Office of International Student Services La Sierra University

NEW & TRANSFER INTERИATIONAL STUDENT 2014/15 ORIENTATION HANDBOOK OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY

OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES

Administration Building 206 4500 Riverwalk Parkway. Riverside, CA 92515-8247 Tel: (951) 785-2237 Fax: (951) 785-2919 www.lasierra.edu/oiss [email protected]

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 1:00 - 5:00 PM Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM The Office of International Student Services OISS GENERAL SERVICES OISS ACTIVITIES is responsible for providing support services + Assist international students with their cultural International Education Week and programs to the international students adjustment, personal, financial, legal, academic, and Festival of Nations studying at La Sierra. Services include pre-arrival health-related needs. International Club correspondence, orientation, newsletters, general WELCöME + Advise and assist international students on immigration advising, counseling, resources, International Buddy Program visa and immigration related matters, such as referrals, cultural programs and community change of program, extension of stay, employment Beach Vespers TO LA SIErrА outreach programs. authorization, and change of immigration status. Monthly Worship + Plan and promote programs and activities that CONNECT WITH US Food Pantry foster international and cross-cultural awareness in UИIvErSITY Visit our web site 24-hours-a-day, 7-days a week at Amusement Park & other trips cooperation with other LSU departments, students http://www.lasierra.edu/oiss/ groups, and community organizations. For more information about OISS services and The staff of the Office of International G facebook.com/LaSierraInternationalStudents + Organize informational seminars, workshops, events, join our OISS Mailing List by simply Student Services (OISS) would like to and online courses on U.S. culture, immigration sending an e-mail message to [email protected] welcome you to La Sierra University t twitter.com/istudentsLSU regulations, taxes, and other topics. with “subscribe to Mailing List” in the subject (LSU). We hope that your stay at La + Issue international student ID cards for students header. Once you are signed up, you will receive Sierra will be rewarding and enjoyable. A @istudentslsu and faculty traveling abroad. announcements about upcoming OISS programs and events. OR add us on Facebook and Twitter.

2 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 3 Coping With Stress ...... 28 (Other Than Canada And Mexico) ...... 45 After An Earthquake ...... 55 Individualism And Privacy...... 29 To Re-Enter The U.S. From Another Country (Other Counseling Center...... 56 TABLE OF CONTENT The Future, Change, And Progress ...... 29 Than Canada And Mexico) ...... 45 Family And Stress ...... 56 Equality...... 30 Entry To Canada ...... 45 Positive Ways Of Handling Stress ...... 56 International Student Check-In...... 6 Informality ...... 30 Entry To Mexico ...... 45 When Stress Overflows ...... 56 Freshman Orientation ...... 8 Achievement, Action, Work, And Materialism...... 30 Travelling While Waiting For Opt To Be Approved .45 Spiritual Life...... 57 International Student Orientation ...... 8 Directness & Assertiveness...... 31 Travel While On Opt ...... 45 Missions & Other Ministries ...... 57 TOEFL & Placement Testing ...... 8 The Concept Of Time ...... 31 Transportation To The Airport ...... 46 Additional Resources...... 58 Notes to the Spouses and Fami- Health And Wellness...... 32 Airline Information ...... 46 Useful La Sierra University Publications ...... 58 lies...... 8 La Sierra University Health Services...... 32 Local Travel Agents ...... 46 Useful Web Resources For International Students 58. The OISS Staff...... 10 Medical Insurance ...... 32 Bus Companies/Shuttle Services ...... 46 La Sierra University Web Pages ...... 58 Student Participation At The OISS ...... 10 Note On Medications...... 32 Airport Directions ...... 46 Los Angeles Sites ...... 58 Organizations...... 10 How To Use Your Shopping...... 47 California Sites ...... 58 The Office Of International Student Services...... 11 GGH Worldwide Health Insurance ...... 33 Household Items...... 47 Web Search Engines And Resources...... 58 Academic Study At La Sierra University...... 12 Medical Insurance For Family Members ...... 33 New Items ...... 47 General Information ...... 58 The American University System ...... 12 Emergency Resources ...... 33 Used Items ...... 47 Consumer Information ...... 59 Academic Integrity...... 12 Medical Referral Services ...... 33 Rentals ...... 47 Travel Services ...... 59 Hints For Minimizing Difficulties ...... 13 Immigration Regulations For Non-Immigrant Stu- Shopping Malls ...... 47 Entertainment ...... 59 The Learning Support & Testing Center...... 14 dents...... 34 Buying Everyday Items ...... 47 International News ...... 59 C-SAS...... 14 Immigration Documents ...... 35 Eating ...... 48 Must-See Cool Sites ...... 59 La Sierra University Library...... 14 Passport ...... 35 On-Campus ...... 48 Alphabetical Listing Of Greater Los Angeles Phone/Internet ...... 15 Certificate Of Eligibility, I-20 ...... 35 Off-Campus...... 48 International Pages ...... 59 University Housing...... 16 Visa ...... 35 Bringing Family Members to La Sierra University..48 Selected Foreign Language Programs Television ..60 Off Campus Housing ...... 16 I-94 & “Duration Of Status” ...... 36 Dependents' Medical Expenses...... 48 Selected Foreign Language Programs On Radio ....60 Types Of Off-Campus Housing And Typical Costs..16 Immigration Benefits And Procedures ...... 36 Child Care...... 48 Weights, Measures, & Time Zones ...... 61 Residence Halls (Dormitories) ...... 16 SEVIS ...... 36 Cultural Adjustment for Family Members...... 48 Linear Measure ...... 61 Other On-Campus Housing Optios...... 16 Registration ...... 36 Financial Considerations...... 49 Dry Measure ...... 61 Renting In The U.S...... 17 Dropping Below Full-Time Status ...... 37 Campus Services And Information...... 50 Liquid Measure ...... 61 Utilities ...... 18 Reporting New Address/Change Of Address ...... 37 La Sierra University Student Identification Card ...50 American To International Equivalents ...... 61 Banking...... 18 Program Extension ...... 38 Setting Up Your E-Mail Account ...... 50 Temperature ...... 61 Social Security Number...... 19 Change Of Degree Or Major ...... 38 Internet Access ...... 50 Body Temperature ...... 61 Transportation...... 20 Change Of Program Or Level ...... 38 Post Office ...... 50 Time Zones ...... 61 Driver’s License...... 21 Transferring To A New School ...... 39 Special Mailing Services ...... 51 Local Resources...... 62 The Local Dmv Offices Are: ...... 21 What To Do If You Are Contacted By The FBI Or Other Addressing Your Mail For Delivery ...... 51 Banks ...... 62 Driver's Licence Written Exam ...... 22 Governmental Authority ...... 39 Postage Rates ...... 51 Coffee Shops ...... 62 Important Laws To Keep In Mind When Driving.....23 Special Registration Of Foreign Nationals (Nseers)39. Other Mailing Options ...... 51 Department Stores ...... 62 Purchasing A Car ...... 24 Employment...... 40 Library ...... 52 Hospitals...... 62 New Cars ...... 24 On-Campus Employment ...... 40 Crime Prevention, Safety & Security ...... 53 Pharmacies ...... 62 Used Cars ...... 24 Off-Campus Employment ...... 40 Suggestions For Protecting Yourself ...... 53 Supermarkets ...... 62 What To Do When Purchasing A Car ...... 24 On-Campus Employment Before Transferring ...... 41 At Your Office ...... 53 Movie Theaters...... 62 Vehicle Registration ...... 25 Practical/Academic Training In Your Field Of Study.. 41 Your Car ...... 53 Other Useful Resources...... 63 Car Rentals ...... 25 Curricular Practical Training (Cpt)...... 41 Your Bike ...... 53 Glossary Of Terms...... 65 Car Rentals Near La Sierra University ...... 25 Optional Practical Training (Opt) ...... 42 Leaving Your Room, Apartment, House For The Holi- Motorcycles And Mopeds ...... 25 F-2 Visa Holders...... 42 days ...... 53 Vehicle Insurance ...... 26 Social Security Number...... 42 Earthquake Preparedness ...... 54 What To Do In Case Of An Accident ...... 26 Taxes...... 43 What Emergency Supplies Should I Have? ...... 54 Adjusting To A New Culture And Feeling Comfort- Travel...... 44 Special Tips For Disabled Students ...... 54 able...... 27 Traveling Abroad ...... 45 How Can I Make My Apartment/Room Safer? ...... 55 American Values And Assumptions ...... 28 To Enter Another Country During An Earthquake ...... 55

4 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 5 ) INTERNATIONAL ARRIVAL IN RIVERSIDE

