INTERNATIONALSTUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2022
Dear student,
Robin Gore Vice President for Student Affairs Chair, International Students Advisory Council Mount Aloysius rgore@mtaloy.eduCollege
WELCOME New Mounties
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 Pleasewell. do not hesitate to ask if you need any guidance. It is our pleasure and our expertise! Once again, welcome to the United States and to the Mount Aloysius College family!
Mount Aloysius College (MAC) Acronyms and Terms ACWC | ConvocationAthletic & Wellness Center CAB | Campus Activity Board FERPA | EducationFamily Rights and Privacy Act GA | Graduate Assistant Gert’s | Saint Gertrude’s Hall (SGH) GRD |ResidentGraduateDirector HR | Human Resources IHM | Ihmsen Hall ITS | InformationTechnologyServices Joe’s | Saint Joseph’s Hall (SJH) LIFT Mentors class)studentforTransitionFreshmanImpactingLeadership|(namementorsofsuccess NSE | New ExperienceStudent OL | Orientation Leader MAAPP | ProgramPreparednessAcademicAloysiusMount MAC | Mount Aloysius College Mac | Mascot’s name MCA | McAuley Hall MyMAC | campusportalStudentforallresources Main | BuildingAdministration MIS | Misciagna SHAWN)(pronouncedHallmihPSEA | AssociationStatePennsylvaniaEducation RA | Resident Assistant SAAC | CommitteeAthleticStudentAdvisory SGA | AssociationGovernmentStudent SMOT | OutreachMinistryStudentTeam Stables | roomsathleticMountielockeratthefields Victory | Name of the mascot statue Contents Mount Aloysius College Overview ................. 4 Mountie Hospitality Program ......................... 7 Visas & Travel Help ......................................... 7 Pre-Arrival Checklist ...................................... 8 Common International Student Services Inquiries .......................................................... 9 Arrival, Airport, Airport Transportation, & Hotels ............................................................. 10 Housing.......................................................... 12 Food ............................................................... 13 Health & Safety .............................................. 14 Transportation .............................................. 15 Vehicle Registration & Campus Parking ...... 17 College Policies .............................................. 18 Student ID Card ............................................ 18 Student Services ............................................ 19 Paying for College ......................................... 19 Bank Accounts & Credit Cards ..................... 20 Mobile Phones & Internet ............................. 20 Helpful Apps & Programs ............................. 21 Social Customs .............................................. 21 Covid-19 Planning & Preparedness .............. 22
Mount Aloysius College 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 degreesCelsius). 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: Grocery St.PostPharmacymarketofficeVincentDePaul Thrift Store Dollar General Gas Multiplestationslocal restaurants Golf PageSwimmingcoursepool4
Helpful Locations: Rite Aid Pharmacy 1212 2nd St. 814-886-2677 Mainline Pharmacy 1207 2nd St. 814-886-5667 St. Vincent De Paul 115 Ashcroft Ave 814-886-9566 U.S. Post Office 832 Keystone Ave 814-886-2143 Banks: PennCrest Bank 700 2nd St 814-886-2641 1st Summit Bank 7538 Admiral Peary HWY 814-886-7527 First National Bank 725 Front St. 814-886-4141 Phone and Computer Sales: Various locations in Ebensburg, Altoona or Johnstown Automobiles: A driver’s license, insurance and current registration required for ownership of a vehicle (if you choose to have a car). Page 5
Key Campus Departments and Mount Aloysius College Contacts for Questions and Support Immigration/Visa Matters Mr. Andy admissions@mtaloy.eduClouse People & Mission, Ministry & Service, TIX Ms. Tonia tgordon@mtaloy.eduGordon Student Affairs, TIX Dr. Robin student.affairs@mtaloy.eduGore Student Health & Wellness Ms. Shannon sgrove@mtaloy.eduGrove Academic Affairs Dr. Dave clovett@mtaloy.eduDr.dhaschak@mtaloy.eduHaschakChrisLovett Scheduling Classes Ms. Kim jweyandt@mtaloy.eduMs.kwashington@mtaloy.eduWashingtonJennaWeyandt Student Accounts & Billing Ms. Ann BusinessOffice@mtaloy.eduBooterbaugh International Student Liaison Ms. Theresa tmckeegan@mtaloy.eduMcKeegan Food Services Ms. Shelley scampbell@mtaloy.eduCampbell Campus Safety Mr. Troy CampusSafety@mtaloy.eduWright Housing ResidenceLife@mtaloy.edu Page 6
in a fun, relaxed, and real-life way. For More Information or to Sign Up Theresa McKeegan (814) 886-6402 | tmckeegan@mtaloy.edu Visas & Travel Help Free Expert Advice 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 Page 7
for international students
in domestic daily activities,
students
join them for a sporting event,
students and strengthen our community
Mountie Hospitality Program new program at Mount Aloysius to enhance connections to our international bonds! The Mountie Hospitality Program will offer a great opportunity to experience U.S. culture, and for local community members to build relationships with 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 with a family or individual who lives in the area. About once a month, Hosts invite their student(s) to birthday party, shopping, coffee, dinner, or traveling to a nearby town. By joining international students will have the opportunity to experience U.S. and local culture
We are thrilled to announce a
students
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). ☐ 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) Page 8
For general questions... Email student.affairs@mtaloy.edu
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 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.
