College of Central Florida New International Student Orientation

College of Central Florida New International Student Orientation

Agenda Introductions Immigration Regulations Insurance Safety Guest Speakers Transportation Academic Advising Holidays, breaks and vacations

International Student Services Office STAFF Randolph Bellamy Lory Coffey ◦ Assistant Director of Admissions & International Students ◦ International Admissions ◦ & Advising Specialist

ISS Office Location & Hours Bryant Student Union Building 5, Room 102 Fall & Spring Hours Summer Hours ◦ Monday – Friday ◦ 8: 00 am - 4: 30 pm ◦ Monday – Thursday ◦ 8: 00 am – 4: 30 pm

International Student Services Office Services ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ F-1 Visa Application Process Academic Advising Immigration Advising Admissions Advising New International Student Orientation International Student Club F-1 Student Employment Requests International Student Housing Airport Shuttle Pick-up Change of Visa/Status to F-1 Student Visa

Immigration Regulations Your Documents ◦ 1. Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility ◦ 2. Passport ◦ 3. F-1 Student Visa ◦ 4. I-94 Arrival Information

Form I-20

Page 1 • SEVIS ID N 0000123456789 • Name, Country of Birth, Date of Birth • School Information • Program of Study • Initial Attendance/Continued Attendance Initial = New Continued = Current • Program State Date & End Date

Form I-20 Page 2 Travel Signatures Good for one year Recommend you get a signature every time you travel Without recent signature, you may be stopped at the airport Do not wait until the last minute!

Passport Biographical Page Name, Country, Birthdate Passport Number Valid at least 6 months Renew through Embassy, Consulate, private service, in-person or by mail www. state. gov “Foreign Embassies”

F-1 Visa Attached to passport SEVIS # N 0000123456789 Expiration Date School Name - OR In-country change of status Visitor B 2 --> Student F 1 Exchange J 2 --> Student F 1 Valid Dates

I-94 Arrival Print online https: //i 94. cbp. dhs. gov/I 94/request. html Information about your travel into the US Number I-94 #

Immigration Regulations § Maintaining Your Status § Valid I-20 § Valid Passport § Valid F-1 Visa § Enroll full time (12 credit hours) § Satisfactory academic progress towards graduation § Current address § No unauthorized employment § Insurance § Follow all CF rules § Don’t follow rules = Out of Status

FAMILIARIZE yourself with:

Complete the form below:

Vacations & Holidays Winter Holiday Spring Break Summer Break One Day Holidays ◦ Mid-December Early January ◦ No class & offices are closed ◦ One week in March ◦ No class & offices are closed ◦ Mid-May Mid-August ◦ Offices are open, Summer classes are optional ◦ Thanksgiving, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day

Travel Leaving Returning Must be at school when classes are in session ◦ Come to ISS with your I-20, F-1 visa and passport ◦ Get page 3 of I-20 signed ◦ Tell ISS your travel plans and dates ◦ Valid I-20, F-1 visa and passport ◦ If F-1 visa expires, you must renew before coming back ◦ Excused Absence ◦ Taking a semester off

Full Time Enrollment Fall Spring Summer ◦ Must be in 12 credits ◦ 1 online class ◦ Optional (No classes, part-time, or full-time) ◦ Half semesters: Summer A & Summer B

Full Time = 12+ credit hours English 3 EAP - Reading 4 Math 3 EAP - Writing 4 Music 3 4 Biology 3 EAP – Speech & Listening Total 12 English 3 Computers 1 Calculus 5 Chemistry 4 Total 13 12 credits or more 12

Reduced Course Load Less than 12 credits ◦ Serious Illness or Medical Condition Doctor’s Letter 12 month maximum total during degree program ◦ First Semester Difficulties ◦ Graduating Semester Last semester

Employment On-campus CPT OPT Financial Hardship Unauthorized Employment = Termination of I-20 Out of Status, serious consequences ◦ Up to 20 hours per week ◦ Internship ◦ Established in curriculum, part of degree ◦ After graduation ◦ Related to degree ◦ See ISS for details

Student Record § You MUST notify ISS if you: § Change your contact information § Address in Ocala, Florida § Email § Phone Number § Change your academic information § Change Major § Transferring to another school § Graduate or complete program § Need extension to your I-20

End Date & Extensions I-20 End Date ◦ Page 1 Extension ◦ Need more time to complete degree ◦ Must request BEFORE End Date ◦ No exceptions!