You should arrange to arrive in Riverside If you arrive before the new student STUDENT CHECK-IN about one week prior to your I-20 start check-in at the residence halls, you may 224 date. This will give you time to meet with wish to visit the OISS after you deposit the foreign student advisor and advising OFF CAMPUS your luggage at the place you will be staff, move into the residence hall, learn LIVING AGE your way around campus and the town, and staying. All new international students must meet other students. If you are a freshman report to the Office of International HOUSING attending fall quarter, you will also attend a Student Services (OISS) before registering All single students under 22 years of mandatory Ignite program during Freshman Our regular office hours are: for classes. Within seven days of your age must live in the residence halls. Orientation. Monday - Thursday: You must contact the Office of Residential arrival, you are to bring to the OISS the AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION 8:30 AM - 12 PM & 1 - 5 PM following documents for check-in (failure Life to make sure you have paid the If you need transportation from local Friday: 8 AM - 12 PM to bring these documents within the specified required room deposit and reserved a airports to La Sierra University, you should time could delay your registration and put room in one of the dormitories. Their contact the OISS at least two weeks prior to your arrival date. La Sierra can arrange you out of F-1 status): phone number is (951) 785-2050. You can for someone to meet you at the airport if We will provide you with some check - in PASSPORT also apply for a dorm room online at you send the OISS your complete travel documentation before the orientation http://www.lasierra.edu/residential/ information. There is a fee for this service. VISA program begins, and if you have any The OISS suggests that, if you are coming If you are a married student or over 22 questions, an appointment can be LOCAL EMERGENCY CONTACT into the United States for the first time, made for you to talk to us if we are not years of age you may choose to live off- you try to make arrangements to fly into campus. You should plan on arriving a few Los Angeles Airport (LAX). However, if you immediately available. The OISS is located ARRIVAL weeks before classes begin in order to find arrive in the United States through other in Room 206 in the Administration Building. airports in U.S. cities, the OISS requests a place to live. Married students bringing ACCOMMODATIONS that you make arrangements to fly into If your housing is not available at the time spouses or dependents cannot live in Ontario International Airport (ONT), since it of your arrival, you may choose to stay on the residence halls. The university owns is the closest one to the University. You can request an airport pick up online at www. and manages a series of apartments and campus in temporary housing (if available) lasierra.edu/airport or you fax your Airport or at a nearby hotel or motel. If you have cottages that may be available for graduate Pick- Up form to: (951) 785-2919. There is a difficulty finding accommodations or or married students. Availability is limited. fee for this service. CHECK - IN housing upon arrival, contact the OISS and The Director of Housing may be able to we will make every effort to assist you. assist you in finding suitable housing. CURRENT PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF RATES THRU CELSO ROOM 206 We cannot promise you housing, so it is You can contact the Housing Office by EXPRESS: important for you to make arrangements calling (951) 785-2511. or visit www. LAX Exclusive $95.00 US ADMNISTRATION prior to leaving your home country. ONT Exclusive $60.00 US lasierra.edu/housing BUILDING SNA Exclusive $75.00 US a LGB Exclusive $85.00 US For more info visit: www.lasierra.edu/airport

6 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 7 w INTERNATIONAL g STUDENT e = ORIENTATION NOTE TO THE The international student orientation TOEFL & SPOUSES AND FRESHMAN FAMILIES OF ORIENTATION occurs during the first month of PLACEMENT classes each quarter. This orientation TESTING INTERNATIONAL If you are a freshman coming to LSU is designed just for you, and will give STUDENTS for the fall quarter, you will be required you an opportunity to ask questions All students who have scored below to attend the annual Freshman Orien- and interact with fellow international 550 on the TOEFL (79 in the internet The OISS extends a warm welcome to the spouses and children of international tation. The orientation is designed to students. During this required based & 213 in the computer based) students at La Sierra. It is our hope that aid in becoming acquainted with the orientation, you will learn about the or whose graduate departments your time at La Sierra University will require the test, must arrive in time University and its policies. IGNITE is a following topics: be an enriching experience for every for the English proficiency evaluation required freshman event filled with all ) Registration procedures and member of your family. kinds of opportunities to enhance and before registering for classes. information about the academic system While the student will be facing enrich your university experience. You Some students may also have to academic challenges, each spouse will be meeting new friends, faculty, ) Health care and health insurance take a regular English and/or math or partner will be facing somewhat policies and regulations placement test prior to registering staff members and administrators. different, but also important, for classes. For more information You’ll be challenged by the speakers ) Immigration regulations affecting challenges in building and adjusting to and mentored by student leaders. For your stay in the United States on dates and requirements, call the a new life in the U.S. We ask that you more information, contact the Office of Learning Support & Testing Center at ) University and community resources support them in any way possible and Student Life at (951) 785-2100. (951) 785-2453. if you need assistance, we will try our ) How to establish a bank account, best to find you the right resources obtain a driver’s license and social and opportunities. security number ) La Sierra University climate & culture

8 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 9 STUDENT PARTICIPATION AT THE OISS THE OISS STAFF The OISS offers a place for international and American students, scholars and visitors to come together to discuss and participate in activities and opportunities in the La Sierra community. It allows students and faculty members the opportunity to broaden their horizons through intercultural exchange and friendships with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. During your stay here, you may wish to get involved on events that happens here on campus and in the community. Many of these events are THE OFFICE OF run by your student association or student body. For more information, contact SALSU at (951) 785-2005 or Heidi Weiss-Krumm Jonathan Finau OIS at (951) 785 2674 Director, International Office Manager, Student INTERNATIONAL Student Services. PDSO Advisor, DSO STUDENT SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS Students come to La Sierra University from over 40 countries and many are involved in numer- ous clubs. These clubs can play an important role in social and cultural life on campus. Many of these organizations are active throughout the year hosting dinners, film series, seminars, and // OISS many other social activities. The following is a partial list of clubs and organization at LSU: La Sierra University’s Office of International Accounting & Finance Education Club Korean Student Association Student Services serves as a focal point for Active Minds ENACTUS Math & Computing Club interaction among foreign and U.S. students and visiting scholars at the university. The Amnesty International Forensics Science Club Pre-Dent Club OISS is a nonresidential facility, which oper- Asian Cultural Society HES Club Pre-Medical Society ates as an administrative service and a pro- Black Student Association Homebase Ministry Psychology Club gram unit of the University. Biology Association International Student Student Association of La Sierra Bio Physics Association University (SALSU) The OISS is located in the Administration Business Club Intricate Movement The Social Work Club Building, Room 206. To contact us from an Club Towers Japanese Club Tri-Beta on-campus phone, just dial x2237; from an off-campus phone, dial (951) 785-2237; or If you do not find a group that you would like to join, there are many other clubs that may not be on this just e-mail us at [email protected]. You list. You could even think about forming your own club. The Office of Student Involvement (OSI) can assist can also visit us on the web at http://www. you with this. OSI hosts an advisory meeting for club leaders at the beginning of each academic year to lasierra.edu/oiss/. acquaint them with University resources. CAB (Club Advisory Board) which consists of representatives from various clubs on campus. CAB discusses and finds better ways to form unity and networking among clubs on campus. The OSI Director is extremely helpful to students who are interested in creating a new organization, and you can contact the OSI department at (951) 785-2674.

10 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 11 ACADEMIC STUDY AT LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY

THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY SYSTEM In the United States there is no central ministry of education that Hints for Minimizing Difficulties oversees higher education. Universities exercise considerable au- tonomy in determining their academic procedures and policies. It International students at La Sierra University 6 Be open to and tolerant of is important to understand, when you arrive at a new university in generally do well academically. Those from the values of this system. From past the U.S., either from overseas or from another U.S. institution, that overseas may be somewhat disadvantaged by not experience you may have developed teaching methods, grading philosophies and mechanisms, evalu- having previous experiences in coping with the assumptions about the purpose of ation of course work, length of the school terms and year, and oth- U.S. educational system, but once you understand your education and about the way er indicators of academic progress can vary from school to school. the system you will be able to organize your work your area of specialization should more efficiently. The following suggestions will It is also very important that you accept the new system and be studied. These assumptions help you: learn how to succeed in it. might prevent you from listening to instructions from your teachers 1 Learn the informal rules by getting to about what is required in the know other students. Their experiences are classroom. Keep an open mind to this different educational system. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY valuable in helping you learn about study methods and how your department functions. Academic integrity is expected of every La submitting substantial portions of the same work 7 Make sure you understand Sierra University student in all academic un- for credit in more than one course without con- 2 Get to know the faculty. Do not be afraid what the requirements are for the dertakings. These high standards of integrity sulting all instructors involved, forging of signa- to ask questions if you are unsure of the course academic work that is performed apply to all areas of academic performance tures on any documents, providing data known requirements or homework assignments. Faculty outside the classroom. Different and students should avoid both dishonest to be false, plagiarism, stealing or passing off as will be glad to give you guidance, and asking educational systems have different practices and the appearance of dishonesty. one’s own, the ideas or words of another person, questions can save you a lot of time later on! ideas concerning collaboration Academic dishonesty includes: cheating, using a creative production without crediting the between students in completion copying from others during an examination, source, failing to give credit for every direct quo- 3 Evaluate your expectations. Keep in mind of course requirements. It is very communicating examination answers with tation, and for paraphrasing or summarizing a important that you understand another student during an examination or work (in whole, or in part, in one’s own words). that it may take some time for you to perform to what the teacher expects from with another student who has yet to take the the best of your ability. you. Appropriate collaboration exam, offering another’s work as one’s own, Resulting Actions for Academic Dishones- encourages the educational benefits taking an examination for another student ty and Plagiarism 4 Don’t overload your schedule. Select of working with other students but or having someone take an examination for courses wisely. Discuss course load with your also recognizes the teacher’s need oneself, sharing answers for a take-home ex- advisor. You may be tempted to enroll in more Depending on the gravity of the academic dishon- to evaluate the individual student’s amination or homework unless specifically courses than necessary to accelerate your date esty students could be issued a failing grade on mastery of the course material. authorized by the instructor, tampering with of graduation, but this may result in poor grades, the assignment, a failing grade in a course, with- Within departments, and even within an examination after it has been corrected, particularly in the first year of study. out possibility of withdrawal, or suspension or courses, faculty guidelines may vary. then returning in for more credit, using un- dismissal as determined by the dean. Take the responsibility to make sure authorized materials, prepared answers, 5 If you have not done a significant amount Please think carefully about committing any you understand what is allowed. written notes or information concealed in a academic plagiarism or cheating, this decision of your previous academic work in English you Inappropriate collaboration is likely blue book or elsewhere during an examina- could impact your college experience here at La should plan on allowing extra time for writing an to lead to an encounter with the tion, allowing others to do the research and/ Sierra University. assignments in English. The end of the academic University’s judicial system, possibly or writing of an assigned paper, stealing or quarter can be quite stressful, and giving yourself resulting in academic suspension. attempting to steal an examination or an- See the Student Handbook for further and more de- plenty of time to finish your assignments is one swer key, changing or attempting to change tailed information. way to limit stress. academic records without proper authority,

