2023-2024 International Students Guide

2023-2024

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE

WELCOME New Mounties

Dear student,

Welcome to Mount Aloysius College! We are thrilled that you will be joining our Mountie family, representing well over 25 countries around the world. This International Student Arrival Guide is meant to help you prepare for your educational journey, but please know there is a team of multiple offices committed to helping with your transition to the United States and to assist you upon your arrival.

Mount Aloysius College is known for our warm community, which stems from our Catholic, Judeo-Christian heritage and core values of mercy, justice, hospitality, and service. As you grow and learn here, we trust you will also share your unique background, thoughts, and experiences with us while finding a true sense of home at the Mount. We have so much to learn from you as well.

Please review each page of this arrival guide, and check out our College Glossary so you can be familiar with our terminology. If you need any guidance, don’t hesitate to ask. Once again, welcome to the United States and to the Mount Aloysius College family!

Robin Gore Vice President for Student Affairs Chair, International Students Advisory Council Mount Aloysius College

rgore@mtaloy.edu

Mount Aloysius College (MAC) Acronyms and Terms

Area Overview

Intro to Mount Aloysius College & the Area

Check out the map on the last page of this booklet, or view the interactive map on our website!

Central Pennsylvania is a four-season destination. Winter temperatures in the coldest month of January average 24 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 degrees Celsius) and high of 38 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius). The cold season is from December through early March. June through mid-September sees the average temperature above 76 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). You can expect snow, rain, wind, and sun when you live year-round in Central PA!

The town of Cresson is located 8 miles from Ebensburg, PA and 18 miles from Altoona, PA. Both towns boast a bustling downtown with plenty of attractions and shopping options. Cresson Population: 1,600

Basic Conveniences in Cresson:

• Grocery market

• St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store (second-hand clothing and household goods)

• Dollar General (general convenience items)

• Gas stations

Helpful Locations in Cresson:

Rite Aid Pharmacy

1212 2nd St. | 814-886-2677

Mainline Pharmacy

1207 2nd St. | 814-886-5667

Banks in Cresson:

PennCrest Bank

700 2nd St. | 814-886-2641

1st Summit Bank

7538 Admiral Peary Highway | 814-886-7527

Phone and Computer Sales:

Various locations in Ebensburg, Altoona, or Johnstown

Automobiles:

• Multiple local restaurants

• Golf course

• Swimming pool

• Churches

St. Vincent De Paul 115 Ashcroft Ave. | 814-886-9566

U.S. Post Office 832 Keystone Ave. | 814-886-2143

First National Bank 725 Front St. | 814-886-4141

Driver’s license, insurance, and current registration required for ownership of a vehicle (if you choose to have one).

Key Campus Departments & Contacts for Questions & Support

Academic Affairs

Dr. Dave Haschak dhaschak@mtaloy.edu

Dr. Chris Lovett clovett@mtaloy.edu

Campus Safety

Mr. Troy Wright CampusSafety@mtaloy.edu

Employment Info/Questions

Mr. Andy Clouse aclouse@mtaloy.edu

Ms. Sarah Kordish skordish@mtaloy.edu

Food Services Student Affairs Office StudentAffairs@mtaloy.edu

Housing

Mr. Rick Kosakowski ResidenceLife@mtaloy.edu

Immigration/Visa Matters

Mr. Andy Clouse aclouse@mtaloy.edu

Visas & Travel Help

Free Expert Advice

International Student Liaison

Ms. Theresa McKeegan tmckeegan@mtaloy.edu

Campus Minister

Ms. Alison McElheny amcelheny@mtaloy.edu

Scheduling Classes

Ms. Kim Washington kwashington@mtaloy.edu

Ms. Jenna Weyandt jweyandt@mtaloy.edu

Student Affairs, Title IX Dr. Robin Gore rgore@mtaloy.edu

Student Health & Wellness

Ms. Shannon Grove sgrove@mtaloy.edu

Student Accounts & Billing

Ms. Ann Booterbaugh BusinessOffice@mtaloy.edu

Education USA can offer you free expert advice at an advising center located in your country!