After CF End Date/Graduation ◦ 60 day grace period Options: ◦ 1. Transfer to another college or university ◦ 2. Enroll in another degree at CF (Bachelors) ◦ 3. OPT employment for one year ◦ 4. Return home ◦ 5. Change status to other visa

Termination/Out of Status Violations (examples) ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ Not enrolling full time Taking too many online classes Working illegally Unauthorized absence from school Not returning after vacation Move and don't physical update address Breaking government laws Violating CF’s student conduct code Academic suspension or dismissal Reinstatement Leave United States

Insurance Health Insurance is mandatory for all international students. Michael Gold 1 -800 -971 -3921 insurance@insuranceforcollegestudents. com

Florida ID & Driver’s License Florida Identification Card Photo I. D. Florida Driver’s License Permission to operate a car

Identification Card ◦ Wait 10 days after first day of class ◦ Passport, F-1 visa, I-94, I-20 ◦ Two proofs of residential address: copy of residential lease agreement current CF class schedule mail from local bank ◦ $25 ◦ Keep passport safe at home

Driver’s License Do you have a foreign driver’s license? No Pass a Traffic Law & Substance Abuse Course Provide documents (F-1 visa, I-20, I-94) Take written traffic test Take driving test $48 Yes tests may be waived, still need to provide documents and pay $48

Safety - in Ocala, FL Police, Fire, Ambulance Hospital – West Marion Community Hospital CF Campus Security (Public Safety Office) Weather ◦ Call 911 ◦ Give them your address ◦ Call 873 -5841 ◦ 7 days a week/24 hours ◦ Emergency stations on campus ◦ School closure

Hurricane Procedures If a hurricane comes to our area: ◦ Watch local news for current information ◦ Check the college website to find out if CF is closing ◦ Inform the Housing Manager & ISS ◦ Follow hurricane procedures in your folder

Safety - in Ocala, FL Be careful walking alone at night Walk in groups if possible Don’t leave valuables unattended (textbooks, cell phone) Don’t lend money Keep extra money and a friend’s number in case you don’t have your cell phone Be careful accepting rides from people Don’t give people your passwords, pin numbers, or social security number Don’t carry large amount of money, keep it in your bank Do not use your passport for identification, get a Florida ID card Keep your I-20, passport and other important documents in a safe and secure place Lock your bicycle and car

Safety at College Square Apartments Staff ◦ Ms. Lillian Prestridge – Apartment Manager Call 237 -3334 ◦ Security Staff member - Max Tips ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ Lock your bedroom door and front door Don’t bring anyone into your apartment that you don’t know well Keep the kitchen clean and safe Be careful when cooking, don’t leave the room Know where your fire extinguisher is Throw trash out every day Read your lease carefully for rules for residents of College Square Crime/Emergency = Call 911

Safety - Local Laws Driving ◦ Follow traffic laws when riding your bicycle ◦ Do not drive without a Florida Driver’s License ◦ Do not drive someone else’s car without the owner’s permission Drinking ◦ Never drink and drive ◦ Must be at least 21 years old ◦ Do not buy alcohol for other people ◦ In general, don’t drink outside of your apartment or a restaurant/bar (don’t drink in parking lots, on sidewalks, on CF campus, etc) Drugs ◦ Use of illegal drugs is against state law, CF student code of conduct and your apartment lease ◦ It is illegal to use, buy, sell, transport, or have possession of illegal drugs ◦ You must be 18 to use tobacco ◦ You cannot smoke on CFs campus Theft, Assault, Harassment, etc. ◦ Don’t steal, don’t hit or injure other people, don’t verbally threaten other people, etc.

10 Ways to Aid Cultural Adjustment o o o Stay in touch with family & friends Keep up with news from home Make friends with people from your country Participate in sports and student clubs Eat at restaurants with familiar food Explore American culture Don't expect too much of yourself Think of one good thing each day Talk with others who have experienced cultural adjustment Concentrate on long-term goals Keep your sense of humor! Culture shock will pass

American Culture and the Classroom Overcome the stereotypes! International students sometimes do not participate in class because they lack confidence in their English skills ◦ Speak up, practice your English International students can be hesitant to speak to their instructors about their concerns ◦ Speak up, ask for help, ask questions International students sometimes do not interact with their classmates ◦ Speak up, introduce yourself, ask a question to break the ice

American Culture and the Classroom Participate in class Go to your professor’s Office Hours You are encouraged ask questions and participate in classroom discussion Unless you ask, the professor will assume you understand Office hours are scheduled times were the professor will be in their office waiting for students to walk-in Students are expected to be responsible for their academic progress. You are encouraged to speak to the instructor if you are having difficulties with class work.

American Culture and the Classroom Do your homework ◦ Complete and turn in all classroom assignments on time ◦ Get help from classmates Your classmates can be very helpful so become friendly with them Prepare for Tests ◦ Study hard Americans appear casual but are hard working

American Culture and the Classroom Be on time Pay attention in class Be Respectful and Tolerant Tardiness is a sign of disrespect Contact your instructor when you will not be in class Attendance is often part of your grade Put your phone away. Professors do not like it when students use their phones during class. Don’t have conversations with students around you, especially if the instructor is talking ◦ Be respectful of all people regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, marital status, national origin, genetic information or disability status. ◦ Teasing, making jokes, using hurtful language, bullying or excluding classmates is not tolerated.