12 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 13 V . B

THE LEARNING SUPPORT & C-SAS LSU LIBRARY q TESTING CENTER PHONE CELL PHONES AND INTERNET B PRE-PAID PHONE CARDS If you are living off-campus you will The Learning Support The Center for Student The Library has more than OISS knows that adjusting to a new probably need to order internet service for your residence. and Testing Center is an Academic Success actively 206,000 volumes in its book life is very difficult, especially when an individual is far away from home. Wireless services are easily installed and office dedicated to help supports students throughout collections, plus about Within the Riverside area, there maintained. There are many internet you succeed academically their educational experience 48,000 bound journal vol- are many cell phone companies service providers in Riverside. and prepaid calling cards that at La Sierra University. It at La Sierra University. Efforts umes representing more Depending on the speed you wish and the international students can access. begin with matriculation, number of devices you have connected provides students with than 1200 currently received However the OISS cautions that to your wireless service will determine tutors, academic support continue through the first- journal titles. Extensive mi- you be aware of program fees and the cost of your monthly service. Usually stipulations in contracts that might and testing services to help year experience, and persist crofilm and microfiche- col you can expect between $15 - $60 for bind you for a long period of time. you meet all your academic through the attainment of lections increase the printed montly service and devices. Please read the contract carefully requirements. It also has the students’ academic or resources of the Library and before you sign and do let a sales Some of the more popular internet study rooms that you can professional goals. extend the total holdings to person corner you into signing a providers are: use to prepare for your more than 650,000 volumes. contract you do not understand, AT&T - www.att.com / 1.800.288.2020 C-SAS is dedicated to helping or you might be required to pay Charter - www.charter.com / exams. you be a successful student. The online databases and cancellation fees and/or stay with 1.877.906.9121 You can contact C-SAS at indexes provide full-text ac- that company of up to two years! cess to more than 17,400 Verizon - www.verizon.com / (951)785-2452 or email them The three local phone 1.855.515.2676 at [email protected]. full-text periodical titles. companies for Riverside are: They are located at Sierra As a student the library is • Charter- 1-877-304-2364 http:// Vista Hall in room 114. a great place to go for re- www.charter.com search or to study. • AT&T - 1-888-333-6651 • http:// To reserve a study room www.att.com go to www.lasierra.edu/li- • Verizon - 1-800-483-4000 •. http://www.verizon.com brary// Click on Services Click on reserve a study room.

14 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 15 RENTING IN THE U.S. H When an individual becomes a tenant (renter), Prospective renters often give deposits to hold HOUSING AND LIVING he or she and the owner of the housing unit an apartment until they are ready to move in. enter into a specific legal relationship. Many Make sure you really want the apartment or of the rights and responsibilities of landlords house before you make a deposit. and tenants are specified in written or in oral UNIVERSITY OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING agreements that the two parties make. Oral Normally, if you are renting on a monthly agreements, however, are not binding on the basis you must give your landlord a written HOUSING Students who do not live in university housing must find living accom- parties if they attempt to change the terms notice that you intend to move out 30 days in modations off-campus. Housing within walking distance of La Sierra Uni- of the written agreement. All agreements advance. Oral notice is legally not enough. If RESIDENCE HALLS versity is extremely limited, and transportation is an important consid- between the landlord and tenant should be you do not give proper notice you may have to (DORMITORIES) eration. Bulletin boards in Security, the Kiosk, and the LSU Church bulletin in writing and should clearly state the mutual pay additional rent. Leases give renters some advertise available housing and apartments for students in the nearby obligations of both, the landlord and the protections that a periodic tenancy will not. area. Local newspapers also have renting lists. Also, you might want to renter, at both the beginning and the end With a lease you are assured that you can stay The department of Residential check out the our website for postings, you can go to www.lasierra.edu/ of the rental period. You should keep a copy in the housing for a specified period of time Life, (951) 785-2017, is in oiss and click on “rooms for rent”. of the rental agreement and inventory of and the rent cannot be raised during this time charge of all the residence the property for your reference. If you are unless the lease says otherwise. However, halls (informally known as renting for a period longer than one year, a with a lease you are legally responsible for the dorms) on campus. The dorms TYPES OF OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING AND TYPICAL COSTS written lease is usually required. whole term of the lease. include Angwin Hall, South The landlord may establish basic standards for Therefore, it is not advisable that you rent a Hall, Calkins Hall, and Sierra These are simply estimates, and prices vary per month depending upon location, size, and amenities. Prices are quoted on a per month basis. accepting a tenant, including consideration housing unit with the long-term commitment Towers. Single international of credit, job stability, family size, etc. of a lease if you are not prepared to stay the student are encouraged to seek These standards must be applied equally to full duration of the lease. Theoretically; no 1 Furnished Rooms in private homes: Many have bath and accommodation early because all rental applicants and they must have a mitigating circumstances will excuse your space is limited and rooms fill up kitchen facilities, either for private use or to be shared. They range rational basis. Under the law no person may legal responsibility for the whole term of the quickly. All students under the from $400-$600, depending on the amenities provided. be denied the right to rent property because lease. However, you may be able to move out age of 22 except for graduate 2 Apartments and Houses to Share: Check bulletin boards on of age, race, color, religion, national ancestry, early and terminate the lease if the landlord students are required to live campus, security kiosk, or our OISS website under “Rooms for rent”. marital status, or disability. agrees to it. Moreover, if you do cancel the in the residence halls or with a lease early, the landlord has a duty to mitigate 3 Studios: Studio apartments are the smallest complete units direct relative. Many landlords require some type of the damages for which you are responsible available. A studio is usually one room with cooking facilities and a monetary deposit as a security that the terms by making a reasonable effort to secure new bath. The average rent is $900. of the agreement will be performed or for tenants. Nonetheless, terminating a lease early OTHER ON-CAMPUS HOUSING 4 Apartments, Houses: Many rental apartments and houses cleaning once the tenant moves out. can result in a bitter and costly confrontation. OPTIONS (APARTMENTS AND can be found within a 5-mile radius of the University. Some require a Cleaning and security deposits are usually There could be traps during the process of one COTTAGES) one-year lease, first and last month’s rent, and/or a security deposit. refundable. Deposits cannot be used or trying to rent an off-campus house, especially Unfurnished apartments run between $850 (one bedroom) to $1600 invested by the landlord. A landlord may only when due attention and caution are ignored. (two bedroom). Furnished apartments generally cost $200 more. A keep that part of the deposit necessary to pay Registered, matriculated Be very careful before signing a lease or paying two-bedroom, unfurnished house costs at the very minimum $1,200 for the unpaid rent, to repair damages caused a deposit. Tracy Taylor, Manager of the Office students are eligible for, but while a three-four bedroom home will be between $1,500-$2,500. Fur- by the tenant, and to clean the apartment. of University Property suggests choosing an not guaranteed, on-campus nished houses run about $300 to $600 more. An unfurnished apart- You should receive the portion of the deposit apartment complex rather than renting a housing. Space is limited. On- ments a stove and a refrigerator are usually provided, but not always. owed to you within two weeks after you have whole house and selecting properties owned campus housing, a series of Sometimes there is wall-to-wall carpeting. Web sites that offer apart- moved out of the housing along with an by credible management companies rather apartments and cottages owned ment listings are http://www.apartments.com and http://www.forrent. itemized written statement explaining what than random individuals. Tracy has kindly and managed by the University, com. the landlord did with the deposit. Normally offered her help to our International Students. is reserved for graduate and if you rent an unfurnished place, you cannot If you have a question or concerns you can 5 Condominiums: These are apartment-like units owned by in- older students who are married be required to pay more than two months’ contact her (951)785-2511. and who have families. To apply, dividuals and rented out. A condo usually has many amenities, but is rent for deposit. If you rent a furnished place, contact the Housing Office at otherwise just like an apartment. The average rent for a one-bedroom three months rent is usually the maximum (951) 785-2511. condominium is $1,300 and for a two bedroom $1,900+. for deposit. CONTINUE..