International Student Visa - The Admissions Office and International Student Coordinator can assist you with obtaining and maintaining your student visa and immigration status.

• Visa Information

• Undergraduate & Graduate Student Enrollment

Travel Assistance - For your airplane tickets and travel arrangements, students have recommended the service StudentUniverse.

Coordinator of International & Multicultural Engagement

For the 2023/2024 academic year, we are happy to introduce the position of Coordinator of International & Multicultural Engagement Graduate Assistant. This GA will report to the Office of Admissions and offer support services for international student onboarding and acclimation to the college. They will provide advocacy and programmatic support for international students during the semester and over breaks and will engage with students through one-on-one and group mentoring to support student success and help provide educational resources on behalf of the campus.

Some things that the GA can assist with are:

• Assist students with course registration appointments, advising, and tutoring (or ESL) as needed.

• Provide education, information, and services in support of the federal immigration regulations that govern F-1 and J-1 visa holders.

• Support international students in maintaining legal status.

• Provide information and answer questions regarding immigration regulations, travel, the U.S. education system, class registration, paying student bills, health insurance, safety, peer to peer mentoring, and oncampus employment.

• Coordinate transportation, lodging, and meals for students who have airport/bus station pick-ups, food requests, personal finance, or shopping needs.

• Develop and implement a cultural calendar for programming around festivals, holiday celebrations, and related religious observances.

For More Information

Luke Priestley

St. Gert’s 30 lmpst5@student.mtaloy.edu

Mountie Hospitality Program

This program is intended to enhance connections to our international students and strengthen our community bonds! The Mountie Hospitality Program offers a great opportunity for international students to experience U.S. culture, and for local community members to build relationships with students and learn about new cultures and countries around the world.

Students do not live with their assigned community host(s). Instead, The Mountie Hospitality Program pairs students with a family or individual who lives in the area. About once a month, hosts invite their student(s) to join them for a sporting event, birthday party, shopping, coffee, dinner, or traveling to a nearby town. By joining in domestic daily activities, international students will have the opportunity to experience U.S. and local culture in a fun, relaxed, and real-life way.

For More Information or to Sign Up

Theresa McKeegan

(814) 886-6402 | tmckeegan@mtaloy.edu

International Student Ambassadors

Mount Aloysius appoints international students to be ambassadors for all international students on campus. They are typically upperclassmen, strong students, and are tour guides so they understand MAC and all of the resources it provides. They are also a great person to go to when you are having difficulties or just need someone to talk to. Please utilize these students as they are very knowledgeable and helpful.

Pre-Arrival Checklist

Here are some things to make sure you complete before arriving in the US:

☐ Submit your health forms.

☐ Health Insurance Information - you must purchase your own health insurance. Here is a list of some health insurance companies that our students have previously used:

• Seven Corners Insurance

• International Medical Group

• Utmost Worldwide

• BET Insurance

• International Student Insurance

• Tokio Marine HCC

☐ Complete your I-901 payment in order to schedule your visa interview.

☐ Look into a United States student orientation before leaving your country. EducationUSA can be a great place to start.

☐ Submit your official final high school/secondary school and/or college transcripts which have been converted to US grading scale. The original needs to be kept with the College, so you may want to bring two originals if you want one for yourself.

☐ Set up your bill payment options

☐ Review the academic calendar.

☐ Review the packing list. Don’t forget to bring warm clothes for winter!

☐ Complete your I-20 and obtain your passport.

☐ Purchase outlet converters for electronics (if needed).

☐ Review banking information for our area. First National Bank is your best option. We can help you upon arrival.

☐ Purchase a US-compatible cell phone and/or SIM card. We recommend Verizon or AT&T service, as they work the best in our area.

☐ Prepare your travel itinerary to Mount Aloysius College.

• Do you need help? Do you need assistance with transportation? Please coordinate with Andrew Clouse (aclouse@mtaloy.edu).

☐ Make sure you’ve completed the housing application (first-year, second-year, and third-year students are required to live on campus). Learn how to apply for housing using our handy guide!

☐ If you’re eligible to live off-campus, make sure your living arrangements are in order.

