international student handbook 2011 - 2012 - elon university€¦ · original i-20/ds-2019 form...

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Isabella Cannon International Centre at Elon University You may leave Elon, but Elon will never leave you… International Student Handbook 2011 - 2012 Designed by: Maria Victoria Langman - Panamá

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Page 1: International Student Handbook 2011 - 2012 - Elon University€¦ · Original I-20/DS-2019 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigration Student Status) ... Elon University’s

Isabella Cannon International Centreat Elon University

You may leave Elon, but Elon will never leave you…

International Student Handbook2011 - 2012

Designed by: Maria Victoria Langman - Panamá

Page 2: International Student Handbook 2011 - 2012 - Elon University€¦ · Original I-20/DS-2019 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigration Student Status) ... Elon University’s

Welcome to Elon University!

Leo LambertPresident of Elon University

On behalf of faculty, staff and your fellow U.S. American students, it is a pleasure to welcome you to Elon University. I hope the experiences you have while you are with us will be meaningful and will contribute to your personal growth. I am looking forward to meeting you and having you on our campus.

All of us in the Isabella Cannon International Centre (ICIC) look forward to greeting you to Elon’s beautiful campus. The ICIC will be your home away from home the entire time that you are part of the Elon community. Especially during the transition to your new home you should always feel comfortable coming to the ICIC for help. Thishandbookisourfirstofmanyeffortstohelpyoulearnaboutthecampus,cultureandofficesofElon.Wehopethatitwillanswersomequestionsfor you, but we know you’ll have many more. From the time we meet you at the airport until the day you graduate from Elon the ICIC will help to make your experience here successful, rewarding and enjoyable. Please stop by the ICIC often.

Woody PeltonDean of International Programs

Isabella Cannon International CentreCampus Box 2375, Elon, NC 27244

Phone: 336-278-6700 Fax: 336-278-6692www.elon.edu/international

Woody PeltonDean of International Programs

François Masuka Director of International Student

and Scholar Services

Paul GeisAssistant Director for Affiliates

and Exchanges

Bill BurressInternational Programs Advisor

Welcome

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Table of Contents

Welcome ………………………………………………………………………… 2Table of Contents …………………………………………………………… 3Pre-departure Checklist …………………………………………………… 4Traveling ……………………………………………………………………… 5

PackingClothingAirport Pickup ServiceAirport Transportation

Arrival in the USA ………………………………………………………… 6Customs and Immigration

Orientation ……………………………………………………………………… 7International Student OrientationPersonal BankingPhoenix Card

Mail and Communications …………………………………………………… 8Before You Arrive

Medical ……………………………………………………………………… 9Health InsuranceImmunizationsMedications

Registering for Classes …………………………………………………… 10 Paying Tuition and Fees …………………………………………………… 11

Once You’re Here—Week OneCulture Shock ………………………………………………………………… 12Where to find Support …………………………………………………………… 13Campus Resources …………………………………………………………… 14Safety & Emergency …………………………………………………………… 16

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Pre-Departure Checklist

Have you done the tasks below?NotifiedtheIsabellaCannonInternationalCentreofyourarrivaldetails—date,time,flightnumber,arrivalairport,airline

Sent your family’s phone number and email address to the Isabella Cannon International Centre

Reconfirmedyourflightinformation72hoursbeforeyourdeparture

Had a health, dental and vision check up prior to departure

Do you have the following items?Valid Passport and Visa

OriginalI-20/DS-2019Form(CertificateofEligibilityforNon-immigrationStudent Status)ReceiptforthepaymentofSEVISI-901fee,ifapplicableAcceptance letter from Elon UniversityProof of Financial SupportAirplane TicketElonUniversity’saddressneededtofilloutI-94FormontheplaneHealth Insurance Policy with English translation

Travel/LuggageInsurancePolicyifyouhaveone

CopyofImmunizations/HealthFormswithEnglishTranslationTraveler’s Checks or Cash in U.S. dollars

Please read the entire booklet for more information about the above items!

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TravelingPacking your luggageAirlineshaverequirementsforsize,weightandnumberofluggage.Pleasecheckwithyourairlineforthose details. Put a name tag on your luggage which includes your campus address. The ICIC will assist youinshoppingassoonasyouarrive,soyoumightfinditeasiertopurchasesomethingsintheUSA,suchas bed linens and small electrical appliances. Make sure you do not pack in your suitcase your passport, money,ordocumentsrelatingtoyouradmission—havealloftheseitemsinyourcarryonbagorpurse.