16 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 17 ELECTRICITY UTILITIES Riverside Public Utilities Department D Gas and electricity bills are usually not 3901 Orange ST. •. Riverside, CA 92501 SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER included in the rent, and must be paid by the (951) 782-0330 • http://www. tenant each month. There is a deposit, which is riversidepublicutilities.com/ Social security numbers are primarily intend- Social Security applications take 2-3 weeks to ed to identify participants in the federal gov- process; so apply as soon as you have a job refunded when notice is given that service is to GAS Southern California Gas Company be discontinued or after one year of continued ernment’s Social Security program, which on-campus. However, it is recommended that (800) 427-2200 • http://www.socalgas.com/ provides retirement and disability benefits you do not apply during your first 30 days in service. Water usage and trash collection is Different Languages: Cantonese (800) 427-1420; the country as your immigration data will not usually included in your rent. For information to workers and their families. However, they Korean (800) 427-0471; Mandarin (800) 427-1429; are now widely used for administrative and have been transmitted from the DHS databas- or connection of services call: Vietnamese (800) 427-0478 es to the SSA’s yet and thus your application identification purposes. ALL persons seeking could be denied. employment, of any kind, including assistantships must obtain a social security number The closest Social Security Administration of- before payment can be received. Having a so- fice to La Sierra is in cial security number makes it easier for you CORONA: 2191 Samson St., Suite 105, Corona, to open a bank account, obtain a credit card, CA 92879. Their phone number is (800) 772- purchase an automobile, or get insurance. 1213. We recommend, however, that you go Banking to the Riverside branch located at 7880 Mis- $ However, you can apply for a Social Security sion Grove Parkway St., Riverside, CA 92508. number only if you have decided to work and The Social Security Administration web site is have applied for a job on-campus. Once you http://www.ssa.gov/.. There are banks located within walking and driving distance of the La Sierra University campus. have applied for a job and gotten a contract They are: from the department you will be working for, the Human Resources office will provide you F-2 visa-holders are NOT eligible to apply for LA LOMA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION (800) 279-4234 x831 (walking) Limited days and hours with a Social Security application and a letter a social security number since they are not allowed to work in the U. S. BANK OF AMERICA (951) 6343-3060 (walking) of recommendation. Once you have the application and the letter, you are responsible for CHASE (951) 354-4260 Remember: no matter what is or is not finding your own transportation to the Social stamped on your social security card, you WELLS FARGO (800) 869-3557 Security Office. must have the approval of the Department CITY BANK (951) 687-8751 If you are an F-1 student you will need the of Homeland Security (DHS) or your visa following documents: sponsor before you may work off-campus All offer debit cards, checking and savings accounts. Call or visit their or participate in an internship or practical 1 I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 web sites to determine the variations in their services and charges. A word of advice: companies training. Check with the OISS if you have When comparing banks and services be sure to ask whether you such as banks, gasoline com- Student questions or if you have difficulty obtaining must maintain a minimum balance to avoid service charges and panies, and retail stores is- your social security number. whether you can have an interest earning checking account. sue credit cards, which can 2 Passport ATM machines, or automated teller machines, are computers used be used to facilitate purchases. Whether you use a cred- 3I-94 card (also known as the arrival/ If you are required to file a tax return and are to let their customer deposit checks and money, withdraw cash, not eligible for a U.S. social security number check balances and transfer funds from one account to another. it card or sign a contract to departure record) automated online because you are not working, you may apply buy on credit, you should be to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for a Tax The advantages of using ATM machines is that they are conveniently form.. You can download from i94.cpb. located at the front of most banks, shopping centers, airports, aware of the danger of “over- Identification Number (ITIN) on form W-7. This and tourist centers, and they are open 24 hours a day. You will be extending yourself.” Many dhs.gov form may be obtained from the OISS web site or the IRS’s site at http://www.irs.gov. charged a fee (by the bank that owns the ATM and probably your major credit cards frequently charge over 20% interest by 4Letter of eligibility from Human Re- For more information about US. Social Security bank too) for using ATMs that are not owned by your bank. banks Numbers call their toll-free number at 1-800- CAUTION: Please be careful when withdrawing money at an ATM sources at La Sierra University 772-1213 or contact the La Sierra University alone or at night. Human Resources Office at (951) 785-2088. 5Social Security Application Form

18 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 19 TRANSPORTATION DRIVER'S LICENSE

2 Complete application form DL 44. (An You must have a valid driver’s license to operate a motor original DL 44 form must be submitted. b > x " vehicle. Anyone classified as Copies will not be accepted.) a California “resident” under 3 Give a thumbprint. the California Motor Vehicle RIVERSIDE TRANSIT METRO LINK (TRAIN) TAXIS Code must have a California 4 Have your picture taken. AGENCY RTA (BUS). provides train ser- can be found by look- Driver’s License to drive in California. Having 5 Provide your social security number. Maps and schedules vice between Riv- ing in the yellow pag- a California driver’s license is also valuable for are available at the erside and Los An- If you do not have a SSN, the Social Security es. Yellow Cab of Riv- identification purposes when writing checks Student Life Office, geles and stops in erside is popular. For Administration will give you a denial letter to main lobby in ad- and renting an apartment. between. Fares are more information take with you to the DMV minstration build- higher than bus call (951) 684-1234. ing and in the Of- 6 Verify your birth date and legal fares. Tram sched- To apply for a California driver’s license, fice of International ules can be obtained if you are over 18, you will need to do the presence (you will need your Passport, Visa, Students Services. at the Metro Link I-94, and I-20). LSU students can Station downtown following: 7 Pay the application fee. ride the bus FREE. Riverside or at the 1 Visit a Department of Motor Vehicle However, you must La Sierra station. For (DMV) office (you may make an appointment 8 Pass a vision exam (given at DMV). show your Student further information for faster service by visiting the DMV’s web 9 Pass a traffic laws and sign test. ID Card. For more call 1-800-3715465 or information, call RTA check the web site at site http://www.dmv.ca.gov ). at 1-800-800-7821 or http://www. visit their web site, metrolinktrains.com.

THE LOCAL DMV OFFICES ARE: Norco: 3201 Horseless Carriage Drive, Norco, CA. (800) 777-0133. Open Monday, Tuesday, & Friday 8-5; Wednesday 9-5. Riverside: 6280 Brockton Avenue, Riverside, CA. (800) 777-0133. Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday, 8-5; Wednesday 9-5. East Riverside: 6235 River Crest Drive, # 10-R, Riverside, CA. (800) 777-0133. Open Monday, Tuesday, & Friday 8-5;Wednesday 9-5. Rancho Cucamonga: 8678 Archibald Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, CA. (800) 777-0133. Open Monday, Tuesday, & Friday 8-5;Wednesday 9-5. Redlands: 1659 W Lugonia Avenue, Redlands, CA. (800) 777-0133. Open Monday, Tuesday, & Friday 8-5; Wednesday 9-5.

