International Student Handbook
Academic Year 2013 – 2014
Office of International Student & Scholar Services Table of Contents
General Information University Building Codes 2 Academic Calendars 3 University/Area Directory 7 ISSS E-mail Announcements 9 How to use ‘MyUAlbany’ for the first time 10 Employment on the Campus of the University at Albany: F-1 Students 11 Drivers from Other Nations 13 Banking for International Students 15 Postal Services 17 International Friendship Program 18 Intensive English Language Program 19 List of ESL Courses at UAlbany 20 Academic Integrity 21 Library Services 25 University Library – Language Expertise 26 University Library – Subject Specialists 27
Rules and Regulations for International Students Rules and Regulations – “DOs and DON’Ts” 28 Rules and Regulations for Maintaining Status 30 Rules for Maintaining a Full-Time Course Load 32 On-Campus Employment Regulations 35 Tax and Documentation Requirements 36 Sample W-4 Form 38 Sample IT-2104 Form 39 Sample I-9 Form 40 Information on Social Security Number 42 Guidelines to Renew Your Visa in Your Home Country 45
Health Insurance Information International Student Health Insurance - General Information 46 SUNY Mandatory Health and Accident Insurance for International Students 2010-2011 Information 47
Cultural Adjustment Information Social Life in the USA – The Cross Cultural Experience 50 Prescriptions for Coping with Culture Shock 51 Living in the USA… 52 My Incredible Experience in the United States of America 53 Vocabulary 57 Sizes, Weights and Measures 60
1
University Buildings and Codes
Name of Building Building Code Alumni House AH Arts and Sciences AS Business Administration BA Business Building BB Biology BI Campus Center CC NanoFab 200 CESTM Chemistry CH Draper Hall (Downtown) DR Education ED Earth Science ES Fine Arts FA Husted Hall (Downtown) HS Humanities HU Lecture Center LC Science Library SL University Library LI Milne Hall (Downtown) MI Performing Arts Center PAC Physical Education PE Physics PH Recreation and Conference Center RACC/SEFCU Arena Richardson Hall (Downtown) RI Sculpture Studio SC Social Sciences SS Cooper Hall (State Quad) ST East Campus SW Ten Broeck Hall (Dutch Quad) TB University Administration UAB University Hall UNH Van Rensselaer Hall DU
2 Fall 2013 Academic Calendar
Mon, August 26 Fall 2013 Degree application submission available for UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE students. Those students who expect to complete degree requirements by the official degree conferral date (12/21/2013) must apply via MyUAlbany. Mon, August 26 Classes begin at 8:00am Tue, August 27 Late registration begins. Late registration fee charged. Wed, August 28 - UUP eligible students using the ECRP waiver may register for/add 8 Week 1 course Thu, August 29 Thu, August 29 Last day to add 8 Week 1 course without permission of instructor via MyUAlbany (no permission number required) Fri, August 30 - UUP eligible students using the ECRP waiver may register for/add a semester length Tue, September 3 course Sun, September 1 Last day to drop semester length and 8 Week 1 courses with 0% financial liability (view liability schedule). Note: the University fee and SEVIS fee are not refundable once classes begin. Mon, September 2 Classes Suspended - Labor Day Tue, September 3 Last day to drop 8 Week 1 course without receiving a "W" Tue, September 3 Last day to add semester length course without permission of instructor via MyUAlbany (no permission number required) Tue, September 3 Classes Resume 8:00am Tue, September 3 Last day to add 8 Week 1 course with permission of instructor via MyUAlbany (permission number required). Adding courses after this date will require a letter from the course instructor. Wed, September 4 Classes Suspended 2:35pm - Rosh Hashanah Thu, September 5 Classes Suspended - Rosh Hashanah Fri, September 6 Classes Resume 12:35pm Sun, September 8 Last day to drop 8 Week 1 courses with 60% financial liability (view liability schedule) Sun, September 8 Last day to drop semester length courses with 30% financial liability (view liability schedule) Tue, September 10 Last day to drop semester length course without receiving a "W" Tue, September 10 Last day to add semester length course with permission of instructor via MyUAlbany (permission number required). Adding courses after this date will require a letter from the course instructor. Tue, September 10 Last day to formally audit semester length course (information can be found here) Tue, September 10 Last day of late registration for the semester Fri, September 13 Classes Suspended 2:35pm - Yom Kippur Sat, September 14 Classes Suspended - Yom Kippur Sun, September 15 Last day to drop semester length courses with 50% financial liability (view liability schedule) Sun, September 15 Last day to drop 8 Week 1 courses with 80% financial liability (view liability schedule) Sun, September 15 Classes Resume 8:00am Mon, September 16 100% financial liability for dropped 8 Week 1 courses (view liability schedule) Sun, September 22 Last day to drop semester length courses with 70% financial liability (view liability schedule) Mon, September 23 100% financial liability for dropped semester length courses (view liability schedule) Tue, September 24 Last day for GRADUATE students to drop 8 Week 1 course ("W" assigned) Fri, September 27 Last day for UNDERGRADUATE students to drop 8 Week 1 course ("W" assigned) Fri, September 27 Last day for UNDERGRADUATE students to file S/U option or return to A-E grading for 8 Week 1 course Fri, October 4 Fall 2013 UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE degree applications due - submit via MyUAlbany Mon, October 14 Classes Suspended - Columbus Day
3 Tue, October 15 Classes Resume 8:00am Wed, October 16 - Advance Registration for Winter 2014 and Spring 2014 begins Fri, November 15 Wed, October 16 Midterm Point Wed, October 16 8 Week 1 Final examination period begins Thu, October 17 Last day of 8 Week 1 classes Thu, October 17 8 Week 1 Final examination period ends Fri, October 18 8 Week 2 classes begin at 8:00am Tue, October 22 - UUP eligible students using the ECRP waiver may register for/add 8 Week 2 course Wed, October 23 Wed, October 23 Last day for GRADUATE students to drop semester length course ("W" assigned) Wed, October 23 Last day to add 8 Week 2 course without permission of instructor via MyUAlbany (no permission number required) Thu, October 24 Last day to drop 8 Week 2 courses with 0% financial liability (view liability schedule) Fri, October 25 Last day to drop 8 Week 2 course without receiving a "W" Fri, October 25 Last day to add 8 Week 2 course with permission of instructor via MyUAlbany (permission number required) Thu, October 31 Last day to drop 8 Week 2 courses with 60% financial liability (view liability schedule) Wed, November 6 Last day for UNDERGRADUATE students to file S/U option or return to A-E grading for semester length course Wed, November 6 Last day for UNDERGRADUATE students to drop semester length course ("W" assigned) Thu, November 7 Last day to drop 8 Week 2 courses with 80% financial liability (view liability schedule) Fri, November 8 Last day for students to make up incomplete grades from Spring 2013 or Summer 2013 Fri, November 8 100% financial liability for dropped 8 Week 2 courses (view liability schedule) Thu, November 14 Last day for GRADUATE students to drop 8 Week 2 course ("W" assigned) Tue, November 19 Last day for UNDERGRADUATE students to drop 8 Week 2 course ("W" assigned) Tue, November 19 Last day for UNDERGRADUATE students to file S/U option or return to A-E grading for 8 Week 2 course Wed, November 27 - Classes Suspended - Thanksgiving Break Sun, December 1 Sun, December 1 Last day for dissertation and thesis submission for Fall 2013 graduation Mon, December 2 Classes Resume 8:00am Sun, December 8 December 2013 Commencement Ceremony Tue, December 10 Last day for UNDERGRADUATE students to withdraw voluntarily from the University and receive "W" grades Tue, December 10 Last day of classes Wed, December 11 Reading Day Thu, December 12 Final examinations begin Thu, December 19 Final examinations end Sat, December 21 Official Degree conferral date Fall 2013
4
Spring 2014 Academic Calendar
Thu, January 2 Spring 2014 Degree application submission available for UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE students. Those students who expect to complete degree requirements by the official degree conferral date (5/18/2014) must apply via MyUAlbany. Wed, January 22 First day for non-UAlbany students to cross-register for UAlbany courses Wed, January 22 Classes begin at 8:00am Thu, January 23 Late registration begins. Late registration fee charged. Fri, January 24 - UUP eligible students using the ECRP waiver may register for/add 8 Week 1 course Mon, January 27 Mon, January 27 Last day to add 8 Week 1 course without permission of instructor via MyUAlbany (no permission number required) Tue, January 28 Last day to drop semester length and 8 Week 1 courses with 0% financial liability (view liability schedule). Note: the University fee and SEVIS fee are not refundable once classes begin. Tue, January 28 - UUP eligible students using the ECRP waiver may register for/add semester length course Wed, January 29 Wed, January 29 Last day to drop 8 Week 1 course without receiving a "W" Wed, January 29 Last day to add semester length course without permission of instructor via MyUAlbany (no permission number required) Wed, January 29 Last day to add 8 Week 1 course with permission of instructor via MyUAlbany (permission number required). Adding courses after this date will require a letter from the course instructor. Tue, February 4 Last day to formally audit semester length course (information can be found here) Tue, February 4 Last day to drop semester length courses with 30% financial liability (view liability schedule) Tue, February 4 Last day to drop 8 Week 1 courses with 60% financial liability (view liability schedule) Tue, February 4 Last day of late registration for the semester Tue, February 4 Last day to add semester length course with permission of instructor via MyUAlbany (permission number required). Adding courses after this date will require a letter from the course instructor. Tue, February 4 Last day to drop semester length course without receiving a "W" Tue, February 11 Last day to drop semester length courses with 50% financial liability (view liability schedule) Tue, February 11 Last day to drop 8 Week 1 courses with 80% financial liability (view liability schedule) Wed, February 12 100% financial liability for dropped 8 Week 1 courses (view liability schedule) Fri, February 14 Spring 2014 UNDERGRADUATE degree applications due - submit via MyUAlbany Tue, February 18 Last day to drop semester length courses with 70% financial liability (view liability schedule) Tue, February 18 Last day for GRADUATE students to drop 8 Week 1 course ("W" assigned) Wed, February 19 100% financial liability for dropped semester length courses (view liability schedule) Thu, February 20 - Classes Suspended Fri, February 21 Sat, February 22 Classes Resume at 8:00am Tue, February 25 Last day for UNDERGRADUATE students to drop 8 Week 1 course ("W" assigned) Tue, February 25 Last day for UNDERGRADUATE students to file S/U option or return to A-E grading for 8 Week 1 course Tue, March 11 - 8 Week 1 Final Examination period Wed, March 12 Tue, March 11 Midterm Point Wed, March 12 Last day of 8 Week 1 classes Thu, March 13 8 Week 2 classes begin at 8:00am Sat, March 15 - Classes Suspended Fri, March 21 Wed, March 19 Last day to drop 8 Week 2 courses with 0% financial liability (view liability schedule) Sat, March 22 Classes Resume at 8:00am Mon, March 24 - UUP eligible students using the ECRP waiver may register for/add 8 Week 2 course Tue, March 25 Mon, March 24 Advance Registration for Summer 2014 and Fall 2014 begins
5 Tue, March 25 Last day for GRADUATE students to drop semester length course ("W" assigned) Tue, March 25 Last day to add 8 Week 2 course without permission of instructor via MyUAlbany (no permission number required) Wed, March 26 Last day to drop 8 Week 2 courses with 60% financial liability (view liability schedule) Thu, March 27 Last day to add 8 Week 2 course with permission of instructor via MyUAlbany (permission number required). Adding courses after this date will require a letter from the course instructor. Thu, March 27 Last day to drop 8 Week 2 course without receiving a "W" Fri, March 28 Spring 2014 GRADUATE degree applications due - submit via MyUAlbany Wed, April 2 Last day to drop 8 Week 2 courses with 80% financial liability (view liability schedule) Thu, April 3 100% financial liability for dropped 8 Week 2 courses (view liability schedule) Tue, April 8 Last day for UNDERGRADUATE students to drop semester length course ("W" assigned) Tue, April 8 Last day for UNDERGRADUATE students to file S/U option or return to A-E grading for semester length course Fri, April 11 Last day for students to make up incomplete grades from Fall 2013 or Winter 2014 Mon, April 14 Classes Suspended at 2:35pm Tue, April 15 Classes Suspended Wed, April 16 Classes Resume at 12:35pm Thu, April 17 Last day for GRADUATE students to drop 8 Week 2 course ("W" assigned) Sun, April 20 Classes Suspended Mon, April 21 Classes Resume at 12:35pm Tue, April 22 Last day for UNDERGRADUATE students to drop 8 Week 2 course ("W" assigned) Tue, April 22 Last day for UNDERGRADUATE students to file S/U option or return to A-E grading for 8 Week 2 course Thu, May 1 Last day for dissertation and thesis submission for Spring 2014 graduation Thu, May 8 Last day of classes Thu, May 8 Last day for UNDERGRADUATE students to withdraw voluntarily from the University and receive "W" grades Fri, May 9 Reading Day Sat, May 10 Final Examinations begin Fri, May 16 Final Examinations end Sat, May 17 - Sun, Spring 2014 Commencement Weekend May 18 Sun, May 18 Official Degree conferral date Spring 2014
6 Directory of useful information for new international students
University at Albany, State University of New York:
Name Phone # Website / Email University at Albany main home page (518) 442-3300 www.albany.edu International Student and Scholar (518) 591-8189 http://www.albany.edu/isss Services (ISSS) [email protected] Intensive English Language Program (518) 437-5040 http://www.albany.edu/ielp (IELP) [email protected] Study Abroad and Exchanges (518) 591-8170 http://www.albany.edu/studyabroad/ [email protected] International Health Insurance Office (518) 591-8185 http://www.albany.edu/isss/insurance/insura nce.shtml Undergraduate Admissions Office (518) 442-5435 http://www.albany.edu/admissions [email protected] Office of Graduate Studies (Admissions) (518) 442-3980 http://www.albany.edu/graduate [email protected] Graduate Student Organization (518) 442-4178 http://www.albany.edu/gso [email protected] MyUAlbany (ITS) (518) 442-3700 http://www.albany.edu/its http://www.albany.edu/its/help http://www.albany.edu/its/email_the_cio.htm Registrar’s Office (518) 442-5540 http://www.albany.edu/registrar [email protected] Student Accounts (518) 442-3202 http://www.albany.edu/studentaccounts [email protected] Residential Life & Housing (518) 442-5875 http://www.albany.edu/housing [email protected] Off-campus Housing (518) 442-5875 http://www.albany.edu/housing/living/rl_offc ampushousing.html [email protected] University Health Center (518) 442-5444 http://www.albany.edu/health_center/ [email protected]
7 Transportation in Albany:
Name Phone number Website CDTA (Capital District Transit Authority) (518) 482-8822 www.cdta.org University Bus Service “SUNY Bus” (518) 442-3420 http://www.albany.edu/pmt s/mass_transit.php Capitaland Taxi (518) 456-8294 Yellow Cab (518) 434-2222
City of Albany:
Name Website City of Albany http://www.albanyny.org/home.aspx Times Union (newspaper in Albany) http://www.timesunion.com
Airports and transportation in New York:
Name Phone number Website Adirondack Trailways (800) 776-7548 http://www.trailwaysny.com/ Albany International Airport (518) 242-2222 http://www.albanyairport.com/ Amtrak (Train) 1-800-872-7245 www.amtrak.com Greyhound Bus 1-800-231-2222 www.greyhound.com Port Authority Bus Terminals 1-800-221-9903 http://www.panynj.gov/bus-terminals/port- authority-bus-terminal.html For general transportation http://www.nyctourist.com/newyorkcity/transp information in NYC ortation.htm John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) (718) 244-4444 http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk.html Newark Airport http://www.panynj.gov/airports/newark- (973) 961-6000 liberty.html
U.S. Customs Service:
Name Phone number Website U.S. Customs Service (877) CBP-5511 http://www.cbp.gov
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): Name Phone number Website U.S. Citizenship and Immigration 1-800-375-5283 http://www.uscis.gov Services
8 ISSS E-MAIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
International Student and Scholar Services regularly sends important information to international students via the ISSS Listserv to their albany.edu e-mail addresses. Please enter your albany.edu address as your “student e-mail” address in MyUAlbany. After you set up your Unix cluster password, check to be sure that your Web e-mail account is working. Then check your e-mailbox frequently. If you do not receive messages on a regular basis, contact ISSS.