☐ Log into your Mount Aloysius email account on the Portal page. You should have received instructions for your email and Canvas login. (This is only available if you have registered for classes. If you have not registered yet, please contact Jenna Weyandt promptly at jweyandt@mtaloy.edu).

Common International Student Services Inquiries

Staff at Mount Aloysius College are here to provide the services our international students need to succeed.

Prior to your arrival, be sure to spend some time reading through the Student Handbook. It is filled with valuable information that will help you make a smooth transition to our campus community, including advice on acclimating to Mount Aloysius College and preparing for your arrival to the United States.

For general questions...

Email StudentAffairs@mtaloy.edu

For urgent requests...

Call Student Affairs (888) 823-6472 during office hours (8AM to 5PM EST) or Campus Safety at (888) 823-6327.

To make an appointment...

Call Student Affairs (888) 823-6472 during office hours (8AM to 5PM EST).

To obtain a letter to the Social Security Administration after obtaining a job on campus...

Set up an appointment with Andy Clouse or email questions to admissions@mtaloy.edu to discuss everything that you need.

To request a new Form I-20 for permission to return to the U.S. after traveling abroad...

Set up an appointment with Andy Clouse or email questions to admissions@mtaloy.edu to discuss everything that you need.

For permission to engage in employment for CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT...

Set up an appointment with Andy Clouse or email questions to admissions@mtaloy.edu to discuss everything that you need.

For permission to extend the duration of your program of study...

Set up an appointment with Andy Clouse or email questions to admissions@mtaloy.edu to discuss everything that you need.

To request permission to drop or withdraw from courses below the full-time level...

Set up an appointment with Andy Clouse or email questions to admissions@mtaloy.edu to discuss everything that you need. You must also check with your advisor before dropping any courses.

For permission to transfer to another school in the U.S....

Set up an appointment with Andy Clouse or email questions to admissions@mtaloy.edu to discuss everything that you need. You must also check with your advisor before dropping any courses.

For permission to depart the U.S. temporarily or permanently...

Set up an appointment with Andy Clouse or email questions to admissions@mtaloy.edu to discuss everything that you need. You must also check with your advisor before dropping any courses.

Arrival, Airport, Airport Transportation, & Hotels

When you schedule your flight to the United States, plan to arrive up to 1 week before classes start (no earlier).

There will be designated pick-up times from the Pittsburgh (PIT) and University Park (SCE) Airport in State College. Arrival at any other airport or city requires you to plan your own transportation to campus.

Athletes will coordinate arrival dates with their coach.

The following airports are recommended for your arrival to attend school at Mount Aloysius College:

• Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)

• University Park Airport (SCE)

• Altoona-Blair County Airport (AOO)

• John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport (JST)

Long term rental cars are recommended if you are familiar with driving.

The college will provide limited airport transportation. You may be asked to stay at a hotel near the airport until transportation can be arranged. If transportation is needed, please contact Andy Clouse (admissions@mtaloy. edu). Students may start arriving on campus beginning on August 21, 2023 for the August intake.

Immigration

Students with F-1 visas should also have their Form I-20 ready to give to the officer. Do not use a B1/B2 visa or ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) to enter the U.S. to study.

• Secondary Immigration Inspection - Secondary inspection is not common, but in the event that you are detained for secondary inspection, answer questions truthfully and patiently. If you are an F-1 visa holder and the officer wishes to contact your Designated School Official (DSO), his/her name is on your I-20, and the phone number during office hours is (310) 506-4246. The after-hours emergency phone number is (310) 506-4442.

• Customs - Go through the “Nothing to Declare” exit if you have no goods to declare (per your Customs Declaration Form). Please note that if you are traveling with more than $10,000 in cash, this will need to be indicated on the form and you must go through the “Items to Declare” exit.

• COVID Travel Policies - We follow the current CDC guidelines and recommendations.

Arriving at the Mount Aloysius Campus

You will NOT be allowed to check in before your approved arrival date.

Students will arrive at Mount Aloysius College, and a Residence Life staff member on duty will meet them in Cosgrave, which is located across from Ihmsen Hall (the building with brick arches).