20 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 21 )DRIVER'S LICENSE WRITTEN EXAM )IMPORTANT LAWS TO KEEP IN

There are currently 36 questions on the driving test can be waived. MIND WHEN DRIVING test. A passing score is at least 31 correct The driving test is given by appointment at answers. You have three chances to pass. 1 Drivers must have a valid driver’s license, a valid vehicle registration and proof the DMV offices. Try to get familiar with the It is highly recommended to read the roads and their specific traffic regulations of insurance when driving a vehicle. DMV’s California Driver Handbook before close to the DMV office where you are going 2 Seat belts are mandatory for driver and all passengers. Failure to wear a seat taking the written test, since there are to take the test. The DMV’s California Driver belt is punishable by a traffic ticket. specific laws and regulations in California, Handbook has detailed information on what which might be different to your country. 3 Children under four years of age or under 40 pounds must be put in an ap- is included in the test. To take your driving You can obtain the handbook at any DMV test, you will need to: proved safety seat in the back seat of the car. office or by visiting their web site: http:// 4 DRINKING AND DRIVING: It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concen- 1 Set up an appointment online. (Driving www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/interactive/tdrive/ tration of 0.08% or more. You may lose your driver’s license for this violation. Refusal exam tests are not given without an appointment.) to take an alcohol test when requested to do so by a peace officer will result in a -li Once you have successfully completed the 2 Show your passport with valid record of cense suspension. If you are convicted of driving under the influence, the judge may above steps, you will then be required to arrival and departure. give you 48 hours to six months in jail. You will also have to pay $1,400 to $2,600 in take a driving test. If you have a license 3 Provide your own car fines the first time you are convicted. DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE! The law is very from another state within the U.S., the strict on carrying alcohol or drugs in a vehicle. You must not drink any alcoholic drink 4 Provide proof of financial responsibility in in any vehicle you are driving. Do not carry on you or in the car an opened bottle, can, the form of automobile insurance. or container with an alcoholic drink in it. A container of liquor, beer, or wine carried After you pass your driving test you will in a vehicle must be full, sealed, and unopened. Otherwise, it must be put in the trunk be issued an interim license valid for 60 or a place where passengers do not sit. Keeping an opened container of an alcoholic days until you receive your new photo drink in the glove compartment is specifically against the law. license in the mail. Double-check your 5 School buses: When you come upon a school bus stopped on either side of the address before you leave the DMV and road with flashing red lights, you must stop. The flashing red lights mean that school 36 $33 tell the DMV representative if you have children will be crossing the road to or from the school bus. Failure to stop is a viola- questions moved or if your address is incorrect. fee tion of the law, punishable by fine or suspension of your driving privilege. Have your interim license with you to provide information when requested. 6 Emergency vehicles: You must yield the right-of-way to a police car, fire truck, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle using a siren and red lights. Pull as close to the If you have not received your license after 60 right edge of the road as possible, and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed. days, you should write or fax the Sacramento However, do not stop in an intersection; continue through the intersection and then DMV [(916) 657-7790, fax (916) 657-9030] pull to the right as soon as you can. 3 and ask that they again solicit the verification chances from the DHS. Send the DMV headquarters to pass another copy of your passport, I-94, and PEDESTRIAN RIGHT-OF-WAY I-20 form, including your temporary driver’s Motor vehicles and bicycles are required to give the right-of-way license and phone number. The DMV will to pedestrians. All vehicles MUST STOP or slow down to allow peo- renew your request for verification with the ple who are walking to cross the street safely. This rule applies Los Angeles USCIS. In the meantime you whether or not there are stop signs or pedestrian crosswalks. Pe- should continue to update your temporary : destrians who cross streets at other than street intersections or license until the permanent license arrives. marked crosswalks are “jaywalking” and although this is illegal Check the DMV’s web site http://www.dmv. and subject to fine, jaywalkers have the right-of-way over vehi- ca.gov/ if you need further information. cles for safety reasons. However, remember to beware of other vehicles. Remain consistent to avoid traffic jams. 22 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 23 THE LAW ON AUTO REPAIR California Bu- 2 An invoice describing all service work and reau of Automotive Repair protects consumers " PURCHASING A CAR parts be given to the customer. against fraudulent automobile repairmen. The Bureau licenses all auto repair facilities in the 3 A customer be given the replaced parts he NEW CARS USED CARS state. Auto repair shops are required to post or she is charged for, if he or she requests them Students interested in buying a new auto- A used car is less expensive to buy than a new their licenses along with a sign showing the before the work is undertaken. mobile should plan to spend time looking at one, but the risks of car trouble and repair costs phone number and address of the California Bu- reau of Automotive Repair. 4 The installation of used or rebuilt parts be different cars and models and getting advice are greater. Offers for sale of used cars are post- noted on the invoice. from experienced people who are not direct- ed on campus bulletin boards and in newspa- In addition, California law requires that: ly involved with selling automobiles. Con- pers. Most automobile dealers sell used cars too. 5 No repairs may be done by a firm other than sumer Reports (available at newsstands and Kelly’s Blue Book publishes the average prices 1 Customers be provided with a written es- the facility the customer is patronizing unless the public libraries) is a magazine that evaluates of most years and models of used cars (http:// timate of labor and parts before any repair work customer is notified or unless every reasonable at- various consumer products, and it provides www.kbb.com). is undertaken, and no charge be made without tempt to notify them was made. ratings for most American and foreign cars. Salvage used vehicles are usually less expensive customer approval. Also the Kelly Blue Book is a great resource than regular used vehicles. Salvage vehicles usu- to check for appropriate prices. Their web ally were involved in some kind of accident and site is http://www.kbb.com/ have been repaired. ) VEHICLE REGISTRATION California requires that all motor vehicles be registered at the time of purchase or transfer of ownership. This applies to automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, motor scooters, and all other motor vehicles. When you purchase a vehicle from a licensed California dealer, the dealer will register the vehicle for ) WHAT TO DO WHEN PURCHASING A CAR you. If you purchase a vehicle from a private party, you are responsible for transferring the vehicle registration within five days. Call the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office for an appointment, and Plan Your Purchase in Advance. Before you vis- PINK SLIPS The purchase of a new or used au- bring to the appointment the certificate of ownership (called the “pink slip”), smog certification, and car it a car dealer, plan your purchase and deter- tomobile involves a contractual arrangement. Any registration documents. If the car is from out-of-state, in addition to the documents listed above, you mine the age and type of car, the price, down purchase must include proof of ownership. The must bring the car itself to the appointment. You must show proof of car insurance to register your car. payment, and financing terms. Make a note of dealer or previous owner must provide the certif- the Blue Book value of the car you hope to buy. icate of ownership, called the “pink slip” and indi- Take a friend with you when you visit the car cate on the slip that you are the new owner. You ) CAR RENTALS ) MOTORCYCLES AND lot. Tell the salesman that you do not intend must have this pink slip to register the vehicle or Cars can be rented for a day, a weekend, or lon- to buy a car at that time, and that you plan to sell it. Also it is very important that if it is a salvage MOPEDS ger. See “Automobile Renting and Leasing” in the shop around and compare prices. Do not per- vehicle (usually a vehicle that has been in an ac- yellow pages of the telephone directory. Some Motorcycles and mopeds must be registered cident), that the owner also gives you the salvage mit the salesman to urge you to make a quick agencies offer reduced rates and “package deals” with the California Department of Motor Ve- pink slip. Make sure that the previous owner gives decision. Compare prices at three or four other over long holiday weekends. Local agencies oc- hicles. Anyone operating a motorcycle or a lots before making your decision! you the car registration document, which is valid casionally offer discounts for La Sierra Universi- moped must know the California Vehicle Code for the current year. ty students, so be sure to ask about this when (especially in regard to wearing helmets) and FINANCING When comparing prices, also comparing rates. Most agencies will not rent to must have a license that specifically authorizes compare the cost of different financing.- Fi ROAD TEST AND MECHANICAL CHECKUP anyone under 25 years of age. To rent a car, you driving motorcycles (M class). You cannot drive nancing costs amount to an average of 20-30% We strongly recommend that you have any used need a driver’s license, proof of automobile in- a motorcycle/moped that is less than 250cc. on of the total cost of a car purchased on credit. car checked by a mechanic before you buy it. A me- surance (or you must purchase liability insurance the freeway! Financing through a bank or a credit union is chanical checkup before you purchase a used car when you rent the car) and a major credit card. usually preferable to financing through an au- may save you hundreds of dollars later. Only have tomobile dealer. a skilled mechanic or car diagnostic center not as- Car Rentals Near La Sierra University sociated with the seller check the car. The reason ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR: 3812 Pierce Street, Suite. L, CONTRACT DOCUMENTS Before signing for this is that the test may reveal that the car might Riverside, CA. (951) 343-2690 (If you need to, they will come and pick you up!) ANY paper, make certain that you understand have had an accident and could be salvage. Be very BUDGET RENT-A-CAR: 1521 University Avenue, Riverside, CA. (951) 787-0633. all the details of the sale. If the car has not had careful when purchasing used vehicles and be sure America's X-press Rent A Car: 7173 Indiana Ave, Riverside CA 92504 (951) 684-7474 a mechanical checkup (see details below) you to get a complete history on the vehicle before pur- (They can drop you off) should write somewhere (preferably in red chasing it. You can get a car history at http:/ /www. AVIS: 1521 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92507. (951) 787-0646 *You get a 15% pencil) “sale subject to mechanical checkup.” carfax.com or 1-800-carfax for a fee. discount with code: A6248000

