IN T ER N AT ION A L
Student Orientation
WE AR E
EXCITED for you to
JOIN
US AT LIBERT Y
On behalf of the entire faculty and staff of LU ONE, welcome to our campus and thank you for choosing Liberty University! You are embarking on an exciting adventure in your pursuit of a quality education. The staff of LU ONE, including the International Student Center (ISC), is here to support you as you pursue your educational, personal, professional, and spiritual goals. As an international student, you are joining almost 800 students from more than 70 countries who make up an important part of Liberty’s student body. Always remember — you have a story to tell about your country, your culture, and your family background. Share that story with others, and you will enhance the learning process of your fellow students. We hope you will grow in your understanding of God’s love for you and will become encouraged by the spirit of excitement found at this university. You now have access to all the resources, expertise, and faculty you need to succeed in pursuing your chosen field of study and to make the most of your time on campus. We are here to help in any way we can.
SHON MULDROW Senior Vice President, LU ONE
WHAT YOU NEED TO K NOW CONTENTS 2
Federal Regulations
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International Health Insurance
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Life at Liberty University
10 10 Things You Should Know About American Culture 12
Culture Shock
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Driving in the U.S.
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Meet the Staff
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Living in Lynchburg
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Definitions of Terms
U.S. FEDER AL REGULATIONS MAINTAINING STATUS FOR F-1 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS As a nonimmigrant guest in the U.S., please familiarize yourself with the regulations set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for your student (F-1) status. Failure to follow these rules could result in dismissal and loss of student status. A designated school official (DSO) in the ISC is required by the U.S. government to enforce these regulations. Your international student advisor (ISA) and your international student advocate are DSOs. If you have any questions or concerns about the regulations, talk with your ISA.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT Records of international students at Liberty University are maintained on the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and reported to the USCIS. To maintain your student status with the USCIS and comply with Liberty University policies, you must have a valid, nonexpired Form I-20 at all times. Students are admitted for “Duration of Status.” (“D/S” is often written on the stamp inside your passport.) This status is valid for as long as you are a full-time student or until the “Program End Date” on your I-20. If you need additional time to complete your program, you must contact your ISA to apply for an extension of your I-20.
Full-time Enrollment You must be enrolled full time each fall and spring semester. This means: • Twelve (12) credit hours per semester for undergraduates. • Nine (9) credit hours per semester for graduate students. • Six (6) credit hours per semester for Ph.D. program students. You must have permission in advance from your ISA to drop below full-time enrollment for any reason. Failure to obtain permission will cause you to fall out of F-1 status. You must also be enrolled full time through the entirety of both fall and spring semesters, and you will be unable to withdraw from a class if it drops you below full-time status. Please note: If you do not attend class, your professor can give you a grade of "FN" (Failure for nonattendance). Receiving an FN impacts your enrollment and can affect your status. You are not required to
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be enrolled during the summer term. Less than full-time enrollment is permissible during your final semester only after completing the Reduced Course Load (RCL) request form and receiving approval from the ISA prior to beginning your final semester. Full-time enrollment is still required for scholarships to post regardless of RCL approval for the final semester. Only one online class (3 credit hours) may be counted toward your full-time requirement each fall and spring semester. However, once your full-time residential course requirement is met for a given semester, you may take as many online courses as you wish. Keep in mind that there is no summer enrollment requirement, so you can take as many online classes as you wish during the summer semester. (Check credit hour requirements listed to the left.)
Program Extension
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
If you find that you must extend your stay at Liberty beyond the date specified by the Program End Date on your Form I-20, you must submit an Application for Program Extension to your ISA 30 days before the expected completion date. (Extension of stay will only be approved by the ISA for academic or medical reasons that were unforeseen and not under the control of the student.) Failure to do this will put you out of status with the USCIS.
CPT provides employment that is an integral part of your curriculum, including alternate work/study, internships, cooperative education, or any other type of requirement that is offered by sponsoring companies through cooperative agreements with Liberty. (Contact your ISA for more information.) CPT must be authorized for all internships, regardless of whether they are paid or unpaid. Failure to receive CPT authorization before starting your internship/practicum or off-campus employment is a violation of your F-1 status and could result in your termination.
Passport Keep your passport valid at all times. You will not be eligible for employment, a Social Security card, or a driver’s license if your passport is expired. To renew a passport, you must contact the nearest embassy of your home country or return home.
Social Security Number You must apply for a Social Security Number to work on or off campus. To apply for a Social Security Number, you must first have a job offer. The Human Resources office will help you apply for a Social Security Number if you are offered employment on campus.
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Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Travel Outside the U.S.
