Slide1: Spring 2008 International Student Orientation


Slide2: Slutzker Center (SCIS) Slutzker Center Support Hours of Operation Mon-Fri: 8:30 am-5:00 pm (Fall-Spring semester) Mon-Fri: 8:00 am-4:30 pm (Summer) Scheduled Appointments Tues-Thurs 8:30 am -4:30 pm Advisor On-Call (AOC) Walk-in advisement for urgent issues: Regular business hours Weekly Seminars Travel, Practical Training, & On-Campus Employment Slutzker Center Newsletter (SCISNEWS) Immigration updates & event announcements Email: lescis@syr.edu * Phone: 315-443-2457 * Web: http://international.syr.edu


Slide3: International Student Population Slutzker Center 2006 Fall Annual Report


Slide4: Immigration


Slide5: I-20 (F-1 Status) Item 5: Program & Completion Date SEVIS # Page 3: Travel Signature Entry Stamp Can only be extended & transferred prior to expiration date


Slide6: Item 3: Program Completion Date SEVIS # Travel Signature Can only be extended & transferred prior to expiration date DS-2019 (J-1 Status) Entry Stamp


Slide7: Non-Immigrant Status Length of Stay Date of Entry I-94 Card Arrival-Departure Record Simpson Lisa 08/11/1979 Australia


Slide8: Passport Your passport must remain valid at all times while in the U.S.


Slide9: F-1 or J-1 Visa May expire while in the U.S. as long as you are maintaining status and pursuing the same objective Must be valid to re-enter the U.S. if traveling outside of Canada, Mexico, and the adjacent Islands (and not eligible for automatic visa revalidation) Visa Type Expiration


Slide10: YOUR Key Responsibilities Maintain legal status Engage in full-time academic course load Certificate of Full-Time Status (Graduate Students) Last Semester Memo (Graduate & Undergraduate) Make continuous progress towards your degree Be aware of expiration dates of your immigration documents and renew in a timely manner when necessary Seek advice and prior permission


Slide11: Seek prior permission if you want to: Enroll for less than Full-Time Drop courses after late registration Take courses at another institution or online Apply for employment Take an academic leave of absence Take a medical leave of absence Withdraw from the University Transfer to another institution Your Key Responsibilities (cont.)


Slide12: Update Your Data Personal Information: Address (local & permanent) and name within 10 days of the change SU F-1: Change in MySlice SU J-1: Change in MySlice and submit online form ESF: Online form Program of Study (new major, add a 2nd major) Program Level (Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate) Financial/ Funding Information (scholarship, assistantship) Completion of Studies Date (extend or shorten program Your Key Responsibilities (cont.)


Slide13: Individuals in F-1 or J-1 status, must apply for an extension of program prior to the program completion date (Item #5 of I-20 or Item #3 of DS-2019). [Submit the Extension Form & documentation at least 2 weeks prior to expiration.] An extension will be authorized if there is a legitimate reason: -- Academic reason -- Medical reason Delay of coursework to participate in a practical or academic training work experience not required for your degree is not valid grounds for an extension. Extending Program of Study


Slide14: If you will complete your program of study prior to the completion date indicated on your I-20 or DS-2019, you must alert the Slutzker Center of this change. Submit the Special Permission Form online Submit a letter from your academic department indicating your anticipated completion date A updated I-20 or DS-2019 will be issued with your new program completion date. Shortening Program of Study


Slide15: Website


Slide16: If you do not comply with all of the immigration regulations, then you lose all of the benefits of your status Resolution will depend on your specific situation Consult with an International Student Advisor at the Slutzker Center immediately if you think you may have violated your status Violations of Status


Slide17: Individuals on J-1 visas cannot change their primary objectives, category, or program of study. Two year home residency requirement Applicable for you and your J-2 dependents if: -- you are sponsored by home or U.S. government -- your country and field of expertise is on the Exchange Visitor Skills List If you are subject to the 2 year requirement you are not eligible to change your status to H, L, K, or permanent resident unless: -- you have fulfilled it; or -- you have had the requirement waived Limitations of J-1 Status


Slide18: Dependents Information about bringing dependents is available online. Dependent Status: Their legal status is linked to your status Their expiration date is linked to your expiration date They may remain in the U.S. while you travel and vice versa as long as primary’s absence is less than 5 months and everyone is maintaining status F-2’s cannot enroll in full-time course of study or a degree program (except K-12); J-2’s may engage in study F-2’s cannot seek employment; J-2’s must apply for USCIS authorization for employment All J-2’s must have health insurance that meets U.S. Department of State requirements All dependents who have immigration-related issues should meet with a Slutzker Center advisor


