Expenses & Source of Support NOTE – you have a 60day grace period from this date (F1)

  19. F-1 Student I-20 • ‘Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) student status’ • Issued by a school or university to admitted international students • Allows a student to apply for a F-1 student visa at an embassy or consulate • Indicates the length of your program and dates of your program • Indicates estimated expenses and sources of support

  20. DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility Basic biographical information Your SEVIS ID Length of your exchange program The purpose of your exchange NOTE – you have a 30day grace period from this date! (J1)

  21. J-1 Student DS-2019 • ‘Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (J-1) student status’ • Issued by a school or university to admitted international exchange students • Allows a student to apply for a J-1 student visa at an embassy or consulate • Indicates the length and dates of your exchange program of your program • Indicates estimated expenses and sources of support

  22. Tips to remember on your I-20/DS-2019 • This document DOESindicate how long you may stay in the US in a particular ‘status’ • Periodically review your program, funding and end date on your I-20/DS-2019 • If anything changes – you need an updated document • Extensions MUSTbe authorized – • Note: Authorization to extend your stay must be a compelling medical or academic reason

  23. I-20/DS-2019 – Signature Endorsement • Page 3 (or page 1-DS-2019) of your I-20 must be endorsed once a year by a Designated School Official –no one else! • Only designated officials are allowed to sign immigration documents • Your first contact will always be my office –

  24. What does the signature say? • The signature verifies to the USCIS that you are a full-time student at Clarkson University maintaining valid student ‘status’ • You may be stopped from re-entering the U.S. without a current signature • Be sure to review page 3 to ensure that you have a current signature beforeyou leave the U.S. • NOTE: Please be mindful of your travel plans and be sure to allow time to have your documents signed – verification letters produced – or I-20’s updated.

  25. Maintaining F-1/J-1Student Status • Make sure you have a valid passport andI-20/DS-2019 (Do not let them expire) • Carry your documents with you at all times – this means all issued I-20’s • Note – copies can be carried when moving around town – however – original documents should always be carried when traveling domestically or internationally

  26. Maintaining F-1/J-1 Student Status… • Reportto the International Office each semester indicating that you are here and enrolled at Clarkson University (this is completed through normal ‘check-in’ procedures with Student Administrative Services) • Pursuea “full course of study” everyacademic semester except during official school breaks or unless approved in advanced by the ISSO • Undergraduates: 12credits per semester • Graduates: 9credits per semester (or 1 credit hour once all degree requirements are met) • Neverdrop below full course of study without proper authorization from ISSO • Repeat – you cannot drop below full-time without authorization…failure to receive authorization results in ‘termination’ of your student status

  27. Maintaining F-1/J-1 Student Status… • Make ‘normal progress’ towards completing a course of study by completing studies before the expiration of the program completion date on your I-20/DS-2019 • Keep and maintain a valid I-20/DS-2019 by • Following procedures to apply for extension of stay • Following procedures for changes in educational levels or programs of study • Following procedures for transfer of schools • Abide by grace period rules (Duration of Status) • F1 ‘Status’ – you have a 60day grace period from program end date on your I-20 • J1 ‘Status’ – you have a 30day grace period from the program end date on your DS-2019

  28. Maintaining F-1/J-1 Student Status… • Reportchanges of address to the ISSO within 10 days of the change (requires SEVIS update) • This includes dorm room changes • Abide by rules requiring disclosure of information andprohibition on criminal activity • Realize the consequences to actions related to unlawful activities i.e. – DWI or Arrests • Not work on or off campus unless specifically authorized under the regulations (8 C.F.R. 214.2(f)(9-12) • Those in F1 ‘status’ are permitted to work on campus without further authorization – however – you must receive authorization for any off-campus work • Those in J1 ‘status’ must receive authorization prior to working on or off campus

  29. Important Reminders • The name as it appears on your passport is the name you should use for all official documentation • Do not make false statements at the border or to a consular officer • Be informedabout immigration regulations as they apply to you

  30. World Interlink

  31. World Interlink Activity Guidelines – • You have 5 minutes to complete and answer as many questions as you can • When you don’t know – ASK someone else. THAT’s the point! Shhhh – you can SHAREyour answers!!!! • READY…SET…GO!

  32. Culture

  33. What’s up with Culture? • Prescription against Culture Shock: www.pacific.edu/culture • Fatigue and shock. Understand symptoms AND differences. • Normal to feel out of your comfort zone. Duh. • Recognize(s) reactions are emotional; NOT logical! (Even spelling English is different here than spelling English at home!) • More information about the US you know, the better you understand differences. • Look for logical reasons behind US cultural patterns to discover why actions “fit” or don’t “fit” expectations. Think “Flexible”.