ClothingNorth Carolina has a mild climate, as you can see from the average monthly temperatures below.

Average low/high Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov DecFahrenheit 33/53 33/56 38/61 48/74 56/81 64/88 67/90 66/88 60/83 49/73 38/62 31/53Centigrade 0/11 0/13 3/16 8/23 13/27 17/31 19/32 18/31 15/28 9/22 3/16 0/11

Although the dress code on campus is very informal, it is a good idea to pack few clothes for more formaloccasions.Also,considerbringinganyspecificclotheswhichmightnotbeavailableintheU.S.Wehope you will consider bringing national clothes to celebrate your country and your culture on special occasions.

Some things to bring• Some personal items such as family pictures to

decorate your room• A bilingual dictionary if you are not a native

speaker of English• Anextrapairofglassesand/orcontactlenses

along with a copy of your prescription.

Some items to consider leaving behind• Your electrical appliances might not work with

the plugs and electricity in the USA• Prescription medications without a doctor’s

prescription in your name• Customs will prevent you from bringing fresh

agricultural goods, weapons, drugs

Airport Pick-UpThe ICIC looks forward to meeting you at either of two local airports:

• Raleigh-DurhamInternational(RDU)www.rdu.dom• PiedmontTriadInternationalAirports(PTI)www.flyfrompti.com

IfyouwouldlikeustomeetyouatoneoftheseairportssendyourCOMPLETETRAVELitinerarytoFrançois Masuka at [email protected] or Bill Burress at [email protected] at least two weeks before yourarrival.Includedate,time,flightnumber,airline,arrivalairport(Raleigh-DurhamorPiedmontTriad)and phone number.

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Arrival in the US

Immigration & CustomsMakesuretoarriveattheairportearlytofulfillthesecurityformalities.Theairlineagentcheckingyouinat the boarding time will ask for your passport and visa.

Duringtheflight,youwillbeaskedbytheflightattendantstofillouttwoformsforimmigrationpurpose.YouwillneedaU.S.addresstocompletetheI-94card.Pleasewritedownthesameaddressyouputonyourluggagetag.AsforyourlengthofstayintheUS,filloutadatenotbeyondyourmaximumstaydateofyourI-20/DS-2019formorvisa.TheCustomsDeclarationFormwillaskifyouarecarryingagriculturalproducts.Ifyouhaveanyinyourluggage,makesurethattheymeettheUSrequirements.

YouwillberequiredtogothroughImmigrationandCustomswhenyoufirstarriveintheUSA.PresenttheImmigrationOfficerwithyourpassport,I-20orDS2019,Elon’sacceptanceletter,evidenceoffinancialsupportandtheI-94cardthatyoupreparedontheairplane.Theofficerusuallywillaskyouaboutthepurposeofyourvisitandthentakeyourphotoandfingerprints.

NOTE: IftheU.S.embassyorconsulatereturnedyourI-20orDS-2019inasealedenvelopewithinstructionDONOT OPEN,leaveitintheenvelopeandtheimmigrationofficerwillopenitafteryoulandintheUSA.

Pickupyourbaggageandgothroughcustoms.Theofficermayasktolookinsideyourbaggage.Don’tworry. This is a normal procedure and please let them do their job. After Customs is cleared you can move aheadtoyourconnectingflight,ifyouhaveone.

IfyouhaveanyquestionsregardingCustomsrequirementspleasereviewtherequirementsatthesetwowebsites:

• http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/index.shtm• http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/clearing_goods/agri_prod_inus.xml

Note that there will likely be a TIME CHANGE when you arrive to the USA. Elon is located in the state of North Carolina which is in the “Eastern Standard” time zone. Information on time zone differences can be found at the following website: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/

Travel DelayIf you have any delay or change in your planned arrival time, please contact the ICIC so we can meet you at the airport at your new arrival time. The phone number is 336-278-6700duringofficehours,MondaythroughFridayfrom8:00AM-5:00PM,or336-278-5555afterofficehours(5:00PM).

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OrientationArrival & International Student OrientationYoushouldarriveoncampusonAugust25.Ifarrivingattheairportwewillpickyouupandhelpyoutomove into your Residence Hall. If you arrive on your own, please come to the International Center on the firstflooroftheCarltonbuildingtopickupyourroomkeyandletusknowyouarehere.

