Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
International Programs Box T-0770
Stephenville, TX 76402(254) 968 9632
www.tarleton.edu/international
OBJECTIVES
The goal of this online orientation is to familiarize you with Tarleton State University’s structure, student life, academic expectations, and immigration regulations and compliance.
To receive credit for this orientation, you must complete a test at the end of the course with a score of 80% or higher. You may re-take the tests as many times as you need. Failure to complete this orientation will result in a hold being placed on your records.
ABOUT TARLETON
Mission: To provide an academically challenging education where learning is grounded in real-world experiences and effective teaching, research, scholarship, and service. As part of the Texas A&M University System, Tarleton is rich in history and tradition while being committed to the student success and diversity. Tarleton strives to develop moral and ethical thinkers, scholars and leaders who demonstrate civility and integrity, while contributing meaningfully and responsibly to a global society.
International Programs Box T-0770Stephenville, TX 76402(254) 968 9632www.tarleton.edu/international
International Programs serves the international student population at Tarleton State University. We are here to help you throughout your academic career.
Our team can assist you with: • Immigration Advising • Health Insurance • Curricular Practical Training • Optional Practical Training • Personal or Academic Issues • Cultural Adjustment • Student Events and Activities • Leadership Programs • Local Transportation • Airport Shuttle
Barry B. Thompson Student Center Lower Level Room 21
STUDENT LIFE
TECHNOLOGY
The following technological terms will help you navigate through university services and resources. Familiarize yourself with them in order to perform basic technological applications, such as class registration, student email, online classroom assignments, use of databases, etc.
UNIVERSITY ID (UID)
• University ID (also called NTNET) is what you will use to logon to campus computers, lab computers, and wireless access points, among other services.
• Claim your UID/NTNET account at www.tarleton.edu/userclaim at any time after registering or when you begin classes. Your UID was mailed to you in your admission letter.
• After claiming your account, you will be required to reset your password within 48 hours. Visit T-Sync to manage your NTNET password
T-SYNC
• After claiming your account, you will be required to reset your password within 48 hours. Visit T-Sync at https://id01.tarleton.edu/PSYNCH/nph-psf.exe to manage your NTNET password.
MYGATEWAY
• Campus-wide announcements • Access to student email • Access to online courses (Blackboard) • Student Records (holds, grades,
transcripts, etc.) • Housing Information • RSS Feeds, Bulletin Board, Weather, and
more
Tarleton’s web portal. You login to myGateway using your University ID (UID)/NTNET and password. This portal provides access to registration,
grades, courses, financial, and internal resources
WIRELESS ACCESS
• Tarleton provides wireless services to common areas of the majority of buildings on the Stephenville campus.
• Where available, the wireless network provides Tarleton users with mobile access to the internet and email without having to be physically connected.
STUDENT EMAIL
This is the official means of communication to students, academic departments, and student services. It is important that you claim your account and check it on a regular basis.
You can find your login information under Personal Information under Ducktrax in myGateway.
You can access your student email by visiting: www.outlook.com/go.tarleton.edu [email protected]
HOLDS
TYPES OF HOLDS • Academic • Administrative • Disciplinary • Financial
To ensure compliance with university policies or to ensure communication with a student regarding the need to fulfill certain administrative or college requirements, Tarleton State University is authorized to place holds on student records.
You can find a list of holds, description and reason for hold, and contact information at the following link:
www.tarleton.edu/registrar/holdInfo.html
BLACKBOARD
Web-based management system designed to allow students and faculty to participate in classes delivered online or, use materials and activities to complement face-to-face teaching.
Login using your UID and Password
TEXANSYNC
TexanSync is a web-hosted platform designed to help develop and connect campus organizations and communities. These are some of the things you can accomplish using the service:
• Create events and reserve rooms
• Communicate with members of your student organization
• Register your organization or create a new organization
• Browse through a list of student organizations
• Personalized calendar with list of university events
• Login using your NTNET credentials
HELP DESK
If you are having trouble accessing your online accounts, get in touch with Tarleton’s HelpDesk. They can provide assistance reseting passwords, activating accounts, etc.
(254) 968 9885
TEXAN CARD
Texan Card is the name of the University’s identification card issued to students, faculty, and staff. You will need it for: • Building access (Dorms) • Book check-out • Printing (You are credited $5 per semester) • Entry to campus events • Receive student services • REC Center • Texan Bucks • Meal Plans
Tarleton Center, Room 101 (254) 968 1881
www.tarleton.edu/texancard
CHOICE CARD
The Tarleton Choice Cards are how refunds are processed at Tarleton State University. Refunds can consist of scholarships and overpayments.
