Westminster College International Student Resource Guide | 2023-2024

2023-2024

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT RESOURCE GUIDE

WELCOME TO WESTMINSTER COLLEGE!

This guide provides resources for your arrival to New Wilmington. We look forward to meeting you and supporting you through your journey at Westminster College!

The following four people are closely involved in your immigration/pre-arrival processes and in your first days on-campus. As you have questions about your time at Westminster, particularly in the days before your arrival, these individuals are pleased to help.

DR. MICHAEL ALPRETE

Director of Global Engagement

Old Main, 224

P: 724-946-7254

E: alpreme@westminster.edu

DARLENE MCCOY

Executive Assistant in Academic Affairs

Old Main, 109

P: 724-946-7120

E: mccoyda@westminster.edu

CANDACE OKELLO

Associate Dean of Student Affairs

McKelvey Campus Center, 341

P: 724-946-7113

E: okelloca@westminster.edu

DR. KAREN SCHEDIN

Vice President for Enrollment

Principal Designated School Official

Responsible Officer for J-1 Program

Remick Admissions House

P: 724-946-7105

E: schedikh@westminster.edu

NOTE

Prior to your arrival on campus, most messages will be sent to both the personal email address you used on your application and your Westminster email account. However, once classes begin, only your Westminster email will be used .

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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5

10

CAMPUS CONTACTS 11

PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION

U.S. IMMIGRATION LAWS

Be aware that all international students must follow U.S immigration laws. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Update your home address, campus address, and phone number within 10 days of any change.

· Carry your visa/passport and I-20/DS-2019 when you travel outside the US. Please hand carry these items; do not place them in your luggage, which could get lost or stolen. Please contact Dr. Karen Schedin for an updated travel signature I-20 or DS-2019.

· Maintain full-time status by taking at least 12 credits each semester. You must make satisfactory academic progress as defined by the College in order to remain in the U.S. Should you be placed on academic probation, you must contact Dr. Schedin and Darlene McCoy immediately to discuss the effect on your immigration status. You are governed by the Westminster College Catalog and U.S. Immigration Law.

· International students MUST not engage in drug usage. Should you travel to a state where use of marijuana is legal, please be aware that marijuana usage is not legal for you. It could result in deportation and being barred from the U.S. for life.

· Maintain status even during a national emergency (terrorist attack or natural disaster). Please be sure that the College has your U.S. cell phone number and that you check your phone and your email for important messages. You should also get in the habit of checking the following website: www.studyinthestates.dhs.gov

I-20 OR DS-2019

This form is being issued to you to indicate that you have been accepted as a full-time international student (I-20) or exchange student (DS-2019). This form must be presented in its entirety at the port of entry each time you enter the U.S.

I-94

Upon entry into the U.S., you will receive an Arrival/Departure Record referred to an I-94. Recently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) automated the form I-94 at ports of entry, so you will not receive a physical copy. Should you need a copy for your records, please request it at www.cbp.gov/I94

PASSPORT

Your passport is an identifying document issued by your government. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months into the future for your entire stay in the U.S.

F-1 OR J-1 VISA

As soon as you receive your I-20 or DS2019, schedule a visa appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Prior to applying for your interview, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. Please print a copy of the receipt and keep with your important papers. The fee payment website is www.fmjfee.com. You will need your I-20/DS-2019 when accessing the website.

IMMUNIZATIONS

Westminster College complies with the recommendations set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Health regarding immunizations. You will receive medical forms that will let you know what inoculations and information we need from you. You will not be able to register for courses or move in without completing your health forms and obtaining all required immunizations. Your physician will complete the forms. Please contact Melissa Baron, Director of the Wellness Center, with any questions: baronmm@westminster.edu

HEALTH INSURANCE

All full-time F1 international students must have an approved medical insurance plan. Prices fluctuate according to visa type, home country, and athlete versus non-athlete status. Plans can be purchased via the GBG International Student Insurance Portal. J1 exchange students who plan to be athletes must add insurance for athletes via the portal.