American Culture and the Classroom Serious but Informal ◦ Students often do not ask for permission to speak in class. If you raise your hand the teacher acknowledges you, then you can speak ◦ The instructor and students may dress casually ◦ Students sometimes call the instructor by their first name ◦ Students may walk out of the classroom without asking the professor for permission. If a student needs to use the restroom, usually they will just leave quietly so they do not disrupt the lesson.

American Culture and the Classroom The college does not tolerate sexual harassment. The college has procedures in place to address concerns related to discrimination, harassment and/or sexual harassment. The college has an Office of Access Services to provide accommodations to students with disabilities.

Academic Advising Terms to Know ◦ ◦ ◦ Advisor – Employee who helps you select classes PERT– placement test Credit Hour – one unit of a GPA – Grade Point Average Pre-requisite – a class that has to be taken before another class ◦ Co-requisite – a class that can be taken at the same time or before another class ◦ Drop a class = remove yourself from a class/withdrawal.

Academic Advising How to Register for classes Online In-Person ◦ Through your my. CF student portal ◦ Unable to register = you may have registration holds (insurance, missing documents, address needs updating, etc. ) ◦ Appointment is recommended

Degrees at CF Associate in Arts (A. A. ) Associate in Science (A. S. ) ◦ 2+2 University Transfer ◦ For students who want to transfer into 3 rd year to a university For students who wish to enter the workforce immediately Bachelor Degrees (B. A. S. and B. S. ) ◦ 4 year degree

Associate in Arts (A. A. ) Advertising Agriculture Allied Health Animal Science Architecture Art Biology Building Construction Business Administration Chemistry Computer Science Consumer and Family Science Criminal Justice Dentistry Digital Media Drama Economics Education – Early Childhood Education – Elementary Education – Music Education – Physical Education – Secondary Education – Special Engineering English Environmental Studies Foreign Language Forestry History Human Services Humanities Interior Design Liberal Arts Library Science Mass Communications Mathematics Medical Technology Medicine Music Nursing B. S. Pharmacy Philosophy Physical Therapy Physics Political Science Psychology Public Relations Religious Studies Social Welfare Sociology Speech Statistics Veterinary Science

Associate in Science (A. S. ) Accounting Technology Agribusiness Management Business Administration Computer Information Technology Criminal Justice Technology Dental Assisting Early Childhood Education Emergency Medical Services Engineering Technology Equine Studies Health Information Technology Nursing Office Administration Paralegal Studies Physical Therapist Assistant

Bachelors Degrees Business ◦ ◦ ◦ and Organizational Management Agribusiness Management Information Systems Health Care Management Public Safety Administration Logistics and Supply Chain Management Early Childhood Education Nursing (BSN)

Associate in Arts (A. A. ) Advising Form • Lists Required and Recommended Courses • Different for each AA Program of Study

Associate in Arts (A. A. ) Degree Audit Shows “Satisfied” and “Not Satisfied” Requirements IP = In Progress

Associate in Arts (A. A. ) Freshman 1 st Year 30 credits Sophomore 2 nd Year 30 credits 60 credits = AA degree Junior 3 rd Year 30 credits Senior 4 th Year 30 credits 120 credits = Bachelors degree

Associate in Arts (A. A. ) 36 credit hours – General Education (Gen-Ed) + 24 credit hours – Electives 60 credit hours – Total

Tuition and Fees Out of state tuition is $421. 88 per credit hour (total of $5, 062. 56 for 12 credits) Plus lab fees and textbooks You can pay ◦ Online in your student portal ◦ At the cashier’s window in Bryant Student Union, Building 5 ◦ By wire transfer

Tuition and Fees Tuition must be paid in full by the due date on your registration form First semester – due during ORIENTATION Other semesters – due by due date on schedule Fee deferment/purge protection ◦ If you are unable to pay, or need to request extra time, you must speak with ISS and have a valid reason

Tuition and Fees Failure to pay tuition in full will result in being dropped from courses. This may negatively impact your visa since you are required to be registered for classes. Some courses require additional fees. You will see the fee when you register for classes. Textbooks can be bought at the campus bookstore, at private stores, or online.

Equity Statement College of Central Florida does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, pregnancy, age, marital status, national origin, genetic information or disability status in its programs, activities and employment. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies contact Equity Officer, Ocala Campus, Ewers Century Center, Room 201 C, 3001 S. W. College Road, 352 -854 -2322, ext. 1437, or smithc@cf. edu.