YouarerequiredtoattendaNewInternationalStudentOrientationfromAugust26-27Thisorientationwill go over visa issues, cultural and academic adjustments which are very important. Orientation will familiarize you with academic and social life at Elon University and in the United States. You will also be requiredtoattendthegeneralfirstyearNewStudentOrientationstartingtheeveningofFriday,August27.Itisveryimportantyouattendbothorientations.

Duringtheorientationweek,theICICwillassistyouingoingshoppingtopurchaseanythingyoumightneed to set up your room. At this time you will need to purchase bed linens, a pillow, a blanket and an alarmclock.Wecanalsohelpyoutopurchaseacellphone,ifinterested.Yourroomwillhaveinitamicrowave and a small refrigerator. Your US American roommate might have some items he or she will share with you such as a television. The school does not provide bedding.

Personal BankingDuringtheInternationalStudentOrientationyouwillhavetheopportunitytosetupabankaccountwithBankofAmerica,includingacheckingand/orsavingsaccountandanATMcard.Youdonothavetosetup an account with Bank of America, but they will offer you a free checking account. Once you set up an account you can have money transferred to your U.S. bank account from your home country.

Elon Phoenix CardEachstudent,facultyandstaffpersononcampushasaPhoenixCard,whichservesasyourIDcard.YouwillgetyourcardthefirstdayoforientationandwilluseitduringyourtimeatEloninthecampusdininghalls, the library and at other University facilities. This Phoenix card will have your name, your picture andauniquenumber,andcanbeusedasadebitcard.IfyoulosethiscardyoushouldnotifythePhoenixCardofficeintheMoseleyCentertogetareplacementcardforafee.

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MailYou will be assigned a mailbox or a campus box at Elon University. You will receive your campus box num-berduringorientation,ifnotbeforeyouarriveatElon.Ifyouhaveanyquestions,calltheElonMailRoomat336.278.5433.Itisacombinationlockbox.YoucanfindthisinformationontheOnTraksystem,under“YourProfile.”Makesureyougiveyourfriendsandrelativesthecorrectaddress:

Rhyna Eldorado Westminsterxxxx Campus Box

Elon UniversityElon, North Carolina 27244 USA

TelephoneEveryresidencehallhastelephoneforon-campusandemergencyusage.Localcallsarefree.Informationonyourlocalservicewillbeinyourcampusmailwhenyouarrive.Long-distanceserviceisnotprovidedon campus but information will be available on internet regarding long-distance and phone service providers options.

Calling Cards• www.uniontelecard.com; • www.onesuite.com; • www.ecallchine.com; • www.noblecom.com;

• www.masterbell.com; • www.speedypin.com; • www.relianceindiacall.com; • http://ld.net/products/

Many international students use calling cards. Here are few websites where you can buy calling cards:

Many students bring or buy cell phones. Here are some things to remember if you get a cell phone:• In the USA, cell phones are charged both for receiving (incoming) and for outgoing calls.• You will need to have a social security number or pay a deposit in order to open an account

with most companies. In the U.S. the phone service is tied to one particular service provider. Few carriers can unlock your phone to use with any SIM card like you would do abroad.

• Most phone providers will charge you an early termination fee if you cancel your service before the end of the contract because it is considered to be a breach of contract. Ask the salesperson to explain the terms of your contract before signing any document or agreement.

• Foreverycontractyousign,youhave30daystoreturnthephoneandcanceltheservicewithout paying the early termination fee, but you will pay for all the long distance calls you made and for the activation fee.

• Exchangestudentscouldbenefitmorefrom“payasyougo”optionbecauseitdoesn’trequireanycontract.Thephonesforthistypeofservicecanbefoundatthefollowingstores:Wal-Mart, Target and Best Buy.

• SKYPE is available as a way to communicate anywhere in the world through the internet.• The best source for information about phone cards, cell phones and SKYPE is other students.

Cell / Mobile Phones

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MedicalHealth InsuranceUnlike most countries where medical costs are mostly covered by the government, health care in the USA is “privatized,” meaning that each individual must pay for medical visits, treatment and medications. This isveryexpensive.AsaresultmostpeopleintheUSAhaveHEALTHINSURANCE.Elonrequiresallstudentsto have health insurance from a company licensed to do business in the USA. You have two options for health insurance:

• You may bring your own insurance policy from home and provide to ICIC a U.S. contact address and phone number for the insurance company. You will need to submit a copy of your policy in English to the Isabella Cannon International Centre upon your arrival and at the beginning of each academic year.