Copies of your medical insurance must be provided to Dr. Schedin and the Wellness Center. NOTE

Westminster College will not be responsible for any copayments, deductibles or other medical expenses incurred that are not covered by your insurance.

INITIAL TRAVEL LOGISTICS

As you are planning your travels, please keep in mind the following:

· Arrive on campus no earlier than 1 day prior to the start of International Student Orientation, which is Wednesday, August 23, 2023.

· Most students arrive at the Pittsburgh International Airport or Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

· After you book your flight, email your travel itinerary to Candace Okello, associate dean of student affairs, and Darlene McCoy, executive assistant in academic affairs.

· Once your itinerary is received, Student Affairs will arrange airport pick-up logistics.

· Carry this guide, your I-20/DS-2019, visa, passport and any other important papers with you when traveling to Westminster College. Do not place them in your luggage, which could get lost or stolen.

IMPORTANT NOTE

If issues arise concerning your arrival date, please contact Ms. Okello as soon as possible.

RECOMMENDED LAPTOPS

We recommend these two laptops, based on their compatibility with frequently-used software applications, durability, processing speed, and size/weight. With any model, we strongly recommend a 3-year warranty.

DELL LATITUDE 5440

· Intel core i7-1370P vPro

· 16 GB RAM | 512 SSD

MACBOOK

· M2 Pro chip

· 16 GB RAM | 512 SSD

If you already have a laptop, we will do our best to help you with basic troubleshooting and maintenance. However, we have found that Chromebooks do not work well for many of our students because we are not a Google campus.

Anti-Virus & Malware Protection: To protect yourself against computer viruses and phishing schemes, it is essential your computer has updated antivirus software and malware protection.

Any anti-virus program will do, but we particularly like Symantec and McAfee. For malware protection, we like Malwarebytes, which is available FOR FREE from www.malwarebytes.com or www.malwarebytes.com/mac if you have a Mac.

ROOM ACCOMMODATIONS & WHAT TO BRING

Each room in Westminster’s residence halls is equipped with a bed, desk, chair, dresser and closet. For international students, the College provides the following items:

· Mini-refrigerator

· Fan

· Bedding (1 set of twin XL sheets, pillowcases, comforter/duvet, blankets, pillows)

· Towels and Washcloths

· Basic Toiletries (soap, toothpaste, toothbrush)

For other packing suggestions—or for items to consider purchasing after you arrive in the U.S.— visit our What to Bring page

TEXTBOOK PURCHASES

Westminster’s Campus Store sells all textbooks online through our partner, MBS Direct/ BNC. Depending on the course and textbooks required, along with availability, students can choose to purchase new or used textbooks, rent them, or purchase digital versions.

To purchase your textbooks, go to https://bncvirtual. com/westminster.htm. The site lists required texts by course number and you will have the option to have the books shipped directly to the College for pickup. Please note the Campus Store does not sell textbooks in store.

ON-CAMPUS ARRIVAL & STUDENT LIFE

ORIENTATION

You will participate in an International Student Orientation on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, and in Westminster’s New Student Orientation, which is for all new students, and begins Thursday, August 24, 2023. We will provide additional information about these required experiences upon your arrival.

HOUSING & RESIDENCE LIFE

In addition to your room, as a resident you’ll have access to amenities including a common lounge/game room, group study spaces, community restrooms, and free laundry facilities.

Each residence hall has Resident Assistants to help you with daily living, as well as a Residence Life professional staff member. If you have any questions or problems, please reach out to them for assistance.

STUDENT ID CARD (TITAN CARD)

You will receive your Titan Card when you arrive on campus, along with a key to your residence hall room. Your Titan Card provides access to your residence hall, your meal plan and campus activities. Please carry your Titan Card with you at all times.

NOTE

Westminster’s residence halls will be closed for two breaks during the 2023-2024 academic year. For more about what this means to you, please see the Academic Breaks & Off-Campus Travel section on pages 8-9.

