UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY International Student Handbook
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UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY Contents: Welcome……………………………………………………………………………………………………3 Welcome to Utah State University……………………………………………………………….4 Check list: Things to be done when you arrive……………………………………………...5 Immigration Rules and Regulations……………………………………………………………...6 Housing……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...12 Early History of Cache Valley………………………………………………………………………………..13 Clubs…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..16 Campus Life………………………………………………………………………………………………………...17 Off Campus Activities…………………………………………………………………………………………...18 Directory……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...19 Student Services Directory…………………………………………………………………………………….20
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Welcome to Utah State University Welcome to Utah State University. I hope that in the next few months you will meet some exceptional faculty members, attend some inspirational classes, and make many new friends from all across Utah, the United States, and the World. Our campus community values what you bring to our campus and we invite you to engage in classroom discussions, extracurricular activities, and the events in Cache Valley. The Logan campus has over 16,000 students with more than 1000 of those from 80-85 countries around the world. We encourage all of our students to broaden their global perspective during their university career. So share your culture and learn about the cultures of those around you. The USU campus offers many support services to help make your university experience successful. Our world depends on an educated and tolerant population to address the global challenges that are so interconnected today. We recognize the personal sacrifices you have made to come to Utah and we congratulate you on your past academic success. Best of luck to you in your USU studies - enjoy your experience!
Mary Hubbard, PhD Vice Provost for Global Engagement
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WELCOME TO UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY It is our great please to welcome you to Logan, Utah. On campus we have a wonderful international student body and you are now part of a rich diverse community. With over 1,000 international students on campus, you will have the opportunity to meet new people, learn of new cultures and share your own culture. International students play an integral part of cultural life on campus. We hope that you will make the best of every opportunity that comes your way. The Office of International Students and Scholars is here to help you make the most of your time at USU. The office provides students with admissions help, immigration advising, cultural exchange programs and an opportunity to meet new friends. The information contained in the packet will help you adjust and give you information that will make your efforts in Logan a little easier. Please take the time to read through the packet carefully. If you have any questions feel free to contact our office. We wish you luck in your studies an we look forward to getting to know you! Sincerely, OISS 4
AGGIES Utah State, hey Aggies all the way Go Aggies Go Aggies
CHECK LIST: THINGS TO BE DONE WHEN YOU ARRIVE
This list contains important things that need to be done as soon as possible. Please make sure you go through the following procedures to give yourself a smooth start with Utah State University!
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IMMIGRATION RULES AND REGULATIONS: Passport:
DO NOT allow your passport to expire while here in the United States
U.S. government requires passports to be valid for at least six months before entering the U.S.
The following link provides info on the embassies and consulates around the world http://www.embassyworld.com
Contact your home country embassy
Visa:
If your visa expires while you are in the U.S. that is not a problem. You will only renew it when you return to your home country.
Your visa is an entry into the country, it is not your legal status here in the U.S.
If you need to renew your visa because you will be traveling home please contact the OISS
Visa vs. Status
Visa: a stamp in your passport from your U.S. consulate or embassy
Only valid for entry in the United States.
Visa can expire while studying in the U.S.
Can only renew visa outside the U.S., if necessary
Status: (F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2) is your legal status in the U.S. determined by the DHS and can be found on your I-94 card.
Never put your status in danger. Always protect and maintain your status
SEVIS:
The Student Exchange Visitor Information Systems
SEVIS shares information that DHS has put in place for F and J students/scholars.
Each I-20 and DS-2019 are issued through SEVIS
USU must report the following on each student to SEVIS:
Change of address, enrollment each semester, and any changes with students or dependents of students status 6
MAINTAINING YOUR STATUS:
YOU MUST REGISTER FULL-TIME during the fall and spring semesters.
12 credits per semester for undergraduate students.
9 credits per semester for graduate students
18 credits for IELI students.
Students must be enrolled full-time by the end of the last add/drop date of each semester
The last day to add/drop a class for each semester can be found at http://usu.edu/ calendar/academic.cfm
Students are ONLY allowed to take 3 credits of distance education, independent study, or online courses per semester.
If you sign up for an independent study course then you must finish the course within the semester you signed up for the course.