24 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 25 L VEHICLE INSURANCE ) ADJUSTING TO A NEW CULTURE AND FEEL- In California, all cars and drivers must be in- In order to qualify for most California auto in- ING COMFORTABLE sured. The minimum amount (liability) your surance, applicants must have: vehicle insurance must cover according to the A VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE FROM THE U.S. Adjusting to a new country, culture, and academic State of California is: These are things you can do to get environment is not easy and can be both exciting and through this “culture shock” period: • Personal liability: $15,000 for a single death frustrating. Many international students have gone If you purchase a car older than five to seven 1 Request an International Mentor. Contact or injury; $30,000 for injury or death of more through experiences similar to what you might face than one person in an accident years, you may get only liability insurance. Li- and have witnessed the various stages of adjusting to [email protected] ability insurance costs considerably less than a new culture. • Property damage: $10,000 per accident 2 Ask questions. Most U.S. students are complete coverage. Ask your insurance agent. There appears to be a pattern of cultural adjustment, very willing to answer questions. It is recommended that you obtain insurance which occurs over a period of several weeks or months. in excess of the legal minimum requirements. 3 Try not to evaluate or judge. Many New students feel excited and happy to be at La Sierra If you have an accident resulting in damages in COMPANIES: University and in the U.S., where everything is new, international students express concern as to excess of your insurance coverage, you may be esurance - 1.877.596.8115 / esurance.com challenging, and exhilarating. how far they should go in adapting to the U.S. personally liable if a lawsuit is filed against you. Try to think of customs as different from your Geico Insurance - 1.800.861.8380 / www.geico. For some students the novelty can soon wear off and Even if you do not own considerable assets at own rather than better or worse than your com you may begin to experience difficulty adjusting to the time of your lawsuit, you may lose these your new life in the U.S. Things may be more difficult own customs. assets as well as a portion of your future earn- Allstate Insurance - 1.888.389.6578 / www.all- than you first expected; you may begin to miss your 4 Show openness and curiosity; be open ings. In addition, if you buy a car with a loan, state.com accustomed ways of dealing with school or work, social to new experiences. you should expect to pay for comprehensive Progressive Insurance - 1.800.776.4737 / www. relationships, and everyday life. Speaking and listening and collision insurance. to English every day may require a very large effort for 5 Show a sense of humor. If you can laugh progressive.com those of you whose native language is not English. You You can get higher coverage for personal liabil- at your mistakes it will ease your anxiety. may start to feel homesick, miss your family and friends, ity and property damage with small additional 6 Plan your time well. Set aside time for and idealize your life back home while being highly payments. Other types of insurance coverage critical of life in the U.S. Some call this a “culture shock,” relaxation, sightseeing, and social activities. also include: WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT and it can include the following reactions: frustration, 7 Involve yourself in the many social, 1 Collision coverage: pays for repair anxiety, anger, minor health problems, disruptions in If you are involved in an accident, do not leave your eating and sleeping habits, lack of motivation, cultural, and recreational activities provided at damage to your own car caused by a colli- La Sierra and in the immediate area. sion with another vehicle or object the scene of the accident. It is a crime difficulty in forming new friendships, and periods of to do so. Ask someone not involved in the feeling both good and bad about your new life. These 8 Develop new support groups: through 2 Comprehensive coverage: pays for accident to telephone the Police Depart- are natural reactions to living in a new culture. student organizations, departmental damage to your car caused by reasons other ment. When the police arrive, they will ob- It is important, however, to recognize what is happening friendships, religious or cultural organizations. than collision, such as fire, theft, windstorm, and to realize that your reactions are common. Instead and flood tain all the necessary information, arrange 9 Be open to discussing your concerns of withdrawing, it is best to reach out to friends and 4 Medical coverage: pays for injuries to for an ambulance or towing truck, if neces- ask for help. You may face problems unlike those you with your faculty advisor, staff at the OISS, yourself or your passengers sary, and then give you permission to leave. faced at home, and the support system upon which resident staff, or counselors at the Counseling If your camera is at hand, take photographs. you relied at home is not in place here; therefore, it is Center. While it is often very difficult to discuss 5 Uninsured motorists: a person who is important to build a new one. personal issues with others, there are many not covered by insurance. Uninsured motor- Also exchange insurance information with Adjustment to another culture is often a long and confidential counseling services available to ist coverage is strongly recommended the parties involved in the accident (Ask for: difficult process, aggravated sometimes by the you at La Sierra. The cost of insurance coverage depends on: 1) the name of the person, 2) telephone additional stress of being in a very different and The OISS staff is here to offer advice and age and sex of the driver; driving record; place number, 3) insurance company name, 4) demanding educational system. Struggles with assistance in any way possible in order to of residence; year, make and model of the ve- policy number, 5) driver’s license number, 6) thoughts of going home before completing a degree, help you settle into your life at La Sierra hicle to be insured; whether one is eligible for frustration at language difficulties, and long study car license plate number, and 7) write down University. Please do not hesitate to come the “good student” discount (grade point aver- periods are common concerns among international the car make, model and color. Notify your to talk with us. If e-mailing feels better for age of 3.0 or higher and under age 24); and the students. Those students, who are accompanied by insurance company right away. you, write to us at [email protected]. different types and amounts of coverage of the families, have the added problem of helping spouses and families adjust to life in the U.S. insurance policy. Dealing with these feelings rather than ignoring them may be helpful in adjusting successfully to the U.S. 26 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 27 “American” Values & Assumptions Living in a foreign country and adjusting to a U INDIVIDUALISM AND PRIVACY new culture can be a very rewarding experi- The most important thing to under- ence but a hard one if you do not understand stand about Americans is probably the values of the society. To help you adjust, their devotion to “individualism.” They we have compiled a brief explanation of why have been trained since early in their Americans behave the way they do. This adap- lives to consider themselves as sepa- tation comes from the first 17 pages of Gary rate individuals who are responsible Althen’s book, American Ways: A Guide for For- for their own situations in life and their eigners in the United States (Intercultural Press). own destinies. They have not been As people grow up, they learn certain values and trained to see themselves as members assumptions from their parents and other rel- of a close-knit, tightly interdependent atives, their teachers, books, newspapers, and family, religious group, tribe, nation, or television programs. “Values” are ideas about other collectivity. what is right and wrong, desirable and unde- sirable, normal and abnormal, proper and im- u THE FUTURE, CHANGE, AND proper. In some cultures, for example, people PROGRESS are taught that men and women should inhabit COPING WITH STRESS separate social worlds with some activities in the University life produces pressures and conflicts that can Many people in America are generally men’s domain and others clearly in the women’s. affect your personal life or studies in a negative way. less concerned about history and tra- In other cultures that value is not taught, or at Sometimes family problems develop while you are a ditions than are people from older so- least not widely. Men and women are considered student. You may feel lonely, anxious, or depressed, cieties. “History doesn’t matter,” many to have equal access to most roles in the society. have difficulty sleeping or studying, feel withdrawn from of them will say, “It’s the future that others, or under stress. You may experience an “emo- counts.” They look ahead. They have “Assumptions,” as the term is used tional crisis” which does not disappear even after you the idea that what happens in the fu- here, are the unquestioned given have talked with a friend or your department advisor. ture is within their control, or at least about people, life, and “the way In times as these, the Counseling Center can offer you subject to their influences. They believe things are.” confidential and professional psychological help. There that people, as individuals or work- People who grow up in a particular culture share are counselors experienced in working with the prob- ing cooperatively together can change certain values and assumptions. That does not lems of students in a university community. Talking to most aspects of the physical and social mean they share these values to exactly the a professional counselor will help you deal with your environment if they decide things to same extent; it means that most of them, most problems, whether personal, academic, or emotional. do and a schedule for doing them. The of the time agree with each others’ ideas about The Counseling Center provides a safe, free, and confi- ideal person is punctual (that is, arrives what is right and wrong, desirable and undesir- dential environment, which you can use as an outlet for at the scheduled time for a meeting or able, and so on. They also agree, mostly, with your problems. This is a free service for all LSU students event) and is considerate of other peo- each other’s assumptions about human nature, ple’s time (that is, does not “waste peo- social relationships, and so on. The Counseling Center is located in The Convenience ple’s time” with conversation or other Center Their phone number is (951) 785-2011 or activity that has no visible, beneficial Notice that these values and assumptions over- (951) 785 2222 (emergency) . 11498 Pierce St. Suite outcome). lap with, and support, each other. They fit togeth- #B Riverside CA 92505. We suggest you bring your er. A culture can be viewed as a collection of val- personal prescription with you. Bring 6-12 months of ues and assumptions that go together to shape medication you take consistently. the way a group of people perceive and relate to the world around them.