• YoucanalsopurchaseapolicythroughElonUniversitywhichwillcostbetween$900-950per year, charged automatically to your Elon Student account. If you are planning on paying your tuition before your arrival and then bringing your own policy, the fees charged to your account for the health insurance will be refunded to you.

• Dentalandvisioncarearenotcoveredbymosthealthinsurancepolicies,includingtheoneprovided by Elon University. You will need to buy these types of insurance separately if you wish to be covered for dental and vision care.

Proof of ImmunizationsIn the state of North Carolina, all students attending colleges and universities are required to submit a proof of physical examination of wellness and a certificate of immunizations. The required forms can be downloaded from the following link:

http://www.elon.edu/e-web/students/health_services/Ask your doctor to provide this statement in English and return this form to the ICIC.

MedicationsIf you are on any medications, make sure to bring the English name of the medication, as well as an English copy of the prescription. Before you can get a refill, you must take your prescription to the Health Services Center to have it rewritten. You may then get your medication at any pharmacy. If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, make sure to bring that prescription as well, and you may wish to bring extra glasses.

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RegistrationElon University has the following academic terms during the year: Fall 15 weeks late August until mid-December Winter 4 weeks early January until late January Spring 15 weeks early February until mid May Summer 1 Summer 2InternationalstudentsarerequiredtobefulltimestudentsintheFallandSpringsemesters.Theothertermsareoptional.MoststudentsstudyinFall,WinterandSpring,andonlyafewstudyduringthesummer.MostcoursesatElonare4creditcourses,whichmeanstheclasswillmeetforfourhourseachweek,normally2hoursadayontwodifferentdays(MondayandWednesdayorTuesdayandThursday).Itisnormalforundergraduate(Bachelorsdegree)studentstotake4or5coursesandhave16to18creditspersemester.Graduate(Mastersdegree)internationalstudentsarerequiredtotake9creditshourspersemester.ForyourfirstsemesteratElon,theICICandtheOfficeofAcademicAdvisingwillhelpyou select your courses. You will generally be contacted via email before you arrive to plan your schedule. In the following semesters you will work with your academic advisor to select the courses based on your intended major. It will be important to consult with your academic advisor throughout your time at Elon tomakesureyouaretakingtherequiredcoursesforyourprogramandmajor.

If you are a transfer student or are transferring in advanced credit through IB programs or Advanced Placementexams,pleasemakesureyouhaveprovidedthatinformationtotheAdmissionofficewhowillshareitwiththeRegistrar’sOfficetomakesureyouaregettingtheappropriateadvancedcredit.IfyouhaveanyquestionsregardingyourregistrationinadvanceofyourarrivalpleasecontactBillBurressinthe ICIC at [email protected].

If you enter the USA on a F-1 or J-1 student visa you must meet the requirements of that visa. The ICIC is happy to help you understand the requirements of your visa, but the basic requirements are below.

• You must be a full-time student. Undergraduates must take at least 12 credits each Fall and Spring. Grad students can take fewer credits and should check with the Isabella Cannon International Centre.

• You are allowed to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic terms or 40 hours per week when classes are not being held, such as vacation periods.

• International students on visas may NOT work off campus without prior authorization. Autho-rization is possible only after completing one year and is not automatic. Check with the ICIC for details. More information is available at www.elon.edu

• Before you travel outside of the USA you must first come to the ICIC to obtain a signature on your I-20/DS-2019. Without that signature you would not be able to reenter the USA.

• It is important to remember to ask ICIC any questions regarding your visa or immigration status. Do not rely on the information about immigration law that you might hear from other students, friends or websites.

Maintaining Visa Status

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Tuition & Fees

Allstudentsarerequiredtopaytheirtuition,room,boardandinsurancecostseachsemesterandpriortothebeginningofthesemester.PaymentsaremadethroughtheBursar’soffice,[email protected] or 336-278-5300(phone) or 336-278-5276(fax).Werecommendthatyoupay before you arrive to avoid traveling with a check or other forms of payment. General cost information can be found at the Bursar’s website:

http://www.elon.edu/e-web/bft/bursar/index.xhtml and your personal expenses can be found online at:

https://ebill.elon.edu usingyourstudentIDnumberandPIN.