It is extremely important that you read these e-mail announcements from ISSS. Throughout most of the academic year, you will receive two announcements a week from ISSS. The first – usually on Thursdays – is the “What to do this Week” announcement. This e-mail contains a variety of fun an interesting things going on on and around campus, special deals for goods and services, and contests for you to win prizes.
The second e-mail you will get is the “ISSS Announcements” – usually on Fridays. This may also contain information about fun things to do, but they also contain important information that you need to know regarding you immigration status, important deadlines and other important information that you must be aware of from UAlbany and the USCIS.
Reading these announcements is extremely important. This is how we in ISSS keep you informed about everything you need to know.
Questions, contact: [email protected]
ISSS STAFF: Margaret Reich, Director Annie Heavener, Advisor Lana Sullivan, Administrative Coordinator Michelle Huang, Graduate Assistant
9 HOW TO USE ‘MYUALBANY’ FOR THE FIRST TIME
1. Make sure, first of all, that you read the on-line “Brochure” on the web site at: http://www.albany.edu/welcome/freshman_myualbany.php (We know it says it’s for Freshman, but it works the same for everyone.)
2. To use ‘MYUALBANY’ you first need to go to the University’s website and choose ‘MY ALBANY’ (at the top). You can also access it by typing: www.albany.edu/myualbany
3. If this is your first time, go to PASSWORD SET/ RESET.
4. Click on ‘MY UALBANY’. You need to have with you your Albany ID and your PIN (Your PIN should have been sent to you by the University. If you don’t have it, call the ITS HELP DESK at 442-3700).
5. Then you will be asked to select a complex password. (If you click on that word it will give you instructions on what that is). Basically it has to be a password of more than 8 words, including 1 letter, 1 number and 1 character (do not use & { ~ ‘ “ )
You are now ready to use MYUALBANY.
10
Employment on the Campus of The University at Albany: F-1 Students
One of the most commonly asked questions from international students is, “Can I work on campus?” The answer is that “if you are an F-1 student in good academic standing, taking a full course of study, yes, you may work on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week when school is in session (Fall and Spring semester), and full time during the university official breaks including the annual summer vacation.”
The next question, “Where can I find a job on the Albany campus?” is more difficult to answer:
First, there are also opportunities on the Human Resource Management website for student employment. The best way to access this information is by going to your MyUAlbany page and clicking on the “Campus Life” tab at the top. Once there, scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will see a section labeled “Job Opportunities & Services” in the left-hand column. Follow the links there to find additional job postings.
Second, the Career Services Office, which is adjacent to the International Student and Scholar Services office, sometimes has part-time employment listings, some of which are campus- based jobs, but their main focus is on preparing graduating students for a career search. As you begin to look for on-campus employment, you should check with that office to see if there might be some job listings that would be possibilities for you.
Do not expect to get rich with an on-campus job! Salaries are usually at the minimum wage or just above. Also, jobs can be physically demanding and may deplete the energy that you might need for your studies. Before you begin looking for a job on-campus, put together a summary of your work experience or a short resume. You may also wish to compose a letter of introduction which expresses an interest in any positions that might be available.
Offices that have secretarial, clerical or other office work positions will be interested in people who have word processing and database management skills, and who are well-organized and hard-working. Sometimes jobs are routine, so do not expect to find something that will fulfill all of your needs, in addition to your financial needs.
Since there are more available workers than jobs, employers do not have to advertise widely before hiring. Be a self starter! Ask the directors of offices if they have openings, rather than waiting until a job is advertised.
Any questions about employment eligibility should be directed to International Student and Scholar Services. While F-1 students do not need special permission to work on campus, the rules for J-1’s and other visa classifications are different. Don’t work without authorization!
Good luck in your search!
11 Offices which have hired F-1 students in the past
Office Type of job Contact information Academic Support 1. Tutor 1. EOP Tutorial Office, LI 94, 442-5180 Services 2. Independent Tutorial Program http://www.albany.edu/undergraduate_bulletin/eop_ bulletin.html 2. Campus Center, 442-5490 http://www.albany.edu/campuscenter Barnes and Noble Cashier, Stocking, Clerical, etc. Lower Level of Campus Center, 442-5690 Campus Bookstore http://www.albany.edu/uas/bookstore.shtml (Univ. Bookstore) http://www.albany.edu/uas/employment.shtml
Office of Student Various positions with activities, Office of Student Life, University Hall 206 , 956- Life building operations and security 8140 (student managers, deli http://www.albany.edu/studentlife attendants, servers, cashiers, http://www.albany.edu/uas/employment.shtml wait-staff, catering set-up, marketing intern)
Food Service Serving food, working in Dining Services, Campus Center Room 224 kitchen, dishwashing, Working http://www.albany.edu/uas/employment.shtml in dining halls in residence halls, http://www.albany.edu/uas/UADS%20Employment.s etc. html
Residential Life 1. Management Assistant State Quad U-Lounge, 442-5875 (clerical, answering phones, http://www.albany.edu/housing/jobs.shtml copying, running errands, etc.)
2. Resident Assistant (RA) (Student development, administrative, activities and educational programming, etc.)
12
Drivers From Other Nations
A valid driver license from another country is also valid in NYS. You do not need to apply for a NYS driver’s license unless you become a resident of NYS.
According to NYS law, a resident of another country can get a NYS driver’s license. Here are a few things to keep in mind when applying for a NYS driver’s license: • NYS recognizes your foreign driver’s license if you remain a resident of the nation that issued the license. You do not need to have a NYS driver’s license to drive in NYS unless you become a resident of NYS. (If you choose to drive on your country’s driver’s licence, the cost of American automobile insurance is considerably greater than with a NYS license.)
• If you do decide to get a NY State license and you have a driver’s license from any nation except Canada, you must pass a written test, complete a 5-hour pre-licensing course and pass a road test to qualify for a NYS driver’s license. See "New Drivers - How to Apply" on the DMV website.
• You must show a Social Security Card. If you do not qualify for a Social Security Card, you must provide a letter from the US Social Security Administration (SSA) that states that you do not qualify. The SSA Letter must have been issued within the last 30 days. You must also show an I-94 card. The I-94 must have been issued for at least one year and must be valid for at least six more months. If your I-94 card says “D/S”, that means “Duration of Status” and means that the I-94 is valid as long as you are in status – there is no expiration date. Please carry a valid I-20 or DS-2019 with you.
• When you receive your NYS driver’s license, you must surrender your foreign driver’s license to the DMV road test examiner. The local DMV office keeps your foreign driver’s license, and then destroys the license after 60 days. If you plan to return to your home country and use your foreign driver’s license, ask the road test examiner how to make sure that your foreign driver’s license is not destroyed. If you need to get your foreign driver’s license, go to the local DMV office where you applied for your NYS driver’s license.
International Driving Permit: An International Driving Permit is not a driver’s license. The permit only verifies that you hold a valid driver’s license in your home country. Your foreign driver’s license, not the International Driving Permit, allows you to drive in NYS. Contact the authorities in your home country to get an International Driving Permit. If you are not a resident of the US, you cannot apply for an International Driving Permit in the US.
You are not required to have an International Driving Permit to drive in NYS, but the permit has value. The permit verifies, in several languages, that you have a valid foreign driver’s license. A police officer who cannot read the language on your foreign driver’s license can read the permit. Note for US residents: The DMV does not issue International Driving Permits. Contact an automobile club that is a member of the American Automobile Association (AAA).
For more detailed information, please check the DMV website at: http://www.nysdmv.com/license.htm Albany Office-NYSDMV M, T, W & F 8:30 – 4:00 1-518-486-9786 224 So. Pearl St Thursday 10:00 - 6:00 Albany, NY 12202
13
Proofs of Identity and Date of Birth Required to Apply for a Driver’s License, a Learner’s Permit or a Non-driver Photo ID Card
With the increase in requirements for public security, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) frequently updates the list of acceptable proofs of identity and date of birth. Carefully read the requirements described on this page. Make sure that you have the proof required before you apply for any DMV document.
If you apply for a driver’s license, a learner’s permit or a new non-driver photo ID card, and:
If you do not have a NYS driver’s license or a NYS learner’s permit that is now valid or that was valid in the last two years, you must show proof of identity that equals a value of six points, your proof of date of birth and your Social Security Card (see Note 1). If you do have a NYS driver’s license or a NYS learner’s permit that is now valid or that was valid during the last 2 years, you must only show proof of identity that equals a value of six points. You are not required to show your proof of date of birth or your Social Security Card. See the list of proofs and their point values at http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/idlicense.htm. One or more of your proofs must have your signature. Each document must be an original document or a copy of the original document certified by the issuing agency. You cannot use more than one document of a specific type for points. For example, three credit cards do not equal three points. They equal one point. The DMV does not accept any document with any alteration. The DMV can confiscate altered documents and keep the documents for evaluation. The DMV will keep any document that appears fraudulent and can seek criminal prosecution against the person who used the document.
A suspended driver’s license or a suspended learner’s permit is accepted for proof of identity.