Optional Practical Training provides the opportunity for F-1 international students to work in the U.S. following completion of an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. OPT allows up to 12 months of employment authorization in the student’s study area to gain practical experience. Students who graduate in an approved science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) major may apply for an additional 24 months of OPT.
When you leave the United States for a temporary absence, take your passport and I-20 with you. Make sure your I-20 is signed on the second page by an ISA. The ISA’s signature on Page 2 of the I-20 is valid for one year. We recommend that you also take a copy of your transcript and your student ID card. You always need a valid Student (F-1) Visa to reenter the United States. If your visa has expired, you should include a visit to the U.S. Consulate in your travel plans.
Visa Your visa may expire with no negative consequences while you are in the United States. However, your F-1 visa can only be renewed outside of the United States. A valid visa is required to enter the U.S.
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On-campus Employment You may not work more than a total of 18 hours per week while classes are in session (fall and spring semesters). You may work as many hours as your department allows during summer and whenever school is not in session (e.g., Christmas Break, Fall Break, Spring Break).
Taxes
Dependents
All international students must file with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by April 15 each year. If you work in the United States, you must complete all required income tax forms for both federal and state reporting of your income after the end of each year. If you were not employed during the previous calendar year, you must file Form 8843 with the IRS.
According to new regulations, dependents (spouse and/or children) in F-2 status may apply for a degree program and enroll in residential courses part time. F-2 dependents who would like to study full time and be eligible to receive institutional scholarships must apply for Change of Status to F-1. Dependents on F-2 status may not be employed on or off campus.
Transfer to Another School
Local Address
If you desire to transfer to another school or attend another school following graduation from Liberty University, you must meet with your international student advocate to begin the transfer process.
If you move or live off campus, you must notify your ISA of any address change. Liberty University must maintain a valid address on SEVIS at all times.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE UNIVERSITY Liberty University is required by law to notify the USCIS when a student has failed to maintain status, violated immigration laws in any way, changed status, or is no longer attending school. Liberty may refuse admission to students who have not met the USCIS requirements for F-1 status.
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HEALTH INSUR ANCE International students are automatically enrolled in the university's international student health insurance program. You will see a charge on your student bill that will verify your enrollment for each fall and spring semester. Email mystatus@liberty.edu for more information. International insurance is provided by UnitedHealthcare (UHC) Student Resources.
INSURANCE CARD UHC will send you an email when your card is available to print. Follow these steps to print the card: • Click on “create My Account now” at UHCSR.com/MyAccount. • Enter your first name, last name, date of birth, and your Liberty student ID number. • Click on the ID card logo in the top right corner of your screen. • Print the most current card. For coverage dates for the fall and spring semesters, please go to Liberty.edu/ISC. The deadline for enrolling your dependents is the Friday of Add/Drop week.
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USING YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE STEP ONE
Take your insurance card with you to the doctor, clinic, or emergency room and give it to the receptionist.
• Recommended: Go to Liberty University Student Health Center in Residential Commons III. The Student Health Center can be reached at (434) 338-7774, or you can call UHC at (800) 767-0700 to find a healthcare provider that is covered by your plan. • If you are being admitted to the hospital for a procedure, call UHC three days before your scheduled procedure. If you are admitted due to an emergency, you must call within two days following admission. • If your healthcare provider suggests treatment or testing, ask the medical service provider if they will accept what UHC covers. You can also ask the medical provider what the charges will be and then contact UHC to see what percentage of the charges will be covered.
STEP TWO
Before you leave the medical facility, ask the receptionist to file a claim for you.
• You do not have a copay. However, you may be asked to pay your coinsurance at the time of the appointment. Your preferred provider coinsurance is 20 percent of the bill, and United Healthcare Pharmacy (UHCP) has a 20 percent coinsurance for prescriptions (up to a 31-day supply). • If the medical provider refuses to file a claim, you will need to fill out a claim form that can be found at UHCSR.com/MyAccount. The claim form must be received within 90 days of treatment.
STEP THREE
You will receive an “Explanation of Benefits” from UHC and a bill from the healthcare provider.
• Inspect the statement and bill. • If UHC has not paid anything on the bill, contact UHC and the healthcare provider to ask if your claim was submitted.
STEP FOUR
You will be responsible for the first $200 in charges from a preferred provider and $500 in charges from an out-of-network provider every academic year. This is called your deductible. Annual coverage is typically from Aug. 6 to Aug. 5.
• After the first $200/$500, UHC will cover 80 percent of preferred providers’ “preferred allowance” and 50 percent of out-of-network providers’ “usual and customary charges” for the year for any procedures and prescription medications. Preventive care is covered 100 percent for preferred providers and 50 percent for outof-network providers. STEP FIVE
Pay the balance on the bill from the healthcare provider.