There are three methods of payment. Please include student’s account number and name in all transactions:

1. Send a check drawn on a U.S. bank with the student’s name clearly written on the check. Mail the check to:

Bursar’sOfficeCampusBox2050

ElonUniversity,Elon,NC27244.

2. PaywithMasterCard,DiscoverorAmericanExpressCardathttps://ebill.elon.edu. You will be chargeda2.75%conveniencefeewhenusingacreditcard.NotethatVisacardsarenotacceptedfortuition payments.

3. Send a wire transfer using the wiring instructions below. After wiring the funds fax the wire transfer confirmationtotheElonBursar’sofficeat336-278-5276.YoumaycalloremailtheBursartoconfirmreceipt. Please make sure that you include the student’s name on the wire transfer. Elon University’s International wire transfer instructions are:

Bank of AmericaCharlotte, North Carolina, U.S.A.

ABA#053000196tocreditElonUniversityBankAccountNumber:0081066037

If you are not able to pay in advance, you will have to pay in full by the on-site registration day September 5, 2011ContacttheBursar’sofficebyphoneat336-278-5300orbye-mailatbursar@elon.eduifyouhaveanyquestionsaboutpayment.

Paying Your University Expenses

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Elon CultureEveryonewhomovestoliveinanothercountrywillexperiencesomecultureshockLikejetlag,itisalmost impossible to avoid, but something that goes away with time. Culture shock affects each student differently, but it is common to feel tired, homesick, nervous or unhappy for a short period of time. Elon hascounselorsthatcanhelpyoumakethistransition,andyouwillalsofindtheotherinternationalstudents to be a good resource, as they might be experiencing the same thing. You can also expect culture shock and your mood to come and go in a cycle. The best way to cope is to stay active, talk with others about what you are feeling, and be patient. In addition to the Elon counselors, feel free to come and talk to the International student advisors in the ICIC.

The culture of the US university classroom is probably different than university classrooms in your home country. Each class will provide you with a syllabus, which will describe the expectations of the professor, your assignments, and your homework. You will be expected to attend EVERY class. If you can not attend a class because you are sick, or for another reason, you should contact your professor in advance by email and bring proof from Health Service if necessary. The professor’s email address will be on the syllabus. Most professors will expect the students to participate in the class. Very few classes are simply lecture and note-taking. So be ready to speak in class. You may also be asked to work in a group of classmates onaproject.Professorswillalsohavespecificofficehoursindicatedonthesyllabusandtheyexpectyoutocomeandseethemifyouhaveanyquestions.Facultyareveryhappytomeetwithstudentsandhelpthem,sodonothesitatetocontactyourprofessorsattheiroffices.

Academic Honesty

Youwillfindthefaculty,staffandstudentsofElontobeopen,welcomingandtypicallyinformal.Studentsareveryactiveandinvolvedinmanyactivitiesoutsideoftheclassroom.Wehopethatyouwould be involved as well. There are many clubs and organizations that provide opportunities to meet students with interests similar to yours. There are opportunities to participate in sports or to watch the University’s sports teams compete against other universities. The best way to learn about the US culture andtoadjusttoElon,istobeactiveandtoparticipateinafewofthemanyopportunitiesavailable.WealsohopethatyouwillshareyourculturewiththeEloncommunity.Ithinkyouwillfindyourclassmates,as well as faculty and staff, to be interested in learning from you about your home and culture.

Culture of Elon

Culture of HelpBothintheUSAandatElonitiscommonandexpectedtoaskothersforhelp.Ifyouhaveaquestion,arelost,feelpoorly,ordon’tunderstandsomething,asksomeonetohelpyou.Therearemanyofficesoncampuswiththepurposeofhelpingstudents.Americanstudentswillasktheseofficesforhelpandyoushoulddothesame.Someofthoseofficesarelistedbelow.

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Support Offices

General Hours for Elon’s Offices: 8AM to 5PM, M to F

The Isabella Cannon International Center (ICIC)TheICICistheprimarysupportofficeforinternationalstudents.YoucancometotheICICforanyquestionandwehopeyouwillcomeoften,evenifyoudonothaveaquestion.TheICICwillbeyourhomeawayfromhome.Ifwedonothaveananswerforyourquestion,wewillhelpyoutogettheanswer.