Set up an appointment with Andy Clouse or email questions to admissions@mtaloy.edu to discuss everything that you need.
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For permission to engage in employment for CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT...
To obtain a letter to the Social Security Administration after obtaining a job on campus...
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.
For urgent requests...
Set up an appointment with Andy Clouse or email questions to admissions@mtaloy.edu to discuss everything that you need.
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.
Common International Student Services Inquiries
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.
When you schedule your flight to the United States, plan to arrive up to 1 week before classes start (no earlier).
• University Park Airport (SCE)
• Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
For permission to depart the U.S. temporarily or permanently...
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:
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There will be designated pick-up times from the Pittsburgh (PIT) and University Park (SCE) Airport in State
For permission to transfer to another school in the U.S....
• Altoona-Blair County Airport (AOO)
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 19, 2022 for the August intake.
• John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport (JST)
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.
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
Student Visa Holders
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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.
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).
• Student ID: You will obtain your ID from Campus Police which will give you access to your residence hall and meal plan once dining services is open
Immigration
• COVID Travel Policies - We follow the current CDC guidelines and recommendations.
Residence Life will assist students with check in items as follows:
• 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.
• 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
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.
• If you need assistance accessing the email, please follow the directions on the Portal page.
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.
• 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.
Arriving at the Mount Aloysius Campus
You will NOT be allowed to check in before your approved arrival date.
On-Campus
Mount Aloysius College offers housing for both undergraduate and graduate students on campus.
Off-Campus
• Apartments.com • Apartmentlist.com • Craigslist.org • Facebook Marketplace • Hotpads.com • Places4students.com • Rent.com • Rentspree.com • Trulia.com • VeryApt.com • Zillow.com • PageZumper.com12
• Once the academic year begins on August 29th, packages will arrive at the Ihmsen Mailroom located on the first floor of Imsen (under the archways). Mailroom hours will be shared with students via email and will also be posted outside of the Ihmsen Mailroom.
• Please also take a look at the suggested Packing List, curated for you by Residence Life.
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:
• To learn more about on-campus housing (residential halls, rates, etc.) please visit the Living at MAC website.
Housing
• If you have packages to pick up before the start of the semester (prior to August 29th), 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.
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.
• To help you prepare for life on campus, students suggest ordering supplies online from Bed, Bath & Beyond, Walmart, or Target for in-store pick up or delivery to campus so that your package is waiting in the mailroom upon your arrival.
• Additional funds via Flex dollars can be added at the Business Office during regular business hours. the SAGE
delivery. Dining options from
Both Ebensburg and Altoona can boast of a bustling downtown with plenty of dining and shopping options. All 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 Cresson
away) PJ’s Tavern 7874 Admiral
Additional Meal Plan Information
• Meal plan pricing is per semester.
Food On-Campus Dining
• 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.
mile away) Sheetz 7551
Springs
mile away) Brick on Front 709 Front St (¾ mile away) Page 13
• 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.
#3
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.
Restaurant 7563 Admiral
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.
restaurants
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
Cresson Family Peary Hwy (¾ Admiral Peary Hwy Park Ave (¾ mile Peary Hwy (1 ½
(¾ mile away) R Beer House 101
website for hours of operation and more information Food in Cresson
Visit
Health Safety & 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.
Campus
• 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
Below is the list of documents
Health
Need Campus Safety? 24-Hour Police Officer On-Duty Cosgrave 102 (814) 886-6402 | CampusSafety@mtaloy.edu Page 14
&
Upon receipt of documents from the student, the Office of Health and Wellness will update SLATE. that a student would need to provide to complete the admission process.
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.
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 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.
working
• 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.