Note 1: If you are not eligible for a Social Security Card, you must provide a letter or form SSA-L676 from the US Social Security Administration (SSA) that states that you are not eligible. The SSA letter or form must have been issued no more than 30 days before the date of your application. You must also show the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) documents that the SSA used to determine that you are not eligible for a Social Security Card. Note 2: If you did not provide a Social Security Number to the DMV for a previous transaction, you must show your Social Security Card with your application. If you are not eligible for a Social Security Card , use the instructions in Note 1.
14
Banking for International Students
Students normally have one or two accounts, according to their needs. A checking account usually requires maintenance of a low minimum monthly balance. It offers basic services such as checkbooks, ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) card, and online banking. The most common use of this type of account is for regular money transactions (e.g., withdrawals, deposits of money through ATM machine), shopping, and bill payments. Savings accounts offer interest on the balances maintained, but require higher minimums and average balances. Students use savings accounts to maintain regular savings for a longer term.
Please note that to open a bank account, you need a SUNY ID card, initial deposit (cash, personal check, traveler’s check accepted), and visa related documents (passport, I-94, I-20/DS- 2019). A Social Security Number is not required to open a bank account.
Banking systems in the United States may be very different from those in your country. Before you open a bank account, we advise you to ask for banking policies and procedures to avoid costly surcharges and hidden fees. The questions that you can ask are:
• Whether they have special account privileges for students. These accounts normally waive some of the restrictions on minimum balances, average balance and maintenance fees.
• The bank’s monthly or annual service fee – some accounts require a monthly fee depending on usage.
• Minimum balance – if your balance goes below a certain minimum, charges may apply.
• Monthly check /ATM usage fee – some banks may require an additional fee for things such as printing statements from ATM, using checks, using more than a quota of checks per month, etc.
• Use of other bank ATM cards/machine – check whether your bank’s ATM charges additional for using another bank’s ATM card/machine for transactions.
• Special services – transfer of money to and from your home country, inter-account transfer, bill payment.
• Online account – several banks offer free online web accounts and also bill payment (paying utility bills such as gas, electricity, and cable TV through their website).
15 Local banks in Albany area
Though there are several banks in the Albany area, the banks listed below are the banks which offer some specialized services to UAlbany students, have ATM machines on campus, and are close to the campus and on the bus lines for easy access.
Bank Contact number & Branches close to campus Tips Web URL Citizens 1-800-922-9999 111 Washington Ave. Offers free gifts for Bank www.citizensbank.com 501 Western Ave. opening accounts. Empire State Plaza Free Bill payment 10 N. Pearl St. HSBC 1-800-975-HSBC 899 Western Ave. The branch has special 1-800-975-4722 126 State St. office hours for handling http://www.us.hsbc.co 95 Wolf Rd. students m/1/2/home/personal- The ATM offers both banking debits & withdrawals Key Bank 1-800-539-2968 1196 Western Ave. (across Has ATMs in convenient (518) 438-3982 from university) locations, campus & (UAlbany branch) 1295 Central Ave.(Colonie) malls www.key.com Empire State Plaza 43 Scotland Ave. (Albany Medical Ctr)
SEFCU 800-727-3328 Campus Center Branch No longer open only to (518) 453-2560 Campus Center 111 NY state employees (UAlbany branch) (includes graduate www.sefcu.com assistants) Some restrictions may apply for account opening
ATMS on Campus
Main/Uptown campus Downtown campus East Campus ATMs: TD Bank, Key Bank, & SEFCU ATMs: Bank of America ATMs: SEFCU http://www.albany.edu/uas/ATM%20locat ions.shtml
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Postal Services
Letters and postcards can be mailed at post offices or dropped off in blue-colored mailboxes. When mailing a letter or postcard in a mailbox, be sure to affix the proper postage (stamps). Packages need to be mailed from a post office. For information on current rates for domestic and international mail, please consult the personnel at the post office. An inexpensive way to mail letters overseas is by using aerogrammes. These can be bought at a post office and usually cost less than mailing a regular letter.
The campus mailroom, located in the basement of Business Administration Building (mail/uptown campus), does not offer full service. It is mainly used for on campus mail and also for renting PO boxes to students. In the Campus Center, there are vending machines for stamps and drop boxes for mail pickups. If the package is heavy or requires a special delivery, you need to mail it at an off-campus post office.
The post office closest to the main/uptown campus is located in a nearby shopping mall, Stuyvesant Plaza (1475 Western Ave Suite 45, Albany, NY 12203). You can use the CDTA #10 bus with SUNY Card for a free ride. It is open from 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Their phone number is (518) 438-0773.
For further information on post office locations, rates and mail options, you can check these websites or call the local post offices:
“www.usps.com” - US postal services home page “ircalc.usps.gov” - Postage calculator for International mails
17
18 ESL Courses for University Students
The Intensive English Language Program offers several ESL courses for international students who are currently enrolled in the University. Oral Communication, Academic Writing, and International Teaching Assistant courses are designed to give students the skills and practice they need to succeed in university level course work.
Courses:
ESL 001: Oral Communication for International Students Oral Communication for International Students is for those who wish to improve their speaking and pronunciation skills. Students will work to develop more confidence in speaking and to increase their fluency and comprehensibility. Students will engage in a variety of activities including pronunciation exercises, structured speaking tasks, and spontaneous speaking opportunities corresponding to speech used in academic, scientific, and professional situations. Listening activities will be used as needed to reinforce the development of clear, effective speech. Individualized attention will be given to help students reduce pronunciation errors that cause misunderstanding. Students may need to buy a text for this course. (This course carries a 3 credit load equivalency, but does not offer academic credit and will not be placed on your official university transcript.)
ESL 002: Academic Writing for International Students Academic Writing for International Students will provide students with essential skills needed to improve writing skills for academic purposes. To this end, students will write journal entries, summaries, essays, in-class essays and a final research paper. The course will focus on grammar, sentence structure, paraphrasing, summarizing, quoting, and various patterns of organizing academic writing. Students are encouraged to bring writing assignments from other courses for analysis and editing. Students may need to buy materials for this course. (This course carries a 3 credit load equivalency, but does not offer academic credit and will not be placed on your official university transcript.)
Who may attend: These courses are intended for international students who are currently enrolled in the University at Albany. If space is available, we will accept students who are currently enrolled in other universities in the area. These courses are for students who are already in the United States and who have a university level of English ability. An applicant for these classes WILL NOT be issued an I-20. Visit the IELP Program for information about how to study in the United States with an F-1 Student Visa.
19 Dates and Prices: ESL 001: Oral Communication for International Students Course Number: ZESL 1 (8829) Day/Time: Fridays 1:40 - 4:40 pm Cost: $400 for UAlbany students Room: HU 125
ESL 002: Academic Writing for International Students Course Number: ZESL 2 (8830) Day/Time: Fridays 1:40 - 4:40 pm Cost: $400 (plus cost of textbook) for UAlbany students Room: SS 117
How to register: You can register for both the ESL 001 and 002 courses on-line, just as you register for any other University at Albany course. For your convenience, the course and section numbers are listed above. If you have any other questions about these classes, please contact:
Intensive English Language Program - University at Albany, SUNY Science Library G14 1400 Washington Avenue Albany, New York 12222 U.S.A.
Telephone: (518) 437-8189 FAX: (518) 591-8171 E-mail: [email protected]
ETAP 500 (3 credits) - Ths course is offered through the School of Education. Please do not contact the IELP program for information on this course.
Academic Writing in English as a Second Language ETAP 500: T 1:15 – 4:05 p.m.
This course, designed for international graduate students, includes study of expectations and conventions of English academic writing; practice in writing and time for the teacher and students to respond to their own writing and the writing of others.
20 Academic Integrity (from the University at Albany Graduate Bulletin web site: http://www.albany.edu/content_images/AcademicIntegrity.pdf)
Standards of Academic Integrity As a community of scholars, the University at Albany has a special responsibility to integrity and truth. By testing, analyzing, and scrutinizing ideas and assumptions, scholarly inquiry produces the timely and valuable knowledge that guide and inform important and significant decisions, policies, and choices. Our duty to be honest, methodical and careful in the attribution of data and ideas to their sources establishes the foundations of our work. Misrepresenting or falsifying scholarship undermines the essential trust on which our community depends. Every member of the community, including both faculty and students, shares an interest in maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity.
Violations of trust harm everyone. The academic community has to trust that its members do not misrepresent their data, take credit for another's ideas or labor, misrepresent or interfere with the work of other scholars, or present previous work as if it were new. Acts of academic dishonesty undermine the value and credibility of the institution as a whole, and may distract others from important scholarship or divert resources away from critical research. In particular, students who plagiarize or falsify their work have not only failed to adhere to the principles of scholarly inquiry and failed their peers by taking undeserved credit or reward, they have failed to learn.
When the entire University community upholds the principles of academic integrity, it creates an environment where students value their education and embrace experiences of discovery and intellectual growth. In this environment, grades and degrees are awarded and applauded as the recognition of years of achievement, discipline, and hard work. Maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity insures the value and reputation of our degree programs; these standards represent an ethical obligation for faculty intrinsic to their role as educators, as well as a pledge of honor on the part of UAlbany students. If a violation of academic integrity occurs, faculty, deans, and students all share in the responsibility to report it.
These guidelines define a shared context of values to help both students and faculty to make individual and institutional decisions about academic integrity. Every student has the responsibility to become familiar with the standards of academic integrity at the University. While it is strongly recommended that faculty specify in their syllabi information about academic integrity, as well as a description of the possible responses to violations, claims of ignorance, unintentional error, or personal or academic pressures are not sufficient reasons for violations of academic integrity. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the standards and behaving accordingly, and UAlbany faculty are responsible for teaching, modeling and upholding them. Anything less undermines the worth and value of our intellectual work, and the reputation and credibility of the University at Albany degree.
21 Resources for Students
The University Libraries offer the following helpful information:
You have access to many research and information literacy resources here at the University at Albany.
Take an information literacy course. These courses will help you to locate and evaluate information effectively —skills that will help you not only with your studies, but also in the workplace. For more information, check the list of courses that meet the General Education Information Literacy Requirement (http://www.albany.edu/gened/search/search.shtml). The University Libraries offer two such courses, one targeted towards the sciences. More information is available on both courses at: http://library.albany.edu/usered/unl205/index.html.
Check out helpful tip sheets and other tutorials (http://library.albany.edu/usered/). The University Libraries provide a wide array of guides and other instruction to answer your research-related questions. These include help on the research process, citation tip sheets, explanations of types of resources, information on how to locate a wide range of materials and how to evaluate them effectively, and much more. You will also find up to date Internet Tutorials (http://library.albany.edu/usered/iguides/iguides.html) that will help make you a pro at searching the Web!
The University Libraries homepage (http://library.albany.edu/) will provide you with access to all sorts of resources for doing research, including the online catalog and a wide variety of research databases. You will find links to contact librarians and to ask for help, and a great deal more. Take a look!
Examples of Academic Dishonesty
The following is a list of types of behaviors considered to be academically dishonest and therefore unacceptable. Even the attempt to commit such acts is a breach of integrity and is subject to penalty. No such list can, of course, describe all possible types or degrees of academic dishonesty, so these should be understood as examples rather than as a comprehensive list. Individual faculty members, Deans of Schools and Colleges as appropriate, and the Office of Conflict Resolution and Civic Responsibility will continue to judge each case according to its particular merit.
Plagiarism: Presenting as one's own work, the work of another person (for example, the words, ideas, information, data, evidence, organizing principles, or style of presentation of someone else). Plagiarism includes paraphrasing or summarizing without acknowledgment, submission of another student's work as one's own, the purchase of prepared research or completed papers or projects, and the unacknowledged use of research sources gathered by someone else. Failure to indicate accurately the extent and precise nature of one's reliance on other sources is also a form of plagiarism. The student is responsible for understanding the legitimate use of sources, the appropriate ways of acknowledging academic, scholarly, or creative indebtedness, and the consequences for violating University regulations.
22 Examples of plagiarism include: failure to acknowledge the source(s) of even a few phrases, sentences, or paragraphs; failure to acknowledge a quotation or paraphrase of paragraph-length sections of a paper; failure to acknowledge the source(s) of a major idea or the source(s) for an ordering principle central to the paper's or project's structure; failure to acknowledge the source (quoted, paraphrased, or summarized) of major sections or passages in the paper or project; the unacknowledged use of several major ideas or extensive reliance on another person's data, evidence, or critical method; submitting as one's own work, work borrowed, stolen, or purchased from someone else. For more information concerning plagiarism, see the library’s tutorial on the subject on the library web site. Graduate students will find additional information concerning Academic Integrity, Conduct, and Research Regulations on the Graduate Studies web site.