If you are planning to enroll below full course load, YOU MUST GET APPROVAL FROM AN OISS ADVISOR before you can drop below a full course load.
You will be required to fill out a Reduced Course Load form (RCL) with your academic advisors signature.
The RCL must be filled out each semester that you intend to drop below fulltime status.
You must give the RCL to the OISS before the semester begins or before you decide to drop a class.
Failure to get approval to drop below full-time will result in violation of your status.
Acceptable reasons for enrolling less than full-time:
Graduate students: Graduate assistantship, completed coursework of study, final semester of study.
Undergraduate students: Difficulty with English language, medical reason, final semester,
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Program Extension
DO NOT LET YOUR 1-20 OR DS-2019 EXPIRES!
Request a program extension BEFORE your document expires.
Come to the OISS for a new I-20 or DS-2019 one month before it expires.
If your document expires and you did no renew it then you will be out of status and need to exit the US immediately
Report Change of Address
YOU MUST report to the OISS any time you move dorms or apartment within 10 days of relocation.
Post Office Box Addresses CANNOT be used.
It is part of DHS regulations to keep updated personal contact information in SEVIS. You must update your address both in Banner and in the OISS.
Transferring to another university
Contact the university that you intend to transfer to and receive acceptance
Meet with an OISS advisor regarding the transfer procedures well before your transfer-out date.
Decide with an advisor what your transfer out date will be.
Employment
Students are only allowed to work on campus for 20 hours per week during fall and spring semesters.
During your summer annual vacation semester you may work full-time.
Part-time employment: 20 hours or less per week
Full-time employment: 21 hours or more per week
You MUST receive permission in advance for any off-campus work.
Meet with an OISS advisor if you need to work off-campus. If you fail to meet with an OISS advisor and work off-campus, you will be out of status.
There are very few situations which you will be able to work off-campus and you must obtain authorization before. 8
Off-Campus Employment Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Curricular Practical Training is an integral part of an established curriculum.
CPT is used when an internship is required for your program of study.
It must be related to your program of study.
You must receive authorization from an OISS advisor before beginning the CPT employment.
You must be in status for 9 months before beginning a CPT.
CPT is only granted on a semester basis.
Requirements of CPT:
Offer letter from employer
Must register for CPT credits and for them.
Obtain authorization from an OISS advisor
Limited to only 11.5 months of full-time CPT to be eligible for OPT.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is temporary employment for practical training directly related to the student’s major area of study.
Students are granted 1 year of full-time work off-campus.\
In the semester of your graduation, meet with an advisor to determine the best time to apply for OPT.
Economic Hardship
Economic Hardship is intended to address situations where a financial need beyond the students control arises.
Only available for situations such as loss of sponsorship, economic crisis in home country, excessive medical bills, loss of support from home, etc.
Must show proof of hardship.
Must see an OISS advisor to apply. 9
Your Status
If you ever have any questions concerning your status here at USU, PLEASE be sure to come see an OISS advisor.
To maintain your legal status and do not experience immigration problems, be sure to:
Stay informed and understand that YOU are responsible for maintaining your status.
Please do not rely on your friends or faculty for immigration information. Ask your OISS advisor.
Traveling Outside the U.S.
When traveling outside of the U.S. you will need to carry the following:
Valid passport.
Valid U.S. visa
Current I-20 or DS-2019 with travel signature.
If you will be visiting another country other than your own, then you will need to contact that country’s embassy to see if you need a visa.
Travel Signature
Before traveling outside the U.S. you must have a travel signature from an OISS advisor.
This signature validates that you are in status and eligible to return back to the U.S. after traveling.
Travel signatures are valid for 1 year.
Leaving the U.S.
Upon completing your program of study, F-1 students have a 60 day grace period to exit the U.S. J-1 students have a 30 day grace period.
If a student is doing an authorized withdrawal, they have a 15 day grace period
If a student fails to maintain status at any point, the student DOES NOT have any grace period and must exit IMMEDIATELY. 10
Must Notify the OISS if:
You want to take a LOA (leave of absence).
Register for less than 9 credits (for graduate) or 12 credits (for undergraduate).
Will need a program extension.
May be on academic suspension or academic dismissal.
Plan to transfer to another university.
Change your address
Plan on traveling
Have any questions or concerns.