Aloysius
• 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 order. College community members are encouraged to make Campus Safety aware of potential safety concerns on campus. Mount campus is limited and it is difficult to or bicycle recommended that students use a
walk
to the surrounding Mount Aloysius community. It is
• 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.
personal car to travel to and from campus. Transportation from Other Cities Amtrak•From other U.S. cities to Harrisburg, PA (closest location to the college) • Sometimes available in Ebensburg 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) Page 15
• Vehicle Assistance: Campus Safety has tools to open locked cars, jumper packs for dead batteries, and an air tank for flat tires.
Resources and Services:
Transportation Public Transportation to Campus Public transportation to and from the
Renting
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30am to 4:15pm (closed Sunday and Monday)
a Car
New cars
Most students recommend that you buy a car while living in the U.S.
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.
Altoona Driver and Photo License Center
Driver’s License
Buying
Distance: 10.09 Miles
• - Students recommend searching online at www.truecar.com which allows you to compare prices
• Take the car to a mechanic and pay for an inspection to make sure it is in good condition.
DMV office locations closest to Mount Aloysius are in Altoona or Johnstown.
• Check Kelly Blue Book for fair pricing information, depending on vehicle condition.
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30am to 4:15pm (closed Sunday and Monday)
• Check Carfax for the vehicle history (previous accidents or damage).
• - 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:
• 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. 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).
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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. For more information, please visit this U.S. Government website.
Used cars
Address: 1738A Ninth Ave., Altoona, PA 16602 (Behind Boyer Candy Building)
Johnstown Driver and Photo License Center Distance: 18.59 Miles Address: 563 Walters Ave., Johnstown, PA 15904 (Use Walters Avenue Exit from PA 56)
and choose the best dealer.
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When you register your car, you will need $45 and your vehicle registration. Replacement cost of a permit is $5.
How to Register
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.
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.
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.
Vehicle Registration & Campus Parking
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 and apply for your student I.D. You can pick up your parking pass (and student I.D.) 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.
Towing of Vehicles
All students are expected to have and carry their Mount Aloysius College student ID card at all times. Your Mount Aloysius College student ID card will include your name, picture, and your campus-wide identification number (CWID), and will provide you with access to many different facilities, services, and events throughout IDcampus.cards are available by using the link in the my MAC portal. Click on the “ID” link and provide the requested information. Students also submit the picture they want placed on their ID. Do not use any filters or effects on the submitted photo.
College Policies
• 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.
• Students are not permitted to leave disabled vehicles on campus property.
The Student Handbook provides all of the college’s policies and procedures. College Catalog
Student ID Card
The 2022-2023 College Catalog provides details for academic programs, courses, and academic resources.
One-Day Permits
• Students with special parking needs must contact the Director of Student Health and Wellness to discuss their specific circumstances.
After submission, students may pick up their ID at Campus Police and Safety Department located in Cosgrave Student Center, Office 104. The cards are valid for the entire time you’re a student. Initial ID cards are free and replacement cards are available for $25.00.
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.
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• Unattended vehicles left on-campus without prior authorization from Campus Safety will be considered abandoned and will be towed at the owner’s expense.
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
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 Page 19
accessed
machines. Credit Cards
Bank Accounts
available
all campus buildings and facilities. Enter
Resource A helpful guide on banking and credit cards for international
messages from the college. Phone Reception Due to the mountainous
good mobile phone coverage
On-Campus ATMs
Bank Accounts & Credit Cards
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 If you choose to obtain a credit card (such as VISA or Mastercard), you can also use this to make daily purchases. important, however, to understand all the risks and responsibilities associated with using credit cards. You can read about these here. students can be found here. Therefore, it is important that Aloysius College students check their Mount Aloysius College email inbox daily to remain up to date on terrain of the Mount Aloysius campus, mobile phone coverage is not consistent. AT&T offer throughout the campus area. (WiFi) is across campus (called “Mount Aloysius College”), and can be from your student network ID and password to More
access.
Mobile Phones & Internet Email Email is the primary method in which the college communicates with students.
Verizon and
information can be found on the Portal page Page 20
WiFi Wireless internet
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.
It is
Mount
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 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 their MyMAC page.
Helpful Apps & Programs
Navigate Student
on
Omnilert
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.,
We recommend that all Mount Aloysius College students sign up for three very useful mobile apps and programs.
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Social Customs
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.
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 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!
MyMAC Mobile 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
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 student.affairs@mtaloy.edu.
Covid-19 Planning & Preparedness
Mount Aloysius College continues to update its pandemic emergency response plan to reflect current COVID-19 circumstances and protect the well-being of the college community. For the most up to date information, visit the COVID-19 General Information website. Additionally, the college is abiding by the orders issued by the Centers for Disease Control. Please visit these sites to stay aware of the most recent guidelines.
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WELCOME to The Mount