Residence Life will assist students with check in items as follows:

• Student ID: Campus IDs will now be virtual. You will use your phone for building access and meal plans. To set-up and obtain your virtual Campus ID, log into the portal page with your credentials. Afterwards, select the IT Helpdesk tab at the top, and scroll to the MAC ID eAccounts section, where there will be a link and further instructions.

• Confirming Housing Agreement: Before students move into their assigned room, they must complete a Housing Agreement, which is sent to all students via MAC student email.

• If you need assistance accessing your student account/email, please follow the directions on the Portal page.

• Issuing Residence Hall Keys: You will be given both a room key(s) and mail key for your assigned room and campus mailbox. All students must fill out a Key Issuance Form stating they received keys during check in.

Once you have fully checked in, Residence Life staff will show you to your residence hall so that you are able to begin settling it.

Student Visa Holders

Upon your arrival, you must visit the PDSO in the Admissions Office (Administration Building, Room 118) to confirm your arrival to campus.

Hotels

If you need a hotel upon arrival in the U.S., we recommend you reserve a room several days or weeks in advance: Ebensburg (10 minutes from campus), Altoona (15 minutes from campus), and Johnstown (35 minutes from campus) are great places to look. There is also a bed and breakfast in the town of Cresson.

Housing

On-Campus

Mount Aloysius College offers housing for both undergraduate and graduate students on campus.

• To learn more about on-campus housing (residential halls, rates, etc.) please visit the housing page on our website.

• Please also take a look at the suggested Packing List, curated for you by Residence Life.

• To help you prepare for life on campus, students suggest ordering supplies online from Walmart or Target for in-store pick up or delivery to campus so that your package is waiting in the mailroom upon your arrival.

• If you have packages to pick up before the start of the semester (prior to August 28th), they can be obtained at the Support Center, which is located in the basement level of the Main Administration building. If you are shipping your items and arriving outside of these hours, be sure to pack essentials in your luggage.

• Student mail is distributed to the student’s assigned campus mailbox in Ihmsen Hall. All packages can be picked from the Support Center or from our Amazon Hub Locker.

Meal Plans

Meal Plans are available to all students for quick and tax-free meals at our dining facility on the Mount Aloysius campus, and can be purchased by emailing ResidenceLife@mtaloy.edu at any time.

Students living on campus are required to purchase a meal plan. Several plan options are available to fit students’ lifestyle/academic schedule.

Please remember that part of the cultural experience of your time here is to integrate with American cuisine. Meal plans will not be reduced in price due to your international status. If you have dietary needs due to religious or other reasons, SAGE management will be happy to meet one-on-one with you to discuss your needs and how best to accommodate them.

Off-Campus

Local housing options are available for graduate students who choose to live away from the campus community. This is also an option for undergraduate students who have fulfilled their on-campus housing requirement: freshman, sophomore, and junior years required to live on. See below for off-campus housing considerations:

Though Mount Aloysius College does not endorse any of these companies, there are a variety of housing services and resources you may consider, including:

• Apartments.com

• Apartmentlist.com

• Craigslist.org

• Facebook Marketplace

• Hotpads.com

• Places4students.com

Food

On-Campus Dining

• Rent.com

• Rentspree.com

• Trulia.com

• VeryApt.com

• Zillow.com

• Zumper.com

Sage Dining Services provides tasty, convenient, and balanced meals designed by our chefs just for our community so that you can have access to healthy food options while learning and studying on campus. Eating balanced meals can help fuel your body throughout the day and keep you focused in the classroom.

Dining Plan Options

Students living in the residence halls are required to be on the meal plan. Those students may elect one of the standard meal plan options. Commuters and Clinical students have the options for a lower meal plan.

Additional Meal Plan Information

• New meal plan funds are added to your account at the beginning of each semester.

• Fall meal plan balances (including Mountie flex dollars) do not carry over to the spring semester.

• Flex dollars (if added later) will carry over unconditionally until graduation or withdrawal.

• Meal plan balances left at the end of the spring semester will not transfer to the following academic year.

• Meal plan pricing is per semester.

• Additional funds via Flex dollars can be added at the Business Office during regular business hours. Visit the SAGE website for hours of operation and more information.