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HOUSING Temporary Housing:
Permanent Housing:
If you have signed a contract to live in Utah State University on-campus housing, arrangements will be made for you to either check into your assigned space or stay in a temporary space upon your arrival (extra fees and restrictions may apply). Please contact the Housing Office in advance to let them know your arrival date and time. You can email this information to info@housing.usu.edu or call (800) 863-1085 or (435) 797-3113. If you have not made housing reservations in advance, you need to plan on staying in a local hotel. Reservations can be made at the campus hotel, the University Inn, by calling (800) 231-5634 or (435) 797-0017 or visiting their website at www.usu.edu/ univinn/. Additional hotel information can be found at http://www.tourchachevalley.com/ lodging/lodging_hotels.php
On-Campus: Available for both single and married students. USU Housing Services information can be found at http://www.usu.edu or via email at info@housing.usu.edu. Questions can also be faxed to (435) 797-4035 or by calling (435)7973113 for more information. Written requests for housing information can be sent to: Housing and Dining Services Administrative Office, 1295 East 1000 North, Logan, UT 84322. An application, deposit, and signed contract are required to make advanced reservations. Please be aware that in the family student housing apartments, furniture and household furnishings are not provided. A stove and a refrigerator are provided.
CULTURE
Off-Campus: Available for married and single students. If you plan to live off-campus, you should bring with you enough (approximately $400.00) plus the first month’s rent, and utilities (gas, electric, and telephone) which will cost an estimated $500.00. Also, there may be additional expenses for household items (furniture, kitchen equipment, etc.) There are many apartments close to the campus. We suggest you arrive in time to locate suitable housing if you do plan to live off campus. You
Is There Anyone From My Country? Utah State University has an active International Student Council (ISC). Contact the ISC via email at usuintl@usu.edu. If you would like to correspond with a student from your country, the ISC can assist you.
Cultural Activities: The International Student council sponsors numerous activities each year, including country displays, Mr. and Ms. International Night, the International Children’s Party, and an International Banquet and Cultural Show. At the banquet, authentic food from different countries is served, followed by entertainment by students. You might consider bringing traditional costumes to wear at some of these activities. 12
Shoshone Indians The Shoshone Indians have lived in Cache Valley for nearly 5,000 years. They were nomadic hunters and gatherers who depended on the wild for food. Shoshone life changed dramatically in the early
THE EARLY HISTORY OF CACHE VALLEY
1700’s when they acquired horses—horses allowed them to hunt bison and other big game. The Shoshone people called the area Willow Valley for its abundance of trees and bushes. These early inhabitants would start grass fires to drive buffalo herds and to improve forage for their horses. The fertile land of Cache Valley provided some of the best grazing area in the Great Basin region. However, those fires cleared the valley of the trees and bushes it
Cache Valley has always
was known for, except for those located near the
been a popular gathering
rivers. The look of the valley was changed forever.
place. The Shoshone Indians were the first people to settle in the area. They called it “the house of the great spirit.” The Shoshone were
Mountain Men The mountain men played a critical role in the
followed by fur trappers
settling of Cache Valley. Men such as Jim Bridger,
who head their largest
Jedediah Smith, Ephraim Logan, and Peter Skene
trading meeting s in
Ogden left their names to mark the areas they
Cache Valley and along
explored. Jim Bridger, one of the more well known
the shores of Bear Lake. These gatherings drew trappers from across the
explorers, came to Cache Valley when he was just 20 years old. He was a trapper with the rocky Mountain
West. They exchanged
Fur Company. He floated out of Cache Valley on the
furs, purchased supplies,
Bear River in 1824 and upon tasting the salty water
and swapped stories
he stumbled upon, he spat it out and declared, “...we
about their adventures.
are on the shores of the Pacific Ocean!” He was in fact wrong in his deduction and became one of the first known White me to see the Great Salt Lake. 13
Mountain Men cont.