DINING SERVICES

Exchange students are assigned a meal plan that includes 10 meals per week in Westminster’s cafeteria (Galbreath Dining Hall) plus $580 USD “Dine Dollars” that can be used to purchase meals and snacks in the TUB Food Court. For more information about dining locations and hours of operation during the semester, please visit the Campus Dining & Meal Plans page

Most dietary needs can be accommodated without special arrangement, but if you have special dietary needs, please inform Ms. Okello as soon as possible, who can put you in contact with the Food Service Director.

Once the semester begins, you can keep track of your meal plan balance and add Dine Dollars via Student Link: https:// titancard.westminster.edu

Please note that our dining facilities operate with limited hours and/or are closed prior to Orientation and during some breaks. For more information, please see the Academic Breaks & Off-Campus Travel section on pages 8-9.

CAMPUS COMMUNICATION

Your Westminster email account is the primary way the College will communicate with you. Please check your Westminster email account frequently for messages from the Admissions Office, the Business Office, the Registrar’s Office, the Financial Aid Office, the Student Affairs Office and other campus offices.

Off-campus access to your Westminster email account requires Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Please configure MFA for your account within 24 hours of your arrival on campus using the instructions available at http:// www.westminster.edu/mfa. Please contact Westminster’s Help Desk if you have any questions or need assistance at 724-946-6000 or helpdesk@westminster.edu.

MAILING ADDRESS

Every student is assigned a campus mailbox, which stays the same during your time at Westminster. Your mailbox address, which family and friends may send mail to, can be sent in the following format:

STUDENT NAME BOX #

WESTMINSTER COLLEGE

NEW WILMINGTON, PA 16172

STUDENT HANDBOOK

INTERNET | WIFI

Our high speed, secure wireless network supports most devices: laptops, phones, tablets, Smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming systems. Instructions for connecting your devices to the wireless network are available on my.westminster.

Please note the process for connecting gaming devices, Smart TVs, and streaming devices is different from the process for connecting laptops and mobile phones. Hard-wired internet connections are not available in the residence halls.

OFFICE 365

As a Westminster student, you can download and use the entire Office 365 suite FOR FREE on multiple devices. Even if you are a Mac user, you’ll want to take advantage of this deal because D2L, our online course system, can’t read .pages files. For more information about this perk, contact Information Technology Services at helpdesk@westminster.edu

All students are expected to uphold the standards of community and behavioral expectations set for by the College as described in the Student Handbook , which includes the Student Code of Conduct and rules for residential living as well as other College policies and procedures.

ACADEMICS & CAMPUS RESOURCES

COURSE SCHEDULES & ACADEMIC ADVISING

Class schedules for J-1 exchange students will be prepared by Dr. Michael Aleprete, director of global engagement. Please contact him directly for all inquiries regarding your academics.

Schedules for four-year degree-seeking international students (F-1) will be prepared with a Westminster academic advisor in their degree program. Please also work with Dr. Schedin to ensure the advising plan meets criteria required to maintain international-student status.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

The Academic Success Center, located on the fourth floor of Thompson Clark Hall, is committed to helping all Westminster students realize their academic potential. The center provides individual and group tutoring, writing support, peer success coaching, guidance for exploratory majors and general academic advising. The center is guided by an advisory board made up of faculty and administrators.

Peer Tutoring Services offer academic support in a variety of settings. Students can drop in to the center for peer tutoring Sunday through Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. Or, you can make one-onone appointments with Peer Tutors who have expertise in a specific subject at your convenience.

CAMPUS SAFETY

The Westminster College Department of Public Safety provides safety and security services to the campus community 24/7/365. Services provided include campus-wide patrol, escort services to and from campus locations, transportation services for sick or injured persons, safety inspections, enforcement of college rules and regulations, security for special events, campus lock down, traffic control, administration of the College vehicle registration and parking program, and investigation of various criminal and traffic incidents on campus. The Public Safety Department is also the clearing point for “lost and found” property. All officers are certified in First Aid, CPR & how to use the AED.