Cheating on Examinations: Giving or receiving unauthorized help before, during, or after an examination. Examples of unauthorized help include collaboration of any sort during an examination (unless specifically approved by the instructor); collaboration before an examination (when such collaboration is specifically forbidden by the instructor); the use of notes, books, or other aids during an examination (unless permitted by the instructor); arranging for another person to take an examination in one's place; looking upon someone else's examination during the examination period; intentionally allowing another student to look upon one's exam; the unauthorized discussing of the test items during the examination period; and the passing of any examination information to students who have not yet taken the examination. There can be no conversation while an examination is in progress unless specifically authorized by the instructor.
Multiple Submission: Submitting substantial portions of the same work for credit more than once without receiving the prior explicit consent of the instructor to whom the material is being submitted the second or subsequent time.
Forgery: Imitating another person's signature on academic or other official documents.
Sabotage: Destroying, damaging, or stealing of another's work or working materials (including lab experiments, computer programs, term papers, or projects).
Unauthorized Collaboration: Collaborating on projects, papers, or other academic exercises when this is regarded as inappropriate by the instructor(s). Although the usual faculty assumption is that work submitted for credit is entirely one's own, standards on appropriate and inappropriate collaboration vary widely among individual faculty and the different disciplines. Students who want to confer or collaborate with one another on work receiving academic credit should make certain of the instructor's expectations and standards.
Falsification: Misrepresenting material or fabricating information in an academic exercise or assignment (for example, the false or misleading citation of sources, the falsification of experimental or computer data, etc.)
Bribery: Offering or giving any article of value or service to an instructor in an attempt to receive a grade or other benefits not legitimately earned or not available to other students in the class.
23 Theft, Damage, or Misuse of Library or IT Resources: Removing uncharged library materials from the library, defacing or damaging library materials, intentionally displacing or hoarding materials within the library for one's unauthorized private use, or other abuse of reserve-book privileges. Any violation of the University’s Responsible Use of Information Technology policy. This includes, but is not limited to, unauthorized use of the University's or another person's computer accounts, codes, passwords, or facilities; damaging computer equipment or interfering with the operation of the computing system of the University. All students are expected to be familiar with the Responsible Use Policy, which can be viewed at http://www.albany.edu/its.
24 Library Services
The University Library is more than just the books inside. The library offers a wide range of student services and departments geared towards making your academic career the best it can be. Here are just a couple of the services offered through the University Library that international students can take advantage of to help them in achieving academic success.
Interactive Media Center: Located on the basement floor, University Libraries, provides free classes, consulting, and equipment for multimedia and web design applications.
The lab is equipment with Macintosh and WIN XP computers, scanners, audio and video digitizing equipment, and is rich in software. Stop by and borrow one of our digital cameras or camcorders. For more information see: http://library.albany.edu/imc/ or contact us at [email protected], 442-3608
Learn more about the libraries and doing research.
The Instruction & Tutorials section of the University Libraries' Website (http://library.albany.edu/usered/)provides a wealth of information. You will find podcast tours of the University Library (both in English and other languages) that you can download, virtual tours, and all sorts of guides on library basics, finding particular types of information, evaluating research materials, citing sources in your papers, and much more! If you are interested in taking a course for credit that will help you with these skills, you will find information at http://library.albany.edu/usered/unl205/index.html
For more information on the University Library, please visit the web site at http://library.albany.edu/.
In addition to the services offered by the University Library, many of the staff are fluent in a wide range of languages. Students who may find doing library research difficult in English are encouraged to seek out a member of the library staff who speaks his/her native language for help in using the libraries resources. Please see the list on the next page for the names, languages spoken and contact information for these librarians.
25 University Library -- Language Expertise Languages Librarian Location Phone Email
Yu-Hui Chen University Library LI-304 442-3586 [email protected] Chinese
Meiling Jiao University Library LI-319 442-3595 [email protected]
Jesús Alonso-Regalado University Library LI-204 442-3554 [email protected]
Jane Kessler University Library LI-128 442-3830 [email protected] University Library LI
French Greg Bobish 107b 442-3591 [email protected]
Sharona Wachs University Library B-35i 442-3632 [email protected] Nancy Poehlmann University Library B-35a 442-3889 [email protected]
Donald Keenan University Library B-35i 442-3101 [email protected]
Kabel Stanwicks University Library LI-139 442-3578 [email protected]
German Donald Keenan University Library B-35i 442-3101 [email protected] Nancy Poehlmann University Library B-35a 442-3889 [email protected]
Hebrew Sharona Wachs University Library B-35i 442-3632 [email protected]
Hindi Krishna Rayavaram University Library LI-218 442-4076 [email protected]
Deborah LaFond University Library LI-205 442-3599 [email protected] Italian Nancy Poehlmann University Library B-35a 442-3889 [email protected] Middle Nancy Poehlmann University Library B-35a 442-3889 [email protected] English Middle Nancy Poehlmann University Library B-35a 442-3889 [email protected] French
Irina Holden Science Library LE-241 437-3941 [email protected] University Library LI-
Greg Bobish 107b 442-3591 [email protected] Russian
Carol Jewell University Library B-35i 442-3628 [email protected]
Sharona Wachs University Library B-35i 442-3632 [email protected]
Jesús Alonso-Regalado University Library LI-204 442-3554 [email protected]
Spanish Donald Keenan University Library B-35i 442-3101 [email protected]
Sharona Wachs University Library B-35i 442-3632 [email protected]
Taiwanese Yu-Hui Chen University Library LI-304 442-3586 [email protected]
Telugu Krishna Rayavaram University Library LI-218 442-4076 [email protected]
Ukrainian Irina Holden Science Library LE-241 437-3941 [email protected]
26 University Libraries -- Subject Specialists For updated and more detailed information, please consult: http://library.albany.edu/subject/leaders
Specialist Location Contact Info Subjects Jesús Alonso- Univ. Library, LI-204 442-3554 [email protected] French Studies Regalado Hispanic Studies History Italian Studies Latin American, Caribbean, and US Latino Studies Deborah Bernnard Dewey Library 442-3699 [email protected] Information and Library Science Gerald Burke University Library, LI-305 442-3592 [email protected] Art English Music Philosophy Religion Theatre Yu-Hui Chen University Library, LI-304 442-3586 [email protected] East Asian Studies Educational Administration & Policy Educational Theory & Practice Reading Catherine Dwyer University Library, LI-126 442-3549 [email protected] Government Information Irina Holden Science Library, SL-241 437-3941 [email protected] Russian & East European Studies Slavic Languages & Literatures Richard Irving Dewey Library 442-3698 [email protected] Criminal Justice Law Political Science Public Administration and Policy Sue Kaczor Science Library, SL-242 437-3942 [email protected] Atmospheric Science Biology Geology Public Health Jane Kessler University Library, LI-127 442-3830 [email protected] University Library Reference Michael Knee Science Library, SL-243 437-3943 [email protected] Chemistry Computer Science Mathematics & Statistics Nanoscale Science & Engineering Physics Deborah LaFond University Library, 442-3599 [email protected] African Studies LI-205 African American Studies Communication Psychology Educational Psychology Women's Studies Elaine Lasda Dewey Library 442-3695 [email protected] Social Welfare Bergman Chris Poehlmann University Library, LI-227 442-3582 [email protected] Business Economics Lorre Smith Science Library, 437-3946 [email protected] Anthropology SL-142 Geography & Planning Linguistics and Cognitive Sciences Sociology Sharona Wachs University Library, LI B-35A 442-3632 [email protected] Judaic Studies
27 Rules and Regulations of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) for International Students
The Facts:
International students are those who hold F-1 or J-1 non-immigrant status.
The penalties for failing to maintain valid status can be severe and can jeopardize your ability to reach your educational goals and to stay in the U.S.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES (ISSS) is the place to go to initiate any required USCIS procedure, to obtain signatures on documents, and to obtain information on any matter concerning your non-immigrant status.
“DO’s and DON’Ts” for International Students
• DO maintain full-time enrollment status at all times. (Learn what that means) • DO follow USCIS transfer procedures when changing study levels, programs or schools. • DO keep your I-20 or DS-2019 up to date (change on financial information, name, etc.). • DO seek extension of stay if you need more time to finish your educational program – Request extension well in advance of expiration of current I-20 or DS- 2019. • DO obtain the signature of ISSS staff on your I-20 or DS-2019 BEFORE you leave the U.S. (that is, if you plan to re-enter the U.S. in the same status). • DO update your current address IMMEDIATELY in your MyUAlbany account – all F-1 students are required to have both a correct “SEVIS Foreign” AND “SEVIS US” address listed in MyUAlbany. • DO watch your albany.edu e-mail to receive updates on USCIS and other important issues. • DO expect a wait of at least 5 business days for ISSS to process your request (it may be longer during the busiest times of the semester). • DO NOT work without the proper employment authorization! • DO NOT drop courses below full time enrollment. without prior authorization by ISSS. • DO NOT rely on information from other students or friends when it comes to immigration matters!! • DO NOT lose your documents (passport, visa, I-94, I-20/DS-2019). Make photocopies of everything because it makes replacement easier if you do lose them.
28
Special application procedures are required for the following transactions:
. Academic training (J-1 only) . Applying for a change in non-immigrant status . Bringing dependents (spouse and/or children) to join you in the U.S. . Curricular practical training authorization (F-1 only) . Employment for reasons of unexpected and severe economic hardship . Extension of stay . Obtaining a new U.S. visa . Obtaining visa to travel in a “third” country . On-campus employment . Optional practical training authorization (F-1 only) . Replacement of passport, I-94, I-20/DS-2019 or any other official document . Request for new I-20 or DS-2019 form . Status letter . Travel outside of the United States . Travel to Canada
NOTE: Some of these procedures that involve Immigration Service action can take a long time and be very expensive..
Workshops on various topics are offered from time to time by ISSS or in cooperation with other offices and individuals.
Here are some examples:
. Bringing dependents to the United States . Culture shock and Cultural adjustment . Departure and Re-entry Workshop (i.e., going home after graduation) – cultural issues . Off-campus employment procedures for F-1 international students covering economic necessity, optional and curricular practical training. Advice on preparing for interviews and conducting a job search is sometimes included. . Income tax Workshops (several sessions are offered each spring)
For further information: Consult ISSS for handout packets. Look for announcements of ISSS workshops. (Check E-mail announcements, ISSS event & workshops handout) ISSS (phone 591-8189 / e-mail: [email protected])
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Rules and Responsibilities for Maintaining Valid Status as an F-1 or J-1 Student
As an F-1 or J-1 student, you are responsible for maintaining your status! The following is a list of things you must do in order to remain in status:
• Keep your passport valid at all times. You must have a valid passport in your possession. For information on renewing your passport, visit the web site of your country’s embassy or consulate in the United States. (see: http://www.embassy.org/embassies) • Make sure you have an I-94 Arrival/Departure Form. The USA is switching over to an electronic I-94 system. If you entered through an airport already using the electronic system, you are required to go on-line, enter your arrival information and print out the I-94 record. Please give a copy of this to ISSS. If you received a paper I-94 when you enteres the USA (a little white card stapled into your passport), you will not need to do the on-line step at this time. • Report address changes within 10 days to the Office of International Student and Scholar Services. U.S. federal regulations require all F-1 and J-1 students to report a change of address within 10 days of the address change. The ISSS is required to provide this and other student data to the federal government electronically. To do this, F-1 students can change their “SEVIS Foreign” and “SEVIS US” addresses in MyUAlbany. J-1 students and scholars must report address changes directly to ISSS. • Attend the school that you are authorized to attend, as indicated on your I-20 or DS- 2019. • Maintain a full-time course of study. U.S. federal regulations [8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)] require you to pursue a full course of study each Fall and Spring semester until graduation or transfer to a new school. • Obtain PRIOR authorization from the ISSS before dropping below a full course of study. There are very limited exceptions to the full course of study rule. Those reasons include: academic difficulty (first semester in the U.S. only), medical condition, and completion of required coursework. There are strict criteria for each. Only after receiving authorization from ISS can you register for less than full-time or drop course(s). • Abide by U.S. Federal Employment Regulations. F-1 and J-1 students may work no more than 20 hours per week on campus when classes are in session [8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)]. These 20 hours include the work you do for an assistantship if you have one. You cannot work off-campus (including credit-bearing internships off- campus) without PRIOR authorization from ISSS and the U.S. federal government. Opportunities for off-campus work are limited. J-1 students must obtain work authorization in writing from their sponsoring agency before beginning any employment, on or off campus. • Maintain required health and accident insurance. F-1 and J-1 students must have approved health and accident insurance for themselves and any F-2 or J-2 dependents throughout their stay in the U.S.