Food in Cresson

Both Ebensburg and Altoona can boast of a bustling downtown with plenty of dining and shopping options. All restaurants in Cresson may be walked to from the College, the furthest being 1 ½ miles away. All restaurants listed have take-out options, and only one listed offers delivery options, however, you can use DoorDash for delivery. Dining options from Cresson are as follows:

McDonald’s

9090 William Penn Hwy (½ mile away)

Subway

926 2nd St in Sunoco Gas Station (¾ mile away)

Dunny’s Pizza

905 2nd St. (1 mile away)

Fox’s Pizza Den

1000 2nd St. (.9 miles away) *Delivery Available

Vito’s Restaurant & Pizzeria

617 Front St. (1 mile away)

New China

7447 Admiral Peary Hwy (½ mile away) *Take out only

Health & Safety

Cresson Springs Family Restaurant

7563 Admiral Peary Hwy (¾ mile away)

Sheetz

7551 Admiral Peary Hwy (¾ mile away)

R Beer House

101 Park Ave #3 (¾ mile away)

PJ’s Tavern

7874 Admiral Peary Hwy (1 ½ mile away)

Brick on Front

709 Front St (¾ mile away)

Health & Wellness Center and Immunization Requirements

Mount Aloysius College has a nurse and a physician that students can visit for acute illness while you are a student, free of charge. Mount Aloysius College will refer students to an outside provider if the need is greater than a service we can provide care for in the Office of Health and Wellness.

Mount Aloysius College requires insurance for the students for services needed off campus or prescriptions needed for an acute illness. The insurance card will need to be sent to the Office of Health and Wellness. This is one of the admission requirements on SLATE. View the documents and fill them out in your SLATE portal. Upon receipt of documents from the student, the Office of Health and Wellness will update SLATE.

Below is the list of documents that a student would need to provide to complete the admission process.

• Student Health Packet

• Completed and Signed Health Form

• Physical Exam

• Student Immunization Record

• COVID Vaccine Record (not mandatory)

• Meningitis Vaccine Record

• Insurance Card Front and Back Copy

The Office of Health and Wellness is available during regular business hours Monday through Friday. Available services include a wide range of everyday health needs, care for illness and injury, immunizations, injections, respiratory problems, and dermatology. This office also offers specialized clinics such as flu vaccination, travel medicine, and COVID vaccination clinics. STI/HIV testing is referred to a local clinic. If deemed appropriate, the physician may provide a referral to a specialist or determine if a higher level of care is required.

Campus Safety

Campus Safety personnel take student safety very seriously. Our Campus Safety staff are a proactive group of professionals that serves the college community seven days a week and 24 hours a day. Our Campus Safety Department is a full-service, private police department, formed under Pennsylvania Act 501, employing police officers and security officers. From foot and bicycle patrol to motor vehicle patrol, Campus Safety is available to all students and visitors at all times. They also offer vehicle lock out services, jump starts, and escort services when you need a hand.

Need Campus Safety?

24-Hour Police Officer On-Duty

Cosgrave 102

(814) 886-6402 | CampusSafety@mtaloy.edu

Resources and Services:

• Vehicle Assistance: Campus Safety has tools to open locked cars, jumper packs for dead batteries, and an air tank for flat tires.

• Lost and Found: The Lost and Found is located in the Campus Safety Department. Items will be disposed of after being unclaimed for 30 days.

• Escorts: A campus escort service is available to any visitor, student, or employee. Officers will gladly provide an escort, when available, at any time. In order to request this service, please call (814) 886-6327. Escorts are offered for someone arriving or departing campus when it is dark out or during inclement weather or for anyone with a temporary or permanent disability.

• Environmental Prevention: Campus Safety works to assure safe and secure conditions in campus facilities and grounds; including monitoring that foliage is trimmed, entrances are unobstructed, and campus lighting is in good working order. College community members are encouraged to make Campus Safety aware of potential safety concerns on campus.

Transportation

Public Transportation to Campus

Public transportation to and from the Mount Aloysius campus is limited and it is difficult to walk or bicycle to the surrounding Mount Aloysius community. It is recommended that students use a personal car to travel to and from campus.

