INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATIONFall 2014Presented by the Office of Global Education

WEN WENG

Admission Specialist

Contact

Telephone: 601.925.7703 Email: wweng@mc.edu

ELIOT SANFORD

DSO/International Student Advisor

Contact

Telephone: 601.925.7700 Email: ebsanford@mc.edu

MEI-CHI C. PILETZ

Executive Director

Contact

Telephone: 601.925.7635 Email: mcpiletz@mc.edu

Immigration Regulations Presented by Eliot Sanford

MAINTAINING YOUR F1 STATUS

1. Passport2. I-2o3. Enrollment4. On-campus work5. Updating information6. Payment

30 day waiting period

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

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.

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

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

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.

MAINTAINING YOUR F1 STATUS: PAYMENT

• Pay student bills at the business office in Nelson Hall

• You need to pay two weeks after classes begin

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

Health and WellnessPresented by Huan “Ken” Qiu

Two important issues:

Do exercise-Build your health-prevent you from sickness

Have a health insurance-reduce the cost to pay for health service

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Baptist HealthPlex Gym•$115 August – December (1 semester)•Hours:

Monday – Thursday 5:00 AM-10:00 PMFriday 5:00 AM – 8:00 PMSaturday 7:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

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!

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HEALTH & WELLNESS• Baptist HealthPlex Medical

Facility ▫601-924-9005 ▫Visit is FREE▫Nominal charge for x-rays, blood work, etc

• Hours:M-F8:00 - 11:15 a.m.T/Th1:00 - 4:15 p.m.

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

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

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/

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

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

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.

Resources/Ways to Get InvolvedPresented by Ran An

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.edu601-925-7701

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.

Ways to Get Involved On-Campus Organizations: SGA, CAB,

Tribes/Clubs Global Café – February 7, March 7, & April

4 International Festival – April 5

Important Things to Know!

Beautiful Campus, Fantastic Lifestyle!

Absolutely No Candles in the Dorms!

No Smoking in your ROOM or on Campus!

No Alcohol or Alcohol Products

Traffic SAFETY!

CONTACT US!

Contact information is located in your orientation manual!

Or online at www.mc.edu/international/contact/

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