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INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER • Dental expenses • Vision expenses (eyeglasses or checkups with an optometrist) • Medical expenses that are above what the insurance company designates as reasonable and customary Students and dependents under the age of 19 may receive dental coverage up to 50 percent, as well as vision coverage, subject to the policy. To determine if a procedure will be paid for, call UnitedHealthcare Student Resources or visit UHCSR.com/MyAccount>Current Coverage Information>Policy Brochure.
STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE Liberty University provides a $10,000 accident insurance policy through the Office of Risk Management. (This policy is only applicable to residential students.) Student accident insurance is not intended to replace your primary health insurance, but it does cover accidental injuries such as those related to sports and physical activities. Speak with your international student health insurance representative for more information or visit AGAdministrators.com/Liberty.
STUDENT HEALTH FEE A $170 student health fee covers a wide variety of services in the Student Health Center. Please visit LUStudentHealth.com or call the Student Health Center at (434) 338-7774 for more information.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WITH HEALTH INSURANCE: • Check out Liberty.edu/ISC. • Email your questions along with any bills and receipts to mystatus@liberty.edu. • Call UHC: (800) 767-0700 | ISC: (434) 592-4118
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LIFE at LIBERTY UNIVERSITY Here are some important tips as you begin your studies.
ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS You are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout your years at Liberty. Failure to do so will result in academic warning, then probation, suspension, and potential dismissal. Below are the minimum grade point averages (GPA) for undergraduate students, which vary by the number of credit hours completed at Liberty: • Level 1 (0–23.99 credit hours) 1.50 Minimum GPA • Level 2 (24–47.99 credit hours) 1.65 Minimum GPA • Level 3 (48–71.99 credit hours) 1.85 Minimum GPA • Level 4 (72 or more credit hours) 2.00 Minimum GPA NOTE: Classes may be dropped due to nonattendance, which could affect your status. Keep in mind that being enrolled full time and failing all courses will result in going directly to academic probation, regardless of the student's GPA. Plagiarism and cheating are never acceptable at Liberty University. What you don’t think is plagiarism may actually be plagiarism by Liberty’s standards. Check with your professors in advance if you are uncertain about using written work from another source. Please refer to the Academic Policy Handbook at Liberty.edu/Registrar for more information.
Share your excitement using
#LUINTERNATIONAL
CLASS REGISTRATION Most students have been assigned a class schedule for their first semester. You are required to meet with your Professional Advisor prior to registering for your second semester of classes. Be sure to schedule an appointment with your advisor before registration opens. (To schedule an appointment, visit Liberty.edu/Advising.) The Course Registration Tool, found on myLU, shows you the courses and other requirements you need to complete your degree. Remember the Financial Check-In deadline. You are responsible for staying informed about deadlines!
SCHOLARSHIPS Outside scholarships can be added to your student account, but no additional Liberty University scholarships will be awarded to you unless you are in one of the following categories: • Athletics • Honors • Liberty Worship Collective • ONE Fellowship Scholarship • Resident Assistant • Resident Shepherd
Scholarships are valid for eight semesters, excluding New Student Book Dollars and the Early Deposit Award, which are one-time awards only. New Student Book Dollars will expire after two months.
CLEP AND ICE The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Institutional Challenge Examination (ICE) let you earn college credit for the knowledge you have already acquired. You may be able to take a test in place of some prerequisite classes. For additional CLEP information, go to Liberty.edu/CLEP. To learn more about ICE exams, visit Liberty.edu/ICEInfo.
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10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AMERICAN CULTURE GREETINGS (EYE CONTACT AND TITLES)
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When meeting someone for the first time, stand up, make eye contact, and shake hands briefly and firmly. It is important to remember a person's name. Hugging is common with family and friends at Liberty.
PERSONAL SPACE
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TIME AND WORK ETHIC
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Americans value punctuality. It is important to arrive on time for class, work, meetings, events, or other appointments. If you are going to be late for a meeting, call prior to the meeting and apologize when you arrive. Use a planner or calendar to remember where you need to be and when you need to be there.
LANGUAGE
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Pronunciation of words and phrases can vary from region to region throughout the United States. If you do not understand what someone says, ask them to say it again more slowly. Americans are patient when dealing with students learning the English language.
FOOD
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Personal space may vary from person to person but is usually at least one full arm’s length. Entering someone’s personal space may cause them to feel uncomfortable. If the person backs away, do not try to close the gap. Avoid physical contact while you are speaking to someone you just met.