Transportation

Amtrak

from Other Cities

• From other U.S. cities to Harrisburg, PA (closest location to the college)

• Sometimes available in Johnstown and Altoona, PA

Greyhound Bus Lines

• From other U.S. cities to Ebensburg, Johnstown, or Altoona, PA (closest location to the college)

CamTran

• Local bus transportation between towns (Ebensburg/Portage/ Cresson)

CamTran

CamTran provides affordable public transportation to Ebensburg, Portage, Cresson, and more. You can find the bus schedule on their website (the local line is Route 33), or by scanning the above QR code.

Driver’s License

If you plan to drive a car, a valid driver’s license is required. For a limited time you may be able to drive with a valid driver’s license issued in your own country or a valid international driver’s license.

To obtain your Pennsylvania driver’s license, first go to the Admissions Office on campus to request an enrollment verification document to bring to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services. For details, see the Driver Services. A driver’s manual is available in multiple languages. DMV office locations closest to Mount Aloysius are in Altoona or Johnstown.

For more information, please visit the PA DMV’s website.

Altoona Driver and Photo License Center

Distance: 10.09 Miles

Address: 1738A Ninth Ave., Altoona, PA 16602 (Behind Boyer Candy Building)

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30am to 4:15pm (closed Sunday and Monday)

Johnstown Driver and Photo License Center

Distance: 18.59 Miles

Address: 563 Walters Ave., Johnstown, PA 15904 (Use Walters Avenue Exit from PA 56)

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30am to 4:15pm (closed Sunday and Monday)

Buying a Car

Most students recommend that you buy a car while living in the U.S.

• New cars - Students recommend searching online at www.truecar.com which allows you to compare prices and choose the best dealer.

• Used cars - Students recommend searching online at www.autotrader.com which lists cars being offered by dealers as well as by private owners. If you buy from a private owner, we suggest that you:

• Take the car to a mechanic and pay for an inspection to make sure it is in good condition.

• Check Kelly Blue Book for fair pricing information, depending on vehicle condition.

• Check Carfax for the vehicle history (previous accidents or damage).

• Registration - You must register your car at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Pennsylvania using instructions here.

• Car Insurance:

• If you buy a car, the law requires you to buy insurance and keep a paper copy of your proof of insurance inside your car at all times.

• Insurance costs (“premiums”) for international drivers may get quite expensive, since you would likely be considered a “new driver” in Pennsylvania. Be sure to compare quotes from at least 2-3 insurance companies (e.g. StateFarm, AllState, Geico, etc.) so you can get the best rate.

Renting a Car

Renting a car can be a good option if you need a car just for a short time (e.g., several days or weeks).

Vehicle Registration & Campus Parking

How to Register

On-campus parking is available to Mount Aloysius students. All vehicles must be registered by the end of the first week of each academic semester. Vehicles can be registered at the Campus Safety Department beginning August 1 and thereafter.

Fill out the forms on the MyMAC Portal to register your car for a parking pass. You can pick up your parking pass in the Campus Safety Office in Cosgrave Student Center during Welcome Weekend. Make sure you bring your license. Students who violate parking rules can expect to receive parking fines that are due prior to receiving your grades each semester.

When you register your car, you will need $45 and your vehicle registration. Replacement cost of a permit is $5.

Where to Park

Students may park in any lot designated for student use. A parking permit is required in all campus parking lots. Signs are located by each parking lot entrance designating the type of permit required.

Inclement Weather Rules

Resident students with a vehicle on campus will also have to register for MAC Campus Alerts:Resident Vehicle Owners group to receive any important information regarding moving of vehicles due to weather. Mount Aloysius uses Omnilert for emergency notifications. Sign up using your MyMAC login at mtaloy.omnilert.net to receive emergency communications to your cell phone and/or email account.

Towing of Vehicles

The Campus Safety Department is authorized to tow a vehicle at the owner’s expense. Anyone who uses their vehicle to transport contraband onto campus also risks losing the privilege of having a vehicle on campus premises. Fire Department regulations do not permit parking in any fire lane or drive lane on-campus.