DISABILITY RESOURCES

The Disability Resources Office, located in the Academic Success Center on the fourth floor of Thompson-Clark Hall, collaborates with students, faculty, and staff to promote advocacy and awareness of disability issues, and to facilitate access solutions for environmental and curricular barriers.

Students with diagnosed or suspected disabilities, who are experiencing boundaries to fully accessing campus grounds and facilities, classes and assignments, or campus events, should contact the Disability Resource Office to see what options may be available to them. If you have any questions, or need to make specific accommodations, please contact Faith Craig, Disability Resources Director, at craigfa@westminster.edu or at (724) 946-6140.

HEALTH SERVICES

If you become ill or injured, first access the Student Health Center for treatment. The Student Health Center is located on the ground floor of Shaw Hall. If you have an emergency and need to be transported off-campus by ambulance, please contact Public Safety at 724-946-7777

ACADEMIC BREAKS & OFF-CAMPUS TRAVEL

ACADEMIC BREAKS

International students should review the 2023-2024 Academic Calendar taking particular care to note the dates of semester starts, breaks, final exams and semester end dates. In addition to firm residence hall opening dates at the beginning of the semester and close dates at the end of the semester, the halls close for Thanksgiving break in late November and Spring Break in early March.

Halls remain open for Mid-Break in mid-October and Easter Break in late March.

When residence halls are closed, students are expected to leave campus. You will be provided with closure dates and procedures in sufficient time to arrange for an off-campus stay. Many international students use this time to travel to another part of the United States or to stay with the family of a friend they have made at Westminster.

Students with extenuating circumstances or who are participating in College activities that are in session during the break may request permission to stay on campus. However, permission is not guaranteed and can be impacted by your conduct history. If you are granted permission to stay, you will be responsible for your meals because dining services do not operate when the College is closed.

If you would like to seek permission to stay on-campus while the College is closed, you must submit a Break Housing Request Form no later than 4 days (or 96 hours) prior to the first day of breaks. The form can be found on my.westminster. Submissions will be reviewed and a response indicating approval or denial will be sent to your Westminster email. There may be a daily charge applied for students during break housing, which will be highlighted in the form.

Any questions can be sent to Patrick Bussiere, director of residence life, at bussiepj@westminster.edu.

OFF-CAMPUS TRAVEL

If you travel off-campus during your enrollment at Westminster, you are required to notify the College of your travel plans. Travel itineraries for F-1 students must be provided to Dr. Schedin and J-1 students must provide their itineraries to Ms. McCoy. Any international student (F1 or J1) planning to travel abroad over break, must obtain a travel signature from Dr. Schedin. The travel signature is required for returning to the U.S.

COLLEGE TRANSPORTATION SERVICE (LIMITED)

Shuttle service is scheduled around the academic calendar. Reservations are required and must be made in advance. Confirmation and communication regarding your reservation will be sent via email from Student Affairs. Occasionally, last-minute changes may be accommodated by visiting the Student Affairs Office (McKelvey Campus Center, Suite 341).

The shuttle service is available on the following dates during the 2023-2024 year:

· Start of fall semester (August 26 and 27)

Reservations close 8-11

· Mid-break (October 13, 14, and 17)

Reservations close 9-25

· Thanksgiving (November 21, 22, and 26)

Reservations close 11-6

· End of fall semester (December 14 and 15)

Reservations close 11-29

· Start of spring semester (January 16)

Reservations close 1-3

· Spring Break (March 1, 2, and 10)

Reservations close 2-15

· Easter Break (March 27, 28, and April 1)

Reservations close 3-12

· End of spring semester (May 9 and 10)

Reservations close 4-24

For all dates, the campus shuttle schedule is the same (all times are ESTEastern Standard Time):

Departure Times: 7 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm

Return Times: 11 am, 3 pm, and 7 pm

If the shuttle schedule does not fit into your travel plans, you may want to consider other options. Here are a few to begin your search:

· Allied Coordinated Transportation Services, Inc.