First Settlers
Fueled by high society’s demand for
The first permanent settlers of Cache Valley were Mormon pioneers sent by Brigham Young on July 24, 1855. He sent 23 men and 2 women to establish a cattle ranch near the Balcksmith fork river. It was named Elkhorn Ranch because of the elk antlers that hung over the main gate. They had plans to graze the cattle during the summer and then move to a warmer climate for the winter months. Unfortunately, winter came early. In a desperate attempt to save the cattle, John C. dowdle and William Garr drove them through Wellsville Canyon to Brigham city in a raging blizzard. The snowdrifts were 4 feet deep in the valley and even deeper in the canyon. Only 420 cattle survived the ordeal and Garr lost both of his feet to the cold.
beaver pelts, mountain men trapped beaver. The pelts were used to line the popular top hats worn by fashionable men on the East Coast.
The word “cache” is a
French word that means “to store, or hide one’s treasures.” the trappers would dig a hole in the ground or on the sid eof a mountain and “cache” their supply of beaver pelts until they could be sold at the annual rendezvous. Bridger is said to have stashed nearly $150,000 worth of beaver pelts at the south end of Cache
In 1856, Brigham Young sent another group of Mormon pioneers to settle in Wellsville. Peter and mary Ann Weston Maughn drove the first covered wagon inot the valley. Mary Ann scanned the luch, grassy valley that lay before her and said, “Oh, what a beautiful valley.”
Valley in a town called Hyrum. Fur pelts sold for $6 a pound. The average skin weighed about 2 pounds. Ephraim Logan, for which Logan city is named, first came to Cache Valley around
The first seven families settled at maughan’s Fort in Wellsville on September 15, 1856. eleven days later the first snowstorm hit. Mrs. Maughan gave birth to the first child born to permanent settlers in chace Valley.
1824. He attended his first Rocky Mountain Rendezvous in 1825. A few years later, Logan joined a hunting trip
Jim Bridger, known for telling tall tales, said that since it froze every month in Cache Valley that crops would never grow there. However, Brigham Young promised the settlers that Cache Valley would become the “tranary of the West.” In only half a century, his prophecy came true. By 1915, more wheat was shipped from Cache Junction than any other town
along the Snake River. While on this expedition, the group was attacked by some Shoshone and Logan was killed. His fame spread after his death. The Bourdon River, as it was called at the time, was renamed the Logan river in honor of Ephraim Logan. By the 1840s fashion trends had changed,
TITLE TEXT
which brought an end to the days of the mountain men. During this time, the beaver population in nearby Logan Canyon was almost completely wiped
Cache Valley Tourist Council
out.
www.tourcachevalley.com (435) 752-2161
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(800) 882-4433
BEAR LAKE VALLEY The history of the Bear Lake Valley followed the same pattern as Cache Valley. It was first inhabited by the Shoshone, then mountain men who hunted and fished there for years. The first permanent setters were also sent by Brigham Young. They were led by Charles Rich, whom the county named after. Bear Lake is famous for the legend of the Bear Lake Monster. The monster has been sighted in the lake since early pioneer days.
PRESENT-DAY CACHE VALLEY Cache Valley is known for its pristine beauty and wide variety of cultural and recreational opportunities. The valley has evolved from an area used for grazing, fur-trapping, and lumbering to a place of agriculture, dairy farming, food processing, and high-tech businesses. Nearly a century ago, novelist Thomas Wolfe said of Cache Valley, “It was the most lovely and enchanted valley I have ever seen; a valley that makes all that has gone before fade as nothing.� 15
http://www.usu.edu/asusu/ clubsandorgs/
Saudi Student Club
Taiwanese Student Association
To find out more information about any of these clubs and to learn about other clubs on the USU campus go to:
Japan Club
WHERE TO LOOK!
Dominican Student Association
Middle East Club
C
These clubs have been designed to promote international unity, learning, discovery and fun!