The Tarleton Choice Card is NOT a credit card! The Debit Card feature is only valid if you open a Higher One bank account.
You can pick up your card information at the International Office Business Services
(254) 968 9107www.tarleton.edu/business/
tarleton-choice-card.html
HEALTH CENTER
It is the mission of the Student Health center to deliver quality medical care in a cost effective manner to enable students to achieve their academic goals.
For any minor illnesses or accidents, the University’s Student Health Center provides access to doctors and nurses free of charge to students
Thompson Student Center, Room 212 (254) 968 9271
www.tarleton.edu/healthservices
COUNSELING CENTER
The mission of the Counseling Center is to provide psychological and counseling services to assist students from all cultural backgrounds to accomplish their academic, career, and personal developmental goals.
The Counseling Center can help you with: • Individual Counseling • Couples Counseling • Consultation • Mental Health First Aid • Online Screenings • Self Help Links • Virtual Library
Thompson Student Center, Room 212 (254) 968 9044
www.tarleton.edu/counseling
DISABILITY SERVICES
The Center for Access and Academic Testing offers services to students with disabilities. The office serves as liaison between students with disabilities and the university in matters of communication and action towards achievement of reasonable accommodations.
In case you have a disability, CAAT can help you with the following: • Course content, lecture, course texts,
visual aids, etc. • Have been diagnoses with a learning
disability • If you have physical access issues on
campus buildings • Have a chronic medical condition that
may impact participation in campus life
Center for Access and Academic Testing (254) 968 9400
http://www.tarleton.edu/SUCCESSWEB/CAAT/index.html
CODE PURPLE
Code Purple is an emergency notification system that gives Tarleton State University the ability to communicate health and safety emergency information quickly by email and tex message regardless of your location. In order to receive text messages, you will have to activate your phone through e2campus
www.tarleton.edu/codepurple
POLICE DEPARTMENT
The mission of the University Police Department is to provide a safe and secure learning, living, and working environment to the university community through the delivery of professional police service.
FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS DIAL 911 FROM ANY WIRELESS OR WIRED PHONE.
An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance, fire department, or ambulance.
Wisdom Gym (254) 968 9002
www.tarleton.edu/police
DINING HALL
The Dining Hall offers a variety of dining options for students ranging from buffet with various cuisines and a salad bar. The facility also features a convenience store, executive meeting rooms and a cafe with wireless access. The facility has a capacity of 700 students. For student convenience, the dining hall as an extension to the Barry B. Thompson Center.
• Fresh fruits and salads • Home-style entrees • Freshly baked pizza and pasta • Deli choices served on freshly baked
breads • Ice cream and freshly baked desserts • Homemade Soups
HOUSING
Living on campus is an experience that enhances a student’s university education. For this reason, Residential Living and Learning is committed to the development outside of the classroom and provides numerous opportunities for peer interaction and personal growth. • All “first time” students who are under 21 of
age are required to live on campus for two academic years
• Transfer students who are under 21, prior to their first semester with 12 credit hours are required to live on campus for one academic year
CAREER SERVICES
The Career Services website is the overall job applicant service for Tarleton State University. They can help you with: • Resume assistance • Mock interviews • Business etiquette dinners • Job search consultation
Visit Hire A Texan to look for jobs or inquire within your academic department for any openings.
Thompson Student Center, Room 218 (254) 968 9078
www.tarleton.edu/careerservices
REC SPORTS
REC Sports provides the Tarleton community with opportunities to engage in activities, programs, and special events that promote healthy and active lifestyles, leadership development, social interaction, and educational opportunities. Services: • Intramural Sports • Outdoor Pursuits • Fitness Wellness
Recreational Sports Center (254) 968 9912
www.tarleton.edu/recsports
ACADEMIC LIFE
TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE
TSI is designed to enhance undergraduate success in higher education. It evaluates student preparedness for college placement.
The purpose is to enhance undergraduate student’s academic skills that need improvement in the following areas: Math, Writing, and Reading
Unless exempt, all incoming students MUST take the TSI prior to enrolling at Tarleton.
Please visit www.tarleton.edu/admissions/TSI.html for more information on exemptions from Texas Success Initiative.
ACADEMIC ADVISINGWhen you are admitted to Tarleton you will be required to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor who will assist you in making a degree plan, which maps out your courses for a desired graduation date. Undergraduate students only.
Academic Advising will also help you with course registration.
Graduate students will meet with academic advisor within their specific college. Contact your college if you have any questions.