· Ground Transportation List of the Pittsburgh International Airport

NOTE

Check with your professors about final exams before making winter break and end-of-semester plans. Also, before purchasing flight/bus/train ticket, be mindful of the recommended arrival time prior to departure to ensure you have enough time. We are not responsible for delays due to traffic and road construction. Times listed are an estimate.

· Pittsburgh International Airport: 3.5 hours for travel and security checks

· Greyhound/Amtrack: 2 hours

· MegaBus: 2 hours and 20 minutes

THE LOCAL AREA

NEW WILMINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA

Westminster College is located in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, a small, rural, residential community 65 miles north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and 17 miles east of Youngstown, Ohio. The local area is made up of farms and individual residences. The surrounding area offers our students many fishing, hiking, bicycling, and golfing opportunities. The climate is temperate with four seasons: snow in the winter, rain in the spring, and dry periods in summer and fall.

For more information about New Wilmington, and activities, places to eat, and entertainment in Lawrence County, visit: https://www.visitlawrencecounty.com/members/live-new-wilmington/

Learn more about exploring the state of Pennsylvania here: https://www.visitpa.com/

BANKING

For your time at Westminster, we recommend that you open an account at our local bank. You may keep your original bank from your country, as well, but a local account offers greater convenience and security while you live in the United States.

SHOPPING AND DINING

Locations within 10 miles/16 kilometers.

DINING

Baklava 141 S. Market Street New Wilmington, PA 16142

Chubby’s Pizza 123 High Street New Wilmington, PA 16142

Pizza Joe’s 209 S. Market Street New Wilmington, PA 16142

Pulse Coffee & Hop Asylum

138 S. Market Street New Wilmington, PA 16142

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

In case of a health emergency or for care outside of the Wellness Center hours, you can receive care from the local hospital.

UPMC Jameson

1211 Wilmington Ave. New Castle, PA 16105 724-658-9001

GENERAL & GROCERY

Dollar General 1995 Mercer-New Wilmington Road New Wilmington, PA 16142

Walmart SuperCenter 2501 W State Street New Castle, PA 16101

Gilliland’s Market 109 S. Market Street New Wilmington, PA 16142

Giant Eagle 3230 Wilmington Road New Castle, PA 16105

PHARMACY

Rite-Aid 135 S. Market Street New Wilmington, PA 16142

CLOTHING

First National Bank 135 E Neshannock Ave. 5 New Wilmington, PA 16142 724-946-9300 Walking Distance Transportation

Grove City Outlets 1911 Leesburg Grove City Road Grove City, PA 16127

CAMPUS CONTACTS

Dr. Michael Alprete

Director of Global Engagement

Old Main, 224

P: 724-946-7254

E: alpreme@westminster.edu

· Course scheduling, international student support, study abroad, exchange programs

Melissa Baron

Director of the Wellness Center

Shaw Hall

P: 724-946-7929

E: barronmm@westminster.edu

· Health insurance, counseling services, and other health-related inquiries

Patrick Bussiere

Director of Residence Life Mckelvey Campus Center, 341

P: 724-946-7071

E: bussiepj@westminster.edu

· Housing and residence life question

Gina Carrier

Director of Student Financial Services

Old Main

P: 724-946-7503

E: carriegn@westminster.edu

· Meal plan inquiries

Darlene McCoy

Executive Assistant in Academic Affairs

Old Main, 109

P: 724-946-7120

E: mccoyda@westminster.edu

· Academic Affairs questions

Candace Okello

Associate Dean of Student Affairs

McKelvey Campus Center, 341

P: 724-946-7113

E: okelloca@westminster.edu

Dr. Karen Schedin

Vice President for Enrollment

Principal Designated School Official

Responsible Officer for J-1 Program

Remick Admissions House

P: 724-946-7105

E: schedikh@westminster.edu

Business Office

Old Main | Second Floor

319 S. Market Street

New Wilmington, PA 16172-0001

WEB: www.westminster.edu

EMAIL: businessoff@westminster.edu

CALL: 724-946-7140

FAX: 724-946-7156

FOLLOW US: @WESTMINSTERPA