Parking Off Campus

A vehicle parked on-campus is at the risk of the owner. Mount Aloysius College assumes no responsibility for damages, thefts, accidents, or other incidents involving vehicles.

One-Day Permits

The Campus Safety Department will issue special one-day permits in certain emergency situations. Campus Safety must be notified immediately, either in person, phone, or by email relating the description, location, and license plate of the unregistered vehicle.

• Students with special parking needs must contact the Director of Student Health and Wellness to discuss their specific circumstances.

• Students are not permitted to leave disabled vehicles on campus property.

• Unattended vehicles left on-campus without prior authorization from Campus Safety will be considered abandoned and will be towed at the owner’s expense.

• Residents will be assigned parking areas at the beginning of each semester. They will be given parking instructions during their mandatory residence hall meeting at the beginning of the semester.

College Policies

As a Mount Aloysius College student, you are joining a caring community with policies in place to protect all students, faculty, and staff. Before you arrive on campus, we recommend that you take some time to review and understand Mount Aloysius College’s policies:

Student Handbook

The Student Handbook provides all of the college’s policies and procedures.

College Catalog

The 2023-2024 College Catalog provides details for academic programs, courses, and academic resources.

Student ID Card

All students are expected to have and carry their Mount Aloysius College digital student ID card at all times. You will use your phone for building access and meal plans. To set-up and obtain your virtual Campus ID, log into the portal page with your credentials. Select the IT Helpdesk tab at the top, and scroll to the MAC ID eAccounts section, where there will be a link and further instructions.

Employment Opportunities

There are limited work opportunities available in the United States for F-1 students. For this reason, before coming to the United States, F-1 students must prove they have the financial ability (e.g., present bank statements) to pay for tuition and living expenses while studying. If you decide that you want to work, the first step is always to talk with your designated school official (DSO). Andrew Clouse, Dean of Admissions, is the current DSO at Mount Aloysius College. You can reach him at aclouse@mtaloy.edu.

The U.S. government takes working illegally very seriously. If your DSO knows you are working without permission, they must report it through SEVIS, meaning your SEVIS record will be terminated. That means that you will have to leave the United States immediately, and you may not be allowed to return.

Depending on your status and program of study, you may be eligible for the following type of employment opportunities while you study in the United States.

On-campus employment is work that F-1 students whose status is Active in SEVIS may apply for. On-campus employment is specific to work that takes place on campus or at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school. Examples of on-campus employment include working at a university bookstore or cafeteria.

Active F-1 students may apply for on-campus employment up to 30 days before the start of classes. In order to apply, talk to your DSO. If approved, your DSO will provide you with a letter of approval. Take this letter from

your DSO and a letter of approval from your employer to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). All students who wish to work must apply for a Social Security Number.

If you participate in on-campus employment, you may not work more than 20 hours per week when school is in session. If you have additional questions, please visit the F-1 Student On-Campus page on ICE.gov.

To learn about available on-campus work opportunities, please contact Sarah Kordish, Career Development Coordinator, at skordish@mtaloy.edu.

F-1 students who have completed at least one full academic year of their program of study, and who have an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security’s emergent circumstances, may qualify for off-campus employment. Off-campus employment is work that that takes place outside of a school campus. To learn more about off-campus employment requirements and processes, please talk with your DSO or visit the DHS website.

For full employment guidelines, visit the DHS website.

Student Services

To help you succeed and thrive at Mount Aloysius College, we offer a variety of comprehensive resources to support your student journey. We recommend you become familiar with the New Student Experience resource so that you can take full advantage of all that Mount Aloysius College has to offer when you arrive on campus.

Paying for College

You can now make an international payment online! Without leaving our student portal, you can quickly and conveniently make an international payment from over 160 countries.

• Receive preferential foreign exchange rates with zero international wire fees or bank transfer fees

• Rate details are presented directly in your account based on the country selected

• Real-time account updates and fund tracking status notifications

• Multilingual, dedicated payment and account support 24/7 via phone, chat, email, and web

Be sure to check your account frequently for any changes to tuition, fees, and estimated financial aid throughout the semester. All outstanding financial obligations are your responsibility. If you have any questions, contact the Business Office.