Academic Advising (254) 968 9746
www.tarleton.edu/advising
SUPPORT SYSTEMS
Evaluate your expectations: Keep in mind that you will have a period of adjustment to the U.S. educational system is necessary before you will be able to perform to the best of your ability Select Courses Wisely: Do not take more courses than necessary. 12 hours (4 courses) is considered full-time for undergraduate students, and 9 hours (3 courses) for graduate students. Make sure to have a combination of more demanding and less demanding courses. Attend classes and do your homework. Ask Questions: Do not be afraid to ask what is expected of you in class. If you do not ask it will be assumed that you understand everything.
SUPPORT SERVICESStudy Skills Learn tips on how to enhance study skills in different academic areas such as: attitude and motivation, time management, self-testing, communication, anxiety, testing strategies, etc. Academic Support Center The Academic Support Center offers tutoring programs on challenging concepts within a given academic discipline. Engage your critical skills and reenforce effective problem and study techniques. Barry B. Thompson Student Center, Room 15 Writing Center Free support service for students who need assistance in any stage of the writing process. Consultants work with students from all classes, disciplines, and degree plans to enhance writing skills O. A Grant Humanities Building, Room 210
UNIVERSITY LIBRARIESTarleton Libraries provide relevant and effective user-centered services, collections, technologies, comfortable facilities, and helpful personnel to assist with your academic life while you are at Tarleton.
Services: • Reference Librarians • Circulation Services • Interlibrary Loan • Study Grounds Cafe • Printing Services • Reserve Readings • Study/Meeting Rooms • Texshare Libraries www.tarleton.edu/library
SCHOLARSHIPSScholarships are awarded for academic ability and achievement, demonstrated leadership, ability to perform (music, band, etc.), extracurricular activities, financial need, and other criteria as defined by specific scholarship programs.
Keep in mind that your scholarship may or may not be taxable. Any amounts used to pay for room and board are taxable.
International students who qualify for a $1,000 or more qualify for in-state tuition.
Deadlines: • Fall - February 15 • Spring - December 1
Tarleton Center, Room 213 (254) 968 9922
www.tarleton.edu/scholarships
ACADEMIC CONDUCT
Tarleton State University expects its students and faculty to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct to preserve the honor and integrity of the creative community. Students’ responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Maintaining integrity in their own academic work • Reporting incidents of academic dishonesty to the faculty member
involved • Learning about the general principles of academic integrity as well as
those that pertain to particular disciplines and courses • Promoting academic integrity
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic Honesty Be honest in the pursuit of your education. Cheating plagiarism, and collusion are serious offenses.
Cheating In general, students in the U.S. academic system are expected to do their academic work without receiving excessive assistance from other people. This means should do your own work or know the professor’s terms for collaboration allowance. These are some things that are considered cheating: • Copying other students’ assignments • Copying other students’ answers to examination questions • Providing answers to other students • Taking notes or books to an exam and secretly referring to them when answering
examination • Buying, using, stealing, transporting, or soliciting confidential test information
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Plagiarism: This word refers to the copying of published material without making reference to the source of information, or passing another person’s work as your own. When research is required, you should be very careful to make reference to the source of information you are using. You should become familiar with how to write a bibliography and how to cite sources in your work. The Writing Center located in O. A Grant Humanities building Room 210 can help you with this. You may also wish to talk to your professors about the style of writing appropriate for the class.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Collusion: Collusion occurs when collaborating with another person without proper authorization when preparing an assignment. In certain occasions, a professor will assign group work; however it is important to understand that certain guidelines still apply to this type of learning strategy. Ask your professor in case you have any doubts regarding collusion.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Consequences of Academic Dishonesty If cheating is detected, negative consequences for the student will occur. After discussion between yourself and the professor involved, the matter is usually referred for further action. Consequences might include: • A failing grade for the assignment or examination on which the cheating took place • A failing grade for the course in which the cheating occurred • Disciplinary probation • Under serious circumstances, expulsion from the university
IMMIGRATION
International Programs Box T-0770
Stephenville, TX 76402(254) 968 9632
www.tarleton.edu/international
YOUR RIGHTS
The United States Constitution guarantees certain rights to the people who are living in the country. International students enjoy many of the same constitutional protections as U.S. citizens; however, non immigrants are subject to certain immigration laws and responsibilities. • Maintaining Status • Health Insurance • Employment • Tax Obligations
MAINTAINING STATUS
International students are admitted to the United States for a duration of status. This means that you are permitted to stay in the country as long as you maintain your status by fulfilling international student requirements: • Maintain a valid passport at all times (at least
6 months into the future) • Only attend the school listed in your current
I-20 (F-1 Students) • Maintain a full-load of courses each long
semester (12 undergraduate, 9 graduate).