Aggies For Africa
u l
International Clubs
International Student Council
s b
Armenian Student Association
ServiceLearning Scholars
Society of Physics Students
Chemistry and Biochemistry Club
USU Mathematics
Society of Women Engineers
Business Council
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Aggie Sports Exercise Facilities
USU EVENTS To find out about Utah State Events go to:
Activities/Dances/Celebrations/Traditions Dining Services
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http://www.usu.edu/ student-life/
www.usu.edu/camprec/htm/orp/ www.tourcachevalley.com/home
www.parkcitymountain.com/ 18
www.aggieicecream.usu.edu/
The Office of Global Engagement and The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) Office of International Students and Scholars Military Science Building 115 435-797-1124
Office hours: Monday - Friday 8 am—5 pm
Staff Directory: International Admissions Carlos Munoz: carlos.munoz@usu.edu 435-797-3978 Admission/recruiting Nancy Hyde: nancy.hyde@usu.edu 435-797-8091 Admissions International Sponsored Programs Eric Sims: eric.sims@usu.edu 435-797-9211 Coordinator Shelly Hernandez: shelly.hernandez@usu.edu 435-797-1647 Coordinator OISS Immigration Advisors Maribeth Evensen-Hengge: maribeth.hengge@usu.edu 435-797-1122 Advisor Rob Llewellyn: rob.llewellyn@usu.edu 435-797-1171 Advisor Suat Albulut: suat.albulut@usu.edu 435-797-0106 Advisor Study Abroad Connie Radke-Kurian: connie.rk@usu.edu 435-797-0601 Staff Assistant Kay Forsyth: kay.forsyth@usu.edu 435-797-1253 Advisor Madeline Greenlick: madeline.greenlick@usu.edu 435-797-8702 Advisor Global Engagement Vice Provost office Clarene Marley: clarene.marley@usu.edu 435-797-9220 Staff Assistant Mary Hubbard: mary.hubbard@usu.edu 435-797-3686 Vice Provost The OISS provides many services and programs including:
Orientation: Held just prior to the first day of classes of each semester for all new international students. Orientation is mandatory for all new international students Advising: OISS staff can provide you advising on any immigration issue or any other questions and concerns you may have. Programs: OISS also provides programs and opportunities to better your English skills and also cultural events. 19
Student Services Directory Service
Location
Phone/ Contact Info
Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS)
MS, Room 115 (north of TSC, between Parking Terrace and Fieldhouse; enter through south entrance of the building) MS, Room 115A
www.usu.edu/oiss; 435-797-1124;
International Student Clubs
They meet once a month with ISC in ISC-appointed location (or you can meet with individual club leaders after contacting them)
https://www.usu.edu/oiss/htm/currentstudents/student-organizations
Registration/ Registrar’s Office
Taggart Student Center (TSC), Room 246
(This will be updated in mid-fall) https://www.usu.edu/registrar/ ; 435-7971116;
Advising Center
TSC, Room 304
registrar@usu.edu www.usu.edu/advising ; 435-797-3373;
Student Employment
University Inn, Ground Level, Room 102
www.usu.edu/studemp ; 435-797-0184;
Academic Resource Center (Tutoring, etc.)
TSC, Room 305
www.usu.edu/arc ; 435-797-1128;
ASUSU (Associated Students of USU)
TSC, Room 326
http://www.usu.edu/asusu/ ;
Cashier’s Office
TSC, Room 248
Housing
1125 N 1000 E (in parking lot west of
435-797-2912; involvement@aggiemail.usu.edu http://www.usu.edu/controller/cashier/ 435797-1069 http://www.usu.edu/housing/
International Student Council
oiss@aggiemail.usu.edu isc@aggiemail.usu.edu
Aggie Village)
Local: (435) 797-3113 Toll Free: 800) 863-1085 Advertising Board (Apts, etc. for rent; things for sale) Counseling and Psychological Services
TSC 1st Floor, Main Hall
TSC, Room 306
www.usu.edu/counseling/ ;
Student Health and Wellness
850 East 1200 North (in Parking lot on
435-797-1012 www.usu.edu/health; (there is a place to click
Campus Police
Aggieblue.com (this site contains some but not all the listing on the physical bulletin board in TSC)
the west side of Stadium north of the Stadium bleachers)
on website to make appointments); 435-797-
1385N 850E (north of Student Wellness
www.uus.edu/dps/police ; 435-797-1939
1660;
and baseball field; east of baseball field)
Computer Labs
For all locations, see website (right)
https://it.usu.edu/labs/
Computer Helpdesk
Main Office: Janet Quinney Lawson Building (north side entrance) Outside ground level (south) entrance, University Inn, 102 www.banner.usu.edu 20
435.797.HELP(4357) Toll Free: 1.877.878.8325 www.usu.edu/career/ ; 435-797-7777
Career Services Banner(Access)
www.banner.usu.edu
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