There are many differences between American and foreign foods. Most foreign foods can be readily found in larger cities or international convenience stores. Fast food or takeout food restaurants are also popular. Liberty students often pray (saying a blessing or grace) before eating. You should wait to see if those around you are going to pray before you start eating.
AMERICAN HOLIDAYS
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American holidays and annual events reflect the history, traditions, diversity, and culture of the United States. Many offices and banks are closed on federal holidays.
AMERICAN SPORTS
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Sports are important for Americans and can be very competitive. Popular sports include baseball, basketball, fishing, football, golf, and swimming. In the U.S., the term “soccer” is used to refer to the sport known as “football” in most other countries.
MORALS AND VALUES* Americans place high value on individual freedom, self-reliance, and personal achievements.
* A mericans are recognized for how highly they value independence. Americans also value critical thinking and the memorization of facts. For this reason, it’s acceptable to question or even disagree with what you read in a textbook or hear from a professor. When you disagree, you are expected to remain courteous, respectful, and ready to back up your position with solid reasoning. Your professors are here to help you learn, and learning to think critically is a very important component of your education.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
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In the U.S., it is not unusual for a customer service representative to ask, “May I help you?” or “Are you finding everything okay?” This request may be seen as impolite in some cultures, but it is not meant to bring disrespect or discomfort. The representative only wants to ensure your satisfaction.
COMMON COURTESIES When waiting in line, be patient and wait your turn. It is considered rude to cut in line or jostle people.
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CULTURE SHOCK You are in a new country with new food, new surroundings, new friends, and a new routine. It is normal that you feel “shocked.” This feeling will pass, but if that adjustment takes longer than it should, you may need support to break through the “shock” and get into a comfortable routine. This chart will help you recognize when you or a friend needs some outside help. Let someone in the International Student Center (ISC) know if you need to talk or find additional emotional support for the transition — they are here to help you.
SYMPTOMS OF CULTURE SHOCK
Anxiety
Physical illness
Negative and simplistic views of Americans
Feelings of helplessness/dependency/loneliness
Extreme homesickness
Sleep and eating disturbances (too little or too much) Depression and sadness
Feeling left out Difficulty focusing and completing tasks
Inappropriate anger and hostility
Avoiding the company of people from other countries
STAGES The graph below shows that cultural adaptation is a process that may involve various stages. Be patient with yourself. Seek help or counseling if you need it. The staff at the ISC are there to help you! HAPPY METER (MOOD RANGE)
CULTURAL ADAPTATION CURVE
HIGH
Honeymoon
At Home
REGULAR
Humor Hostility
LOW 1
2
3 4 MONTHS
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HELPFUL HINTS ON HOW TO COPE WITH CULTURE SHOCK • Laugh at your mistakes • Exercise
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• Eat well • Sleep well • Make new friends
• Get involved in clubs or organizations • Think positively
• Express yourself in a journal or discussion
DRIVING IN THE U.S. INTERNATIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE
LICENSE FROM ANOTHER STATE
In some instances, full-time students living in Virginia may drive using an international driver’s license. Contact the local DMV to find out if you are eligible.
If you already have a valid driver’s license from another state in the U.S. and are currently enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited university, you do not need to get a Virginia driver’s license.
If you become gainfully employed in the U.S., you will need a U.S. driver's license in order to continue driving.
GETTING A VIRGINIA DRIVER’S LICENSE If you are a new student, you must report to your ISA — contact MyStatus@liberty.edu or call (434) 592-4118. This step is required so that your SEVIS record can be registered with the U.S. government. You must wait at least two days after you are registered on SEVIS to apply for a driver’s license — and at least 10 days after your initial entry into the United States. The name of the legal department in charge of giving you your driver’s license is the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Please see the DMV website (DMVNow.com) for more information, or contact the department at:
Lynchburg DMV
3236 Odd Fellows Road, Lynchburg, Va. 24501 phone-alt (804) 497-7100
Note: • Your Virginia driver’s license will expire at the end date of your I-20. • If you remain in the U.S. on OPT, you will need to take your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, I-20 authorizing OPT, and I-94 card or stamp to the DMV to extend your license. • Temporary documents and photocopies will not be accepted. Allow plenty of time to complete the process.
Documents Needed You must present two documents to prove Virginia residency as well as documented proof of your legal status in the U.S. Proof of Virginia residency can be an official letter, bill, statement, or envelope from a utility company or bank with your name and local legal mailing address. Acceptable forms to prove your legal presence in the U.S. include: • Valid passport from your home country • SEVIS I-20 • Proof of Social Security Number (only if you are or have been employed in the U.S.)
