International Acceptance Guide SEVIS 24-25 by California Baptist University

Now you might be wondering, “What’s next?”

This booklet will guide you through the steps you need to take before starting your classes here at California Baptist University.

Follow this step-by-step guide to becoming a CBU Lancer. This will keep you on track for your first day of class.

CBU students represent 64 countries from around the world. 67 countries from Congratulations on your acceptance to

FIND ALL THIS INFORMATION HERE: calbaptist.edu/intlorientation

DID YOU KNOW?

You are now challenged with choosing which college or university to attend. We recognize the importance of this decision and believe that California Baptist University offers not only an excellent educational experience but also a great place to make lasting friendships and prepare for your career.

From the moment you enroll at CBU, you will be welcomed into a community of faculty and staff who are committed to helping you live your purpose. With an offering of more than 80 undergraduate majors and over 40 graduate degrees, you are sure to find one that will prepare you for success in your career and, more importantly, your calling.

Founded in 1950, CBU sits on 162 acres (65 hectares) and serves more than 11,500 students. CBU offers an inspirational learning environment including state-of-the-art buildings and residence areas, smart classrooms and award-winning dining facilities. We are extremely excited about our newest additions to campus: the Recreation Center, complete with a rooftop track, futsal field and state-of-the-art free weight and cardio equipment; the 5,000+ seat Events Center, which hosts chapel and athletic competitions; and our 100,000-square-foot engineering building.

As you move forward to pursue your collegiate experience at CBU, our sincere hope is that the information provided in this booklet will equip you for your next steps. At CBU, each office will work closely with you to answer all of your questions . If you are not sure where to start, give us a call in International Admissions.

Again, congratulations on your acceptance to CBU! We look forward to seeing you become part of the CBU Family and wish you the best in your academic career.

International Admissions

How to Become a Lancer

Submit I-20 Transfer

Verification

Form

This document confirms when your current school will send your SEVIS record to CBU. This is how you can confirm your enrollment.

Make Housing Arrangements

Undergraduate students need to reserve housing as soon as possible, especially if you want your first-choice living area! On-campus graduate student housing is currently available, but there are many apartment complexes near campus.

Complete Online Orientation

Now that you are accepted, you can access the link to participate in Online Orientation. Completing Online Orientation will give you all of the information you need for a successful start at CBU.

International Arrival

It’s time to plan your travel! Book your plane ticket and get ready to come to California. Make sure you have your passport, I-20, and are scheduled to arrive on an airport pick up day unless you plan to arrange your own transportation to CBU. Fill out your arrival form in your acceptance email.

International Welcome

Checking in to CBU and attending International Welcome is mandatory. You will receive your student ID, learn your way around campus and start to make new friends!

Submit your I-20 Transfer Verification Form

We are so excited you have been accepted to CBU. Here are a few details about your immigration documents.

Transfer Your SEVIS Record

Please complete your I-20 Transfer Verification Form* with your current international advisor (DSO) to determine on what date to transfer your SEVIS record from your current school to CBU. You will need to work with your current school to complete this step. The I-20 Transfer Form is enclosed in your acceptance box along with your acceptance letter and our university’s SEVIS code is listed on the form.

*Skip the $750 tuition deposit by submitting this form. FOR MORE TRANSFER INFORMATION: calbaptist.edu/i20transfer

DID YOU KNOW?

By maintaining your active I-20 you are able to remain in the US even with your original visa obtained with a previous school’s I-20. You can also remain in the country on an expired visa as long as your I-20 remains active. If you leave the country, you will need to renew your student visa to return to the US.

Make Your Housing Arrangements

Undergraduate

Living on campus will enhance your college experience for many reasons. Not only do our unique living areas offer great places to study and learn but you will also get to experience an array of programs exclusive to residents. Some popular events include our annual all-campus Halloween production, individual living area worship nights, themed dinners and friendly competitions. Many of our students also find lifelong friends through their time living on campus. You have so much to look forward to!

As you fill out your online housing application, you will have the chance to create your own personal profile to help in the roommate matching process and provide a living area preference. You will receive a confirmation email once you are assigned housing.

We are so excited to have you join our community! Please don’t hesitate to call or email us with any questions between now and then.

• Spring 2025 housing applications become available in October 2024.

• Fall 2025 housing applications become available in January 2025. DID YOU KNOW? CBU has the 5th Best College Campus in the United States* *niche.com

Graduate

We want you to have a comfortable place to call home during your studies at CBU.

Graduate students are eligible to live on campus in our University Houses, but there are also many apartment complexes near CBU that international students may choose to live in. If you are interested in connecting with other students who are looking for a roommate, please join the Facebook Group: CBU Roommate Connect

Complete Online Orientation

We will send you information about how to access Online Orientation through email.

Online Orientation will get you ready to come to CBU! We have included everything you need to know, and if you forget, you can review it anytime you would like. Throughout the orientation, you will learn more about the CBU experience and our traditions as well as explore the resources that are available to you as a student. We hope this allows you to learn more about your areas of interest and get excited about this upcoming semester.

Nineteen students for every faculty member means smaller classes and professors who know you by name.

Getting to Know Riverside, California

Riverside was founded in 1870 and, shortly thereafter, became one of the wealthiest cities in the United States thanks to the citrus industry. The Mission Revival style architecture, trendy eateries and strong commitment to education and diversity give the city its charming character.

While you’re here, visit these incredible places:

n California Citrus State Park

n Downtown Riverside

n Mission Inn

n Mt. Rubidoux

n Riverside Art Museum

n Riverside Food Lab

n Arcade Coffee Roasters

International Arrival

This benefit allows you to move into housing early before other new students arrive.

Once you have decided CBU is the right school, and you have your visa, purchase your flight to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). LAX is one of the world’s most famous airports, so you never know who you might see on your way out!

CBU will provide free transportation from LAX to CBU on the International Arrival day below based upon your semester of enrollment.

• Spring | Tuesday, January 7, 2025

• Summer | Thursday, May 1, 2025

• Fall | Tuesday, August 26, 2025 (Proposed)

Once you have booked your tickets, fill out the arrival form found in your acceptance email at least 7 days before your arrival. If you arrive on any date other than ones designated for airport pickup, you will need to arrange your own transportation. We recommend primetimeshuttle.com

Please refer to your acceptance email for your unique form for airport pickup.

International Welcome

International Welcome (IW )

Transitioning to college life in America will take more than just a few days. International Welcome provides you with opportunities to connect with other students and learn about our campus culture and traditions. This will be a great chance to meet other people from all over the world and connect with our staff and interns.

Welcome Weekend (Undergraduate Only)

As a new undergraduate student, you will also attend Welcome Weekend, a weekend of fun activities and events for all new CBU students. Our hope is to connect you to CAMPUS (letting you know about the resources and facilities available to you), CLASSMATES (helping you meet other new students and develop friendships) and COMMUNITY (introducing you to the qualities and traditions unique to CBU).

What to carry:

n Passport

n I-20

n Luggage

n Phone Charger and Adapter

n Travel Documents