30 • Report changes in your program to the ISSS. Students must notify ISSS whenever there is a change in their academic program, program dates, or level of study. • Bring your SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 to ISSS PRIOR to traveling outside the U.S. Students are advised to bring their I-20s or DS-2019s to ISSS for endorsement once every semester that they plan on traveling outside the U.S. If you will be traveling AND applying for a new visa, you will also want to request a status letter from ISSS, to verify that you are a full-time student. • Notify ISSS of any accompanying dependents or dependents who will join you later. ISSS prepares visa documents for any dependents of F-1 and J-1 students who will enter the U.S. on F-2 or J-2 visas. ISSS is required to report biographical data on F-2 and J-2 dependents to the U.S. federal government. • Ending your studies at the University at Albany unexpectedly? Report your departure date and reason to ISSS. Periodically, students leave the university early or unexpectedly due to a variety of reasons. U.S. federal regulations require F-1 and J-1 students to inform ISSS if they plan to leave the university before the expiration date on their I-20 or DS-2019 as well as the reason for doing so. Complete the ISSS Departure Form located in the ISSS office. Also, you may need to inform other offices on campus of your intent to leave, depending on the situation. • Apply for an extension PRIOR to the expiration date on your I-20 or DS-2019. Students who apply for an extension of stay MUST do so before the expiration date on their current I-20 or DS-2019. Requests for an extension may be submitted at any time up to thirty days prior to the expiration date on the form. You will need to obtain the “Academic Advisor’s Recommendation Form for Extension of Stay” and re-certify your finances. • Obtain transfer authorization prior to leaving Albany. Students who plan to transfer to another college or university in the U.S. must inform ISSS of their final choice so that the ISSS can perform the “transfer out” in SEVIS and designate the school to which you will transfer. • Depart the U.S. within the 60 day (F-1) or 30 day (J-1) grace period. Students in F-1 status must depart the U.S. within 60 days of the I-20 ending date OR their program end date, whichever is earlier. The exceptions to this rule include those who have applied for Optional Practical Training, are transferring to a new school, or have applied for a change of status with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Students in J-1 status must depart the U.S. within 30 days of the DS-2019 expiration date or program end date, whichever is earlier, unless they have applied for Academic Training or are transferring to a new J program.
While it is the responsibility of ISSS to keep UAlbany international students informed about changing federal immigration regulations, it is the responsibility of UAlbany international students to STAY INFORMED by monitoring your albany.edu e-mail and watching for announcements from ISSS.
This information is subject to change without notice. If you have questions or concerns regarding your legal status in the United States, it is important for you to come to ISSS and meet with an advisor.
31 Rules for Maintaining a Full-Time Course Load
Federal regulations require that students in F-1 and J-1 status be registered for a full-time course load each fall and spring semester until graduation. Failure to be registered as a full-time student is a violation of your non-immigrant status, will result in the loss of F-1 or J-1 benefits (including employment eligibility both on and off campus), and may subject you to federal immigration sanctions.
What constitutes a full-time course load varies according to academic level: Academic Level Minimum Full Time Course Load: Exchange Students: 12 credits per semester Undergraduates: 12 credits per semester 12 credits per semester or Graduate Master's Level: 9 credits with assistantship 12 credits per semester or 9 credits with assistantship or Graduate Doctorate Level: 3 credits if all coursework is complete but student is not yet admitted to candidacy
Graduate Master's students who need only a thesis or project to complete their program: 3 credits or more per semester, certified full-time by department.
Graduate PhD students admitted to candidacy or who are doing pre-dissertation or dissertation research: 1 credit per semester of dissertation research or other course required by the department that can be certified as full-time.
There are some very limited exceptions to the full course of study rule. These reasons include: academic difficulty in the first semester of study in the USA, medical condition, or completion of study, and there are strict criteria for each. All of these exceptions require documentation and must be approved in advance by the Office of International Student and Scholar Services before you drop courses that reduce your schedule to less than full-time.
Any F-1 or J-1 student who drops below a full course of study without the prior approval of the Office of International Student and Scholar Services will be considered out of status, and must be reported in SEVIS as having dropped below a full-time course load without authorization.
Academic Difficulty:
The student must first obtain permission from ISSS before dropping below a full-time course load for academic reasons, which are limited to the three choices listed below. A special form available in ISSS must be completed by both the student and department advisor, and then approved by ISSS before the course can be dropped. If the drop is approved, the student must then be registered for at least nine credits.
32
Federal immigration regulations define academic difficulty as: • initial difficulty with English Language or reading requirements or • unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods or • improper course placement
The student must resume a full course of study in the next available semester in order to maintain student status. A student previously authorized to drop below a full course of study due to academic difficulties will not be eligible for a second authorization due to academic difficulties while pursuing a course of study at that program level. This exception is usually made only during the student’s first semester studying in the U.S.
A student authorized to drop below a full course of study for academic difficulty while pursuing a course of study at a particular program level may still be authorized for a reduced course load due to an illness or medical condition, should such a condition arise (see next section).
Medical Condition:
The ISSS may authorize a reduced course load (or if necessary, no course load) due to a student's temporary illness or medical condition for a period of time not to exceed an aggregate of 12 months while the student is pursuing a course of study at a particular program level. In order to authorize a reduced course load based on a medical condition, the student must provide current medical documentation from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist to ISSS to substantiate the illness or medical condition. ISSS must authorize the drop below full-time for each new semester.
The student must first obtain permission from ISSS before dropping below a full-time course load or withdrawing from school due to a medical condition. A special form available in ISSS needs to be completed by the student with documentation attached by the appropriate health care provider, and then approved by ISSS before courses can be dropped. In some instances, documentation from the University Health Center may be required.
A student previously authorized to drop below a full course of study due to illness or medical condition for an aggregate of 12 months may not be authorized by ISSS to reduce his or her course load on subsequent occasions while pursuing a course of study at the same program level.
A student may be authorized to reduce his or her course load for a reason of illness or medical condition on more than one occasion while pursuing a course of study as long as the aggregate period of the authorization does not exceed 12 months.
Completion of Course of Study:
ISSS may authorize a reduced course load if the student is in his or her final semester and if fewer courses than a full-time course load are needed to complete the course of study. If the
33 reduction is authorized, the student must then be registered for those credits needed to complete the course of study.
The student must first obtain permission from ISSS before dropping below a full-time course load because the student is in his or her final semester. A special form available in ISSS must be completed by both the student and department advisor, and then approved by ISSS before any courses can be dropped
A note of warning: Students should be absolutely certain that they will be graduating in the current semester before choosing to register for less than a full-time course load. Failure to graduate after dropping below a full-time course load will result in the student being out-of- status and the loss of F-1 or J-1 benefits.
Any student who drops below a full course of study for reasons other than the ones described above will be out of status, and that information will have to be reported to the federal immigration authorities via the SEVIS system.
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On-Campus Employment Regulations for Students in F-1 or J-1 Status
The Department of Homeland Security's Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has regulations governing on-campus employment for students in F-1 or J-1 status.
An F-1 or J-1 student may work on campus if: • Valid F-1 or J-1 status is maintained. • Employment does not exceed 20 hours per week while school is in session NOTE: If a student works for more than one on-campus employer, the total number of hours worked from all jobs cannot exceed 20 hours per week. • The employment does not take a job away from a U.S. resident.
J-1 students please note: J-1 students need to obtain work authorization in writing from their sponsoring agency before beginning any employment, on or off campus.
F-1 and J-1 students may be employed full time on campus during holidays and vacation periods, provided you intend to register for the next academic semester.
The definition of on-campus employment includes: • Work performed on the UAlbany campus, including that required by a scholarship, fellowship or assistantship. • Work for an on-campus employer who has a contract to provide services to students, including Barnes and Noble (the campus bookstore) and Burger King in the Campus Center. • Work at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the University at Albany. This affiliation must be associated with the university’s established curriculum or be related to a contractually funded graduate level research project which a program or department at Albany has agreed to perform. Such employment must be an integral part of the student's program of study. If all of these conditions are met, the employment will be considered on campus and the student may receive payment directly from the employer.
Students are urged to come to the Office of International Student Services to be sure that such off-campus work meets the USCIS definition of on-campus employment.
F-1 students maintaining lawful status who plan to enroll at a new school for the next academic term may continue on-campus employment at Albany until the reporting date to the new school, or may begin employment at the new school provided that the new school has issued a new form I-20.
Income Taxes and International Students:
All international students studying in the United States and with earned income must file federal and state tax returns.
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Taxes and Documentation Requirements for International Students Employed at the University at Albany
International students and scholars in the United States are subject to federal and state income taxation on any wages earned by themselves and their families. Below is a summary of how the required forms need to be filled out by international students.
Forms W-4 and IT-2104
Because the United States requires employers to withhold tax on wages earned by employees, all employees must fill out a W-4 and an IT-2104 form before going on payroll. International students in F-1 or J-1 status who have been in F-1 or J-1 status in the U.S. for less than five years must claim either zero or one allowance on both forms regardless of the number of family members, unless they are citizens of Canada, Mexico, India, Korea, or Japan and have dependents, or are married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Citizens of Canada or Mexico must check the “single” box in item 3 of form W-4, even if married, but can claim additional allowances for themselves and their dependents on line 5, even if their dependents are abroad, provided that the dependents are not employed in the U.S. Citizens of Korea and Japan may follow the same instructions, but can only claim additional allowances for dependents if the dependents are in the U.S. Citizens of India may claim additional allowances on line 5 for dependents who are not in educational visa categories. Indian students may claim additional allowances for dependent children provided that the children are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or nationals of the U.S., Mexico or Canada.
Because of federal restrictions on your filing status, you should complete form W-4 as follows. You must check the “single” box in item 3 (even if you are married). Put a number “1” on line 5 (unless you’re a citizen of one of the five countries mentioned in the previous paragraph and have dependents), leave lines 6 and 7 blank.
For form IT-2104, put “1” on line 1 (unless you are a citizen of one of the five countries in paragraph one above and have dependents with you in the U.S.), and leave the remaining lines blank. You are NOT eligible to claim exemptions from withholding if you have been in the U.S. less than five years. Students in F-1 or J-1 status for five years or more are eligible to file as residents for tax purposes, unless exempt by tax treaty.
Sign and date both forms at the bottom and return them to the appropriate payroll office. See the next pages for examples. Failure to have taxes withheld can result in a $500 fine plus other penalties.
Students in F-1 and J-1 status are exempt from Social Security (FICA) and Medicare tax, which are different from federal or state income tax, during their first five years in the U.S. After that time, FICA and Medicare tax must be withheld, unless employment involves services performed by the student for the school he/she regularly attends or services performed for a state or local government.
36 Form I-9
On November 6, 1986, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) became law. The act states that all U.S. employers must verify that all newly hired employees are eligible to work. International students in F-1 or J-1 status are permitted to engage in a maximum of 20 hours per week of on-campus employment without special permission from the federal government.
The Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 must be completed by all employees before they go on the payroll (even U.S. citizens fill out this form). This form has two sections. The employee completes the first section and the employer completes the second section. The next page shows an example of a completed form.
When completing the Form I-9, you will need to provide the following documents to establish identity and employment eligibility: • I-94 Arrival/Departure Record • Passport • I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students)
37 38 39 40 41
Information on the Social Security Number What it is, eligibility, & how to apply
Please note: These pages provide general information on the Social Security Number. For further information please visit the website at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10096.html#how
What is a Social Security Number? The Social Security Administration issues Social Security Numbers (SSN) to all who are eligible to work as a way to identify participants, including taxpayers, in the federal government’s social security program, which provides retirement and disability benefits to workers and their families. Although the Social Security Administration states that the SSN is intended only for employment purposes, some public and many private institutions, such as banks, phone companies, and utilities (gas and electric) have adopted the SSN as a unique identifier for its customers. There is no charge to obtain a Social Security number and card.
Do I need an SSN? If you are going to work in the United States, either on-campus or with off-campus work authorization, you must obtain a Social Security Number. Your employer will withhold Social Security taxes from your paycheck and submit them to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which credits each payment to your Social Security account. You may start working on-campus without a SSN, but you must provide your SSN to your department and Human Resources or Student Payroll upon receiving your card.
Am I eligible for an SSN? If you hold J-1 visa status, you may apply for an SSN. If you hold F-1 visa status, you are eligible to apply for an SSN if you meet at least one of the following criteria, and can provide proof of employment (see ISSS advisor for details). • you are currently working on campus • you have been offered an on-campus job • you have obtained off-campus work authorization If you hold any other visa status, please consult with an ISSS advisor or the Social Security Administration about your eligibility to apply for an SSN.