MAINTAINING STATUS
• Inform International Programs of all changes made in your mailing address within 10 days of change
• Obtain a new I-20 with updated information from International Programs (F-1 Students)
• Apply for an extension before your I-20 expires (F-1 Students)
MAINTAINING STATUS
• If you are currently studying and planning on travel out of the country during vacations, obtain a travel endorsement from International Programs in order to re-enter theUnited States
• NEVER work off campus unless you have authorization from International Programs or Department of Homeland Security
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Medical Services in the U.S. are privatized. That means that the government does not provide medical treatment, and the patient is responsible for all costs. Medical treatment can be very expensive. For this reason many Americans carry health insurance to subsidize medical costs. International students at all Texas A&M University campuses are required to carry medical, evacuation, and repatriation insurance during all periods of enrollment. An insurance waiver is available if your provider matches the benefits offered by AHP. Visit https://tarleton.myahpcare.com/waiver for more information.
INSURANCE CLAIM
When you visit a hospital, clinic, or local doctor, you will be asked for proof of insurance. Most insurance companies will not pay a 100% of the bill. You are responsible for the deductible. International Programs is not allowed to negotiate an insurance claim for you. You will have to contact the insurance company directly for any questions.
MEDICAL CARE
Unless you have an emergency condition, you will typically not go to the hospital. In the U.S. it is standard for students to go to a private physician for routine medical situations that cannot be handled by Student Health Services. For any minor illnesses or accidents, the University’s Student Health Center provides access to doctors and nurses free of charge to students
Thompson Student Center, Room 212 (254) 968 9271
www.tarleton.edu/healthservices
EMPLOYMENT
Employment opportunities for international students are restricted in the U.S. It is illegal for employers to knowingly hire nonimmigrants who do not have work authorization. The Immigration Service considers that the primary purpose for an F-1 international student is to be a student. Work must not interfere with this objective. However, there are a few options for employment. • Work must be limited to 20 hours per week • Student must maintain a full-time student
status
EMPLOYMENT
On campus employment takes places on the school’s premises and a paycheck is issued by Tarleton State University. If you are applying for a job and you learn that an entity other than Tarleton is going to pay you, check with International Programs before accepting the job since this could put you out of status. • Work must be limited to 20 hours per week • Student must maintain a full-time student
status
CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING
CPT is defined by federal regulations as “an integral part of an established curriculum” related to your program of study. This can be in the form of an internship, practicum, or in the case of graduate and doctoral students, thesis and dissertation courses taken for course credit. • It must be directly tied to program of study • Authorization is required before employment
starts • Applying for CPT has no cost
OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is work authorization available to international students who have been in valid F-1 status for two semesters and who plan to seek employment in their field of study. • Earliest application date is 90 days before
completion date • Limited to a cumulative maximum of 12
months per educational level • It has a cost of $380.00 payable to the U.S
Department of Homeland Security • Students in STEM majors may be eligible for
24 OPT Extension
SOCIAL SECURITY
All workers in the United States must have a Social Security Number (SSN) in order to receive wages legally. As of October 2004, the Social Security Administration issues Social Security Numbers to international students only after they obtain legal employment.
Social Security Administration 1-800-772-1213
www.ssa.gov
HOW TO APPLY
• Secure campus employment • Obtain letter from department verifying
employment • Obtain letter of enrollment from
International Programs • Complete a Social Security Number
Application (SS-5) • You must apply in person • Bring visa, passport, and I-20 to
appointment Social Security Administration 1-800-772-1213
www.ssa.gov
TAX OBLIGATIONS
The American tax system is very complex. Each spring all workers in the U.S. must report their tax status to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
All international students are also required to file a report, even those who have not worked while in the country. The annual report is a summary of taxes due/paid from the various calendar year (January - December)
Keep in mind that if you received a scholarship that pays for room and board, it is taxable and must be reported to the IRS.
Tax Deadline - April 15 Internal Revenue Service www.irs.gov
TAX OBLIGATIONS
Each year foreign students living and working in the U.S. must submit tax forms to the IRS. These forms (forms 8843 and 1040 NR-EZ) contain information about the period of time a student has been in the country and income earned.
If you worked on campus you will receive a W-2 form, a statement of earnings to complete your taxes.
Tax Deadline is April 15.
International Programs is not professionally qualified to provide you with tax advice. You should seek professional assistance from the Internal Revenue Service.
Internal Revenue Servicewww.irs.gov