Carlton Building x6700

The Office of Residence Life (Res Life)Over2700studentsliveonElon’scampusandResLifeisresponsibleforhousingandthosestudents.There are Resident Advisors (RA’s) who are students living in the residence halls and student apartments whoaretheretohelpyouwithinyourresidenthall.TheRA’saresupervisedbyResidentDirectors(RD’s)whoareprofessionalsalsolivingoncampus.FinallythereisthehelpfulstaffoftheResidenceLifeoffice.These are the people best able to help you with any issue involving your room, roommates, and campus life.MoreinformationaboutResLifeisfoundathttp://www.elon.edu/e-web/students/residence_life/

Moseley Center x7200

R.N. Ellington Health CenterHealth Services is located behind the Moseley Student Center and has a doctor, Physician Assistants, nurses and counselors. Elon’s on-campus health center offers medical and counseling services to the University’s students, faculty and staff. Physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and a medical assistant provide services to the Elon community. Counseling services are also available in the Health Center. Students pay small charges for physical exams, medications, lab tests, procedures and medical supply items. Charges for off-campus referrals, x-rays, etc. may be covered by the student’s insurance plan.However,thestudentisresponsiblefortheco-paymentfeewhichmaybeintherangeof$20-50.Formore information about Health Services, visit their website at:

http://www.elon.edu/e-web/students/health_services/Services they offer:

• Immunization: Vaccines are administered for a fee.• GynecologyClinic:GynecologicalexamsandPAPsmearsareavailable,butLabfeeapplies.• Allergy Vaccine Administration: Students may receive allergy desensitization shots at the

Health Center, but there is a fee for this service.• InfluenzaVaccines:Vaccinesareadministeredpriortofluseasoneachfalltostudents,faculty

and staff at no charge.

Behind Moseley Center x7230

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Campus Resources

Isabella Cannon International Studies PavilionThisPavilionisaLearningCommunitywheremanyofyourfellowInternationalStudentslive,side-by-sidewithInternationallyinclinedAmericanstudents.Dropbytomakefriendsandconnectwithyourpeers.:

http://www.elon.edu/e-web/students/residence_life/learningcommunities/internationalpavilion.xhtml

The Office of Academic Advising | Duke Building x6500Thearevariousprofessionalsoncampusthatwillhelpyoutoplantheclassesyouwillneedtotake.Whenyou have selected your major you will have a professor within that academic department as an advisor. Until that time you should use Academic Advising to help you with your class selection.

The Writing Center | Belk Library x5651The writing center is helpful for any writing assignments you may be given. They will individualize will proofread your work and give you feedback on how to improve it. Make sure you set up an appointment so that they can personalize your session.

Belk Library | x6600BelkLibraryisoneofthemajorcampusresourcecentersyoucanfind.Hereyoucangaininternetaccess,book,movies,quietstudycentersandmore.TheWritingCenter,TutoringCenter,MediaServicesandEliteare all based in this building.

Tutoring Center | Belk Library x6515Here you can find tutors in every subject of Elon’s courses. These peer tutors will help you create study plans,finish homework and more. They offer both walk-in and pre-arranged study sessions. More specialized courses,such as foreign languages may require appointments.

Bookstore | Moseley Center x5400Here you can find all of the books, supplies, study aids and school clothing that you will need during your stay at Elon. Make sure you go early, as the lines can be long during the first week of school. Books can be bought new and used, as well as rented, something new for this Fall 2011 semester.

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Career Services will help you with placement in various jobs, internships, graduate school and other similaropportunities.Theirstaffwillshowyouhowtofindjob,practiceinterviews,andbuildyourresume among a large number of other functions.

Career Services | Duke x6538

E-Mail

Elon’s bio-bus provides transportation around campus and has limited routes to shopping and entertainment areas in the local community, including Alamance Crossing shopping center. It is possible and not very expensive to get a North Carolina drivers license. If you intend to drive while in the USA we recommend you get a license. Come to the ICIC for information. ZIP cars are short-term rental cars available on campus at the Moseley Center for those that have a drivers license from North Carolina, another US state, or any foreign country You can use a ZIP car with an international driver”s license as long as you submit your driving records. If you are considering buying a car, ask for help. You should realize that if you are buying a car, you will also need to purchase car insurance . To obtain the North Carolina driver’s license, you will need to pass a written examination and a driving test . Elon also providesbusestothelocalairports,Raleigh-Durham(RDU)andPiedmontTriad(GSO),atdesignatedtimes at the end of the semester. There will be a handout with a list of times at Moseley Center’s front desk and on its website:

http://www.elon.edu/e-web/students/campuscenter/

You’ll receive your Elon email account information (username and password) through the mail at home over the summer. E-mail is a free service provided by the University. You can access your account as well as the Internet at almost any of the many computers around campus. The majority of the campus has wireless(WiFi)access,aswell.