How do I apply? To apply for a Social Security number, please: 1. Come to the ISSS to talk with an advisor about your eligibility for a SSN. If you are eligible, the ISSS advisor will provide you with a letter certifying that you have the necessary immigration status and work authorization to be eligible for a SSN. The Social Security Administration requires this letter when you apply for your SSN. 2. After you have been in the U.S. for AT LEAST 10 days, take the documents listed below to the Social Security Administration Office. (When you come to the ISSS for your certification letter, the ISSS advisor will provide you with directions to this office.) • ISSS Certification of your immigration status and work authorization (F-1 or J-1) • Proof of employment (F-1 students only)
42 • Passport • I-94 (small, white arrival/departure card) • I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) Certificate of Eligibility for Visa 3. You will receive your number and card in 2-3 weeks. Once you receive your card, please take it to the Human Resources Office or Student Payroll to update your SSN in the university information system and inform the administrator in the department that is employing you.
What if I am not eligible for an SSN? If you are not authorized to work in the U.S., the Social Security Administration can issue you a Social Security Card if you are lawfully here and need the number for a valid non-work reason. Your card will be marked to show you cannot work, and, if you do, they will notify the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). As mentioned above, some government agencies (e.g., the Department of Motor Vehicles) and private institutions (banks, phone companies, utility companies, etc.) may use the SSN for administrative and identification purposes. Below is information on how to access these services without a SSN.
New York State Driver’s License The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles requires all applicants for driver’s licenses to provide a social security card, or a letter from the U.S. Social Security Administration stating that you are not eligible for a SSN. The SSA letter must have been issued within the last 30 days. You can obtain a letter from the local SSA office.
Banking You do not need a SSN in order to open up a bank account. You will need to show your passport and a copy of either your bill from the University or your student identification card. You will also be asked to complete a W-8BEN form (for tax withholding). When opening up a checking account, you can apply for a check card. This VISA or MASTERCARD check card can be used to make purchases. The amount of your purchase is debited directly from the checking account. A credit card is available by applying for a Secure Credit Card (minimum is between $500 and $1000). The funds have to be in an account at the bank. This is necessary because there is no credit history or SSN to do a credit history report. The advantage to the Secure Credit Card is that it helps to establish credit.
Utilities Students applying for gas and electric utilities are not required to have a SSN. You will be asked to provide a University ID, passport, biographical information, address, etc., as well as a signed lease. If the lease is for less than a year, then you are required to pay a deposit.
Phones Verizon Land Phone (for those living off campus in non-university housing): You can set up an account without a SSN. Call 1 800-VERIZON to initiate the order. Because you do not have a SSN, you are asked to verify your identification by faxing 2 forms of ID, which should include your passport, visa or I-20. After they have had time to process the fax, you are asked to call the original number (1-800-VERIZON) to set up your account. There is no advance payment required when setting up the account. Installation fee will be included in your first month bill.
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Cell Phones Cellular phone companies require a deposit from customers who do not have a SSN or credit card history. Prices vary between companies and are usually in the $125 - $400 range (some may be higher). This deposit can be refunded after one year if you maintain a good payment history. To avoid paying a deposit, many choose to purchase pre-paid calling cards.
A Note on Taxes Because all international students must submit tax forms to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each spring, international students and family members who are not eligible for a SSN can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS when submitting their tax forms. International Student Services will provide more information on tax forms and the ITIN at the beginning of the Spring semester. For more information, visit the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov.
Contacting the Social Security Administration For more information, visit the Social Security Administration website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call toll-free 1-800-772-1213. For the deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number, 1-800-325-0778. They can answer specific questions and provide information by automated phone service 24 hours a day.
To contact our local SSA office, please see below:
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION The Leo O’Brien Office Building 1 Clinton Avenue, Room 430 Albany, NY 12207 (Located at the corner of Clinton Ave and N. Pearl St., near stop #1 for CDTA buses #10 and 12) Phone: 1 (800) 772-1213 (Automated Customer Service) Website: www.ssa.gov Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 9 am - 4 pm (except for Federal holidays.)
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GUIDELINES TO RENEW YOUR VISA IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY
To renew your visa in your home country, you will need the following items:
1. A valid passport. You passport needs to be valid for at least six months past the planned re-entry date.
2. Your I-20 or DS-2019 form. The form must be endorsed and dated by a staff member of the International Student and Scholar Services Office before your departure from Albany. If any information on the form is incorrect or changed (e.g. your major, fees, etc.), a new I -20 or DS-2019 will have to be issued. 3. A letter of good standing written and signed by International Student and Scholar Services.
4. A transcript of all previous work at UAlbany (and at other schools you have attended). You can obtain the UAlbany transcript in a sealed envelope from the Registrar's Office. Registrar's Office, CC B 25, www.albany.edu/registrar
5. Proof of pre-registration for the next semester. This is best obtained from the Registrar's Office because it will have your name on it.
6. Proof of financial support. This can include:
o A "zero balance statement" from the Student Account Office. Ask for a "zero balance statement" which shows you have paid your tuition and all expenses "in full."
o Recent bank account records. This can include checking and savings account records. It is best to have several months of records from your account rather than just one.
o A copy of any scholarship award letter or stipend from assistantship, if applicable.
o An affidavit of support or banks statements and letters from your financial sponsor(s).
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International Student Health Insurance – General Information
All international students are mandated to be covered under the SUNY international insurance program. You are considered an international student if you are in the USA on any type of visa and are enrolled in courses at the University at Albany. All visa holders are flagged in the university’s computer system as “INTL” (international) and will be billed accordingly.
When you were admitted to the University at Albany, you were asked to document proof of funding. In the amount requested, the cost of this insurance was included. Based on the information that you provided to our office, we prepared your I-20/DS-2019 in order for you to apply for your student visa.
In order to be waived from this policy you will need to show proof of having comparable coverage. (There is a deadline for filing for these waivers. Please check with ISSS to see what that deadline is for each semester.) Your insurance will need to offer the following benefits: • pre-existing conditions • maternity (as a normal condition in order to be in compliance with U.S. regulations not to show discrimination) • medical evacuation and repatriation • $0 deductible per illness • $200,000 maximum reimbursement rate per illness. • Inpatient and outpatient treatment of Mental/Nervous Conditions.
Very few policies fulfill these requirements. To obtain a waiver application, visit the ISSS office or go to: http://www.albany.edu/isss/insurance/waiver.shtml.
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SUNY MANDATORY HEALTH AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 2011-2012 INFORMATION
WHY MANDATORY INSURANCE?
In 1985, the SUNY Board of Trustees passed a resolution mandating that all individuals participating in SUNY programs of international exchange possess health and accident insurance through a policy contracted by the University. This was to protect international students from the exceptionally high cost of medical care in the United States, and to fulfill U.S. federal government regulatory requirements. The insurance program commenced with the Fall 1986 semester.
IF I HAVE OTHER HEALTH AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE WILL THE SUNY HEALTH AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE BE WAIVED?
Waiver applications are only approved if your current insurance is comparable to the SUNY policy. This means that your insurance must meet all requirements, to include pre-existing conditions, maternity, repatriation, and medical evacuation, as well as carry a $0 deductible per illness/accident/injury and a $200,000.00 maximum reimbursement rate per illness. Very few policies fulfill these requirements. Among those which are NOT comparable are policies offered by LASPAU, AAI, ISIS, AIG, ACE, Amideast, the Chinese (People's Republic) government, U.N. Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and IIE (including Fulbright), and all Travel or Life Insurances. If you think you are eligible for a waiver, you must present a copy of your policy in English and proof of current dates of coverage to the Insurance Coordinator in the Office of International Education, Science Library G-40. Again, please make sure your policy is in English and shows US dollar amounts.
Note: The Medex Emergency Assistance and Evacuation Insurance cannot be waived. Medex is not health insurance, but is required for all international students. Medex coverage costs $35.00 for the Fall semester and $49.00 for the Sping and Summer semesters.
HOW MUCH DOES THE SUNY POLICY COST?
The annual fee for the SUNY health insurance policy is $1113.00 for the 2013-2014 academic year. The annual cost is usually made in two semester payments; $463.75 for the fall semester (August 15, 2013 to January 14, 2014) and $649.25 for the spring semester (January 15, 2014 to August 14, 2014). Payment is made, along with tuition and other fees, to the Student Accounts Office.
IS COVERAGE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR MY SPOUSE AND/OR CHILDREN?
Yes, but you must apply for it and pay out of pocket for their insurance. Students in J-1 status should note that the US government REQUIRES that J-1 sponsored dependents have insurance. Printed material describing benefits and prices for dependent health insurance coverage is available in the Office of International Education.
WHO CAN I TALK TO IF I HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING MY INSURANCE, OR IF I NEED CLAIMS ASSISTANCE?
Any questions, concerns or problems regarding insurance should be directed to the International Insurance Coordinator. You may also contact HTH Worldwide Insurance Services, Inc. Tampa, FL, for questions about coverage and claims. The HTH Customer Service toll free number is (888) 350-2002.
47 IS THERE A DEDUCTIBLE THAT I MUST PAY BEFORE THE INSURANCE COMPANY WILL PAY MY MEDICAL BILLS?
There is no deductible for health care as long as you visit the University Health Center first. However, there is a deductible of $50.00 per illness/accident/injury if you fail to use the University Health Center first, when their services are available. The $50.00 deductible is waived if the University Health Center is closed when you need medical care. For more details on the health insurance policy benefits, please refer to http://www.albany.edu/isss/insurance/insurance.shtml.
WHAT IF THE HEALTH CENTER IS CLOSED?
If your situation is such that you cannot wait (e.g., acute illness, severe injury, extreme pain) until the University Health Center re-opens, then you have the option of going to a doctor, a “walk-in clinic” or an Emergency Room in the community. You are responsible for contacting the University Health Center to verify that your doctor or hospital visit indeed took place when University Health Service was closed. The University Health Center will then make an e-referral for you so that you will not be charged the $50.00 deductible. Please note: Emergency Room services are very expensive. You should allow a minimum of 2 hours to be seen and treated. For non-emergencies, we recommend that you use one of the numerous “walk-in” clinics in the area that offer comparable, faster and less expensive care.
WHAT IF THE HEALTH SERVICE IS OPEN, BUT I WOULD PREFER TO BE SEEN BY A DOCTOR IN THE COMMUNITY?
Go to the University Health Center first anyway for an evaluation, so that they can make an e-referral for you. By being referred to an off-campus health provider by the Health Center, you will not have to pay the $50.00 deductible.
WHY SHOULD I VISIT THE UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTER FIRST?
By visiting the University Health Center first, you will not be required to pay the $50.00 deductible per “event” (illness/accident/injury). In addition, basic services offered by the University Health Center, including office visits, medication, and common medical supplies are pre-paid by the separate Health Fee, which is paid at the beginning of each semester as part of your comprehensive fees. This eliminates the need for you to pay cash for medications or for care at the University Health Center. There is also the convenience of receiving medication and services right here on campus, rather than having to go off campus to a pharmacy. Finally, you will not need to submit claim forms and wait for reimbursement of your expenses for treatment and medicines available to you through the University Health Center.
AM I STILL COVERED BY THE INSURANCE EVEN WHEN I TRAVEL?
Yes, you are covered anywhere in the world, even in your country of citizenship during the coverage period for up to 30 days.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR FILING A CLAIM?
If you are referred off campus for additional care, the University Health Center will make an e-referral on your insurance account. Without the University Health Center’s e-referral, you will have to pay a $50 deductible. (This step applies to students only. Non-student dependents and children are not eligible to use the University Health Center.) If you receive a medical bill that you would like to file a claim for, use the medical claim form available in the ISSS office.
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Answer all questions on the front page (part A) of the claim form, and be sure to sign your name and date on the back (2nd page) under "Authorization to Obtain Information." Make copies of your medical bills, receipts for payments already made by you and your completed claim form(s) for your personal records. Remember that if you require follow-up care for your illness or accident, you will not need to complete additional claim forms for the same “event” (illness/accident/injury). Submit additional bills without a new claim form. Be sure to keep copies of what you send to the insurance company.
Note that the insurance company will make payment to the doctor/lab/or hospital, NOT to you, UNLESS you include a paid receipt or statement when you submit your claim form. You can also send additional bills and receipts for the same illness/accident/injury after you submit your claim form to the HTH Worldwide Insurance Services, Inc. Send only one claim form per illness/accident/injury. Processing for payment of claims and reimbursement takes approximately 30 to 60 days.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS TO USE IF I AM REFERRED OFF CAMPUS?
If you need to use a provider outside of the University Health Center, go to the HTHstudents website, (www.HTHstudents.com) and select ”Passport to Healthcare Primary PPO Network” as the plan. By using a Primary Network, you will avoid having to pay the difference between the provider's charges (e.g., $100.00) and what the insurance company contracts to pay the provider (e.g. $75.00).
SINCE THIS INSURANCE POLICY DOES NOT COVER DENTAL CARE, WHERE CAN I GO FOR INEXPENSIVE DENTAL TREATMENT?