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MEET the STAFF C. DANIEL KIM INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CENTER STAFF
Dr. Kenny Warren International Student Center Director
Dr. Ireremena FelixOtuorimuo Student Engagement Coordinator
Mrs. Victoria Thompson
Mr. Ron Morataya
Operations Coordinator
International Student Advisor
Mr. Paul Gazan
Mrs. Sue Lee
Mrs. Tara Watkins
Mr. David Shin
International Student Advocate
International Student Advisor
International Student Advocate
International Student Advisor
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LIVING in LYNCHBURG WESTERN UNION (MONEY CENTERS) The following locations can assist you in making Western Union money transfers (call ahead if the transfer is over $200):
Kroger
2012 Wards Road, Lynchburg, Va. 24502 phone-alt (434) 239-6018
Walmart Money Center
3900 Wards Road, Lynchburg, Va. 24502 phone-alt (434) 832-0304
TRANSPORTATION Liberty students may ride Greater Lynchburg Transit Company buses for free with their Flames Pass. To obtain your Flames Pass, go to ID & Campus Services in the Montview Student Union, Room 1720.
ID & Campus Services: (434) 582-7771
SHOPPING
River Ridge Mall
Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m., and Sunday from noon–6 p.m. (Take the 4B bus from Green Hall)
Candlers Station Shopping Center
Hours vary per store
Wards Crossing
Hours vary per store (Walk using the pedestrian tunnel)
(Walk)
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LIVING in LYNCHBURG RESTAURANTS AND ACTIVITIES A variety of restaurants and activities are available to students living in Lynchburg. For details on restaurants and things to do, check out LynchburgVirginia.org.
INTERNATIONAL GROCERY STORES AND RESTAURANTS A to Z Essentials and Groceries
1123 Dayna Court, Forest, Va. 24551 phone-alt (678) 575-8146
(African food)
Tienda Xpress (Mexican food)
Taqueria La Tradicional Mexican Grill (Mexican and Latin American food)
99 Cent Store & Oriental Grocery
21120 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg, Va. 24502 phone-alt (434) 214-0326
18243 Forest Road #8, Lynchburg, Va. 24502 phone-alt (434) 316-0110
21556 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg, Va. 24502 phone-alt (434) 237-8980
(Asian food)
Taste of India Grocery (Indian and Middle Eastern food)
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2100 12th St., Lynchburg, Va. 24501 phone-alt (434) 845-1008
DEFINITIONS of TER MS PREFERRED ALLOWANCE Preferred allowance (insurance term) is the amount a preferred provider will accept as payment for covered medical expenses that are fully covered by insurance.
USUAL AND CUSTOMARY CHARGE The usual and customary charge (insurance term) is the lowest or most reasonable charge that is: • Usual and customary when compared with the charges made for similar services and supplies. • Made to persons having similar medical conditions in the locality of the policyholder. The company uses the data from FAIR Health Inc. to determine usual and customary charges. No payment will be made under this policy for any expenses incurred, which, in judgment of the company, are in excess of usual and customary charges.
FRESHMAN, SOPHOMORE, JUNIOR, AND SENIOR Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors are the titles given to students. Each year of college in the United States receives a different classification. • First-year student: Freshman • Second-year student: Sophomore • Third-year student: Junior • Fourth-year student: Senior
GRADE POINT AVERAGE Grade Point Average (GPA) is the term used to define the academic achievement of a student. The scale is from 0.0-4.0.
SEMESTER A semester equals one half of the academic year. The fall and spring semesters last about 16-17 weeks, and there is a summer term that typically lasts 14-15 weeks.
SYLLABUS PREFERRED CARE PROVIDER Preferred care provider (insurance term) is a physician, hospital, or other healthcare provider that has been contracted to provide specific medical care at negotiated prices.
OUT-OF-NETWORK PROVIDERS Out-of-network providers (insurance term) are providers that have not agreed to any prearranged fee schedules. Insurers may incur significant out-ofpocket expenses with these providers. Charges in excess of the insurance payment are the insurer’s responsibility.
A syllabus is an outline or a summary of the main points of a text, lecture, or course of study. Professors will use this term to describe the outline of the course.
DEGREE COMPLETION PLAN (DCP) Degree Completion Plans list the required courses necessary to complete a degree. This information can be found at Liberty.edu/DCPs.
PREREQUISITES Prerequisites are classes that are required before you continue on to a higher level class.
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CENTER phone-alt (434) 592-4118 | DeMoss Hall, Room 2232 LUInternationalStudents Monday–Friday, 8 A.M.–5 P.M.
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT (LUPD) phone-alt Emergency | (434) 592-3911 phone-alt Nonemergency | (434) 592-7641