Computer LabsElonUniversityoffers36PCand17Macpubliccomputerlabspaces.Eachlabisequippedwithhardwareand software to serve the Elon campus community. Our labs are located in various locations around campus, making them easily accessible to all students, faculty, and staff. Each lab is equipped with software to serve your academic needs.

Transportation

TheKernodleCenterforServiceLearningiswhereElonhelpsprovidestudentswithopportunitiestovolunteer in the community and on campus. They will help place you in service-oriented part-time jobs and internships as well. They have a list of current opportunities at the door, and are always willing to talk.

Kernodle Center | Moseley Center x7250

Recreation / Fitness | Koury Center x2000Elonalsoprovidesmanyextracurricularactivitiesoncampus:Thestudentcenter,afitnesscenterwithaswimming pool, organized sports, clubs such as fraternities and sororities, service clubs, academic clubs . There are also many special events, excursions and other opportunities that are offered on a regular basis around campus. It is very important that you get involved with activities that you are interested in. Only then will you feel truly at home at Elon.

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Page 16: International Student Handbook 2011 - 2012 - Elon University€¦ · Original I-20/DS-2019 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigration Student Status) ... Elon University’s

Emergency Info

A part of being in a different country is being aware of safety issues that may or may not be a part of your everyday life at home. Although Elon is a very safe place, it is always good to be careful, especially at night. Elon University campus police http://org.elon.edu/safety/ can escort you after dark. Do not hesitate to contact Campus Police whenever necessary. Here are basic ways to better ensure your safety while on Elon’s campus and in the United States.

• Stay Alert! Be aware of your surroundings. Look to see who is in front of and behind you. If you are concerned about crime, ask a friend to accompany you. Appear calm and confident and communicate the message that you know where you are going. Stand up straight and walk with purpose. You don’t want people to know if you are unsure of your surroundings. Trust your Instincts. If you feel uncomfortable with a person, place or situation, leave immediately. Avoid walking at night alone: always walk with someone or in group. If you have to walk alone at night, avoid all dark and not well lit paths and sidewalks.

• Keep your room door locked at all times: Locking your door with your key, wherever you reside, is an effective way to reduce theft and enhance personal safety. The vast majority of thefts occur from unlocked rooms when the occupant is gone only briefly. Do not prop open exterior doors, and close any doors you find propped open. Propped doors are a high risk and greatly increase chances of your victimization. Do not open your door to someone you are not expecting and/or do not know.

• If it is too late or you feel uncomfortable walking back alone to your room at night, please call Campus Safety and Security at X5555

Office of Campus Safety & Police | The Oaks x5555Elonhasitsownpoliceforce.Itisimportanttoknowthateveryoneinthisofficeisoncampustohelpyou,nottoarrestyouortocreateaproblemforyou.Thephonenumberforthisofficeisx5555fromanywhereoncampusor336-278-5555fromoffcampus.Thecampuspoliceareavailable24hoursand7daysaweek. The Elon Campus and surrounding community is a very safe area. Nonetheless, it is important to use common sense and take certain steps to assure your safety, such as:

• Lockyourdoors• Donotleavevaluables,suchaslaptops,unattended• Donotwalkaloneatnight

Emergency• Ifyouhaveanyproblems,oranemergency,yourRAcanbeafirstsourceofhelp.• Fromanyphoneoncampus,youcancallthecampussecurityatextension5555.Youcanalso

callfromtheEmergencyCallBoxesoncampuswiththebluelights.Fromyourcell/mobilephone,dial336-278-5555ifyouneedassistanceofanysortwhileonoroff-campus.Wesuggest you create a speed dial on your phone for this number.

• AnywhereintheUnitedStates,youcandial911onanyphonetogetimmediateaccesstothelocalpolice,thefiredepartment,ambulanceserviceoranyotheremergencyservice.

Personal Safety

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Page 17: International Student Handbook 2011 - 2012 - Elon University€¦ · Original I-20/DS-2019 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigration Student Status) ... Elon University’s