There are dentists in the area who might be willing to set up a payment plan for you so that you are not responsible for the entire bill all at one time. Unfortunately, we do not have a list of these dentists compiled at this time. Please contact dentists yourself and ask them about a payment plan option. You may also want to contact the Dental Hygiene Clinic at Hudson Valley Community College regarding dental cleanings for $10.00. For more information, call (518) 629-7400.
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Social Life in the USA – The Cross Cultural Experience
By becoming familiar with the University and its surrounding areas, transition to your new cultural environment will be smoother. There are many things to do and see on the University campus, as well as in Albany. There are numerous celebrations, lectures, concerts, sports events, receptions and mixers. There are a variety of clubs and organizations on campus that allow an individual to learn new hobbies or cultivate interests. Take advantage of these opportunities. Your presence will lend an international perspective permitting others to learn from you and about your culture. By observing Americans, and contrasting their behavior and life style with people from your own culture, you have the opportunity to judge how best to become part of the campus environment. In any situation, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself. It is customary to do so in this culture. Developing relationships with student colleagues in class, labs or in study groups is an effective way to meet others. Sharing work assignments can also enhance academic success. It is often best to mix with a variety of students in classroom situation, and not gravitate to fellow nationals or other international students. Listen to others’ experiences about their classes and professors, but make your own final judgments based on your interests and expectations. Graduate students should meet with faculty in their department. The initial academic advisor assigned may be appropriately changed if you find a more compatible professor (e.g. one whose research or academic interests match your own). Also, don’t forget to meet departmental secretaries since they can be most helpful in learning how a department operates and in providing introductions or access to the faculty. Remember that it is not unusual to feel uncomfortable in changed surroundings. A little time, patience and self-reliance can smooth the transition within a new university.
CULTURE SHOCK
What It Is “Culture Shock” is the name given to a feeling of disorientation or confusion that often occurs when a person leaves a familiar place and moves to an unfamiliar one. Having come to the University at Albany from another country, you will encounter a multitude of new things. The buildings look different, and so do the trees and the birds. The food is not the same as it is at home, and the people look, speak and act differently. Your English might not serve you as well as you expected it would. You might not be able to convey your full personality in English. Your family and friends are far away. As a result of all this, you may feel confused, unsure of yourself, and you may have some doubts about the wisdom of your decision to come here.
Symptoms People experience culture shock in varying degrees. Some people are more affected by it than others. Those who do experience it tend to become nervous and unusually tired. They want to sleep a lot and contact home quite often. They may feel frustrated and hostile toward their host country. They may get excessively angry about minor irritations. It is not unusual for them to become very dependent on fellow nationals who are also in the new country. All these feelings may make it difficult to deal with the residents of the host country and to use their language.
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Prescriptions for Coping with Culture Shock
Remember! Culture Shock is more a product of the situation of being in a new culture than it is of your personal traits.
Different people react differently to culture shock. Some become depressed while others are stimulated by the new experiences they are having. Here are some ideas that may be helpful to you when adjusting to your new surroundings.
• Maintain your perspective: Try to remember that thousands of people have come to the U.S. from other countries and have survived (even when they arrived in the cold of winter).
• Expect anxiety: If you acknowledge the fact that you are going to be living in a place radically different from your own, and understand that you will feel anxiety because of this difference, then when these feelings occur, you can deal with them effectively. Explain to yourself that these feelings are all part of the experience.
• Listen and observe: Try to put verbal and non-verbal communication into the proper context. Watch others’ reactions in situations. By expanding your knowledge about the way Americans behave, you will get to know them and feel less uncomfortable.
• Ask questions: Don’t assume that you will always know what is going on or that you will always understand every communication. Americans will help you if you need an explanation. Be patient with yourself and if you don’t know, ask.
• Be curious: By trying new things you will be better able to understand the way things are done. Get involved with intramural sports programs. Participate in activities organized by others. Go to parties (and not just for the free food and beer) to get to know other students.
• Participate in special events for international students: It’s very important to share your experiences with others who understand you or are also going through the similar processes. Join a cultural group, or take advantage of programs offered on- or off-campus. Some of the programs available through the ISSS are the Monthly Coffee & Tea Socials, the Thanksgiving Dinner, and the Friendship Partners Program. Check with the ISSS for details on other events that may interest you.
• Master the English language: Passing the TOEFL is not necessarily enough to function well and build a social life here in the States. Don’t let your accent stop you from socializing with Americans. If you feel you could use more help, look into taking a course through the IELP.
• Laugh: It is likely that you will make mistakes as you try to acclimate yourself with life and study in the U.S. If you laugh at your mistakes, you will feel better and people will respond with friendliness.
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Living in the USA…
If you’ve just arrived in the United States, you’ve certainly noticed the many ways in which the U.S. differs from your native country. Being a stranger in a strange land can be very difficult, but if you understand the customs and social patterns here, you’ll find it much easier to make it through the day. The following are some helpful suggestions and ideas taken from Alison Lanier’s book Living in the U.S.A. (Intercultural Press, Inc., Yarmouth, ME, 1988) to help you make your transition smoother and to help you feel more comfortable and more at home in the United States.
Pace Rush, rush, rush… To many newcomers to the United States, everyone seems to be in a hurry and under pressure, especially in the city. People push you out of their way, bus drivers are abrupt, waiters hurry you through your meal, and people are impatient in general. At first this may appear rude and you will miss the little courtesies you took for granted in your home country. But remember not to take any of this personally – Americans will assume you’re “one of them” and that you’re doing fine unless you ask for help, letting them know otherwise. And once they know you’re a stranger, they’ll usually be more than happy to help you out. Keep in mind, however, that you may encounter someone who isn’t very helpful. Don’t get discouraged, just ask someone else. Most Americans enjoy helping a stranger.
People Who exactly is the typical American, anyway? Though almost 300 million people claim the United States as their home, their national origins span the globe, which is why America has been called “the melting pot.” But the “melting pot” idea is largely a myth, for while these diverse ethnic groups do blend in certain areas of life such as school, sports, and business to name a few, they generally keep their own customs at home. This makes it a little bit easier for a new arrival in the U.S. to find a niche here, whether it’s with a religious group, national group, or cultural center. Local cultural organizations are always looking for new members, especially ones directly from that specific culture.
Informality In the beginning, you may find the informality which is a characteristic of American society to be disrespectful. However, like the fast pace aspect, this is simply another quality of daily life in the United States. Some things you may find striking and perhaps even rude are the almost immediate use of first names, the fact that many Americans do not shake hands but rather nod or wave or sometimes smile and say hello, and the informality of dress, even in the office. None of these things is meant to be rude, it’s just that when Americans get out of the tense, hurried city streets, they are a loose-jointed, informal, relaxed people.
Keep in Mind... In general, it’s a good thing to remember that in the United States it’s generally one extreme or another. Pace is total – either totally hurried and competitive (in work as well as in play) or totally laid-back and at ease. Americans tend to swing between these extremes. This is the pendulum you need to understand if you are to understand America and its people.
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My Incredible Experience in the United States of America Presented by: Mahamadou L Bagayoko From Mali (West Africa) Graduate Student in Women’s Studies
The 17th of June 2012 will be in my memory forever! Yes, this is the day I landed in the USA at the Airport of Atlanta in Georgia for my first time being outside West Africa and in an English speaking country. What an incredible day! Who would believe from the small mud huts of my small village in Mali that I will, one day, be here in this well developed country with all these rolling stairs (escalators) and big everything!!! Oh, yeah, the roads, the buildings, the airports, the food size, including drinks, were all surprisingly big for me. It took me some time to realize that I am in the same planet earth. I knew before I arrived here in the US that English was the official language and that dollar was the currency, but I did not really know how to use the dollar. Do not ask how this is possible! 1 dollar is more than 400 CFA (CFA is the currency used in my country) and I did not know the differences between penny, nickel, dime and quarter! I had some money in dollars on me, but it was hard for me to buy drinks and food at the airport because of the conversion that I needed to make between the two currencies after spending more than 8 hours in the airplane (I was just like a big kid). I was not yet at my final destination for that time period, I was just at my port of entry to the United States of America. After spending some time waiting and looking around before my following flight to Phoenix in Arizona, I realized that there are a lot of people in this country as the airport was crowded with different individuals going to different directions like you would never see even in the biggest market of Bamako (the capital city of Mali). Thanks to my knowledge of some English, I could ask some people about directions and time to find restrooms and my following flight station. My first time on the rolling escalator was very scary! I did not have any other option than taking the escalator to find my following flight station. I started thinking that if someone had a camera to film me at that time, he or she would make a very good funny documentary about me. Nevertheless, I kept my courage in my two hands and went on the escalator in a way that some people were friendly laughing at me. Those people were familiar with everything there and I told them that I just arrived from Mali and that it was my first time in the US and an English speaking country. They said that they were impressed by my English. I could not tell them that I had spent about ten years teaching the English language (I knew the language would not be a major problem for me). They easily guided me through my as I was very funny and friendly with them. The first persons who helped me to take the escalator and find my way had to go in different directions, and we were separated because of that. I became a foreigner again as I had to talk with other new people in order to not be lost. There is nothing bad in accepting to show that you don’t know something. That is how I finally found the station for my following flight to Arizona. I was tired and sleepy, however excited to be in the USA. My flight station had a lot of waiting seats. But I did not know that there were places reserved for people with disabilities. While waiting for my flight, I took place in one of those seats reserved for the disabled at the airport and many people were looking at me in a way that I started to wonder if this was because of the size of the food that I had. I did not know the name of any particular food at this place, and
53 then I had a big loaf of bread with some salads, mustard and cucumbers in it. Then, I suddenly saw a wheelchair and I noticed the sign of a wheelchair on that part of the waiting area, but I stayed there to eat my food that I could not finish even though I felt hungry when I bought it (too big for my usual one lunch meal). In a certain way, I was disabled too because my lack of knowledge of the American culture. However, I kept on learning and growing up in this new society. Now, the time had come for me to take the flight to Phoenix in Arizona where I spent two and a half months. Upon my arrival in Arizona, I had to meet my luggage again and find a place to stay before I met my international student advisor on the following day. Yeah, I arrived in the USA on a Sunday and I did not have enough time to exchange information with my international student advisor before my arrival to Arizona. Thus, I learned that keeping in touch with your international student advisor before your trip to America is a very convenient way to avoid the situation that I mentioned in the following paragraphs. Is that where my adventure started? At the airport in Phoenix I was completely lost when I tried to find a hotel room to spend the night. Even though I did not have coins to make phone calls, I did not hesitate to tell people that this was my first time in this country and that I needed help. Some Americans helped me with their phones and gave me some coins that I used to make calls to different hotels (thanks to the help of the person at the front desk at the airport, I had the addresses of some hotels and motels). However, none of the hotels would let me spend the night there, because I did not have a credit card. Those were my first hours in the US and just at the airport. How could I have a credit card at this moment? I did not even know what a credit card meant. I had no more coins to make phone calls and most people had left the airport. My phone from Mali could not work here and I did not have access to any computer at that time to send another message to my advisor (I had her office phone number and that was not working that day). After spending about two hours in despair trying to not spend the night at the airport, a magic voice suddenly shouted out my name: “Mahamadou!!!” Of course, that was not the voice of my international student advisor. I was wondering if it was God calling me in the middle of a place where my knowledge of English was not sufficient for me to understand this new culture. This call was from a friend of a friend of my international student advisor who had received my quick message sent from France 4 hours before I arrived to Arizona. I said “Yes, I am Mahamadou” with a great astonishment about how this white American guy came to the airport and called my name this way. He was my rescuer. Mr. Sam brought me to his family where I spent the night (playing a Malian traditional game with his three kids and had a wonderful dinner made by his wife) and I went to my University on the following day. The following morning of my arrival in Arizona, my international student advisor went to pick me up from my first host family and brought me to the University (Arizona State University). I had a strong jetlag because my country is 7 hours ahead of time to Arizona. But I had to keep moving forward and start the purpose of my stay in the USA (studying). There is no time to waste in America. Just after few hours of my arrival in the US, I started my classes. I wish I could have one whole day to sleep and relax before classes started, but there was a time schedule for my stay there that I needed to follow for my pre-academic orientation period. In my home country, a visitor is always given some times to relax before starting any major activity if not eating, bathing and drinking. As it is said “We have time in Africa and Westerners have watches.” From this first school day, I did more than what I would do for a week in my home country. I opened a bank account, I bought books and notebooks for my classes, I visited