Slide19: TRAVEL Tuesdays @ 11 am & Wednesdays @ 2 pm Starting 1/29: 1st & 3rd Wednesday of month @ 2 pm ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT Tuesdays @10 am & Fridays @ 3 pm Starting 1/29: Tuesdays @ 2 pm & Fridays @ 3pm PRACTICAL TRAINING Seminar: Wednesdays at 3 pm Starting 1/29: 1st & 3rd Wednesday of month @ 3 pm PT Step 2 Intake: By appointment LIFE AFTER PRACTICAL TRAINING: First Monday of each month at 2:30 pm ACADEMIC TRAINING and OFF-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT (Severe Economic Hardship): By appointment only Seminars


Slide20: Academic Life in the U.S. Academic Integrity, Dishonesty, & Plagiarism


Slide21: Many international students have different academic norms and values. Linguistic: It is difficult to express ideas in a language which is not your first language. Customary: In some cultures, there are different ways to show you comprehend the material being taught. - repeating your professor’s words vs. personal interpretation Psycho-Social: Maintenance of face and pride - failure and loss of face vs. bad grade or potential expulsion


Slide22: Plagiarism Unauthorized collaboration Using unauthorized aids during an exam Giving or receiving exam answers Paying someone to write a paper or take an exam for you Falsifying research results or citations Academic Dishonesty It is unfair to other community members who do not cheat, because it devalues efforts to learn, to teach, and to conduct research.


Slide23: Academic dishonesty violates the policies of the University and is punishable by failure and potential expulsion from the University. To Avoid Academic Dishonesty: Review course syllabi, Student Handbook, and Academic Integrity Office publications Ask your professor or TA to clarify course collaboration and plagiarism policies Seek help from the Writing Center, Graduate Editing Center, and Librarians Attend Academic Success Support Group Seminars at the Slutzker Center


Slide24: Cultural Adjustment


Slide25: What time is it? “Time is money” Valuable but limited resource “On Time” Sign of respect Being late is rude Classes vs. social setting Multi-tasking vs. one thing at a time Time US Culture Series: Introduction to American Life


Slide26: Conversations with Americans Direct communication Questions and answers Class participation Body language Good topics Bad topics Humor Greeting Communication


Slide27: Friendship vs. Friendliness U.S. Culture Friendship Friendliness Many Other Cultures Friendliness Friendship


Slide28: Student Status In the U.S. not a high status position Other countries Professors Addressing Informal Diversity Treat people equally Treat people with respect Expect to be treated with respect Status Shock


Slide29: W-Curve of Cultural Adjustment Based on Oberg (1960) and Gallahorn & Gallahorn (1963)


Slide30: Honeymoon Stage Everything is exciting, new, and predominantly positive Culture Shock/Conflict Unsure of customs and how to navigate environment Overwhelmed, anxious, confused, irritable, hostile Recovery and Understanding Flexible, open to new experiences Better understanding of host environment Developing social network Adjustment Able to maintain home cultural practices/beliefs and accept or incorporate new cultural practices/beliefs “home” away from home Stages of Adjustment


Slide31: Homesick Longing for familiarity (food, people, environment) Depression Loss of energy Mood swings Change in sleep or eating habits Hostility Critical of host culture Frustration Defensiveness Loss of Self-Confidence No one understands me Difficulty making friends Dependence On fellow nationals Value Shock Anxiety Difficulty adjusting to new situations Avoidance of social interaction Symptoms of Culture Shock


Slide32: Surviving Culture Shock Culture shock is normal & common Observe, ask ?’s, read about U.S. culture Keep an open mind Try to be patient & flexible Try to be optimistic Keep a good sense of humor Think through your feelings Keep a diary or journal Don’t compare Try to make friends Exercise Counseling Center (315) 443-4715 Get Involved - Almost 300 student organizations on-campus - SU Recreation Services - Campus events - SCIS volunteer, Medley, Mix it up - English Conversation group - International Center of Syracuse


Slide33: Office of Orientation & Off-Campus Programs Off-Campus Living


Slide34: Office of Orientation and Off-Campus Programs SCIS 745 Ostrom Ave 315-443-1012 http://oocp.syr.edu/


Slide35: Off-Campus Student Concerns… Top 5 5. Heating Bills 4. Landlord/Tenant Relations Security Deposits 2. Safety 1. Roommate Conflicts


Slide36: Heating Bills Tips to keep your heating bills low: Set your thermostat lower when you are not home and when you are sleeping. Put an extra blanket on your bed and wear an extra layer to be comfortable. Set your thermostat at 68 degrees. Install a programmable thermostat Keep curtains and shades open during the day to capture warmth and closed at night to prevent heat loss through windows. Keep doors of unused rooms closed and use a towel to eliminate drafts under doors. Make sure your walls, windows and doors are properly insulated.