Pay Your Tutition Online

1. Log into your MyMAC Portal at portal.mtaloy.edu

2. Select the Student tab

3. Scroll to the My Account Info section

4. Select Got To Cashnet

5. From the menu on the left-hand side, select Make a Payment and follow the prompts

Bank Accounts & Credit Cards

A helpful guide on banking and credit cards for international students can be found here

Bank Accounts

Most students prefer having a U.S. bank account. When opening the bank account, bring your passport and an additional form of personal identification such as an ID card. Most students choose First National Bank (located in Cresson with an ATM on campus) or Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, or Chase.

On-Campus ATMs

There is one automated teller machine (ATMs) located on the Mount Aloysius campus for your convenience in our Cosgrave Student Center. It is hosted by First National Bank (FNB). You do not need an account with FNB to use the ATM, however, using an ATM operated by your bank can reduce cash withdrawal fees at these machines.

Credit Cards

If you choose to obtain a credit card (such as VISA or Mastercard), you can also use this to make daily purchases. It is important, however, to understand all the risks and responsibilities associated with using credit cards. You can read about these here

Mobile Phones & Internet

Email

Email is the primary method in which the college communicates with students. Therefore, it is important that Mount Aloysius College students check their Mount Aloysius College email inbox daily to remain up to date on messages from the college.

Phone Reception

Due to the mountainous terrain of the Mount Aloysius campus, mobile phone coverage is not consistent. Verizon and AT&T offer good mobile phone coverage throughout the campus area.

WiFi

Wireless internet (WiFi) is available across campus (called “Mount Aloysius College”), and can be accessed from all campus buildings and facilities. Enter your student network ID and password to access. More information can be found on the Portal page

Helpful Apps & Programs

MyMAC Portal

Mount Aloysius College uses MyMAC for many different student and staff functions, including registration, payments, financial aid review, administrative purposes, etc. Access: portal.mtaloy.edu

Navigate Student

An online success tool that helps students stay organized and engaged on campus. Students can use Navigate to schedule appointments with tutors and advisors, access information about campus resources, stay up-to-date on important events and deadlines, and connect with other students in your classes. Students can download the Navigate Student app on their smartphones or access Navigate Student from the MyMAC Portal page.

Omnilert

Mount Aloysius uses Omnilert for emergency notifications. Sign up using your MyMAC login at mtaloy. omnilert.net to receive emergency communications to your cell phone and/or email account.

Social Customs

Coming to a different country can be exciting and overwhelming! While living and studying in the U.S., you will interact with people from many cultural, social, ethnic, and national backgrounds. Despite all the differences, people generally greet each other by saying, “Hi, how are you?” followed by a standard response of “Fine, thanks.” During formal introductions, both men and women stand and shake hands. Friends or peers call each other by their first names. Relationships with peers (fellow students), tend to be more casual. First names are used in a greeting. A wave, handshake, or hug could be appropriate. Dropping by to say “hello” would be normal, as would making arrangements to meet up in the dining hall or local restaurant.

Relationships with faculty, staff and administration would be more formal. When interacting with staff or professors, use their title (“Dr.,” “Ms.,” “Miss,” “Mrs.,” or “Mr.”) and last name. Appointments to meet should be made via an email, the Navigate app, or during discussion after class. Drop-ins (outside of faculty posted office hours) are discouraged unless it is an emergency or that person has said it is appropriate to do so.

Individuality and competition define the American character, but there is also a strong sense of teamwork to get things done. You may think that Americans are always rushed; however, if you ask for help, you will normally find a friendly attitude. As in most countries, customs vary across the country, and it will take time to understand and adjust to your new environment. It is normal to feel lonely, homesick, and overwhelmed, but don’t isolate yourself!

Prepare yourself by understanding some key non-verbal and verbal communication styles typically found in the United States. To learn more about American social customs, visit Culture Crossing Guide, About the U.S., and Communication in the US.

Get to know your academic advisor and the Student Affairs team, and stay connected while utilizing all of our amazing on-campus resources.

We wish you a pleasant and successful experience!

If you have any questions, please contact StudentAffairs@mtaloy.edu.

WELCOME to The Mount