54 different places of this huge school of Arizona State University, I did 3 courses; I met and moved to my newer host family located about 30 minutes away from the University and I called my family back home. All these activities were done in the night time in my country, while it was day time in Arizona. My brain was in Mali while my body was in the Arizonian time. Oh! That was really difficult! It was very difficult to manage my time between these two different time zones. Even though the weather was similar to that in Mali (it is very hot there), I was struggling because the sun never set in Phoenix. Then, I was wondering why people in Arizona say “good night” when they are always in day time (the sun is always up). I had to figure out that the notion of day and night does not depend on the sun and the moon in Phoenix. I struggled for one and a half month to adjust my watch, my brain and my family relationship to the time of Arizona and to my commute. It is hard to say that I did not have any real weather shock there. I was struggling with the greeting order that I had learned from my English classes and practiced with English speakers in my country. As people were all in a hurry, the longest greeting was “hello” or “hi” and less and less people would even greet there. From that, I understood that people are too much in hurry, at that place, to make respectful greeting. I am from a country where greetings can take about 4 minutes (greetings are very important for creating and maintaining social connections in Mali). Was that due to the weather? I knew that another important shock was the way people were dressed on campus and on streets. Oh, the clothes seemed too short to me. I said “What a provocation!!!” As it was hot there, many young women wore very short clothes that do not cover very well their bodies. How come a woman can be dressed this way?!? I wondered if that was what I heard before about the US as “freedom” or “liberty”. Thanks to my host family I was able to minimize that clothing issue. The members of my host family were very religious and open at the same time. It was good that I started my stay in the US with a host family that showed shopping areas to me, provided me cultural advice, discussed with me and listened to me. I felt very welcome in the US thanks to my host families, my contacts at Universities and my former American students and their families. My experience in the USA is very rich and diversified. From my stay with my two host families to my academic achievements and my cultural struggles in Arizona, I moved to Albany in New York on August 16th, 2012. This was the beginning of a new adventure. The green of Albany was so much attractive to me after spending two and a half months in the Arizonian desert among the famous cactus trees and the mountains such as Grand Canyon, Flagstaff and Sedona. My wonderful stay in Albany has really started with the cold weather outside the airport waiting for my landlord to pick me up on August 16th, 2012. What? Was it cold in Albany on August 16th, 2012? For anybody from a hot place like Mali or Arizona, fall is a cold period. The rain and the beauty of the green were not protecting me from feeling cold (I was admiring that from my landlord’s car). I was in a hurry to be in my new apartment and to meet my advisor at ISSS (International Students and Scholars Services). Once in my apartment, I was welcomed by my roommates who were already used to the weather in Albany, New York. Remember! I said Albany in New York, not Alabama, not Albany in Georgia. Albany, the capital city of New York State, seems to be not very well known internationally as a place in the US. Insist on that difference when telling friends and family that you are coming to the University at Albany! However, I was not expecting to feel cold at that time of the year here, but it was really cold for me. Whenever I would ask my roommates to turn on the heating system, one of them (a
55 very nice American guy) would say “You haven’t seen the cold yet”. He would keep on saying that because he was using his Air Conditioner at that time of the year as it was not cold for him. I said to him: “You would experience the reverse situation if you get the chance to come to my country in the fall. It will be hot for you and you will need an AC there. And imagine people telling you that you haven’t seen the heat yet!” The cold weather was a real issue for me and I could not even sleep well at night. One day, I called my landlord and told him, “Listen, if I die due to the cold because you are not turning on the heating system, you will be responsible for the death of an international student in your apartment.” Was it real cold? While my body was adjusting to that cold, it started snowing and the days became shorter than the nights. What could I do now to adjust well to my classes and to the change in the weather? Yeah, I had not seen the cold yet. However I was excited to see the snow for my first time. I wanted to see the snow even though I was afraid of the cold. Struggling with the first semester courses (not because of the English language, but because of the class structures), Thanksgiving break was very welcome, as I had to deal only with the cold weather at that time. At that time was still not cold. When winter came, ehee! With the snow everywhere, all the winter coats, pants, hats, gloves, socks and boots that I had bought were not strong enough to protect me. However, eating a lot of food was helpful to prevent headaches and resist the weather. I went to look for heavier blankets, coats, socks and boots. I did not want to stay in my room, as it was very dark at that time of the year. I decided to take buses every day in order to be outside my room and visits the malls. Staying alone in the rooms at the winter time can be depressing. Do not worry! You will find friends. Even if it does not seem easy to find American friends, Americans are very friendly. I would go to different stores and coffee spaces and talk to anyone that I could meet there. I did hang out with other international students too. However, remember to tip when you go to restaurants. Tipping is a tradition in the American society. But this should not prevent you from visiting different restaurants and experiencing food in Albany. Albany is not all about fall and winter, there are great times and places here. My spring semester went very well as I was getting adjusted to the University culture and I took advantage of the opportunities that the school offers to students. I am finishing a great summer internship and I visited many important places in New York State and in the area of Albany. The bus system is very convenient in Albany and it is free for University students. Get ready for your personal discoveries and the achievement of your goals in the US while in Albany, New York, the Empire State. And never forget to get the flu shot.
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Vocabulary
Academic Terms
Academic Advisor: a faculty member appointed to assist a student in the planning of his or her academic career. Add a Course: to enter a course you were not previously enrolled in Assignment: a duty to be performed outside of class, relating to the course materials. Blue Books: a small booklet of paper with a blue cover usually used for essay type examinations. Carrel: a small enclosed desk in the library reserved for individuals doing research. Cut a Class: to be absent from class. Dissertation: a scholarly independent research study required to obtain a doctoral degree. Drop a Course: to withdraw from a course. Drop and Add: that period during the first two weeks of the semester during which you may change your program of studies by “dropping” and “adding” courses. Also refers to the procedure by which this is done. Consult your department or school for the correct procedure. Finals: last exams of the semester. Flunk: to fail to achieve a passing grade. Fraternity: an organization with different rules, regulations, and objectives. Some fraternities are purely social, others are professional organizations, and some are academic honorary organizations. G.A.: graduate assistant Graduate or Grad Student: a student studying for a master’s or doctoral degree. Greek: member of a fraternity or sorority. Honor System: students acknowledge that cheating or violating laws of academic integrity is forbidden. ISSS: International Student and Scholar Services. Incomplete: a temporary grade given to a student who is doing passing work but who cannot complete all the course requirements during the term. The student must have a valid reason and must complete the course within a period of time acceptable to the instructor. Junior: an undergraduate student in his or her third year of study at a college. Major: a student’s primary field of study. Minor: a student’s secondary field of study. Mid-terms: tests in the middle of the semester. Orals: the oral examination by a committee of professors which a student working toward a doctoral degree must pass in order to become a “candidate” for his or her degree. It is a preliminary test of the student’s knowledge in his or her field. President: chief executive official of the university. Quiz: a short test sometimes given without warning.
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Reading List (Syllabus): a list of books and articles prepared by each professor for his or her specific course. Required and suggested texts are usually indicated as such. This list is designed to give the student an adequate introduction and survey of the particular course of study. Registration: procedure of arranging an academic program at the beginning of each semester. R.A.: resident assistant in the dorms; research assistant. Semester: one academic term, which is half of the academic year. Senior: an undergraduate student in his or her fourth year of study at a college. Skipped, Slip Out: to fail to attend a class, meeting, etc. Sophomore: an undergraduate student in his or her second year of study at a college. Sorority: comparable to fraternity, except that it is for females T.A.: teaching assistant Thesis: a scholarly research paper required to obtain a master’s degree. Transcript: official record of past grades and courses taken by a student; available at the Registrar’s Office. Undergraduate: a student in the first four years of college study. W: the letter assignment for withdrawal from a course by a student.
Food Terms
A la Carte: each item on the menu is ordered and paid for separately. Bagel: a round, hard roll with a hole in the middle. Barbecue (Bar-B-Q or BBQ): a meal cooked out of doors over charcoal. Brunch: a combination of breakfast and lunch, served in late morning. “A Bite to Eat”: a light, quick meal. Cocktail: an alcoholic drink served before a meal. Dutch treat: each person in the group pays for his or her own meal French Fries: potatoes cut into strips and cooked by deep fat frying. Hamburger: a staple of most student diets; a fried or broiled ground beef patty served on a bun. Cheeseburger: a hamburger served with a slice of cheese on it. Salsa: a spicy sauce of tomatoes, onions, and hot peppers Shake: a blended drink made from milk, ice cream, and various flavors Submarine Sandwich: a sandwich on a long roll with assorted fillings and spices.
General Terms
Area Code: three-digit number on phone for local area to which you are calling. The University at Albany area code is 518. Bar: place where alcoholic beverages are served. A Buck: one dollar Blow, Bomb: to be unsuccessful. Bombed: intoxicated by alcohol. Booze: liquor Busted: to be caught by the police.
58 Bummed: feeling down or depressed Bummer: an unpleasant experience. Check Out: sign out materials at the library; try to find out something; look over a situation. Cop: slang for police. Cop Out: to not face an issue. Cram: to frantically study the night before a test. Cut It Out: “stop it” Date: a pre-arranged social activity involving at least two people, usually of the opposite sex. Dead: very tired. Dime: a coin worth 10 cents. Double Date: two couples who plan to go somewhere or do something together. Drive One Up the Wall: to make one very nervous or upset. Drop In: to visit unexpectedly. Fixed Up: to arrange a date for a friend. Fed Up or Sick Of: disgusted with or tired of. Freak Out: to lose control of oneself. Gay: homosexual. Goofing Off: not doing what you are supposed to be doing. Gross: something crude, unusually unpleasant. Grossed Out: made to feel uneasy because of something unpleasant. Hang In There: keep trying, don’t be discouraged. Hang-Ups: problems, personal maladjustments. Hit the Sack: go to bed. Hitch: problem, difficulty. ID: identification card. In a Nutshell: very briefly and concisely. Loaded: intoxicated; wealthy. Nickel: a coin worth 5 cents. On The House: free, no cost. Out of One’s Mind: crazy; doing something ridiculous. Out Of It: being very tired; having your mind on something else. Pull One’s Leg: to tease. Take a Raincheck: to postpone; to accept the same invitation but for a later date. Rip Off: to steal; charge an exorbitant price for some item. Screwed Up: confused. See Eye to Eye: have the same opinion. Shook Up: upset. Show: a movie or film. Single: a dollar bill To Be Into Something: to be interested in or concerned with something. Uptight: worried, tense.
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Sizes, Weights and Measurements
Weights and Measures
Length: 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters 1 foot = 12 inches = 30.48 centimeters 1 yard = 3 feet = 91.44 centimeters 1 mile = 1.61 kilometers
Liquids: 1 cup = 8 ounces = .236 liters 1 pint = 2 cups = .473 liters 1 quart = 4 cups = .946 liters 1.057 quarts = 1 liter 1 gallon = 4 quarts = 3.785 liters
Weight: 1 ounce = 28.35 grams 1 pound = 16 ounces = 454 grams 1 ton = 2000 pounds 2.2 pounds = 1 kilogram
U.S. cooking measures are given by volume rather than weight. Measuring cups and spoons are available at discount and grocery stores. Common cooking abbreviations include: tsp. = teaspoon; tbsp. = tablespoon; 3 tsp. = 1 tbsp.; c = cup; oz. = ounce; lb. = pound
Sizes:
Women’s Suits, Dresses and Coats American British European Japanese Australian 2 4 32 5 6 4 6 34 7 8 6 8 36 9 10 8 10 38 11 12 10 12 40 13 14 12 14 42 15 16 14 16 44 17 18
60 Women’s Shoes American British European Australian Japanese Chinese 5 2.5 35 3.5 21 35.5 5.5 3 35.5 4 21.5 36 6 3.5 36 4.5 22 37 6.5 4 37 5 22.5 37.5 7 4.5 37.5 5.5 23 38 7.5 5 38 6 23.5 39 8 5.5 38.5 6.5 24 39.5 8.5 6 39 7 24.5 40 9 6.5 40 7.5 25 41 9.5 7 41 8 25.5 41.5 10 7.5 42 8.5 26 42 10.5 8 43 9 27 43
Men’s Suits & Coats Men’s Shirts American/British European American/British European 30 40 14 36 32 42 14.5 37 34 44 15 38 36 46 15.5 39 38 48 16 40 40 50 16.5 41 42 52 17 42 44 54 46 56 48 58 50 60
Men’s Shoes American British European Japanese Chinese 7 6.5 39.5 25.5 41 7.5 7 40 26 - 8 7.5 41 26.5 42 8.5 8 42 27 43 9 8.5 43 27.5 43.5 9.5 9 43.5 28 44 10 9.5 44 28.5 44.5 10.5 10 44.5 29 45 11 10.5 45 29.5 46 11.5 11 45.5 30 - 12 11.5 46 30.5 47
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We would like to thank the Office of International Student and Scholar Services at Binghamton University for their help in the creation of this handbook.