Slide37: Get to know your Landlord/Manager Identify a spokesperson for your group Immediately notify your landlord of needed repairs Follow up in writing Utilize sample forms: Insider’s Guide to Living Off-Campus/Website Share your rental challenges and successes. Landlord Information Sharing Program Landlord/Tenant Relations


Slide38: Your Rental Record Should Contain: Rental Log Notebook of all contacts with Landlord Apartment Condition Checklist Correspondence with your Landlord Copies of all letters/follow-ups Reports Building Inspections, Police Reports Photographs/Videos Rental Record


Slide39: Security Deposits Ways to Protect your Security Deposit: Complete a detailed checklist of damages present in unit when you move in Take photos or video of your apartment Ask your landlord to walk through with you prior to moving in to assess damages Repeat all steps when you move-out


Slide40: Safety Renters’ Insurance Get to know your neighbors Suspicious behavior Look after your property Secure doors, locks and windows Adequate lighting Fire safety… Test your smoke alarms Know your escape route Do not live in the attic Do not overload electrical outlets


Slide41: Roommates Prior to Living Together…. Discuss living style Resolve any potential conflicts Discuss the sharing of expenses Food? Cleaning supplies? Everyone should put a utility bill in their own name Who is responsible for what chores? Put all agreements in writing, have each roommate sign the agreement and post it in a common area of your apartment


Slide42: Resolving Roommate Conflicts Don’t wait to confront the issue Listen Stay calm and don’t yell Try to work out the conflict on your own If you need assistance contact the Office of Orientation and Off-Campus Programs


Slide43: Stop by or call OOCP at any time for assistance with: Apartment Hunting Getting Involved in the Community Utility Issues Roommate Conflicts Lease/Sublease Concerns Landlord/Tenant Issues


Slide44: Judicial Affairs


Slide45: Office of Judicial Affairs 310 Steele Hall (315) 443-3728 http://students.syr.edu/judicial/index.html File a Complaint Report a bias incident Judicial Board Application Student Code of Conduct Student Rights & Responsibilities Judicial Handbook


Slide46: Goal of the University Judicial System To promote learning, awareness, and responsibility while ensuring the safety and well-being of the University community.


Slide47: Jurisdiction Over Whom? Any SU student; Any ESF student living in SU residence halls; Any student organization (i.e., Greek letter, club, or organization recognized by SU). Over What Behavior? Occurs on University owned or controlled property, or on property close to the University; Occurs at any University sponsored event; or, Has a significant impact on the educational mission and well-being of the University and takes place at any location off campus.


Slide48: Judicial System Partners


Slide49: Code of Student Conduct Enacted to create an environment that supports the educational mission of the University 15 Sections in the Code of Student Conduct Includes violations of University policies, rules, and regulations (Code 15) Includes violations of federal, state, and local laws (Code 14)


Slide50: What to Watch for… Alcohol Violations: Possession under 21 years of age, providing alcohol to others, and driving under the influence. Drug Possession Campus policies: Noise and Smoking Verbal and Physical Harassment Criminal Matters


Slide51: Standard Sanctions for: Alcohol Drugs Weapons Fire Safety Physical Violence


Slide52: Other Relevant Issues Parental Notification FERPA and Confidentiality Student Judicial Files Lawyers and Representation (Student Legal Services)


Slide53: Personal Safety Department of Public Safety


Slide54: The anticipation, recognition, and appraisal of a Crime Risk and the Initiation of Action to REMOVE or REDUCE it. What Is Crime Prevention?


Slide55: Elements Of a Crime Ability Opportunity *** Desire


Slide57: Reducing Our Student Victim Profile-PROPERTY At The ATM – Don’t Flash Cash Lap Tops, Calculators, etc. Books Purses, Backpacks, etc. Doors, Windows, etc.