  34. What’s up with Culture? Prescription against Culture Shock: www.pacific.edu/culture 6. Relax your grip on your own culture; TRY to adapt to new rules and roles. 7. Resist temptation to disparage (put down) what you don’t like or understand. 8. Cultivate a support network among US staff/teachers, fellow students and other community members 9. Understand cultural clash is most likely very temporary. 10. Allow yourself quiet time and space. …And give yourself a psychological break!

  35. www.pacific.edu/culture Culture; 5 Phases! Surprise-Honeymoon phase Stress Irritation Fatigue Shock-Deceptively gradual Short duration

  36. What’s up with Culture? The Four Levels of Cultural Awareness Unconscious incompetence I sit respectfully in class, take notes and raise my hand to talk but no one pays attention that I want to speak. Conscious incompetence I sit respectfully in class, take notes, but know I have to take initiative, and look for an opening in the discussion to ask a question. 3. Conscious competence I muster my courage, and look for an opening in class discussion to ask a question but get annoyed that I’m not just politely asked what I think. Unconscious competence I jump right in to this lively discussion with my opinions and don’t even realize I can’t wait to continue this later in our group!

  37. What’s up with Culture? • Study in another country, while in the relative safety of a collegiate system, forces growth in self- reliance and independence. • Seriously! • Why are you here? • Edge on the career competition? • Look at the skills you are honing!

  38. AGAIN-to stay the entire semester! • Repeat – you cannot drop below full-time without authorization…failure to receive authorization results in ‘termination’ of your student status • Undergraduates: 12credits per semester • Graduates: 9credits per semester • (or 1 credit hour once all degree requirements are met) • Never drop below full course of study without talking to • Barb - exchange students) • AND • Tess - both exchange and degree seeking students

  39. Things to know about American Culture… Following are some very generic observations to help you understand some characteristics of the American Culture. Please remember that not everyone in this culture will display the following characteristics

  40. American Culture Continued… • Body Space and Personal Contact – in general American’s prefer an open space between them and the person they are speaking with. Body contact is typically limited to a simple handshake • Food – options vary widely on the types of food available since the US is a society with many ethnic and cultural options • Work –Working and being productive are held in high regard to an American

  41. American Culture Continued… • Time Orientation – Americans are very time conscious and being on time is regarded as very important. Some time tips: • One should arrive at the exact time for specified meals or scheduled meetings with Professors, Doctors and other Professionals • You can arrive anytime during the hours for parties or receptions • Plan to be a few minutes early for concerts, sporting events and church services

  42. How to Succeed @ an American University

  43. Succeeding as an International Student SPEAK UP! • Understand your learning environment and the importance of classroom interaction – your opinions and perspectives count and in some cases may be a portion of your grade

  44. Communication & Writing • Be sure to ask if you do not understand something – this is expected and valued by faculty members • Writing should be direct and clearly convey the same message to all audiences • Clarkson offers a number of resources to improve on the above skills – i.e. The Writing Center and ESL courses

  45. English as a Second Language • All students whose first language is not English will be tested for ESL • Exception: incoming exchange students • You are tested for not only speaking ability but also for your writing and grammar skills • All Matriculated students – Tuesday, January 10 (169 B.H. Snell Hall) 9 – 11:30 • Please contact Judy Simon (jsimon@clarkson.edu) to schedule a make-up exam

  46. English as a Second Language Judy Simon, Director of ESL 164 Snell Hall – jsimon@clarkson.eduESL005 ESL Writing Placement Test, C-0 Credit CoursesESL250 ESL Academic Writing for Undergraduates I, R-3, C-3.ESL354 ESL Advanced Academic Writing for Undergraduates II, R-3, C-1.

  47. Local Laws & Clarkson Regulations www.clarkson.edu/studentaffairs/regulations/index.html

  48. Local Laws • Review and understand the local laws and information found in the Clarkson Regulations www.clarkson.edu/studentaffairs/regulations/village.html • Alcohol • Public Order • General and Fire Safety • Hazing and Sex Offenses Please be aware of the above laws and penalties to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time in Potsdam.

  49. Academic Conduct Ownership of knowledge – all written work, such as, books – articles – manuscripts – internet sources, must be cited to give credit to the original ‘owner’ of the words – ideas or – knowledge you use in your own work.

  50. Academic Misconduct • Academic misconduct can be quite serious. For example – failure to cite resources and give credit for ones work is considered ‘plagiarism’ and can carry consequences from course failure – suspension or expulsion. Some consequences can result in ‘termination of your immigration status’ • Make sure you understand the ‘academic rules’ at Clarkson. You can find the regulations online at www.clarkson.edu/studentaffairs/regulations/index.html

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