28 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 29 “American” Values & Assumptions DIRECTNESS & b ASSERTIVENESS TTHE CONCEPT OF TIME y INFORMALITY g EQUALITY Americans generally consider themselves to For Americans, time is a “resource” that can be used be frank, open, and direct in their dealings with well or poorly. “Time is money,” they say. “You only other people. “Let’s lay our cards out on the ta- get so much time in this life; you’d better use it wise- Their notion of equality leads Americans to be Americans are also distinctive in the degree to ble,” they say. Or, “let’s stop playing games and ly.” The future will not be better than the past or the quite informal in their behavior and in their re- which they believe in the idea, as stated in their get to the point.” These and many other com- present, as Americans are trained to see things, un- lationships with other people. Store clerks and Declaration of Independence, that “all men are cre- mon phrases convey the Americans’ idea that less people use their time for constructive, future waiters, for example, may introduce themselves ated equal.” Although they sometimes violate people should explicitly state what they think oriented tasks. Thus, Americans admire a “well orga- by their first (given) names and treat customers in the ideal in their daily lives, particularly in mat- and what they want from other people. nized” person, one who has written lists of things to a casual, friendly manner. This informal behavior ters of interracial relationships, Americans have Americans tend to assume that conflicts or dis- do and a schedule for doing them. The ideal person can puzzle foreign visitors from countries where it a deep faith that in some fundamental way all agreements are best settled by means of forth- is punctual and is considerate of other people’s time. is not assumed that “all people are created equal.” people (at least all American people) are of equal right discussions among the people involved. The American attitude towards time is not necessar- People from societies where general behavior is value, that no one is born superior to anyone If I dislike something you are doing, I should ily shared by others, especially non-Europeans. They more formal than it is in America are struck by else. “One person, one vote,” they say, convey- tell you about it directly so you will know, clear- are more likely to conceive of time as something that the informality of American speech, dress and ing the idea that any person’s opinion is as valid ly and from me personally, how I feel about it. is simply there around them, not something they can postures. and worthy of attention as any other person’s Bringing another a person to mediate a dis- “use.” One of the more difficult things many foreign opinion. Americans are generally quite uncom- pute is considered somewhat cowardly, or that business people and students must adjust to in the Idiomatic, or improper, speech (commonly called fortable when someone treats them with obvi- the person does not have enough courage to States is the notion that time must be saved whenev- “slang”) is heavily used on most occasions, with ous deference. They dislike being the subjects of speak directly to someone else. er possible and used wisely every day. formal speech reserved for public events, schol- open displays of respect, being bowed to, being Americans will often speak openly and directly In their efforts to use their time wisely, Americans are arly writings, and fairly formal situations. People deferred to, and being treated as though they to others about things they dislike. They will try sometimes seen by foreign visitors as automatons, of almost any station in life can be seen in public could do no wrong. to do so in a manner they call “constructive,” inhuman creatures that are so tied to their clocks wearing jeans, sandals, or other informal attire. that is, in a manner, which the other person will and their schedules that they cannot participate in People slouch down in chairs or lean on walls or It is not just males who are created equal in the American conception, but females too. While not find offensive or unacceptable. If they do or enjoy the human interactions that are the truly furniture when they talk, rather than maintaining not speak openly about what is on their minds, important things in life. “They are like little machines an erect posture. Americans often violate the idea in practice, they do generally assume that women are the equals they will often convey their reactions in non- running around,” one foreign visitor said. The superficial friendliness for which Americans of men, deserving the same level of respect. verbal ways (without words, but through facial Members of the OISS staff are available to talk with are so well known is related to their informal, expressions, body positions, and gestures). you about the ways in which differences in cultural egalitarian approach to other people. “Hi!” they This is not to say that Americans make no dis- Americans are not taught, as people in many values may be affecting your life in this new environ- will say to just about anyone. “How ya doin?” (That tinctions among themselves as a result of such Asian countries are, that they should mask ment. You can visit us, call us, or e-mail us! is “How are you doing?” or “”How are you?”) This factors as sex, age, wealth, or social position— their emotional responses. Their words, the If you would like to purchase the book American behavior reflects less a special interest in the per- they do. But the distinctions are acknowledged tone of their voices, or their facial expressions Ways: A Guide for Foreigners in the United States son addressed than a concern for showing that in subtle ways. Tone of voice, order of speaking, will usually reveal when they are feeling angry, by Gary Althen to learn more about the American one is a “regular person.” choice of words, and seating arrangements are unhappy, confused, or happy and content. culture, visit the LSU Bookstore or go on-line to some of the means by which Americans acknowl- http://www.amazon.com and purchase it with your edge status differences among themselves. credit card. ACHIEVEMENT, ACTION, $ WORK, AND MATERIALISM

“He’s a hard worker,” one American might say efforts to accomplish some physical, measurable One more thought ... in praise of another. Or “she gets the job done.” thing. Social psychologists use the term “achieve- Beware of “get rich quick” offers that you might receive in the mail, over the telephone or via e-mail. These expressions convey the typical Ameri- ment motivation” to describe what appears to be Be very cautious about responding to offers that entice you to buy something or make a toll phone can’s admiration for a person who approaches the intention underlying American’s behavior. call in order to “claim your prize.” Most likely, it is a scam! And DO NOT provide your financial informa- a task conscientiously and persistently and sees Foreign visitors commonly remark that, “Americans tion to anyone unless you are absolutely certain of who they are and what they need it for. Legitimate it through a successful conclusion. More than work harder than I expected them to.” A hard worker banking institutions will not ask you to provide your password, name, or account, for instance, in- that, these expressions convey an admiration for is one who “gets right to work” on a task in a way that formation via e-mail. For more information about on-line scams and how to protect yourself, visit achievers, people whose lives are centered on meets reasonably high standards of quality. the OISS web site at http://www.lasierra.edu/international.

30 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 31 O HEALTH & WELLNESS EMERGENCY RESOURCES HOW TO USE YOUR GGH WORLD- ) LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICES Serious Emergency: dial 911 for immediate WIDE HEALTH INSURANCE police, ambulance, or fire department service from any telephone. If on campus, dial 9-911. In order to use your international insurance, The La Sierra University Health Services is locat- And they are 24 hours on-call for Resi- Poisoning: dial 1-800-876-4766, TDD 1-800- you must have an insurance card. Please stop ed on 11498 Pierce Street, Suite A, next to the dence Hall Students. 972-3323 (for the hearing impaired). by OISS to print your card or go, if you know La Sierra Market, and has a full-time medical your certificate number, to http://www.ggh- A physician is on-call and other professionals Note: if you seek care at the emergency room director, medical assistant, and part-time phy- students.com/ to print your card. You will be are on duty for urgent care at all times. If you of a hospital, you will be billed. Therefore, al- sicians with a comprehensive program of medi- become ill or injure yourself between 8:30 a.m. ways carry your insurance card with you! required to log in. You will have to print your cal care. Their phone number is (951) 785-2200. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays or between 8:30 insurance card at the time of registration and The Student Health Service is open a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Fridays and need urgent then every January and July, as we renew the during the following hours: medical care, go directly to Health Services. If MEDICAL REFERRAL SERVICES insurance in 6 months increments. you become ill or injure yourself at any other Mondays 8:30am - 4::30 pm To find a doctor near you that is part of the Our insurance plan is very comprehensive. time, call campus security at (951) 785-2222, HTH Worldwide network, visit Health Ser- Tuesdays: 8:30am - 4:30 pm However, you must start at our campus Health and ask for the nurse on-call. For life threaten- vices or log on to http://www.gghstudents. Wednesdays: 8:30am - 4:30 pm ing emergencies, call 911 (9-911 if dialing from com and select a doctor from the insurance Services. If you have any problems, feel sick, Thursdays: 8:30am - 4:30 pm campus). Health Services provides services network; otherwise, the insurance compa- or need medical attention, you must visit our Friday: 8:30am - 12:00pm only to international students covered by HTH ny may not cover your charges. Health Services prior to seeing a doctor out- Saturdays: Closed Worldwide Insurance. side the University. If necessary, our Health Sundays: Closed Services will refer you to an outside physician MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR FAMILY that is part of the insurance network. MEMBERS Even though our insurance program is very You are urged to take measures for adequate comprehensive, it has its limitations. One of ) MEDICAL INSURANCE insurance for family members who are with you at La Sierra University. Medical care and the most important limitations is that it will La Sierra University requires all its international hospitalization are extraordinarily expensive only cover your medical expenses if you vis- students to maintain adequate health insurance NOTE ON MEDICATIONS: in the U.S. and non-residents are not eligi- ited a physician who is part of their network throughout the duration of their visa status. It is not possible in the United States to pur- ble for public welfare of any kind—including or PPO (preferred provider organization). It is Therefore, the OISS offers a comprehensive insur- chase antibiotics and most medications without health care. for this reason that you must first consult with ance plan just for international students through a prescription from a U.S. doctor. DO NOT GO Insurance is one of the safest ways to protect our campus Health Services before you see a HTH Worldwide. Your insurance plan will be pur- TO MEXICO TO PURCHASE MEDICATION. If yourself and your family members against doctor outside of the University. chased for you at the time of registration and will you need help trying to find out what the name high medical costs, should they become seri- be automatically renewed throughout your stay of a medication or illness is in English, you can ously ill while in the U.S. For a complete list of the plan’s limitations and at La Sierra, including summer and vacation pe- just visit the Health Services web site and use exclusions, visit the OISS web site at http:// riods. The insurance fees will be automatically their very useful translation guides or ask a staff The OISS suggests that, if you have family www.lasierra.edu/international/. charged to your student account. For the current member at the OISS to help you find the name. members with you and they do not have in- fees amounts, contact the OISS. http://www.lasierra.edu/health/. surance coverage, you consider electing to If problems arise or if you have questions, take additional insurance with the HTH World- please see or call the medical assistant in the Only under extraordinary circumstances, the wide plan. Inquiries can be made at the OISS Health Services, (951) 785-2200. OISS will waive the required medical insur- Office or by visiting the HTH Worldwide web ance coverage by HTH Worldwide. Petitions O site at http://www.gghstudents.com/. to waive the medical insurance must be submitted in writing with proof of comparable medical coverage to the Director of Interna- tional Student Services.