Slide58: Reducing Our Student Victim Profile-PERSONAL Suspicious People Accepting or Giving Rides Panhandlers Giving Out Personal Information Solicitors (magazines, perfumes,etc.) Email Scams Call Trace *157


Slide59: Crime Prevention Initiatives Blue Light Alarm System 711 and #SU Campus Escort Service Call Trace (*157) Bicycle Registration


Slide60: Other Suggestions


Slide61: Success Programs SCIS, Library, Career Services, & LGBT Resource Center


Slide62: Academic Success Program Slutzker Center for International Services 310 Walnut Place (315) 443-2457 http://international.syr.edu/academic_success For more information, contact: Kyoung Mi Choi (kmchoi01@syr.edu) Programs coordinated with: Library Career Services Graduate Editing Center Writing Center


Slide63: E. S. Bird Library 222 Waverly Ave (315) 443-2093 http://library.syr.edu Services Library Guide for International Students Online databases and research assistance Interlibrary loan RefWorks help and Training Online Tutorials How To Guides and Resources


Slide64: Center for Career Services 235 Schine Student Center (315) 443-3616 http://students.syr.edu/careerservices/ Services Counseling/Advising Resumes Internships Career Information and Networking Ph.D. Career Resources Diversity Resources Workplace Adjustment


Slide65: LGBT Resource Center 750 Ostrom Ave 315-443-3983 lgbt@syr.edu | http://lgbt.syr.edu Services Support & Advocacy Programming Café Q Resources Weekly Newsletter Discussion Groups Report a Hate/Bias-Related Incident


Slide66: Groups, Programs, & Activities Get Involved on Campus and In the Community


Slide67: English Conversation Groups [ECG] Practice English Learn about American culture Share your own culture Make new friends Weekly English Conversation Group sessions are held at the Slutzker Center. If you are interested in joining, please ask for an application at the Slutzker Center front desk. Contact: Riet DeKleermaeker


Slide68: International Center of Syracuse [ICS] A local non-profit organization in Central New York that encourages global and cultural exchange. Opportunities: Syracuse Symphony Tickets American Family Dinner Program Annual ICS-SCIS Picnic Email: ics@broadviewnet.net *Phone: (315) 471-0252 * Web: http://www.icsyracuse.org


Slide69: Phi Beta Delta to recognize achievement in international education to increase recognition, credibility and importance of the international experience to develop a network of individuals in the international experience Honor Society for International Students & Scholars For more information, access http://international.syr.edu/pbd/index.htm


Slide70: French Speakers Club (La Groupe Fancophonie) Contact: Riet DeKleermaeker Join Francophones from around the globe in speaking French and learning about France and Francophone cultures Monthly meetings All language levels welcome


Slide71: A.I.S.S.U. Association of International Students at S. U. A Multi-National Group for All: Trips, Cultural Events, Activities Trip to Niagara Falls Contact : aissu@syr.edu http://web.syr.edu/~aissu/


Slide72: Promotes intercultural communication on–campus Collaboration on projects - Video - Community Projects Ten Tons of Love - Earth Day - MAYFEST (4/22/2008) - Hendricks - Theatre Conversations with students from diverse backgrounds MIX IT UP ! January 22, 2008: 5:00 p.m.


Slide73: Medley Forum for students to explore international and cultural differences on campus, in the city of Syracuse, and abroad.


Slide74: Focus the Nation A national day of discussion about global warming solutions to be held January 31.


Slide75: Programs & Activities Maxwell Cultural Fair Mayfest After Dark


Slide76: MeditArabian Nights Thanksgiving Dinner


Slide77: Fashion Show Japanese Tea Ceremony Norooz (Persian New Year) International Film Festival


Slide78: Phi Beta Delta Induction Ceremony Summer Picnic World Cup 2006


Slide79: Slutzker Center Clearance Process


Slide80: Health Insurance The Slutzker Center for International Services expects all students to maintain comprehensive health insurance that includes medical evacuation and repatriation coverage. Maintain coverage minimums indicated on the Slutzker Center website Apply for MedEx Medical Evacuation and Repatriation supplemental Insurance ($24/year) if your plan does not include this type of coverage Renew policy (including MedEx) each year and submit updated copy to Slutzker Center You will be asked to show proof of health insurance including medical evacuation and repatriation coverage when making document requests: -- travel signature -- extension of program of study -- requesting re-print of I-20 or DS-2019 -- updating financials or program information -- applying for J-1 academic or F-1 practical training


Slide81: Clearance Process You must complete all of the actions on the clearance form. Failure to do so will result in a hold being placed on your account.


Slide82: Questions?