32 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 33 Immigration regulations for non-immigrant students IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS

Please note that the information in this hand- For additional and up-to date information on book is a quick summary of the regulations these regulations and other immigration relat- and procedures covering F-1 non-immigrants. ed topics, please visit the United States Citizen- Because rules and regulations are constantly ship and Immigration Services (USCIS) web site, changing, the information provided here should http://www.uscis.gov, and the United States PASSPORT VISA not be used as a legal reference but only as a U.S. Visas Department of State at www.travel. Your passport must be valid at all times while you The United States government issues a number guide. state.gov are in the U.S. Anytime you need to interact with of different visas to immigrants from all over the the USCIS or reenter the U.S., your passport must world. The visa stamped in your passport allows be valid for at least six (6) months into the future. you to enter the U.S., and must be valid any time If you need to renew your passport from within TO MAINTAIN YOUR LEGAL IMMIGRATION STATUS IN THE U.S., YOU MUST: you wish to enter the country. the U.S., contact your nearest consulate or embas- Most likely, you will have received either an F-l visa sy in Washington D.C. You can access the address (student). However, your dependents should have Register full-time at all times, and complete each term as a full-time student and phone number of your nearest consulate office received an F-2, type visa. The OISS is prepared to 01 (undergraduate/ESL/Certificate students, 12 units; graduate students, 8 units). from the OISS web site. Your consulate may require assist those students with the F visas. If you have Students must be registered for three consecutive terms (quarters) before be- a letter from LSU certifying your student status or another type of visa, please alert the OISS immigra- ing allowed to take a quarter off as a break. other items in order to renew your passport. You may obtain a Certificate of Studies Letter from the tion staff so we can be sure to give you the proper Keep your LSU I-20 (F-l students) valid and correct at all times. This includes OISS web site. information and contacts. 02 making sure that your I-20 has been activated in the new Student and Exchange Some visas are issued for “multiple entry” and oth- Visitor Information System (SEVIS). In addition, you need to make sure that ers for a “single entry” into the U.S. If you have a your I-20 does not expire and is current with your major. Letting your I-20 form “multiple entry” visa, you can use it to re-enter the expire will result in falling out of F-1 status. U. S. a number of times during the period of validity as long as your passport and I-20 are also valid. Do not work without written authorization from the USCIS or the OISS as re- Once you have entered the U.S., your visa stamp 03 quired by law. CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY, may expire; you will remain “legal” in the U.S., if Report all change to the USCIS through our OISS office within 10 days. Chang- I-20 you maintain your status (i.e., have a valid I-20 and es include: your address in the U.S., change of major/program, and change of The I-20 that is issued to you by LSU is the primary re- enroll full-time). If you plan on traveling outside of 04 academic level. To notify the USCIS of your new or changed address, Go to our cord of your student status in the U.S. This document the U.S. but your visa has expired, you will need OISS website www.lasierra.edu/oiss Click on “Change of Address” and fill out must be valid at all times. Therefore, if you change to apply for a new visa sticker at one of the U.S. and submit the form. For more information, call our office directly at (951) 785- your degree program or your field of study (major), Consulates abroad before you can re-enter the United States. 2237. or email us at [email protected]. you must apply to the OISS for a new I-20. In addition, Prior to applying for a new visa abroad you should if your I-20 is about to expire, you must apply to the 05 Keep your passport valid at all times. consult the U.S. Consulate’s web site in that country OISS for a replacement about one (1) month prior to Contact the OISS to discuss immigration procedures if you wish to transfer to for local application procedures To find out about the expiration of this document. The expiration date U.S. Consulates abroad, visit the OISS web site. You another institution, change your status, or drop below full-time status. Drop- can be found in Section #5 of the I-20. 06 ping below full-time without proper authorization will result in losing your im- are also encouraged to stop by the OISS to discuss migration status. Important: Your I-20 will automatically expire if you renewing your visa abroad. 07 complete your academic program or stop taking Re-entry into the U.S. from Canada or Mexico is Submit required tax forms and pay any taxes due. classes prior to the date printed on the form. possible with an expired visa stamp. Please stop by the OISS for further information prior to leaving! It is your responsibility to know and understand how immigration regula- 08 tions affect a given situation. If you have any questions or concerns about your immigration status, arrange to meet with an OISS staff member. DO NOT ASK YOUR FRIENDS FOR IMMIGRATION ADVICE.

34 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 35 You are allowed to take a quarter off as your vaca- the written notation “D/S” on their I-94.This notation tion if you have completed three consecutive previ- Note: If the US Immigration & Citizenship signifies that you have been admitted to the U.S. for ous quarters of full-time studies. For example, if you Enforcement (US ICE) contacts the OISS, “Duration of Status.” Therefore, as long as you “main- first registered for Fall Quarter and maintain full time we have a legal responsibility to inform I-94 & “DURATION OF STATUS” tain your student status” you can legally stay in the U.S. status both Winter and Spring Quarters, you will be them of your past registration record. In able to take the following Summer Quarter as your F-1 Visa Holders: “Duration of Status” for an F-l student all other cases, the information in your Each person entering the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa vacation period (if you have not violated your status file at the OISS is confidential and will not will receive an automated I-94 (Admission/Departure includes the period of time it takes to complete a full- in any other way). You would not be eligible to take be made available. Therefore, it is essen- Record) on which your admission number, name, date time academic program plus sixty days. If, however, the Spring Quarter as vacation since you would only tial that all F-1 students observe the reg- of birth, country of citizenship, date and place of entry, the student violate his/her F-1 student status, there is have completed two quarters of studies. Students istration dates and unit commitments. visa status, and date until which you are permitted to no 60-day grace period. starting their programs in the Winter and/or Spring stay are recorded. Instead of an actual date to which quarter will have to be registered during the Sum- you are permitted to stay, most students should have mer quarter to maintain their legal status. Failure to enroll for classes during your WARNING: If you fail to register non-vacation time may lead you to lose or complete the proper number of units, IMMIGRATION BENEFITS AND PRO- your F-1 status. you will violate your legal status. CEDURES ) DROPPING BELOW FULL-TIME STATUS By law, students are not allowed to “drop below full-time sta- V tus” unless: SEVIS REGISTRATION 1 It is the first quarter you are here and you have been im- SEVIS stands for Student and Ex- The U.S. government requires MINIMUM properly placed in your level, have initial difficulty in reading or change Visitor Information Sys- all students holding F-l visas the english language, or you are unfamiliar with U.S. teaching tem. The Department of Home- to register each quarter for a 12 UNITS methods. land Security (DHS) created this minimum amount of units to PER QUARTER U 2 You are ill and cannot attend classes due to medical rea- internet-based system in order maintain their legal status in N 3 QUARTERS D sons. A doctor’s notice in official letterhead is required. to maintain current information the U.S. All undergraduate stu- E M R A YEAR A on non-immigrant students, ex- dents must take at least twelve G R 3 It is the last quarter prior to the completion of your pro- G change visitors, and their depen- (12) credit units per quarter. All RA O DUA E PR gram and there are no more classes you can take. dents (i.e. all those in the F, M, or graduate students must enroll T J visa status). SEVIS tracks F, M, for at least eight (8) units. The There are no exceptions to these rules. If you fail to consult the and J visa holders from the time U.S. government will only allow OISS and obtain the Designated School Official’s (DSO) permis- they receive their documents three units per quarter of on- sion prior to dropping below full-time, you will be automatical- (I-20, visa, etc.) until they com- line/distance education course ly “out-of-status” and must apply for reinstatement. Your aca- plete their program. SEVIS links work to count toward your full- MINIMUM demic advisor cannot approve the under enrollment for you. with colleges and universities, time units. Therefore, you must U.S. embassies and consulates complete nine units of credit 8 UNITS abroad, U.S. ports of entry, the in the classroom (undergradu- PER QUARTER G Department of State, and other ates) and six units (graduates) to R 3 QUARTERS A ) REPORTING NEW ADDRESS/CHANGE OF ADDRESS government entities. maintain your status. D A YEAR U By law, you are required to report your new address to the OISS or the USCIS within 10 days of your A TE moving to a new location. To report your new address, Complete the online form that is available P AM ROGR on our website at http://www.lasierra.edu/oiss/. Once you arrive on our website, click “Change of Address”. For more information, email us at [email protected] or call our office at 951.785.2237.

36 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 37 ) PROGRAM EXTENSION

F-l students are admitted to the United States for “duration of status” or “D/S,” and must complete their academic program by the completion date on CHANGE OF DEGREE OR MAJOR TRANSFERRING TO A NEW SCHOOL the I-20 or they must apply for a program extension ) WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE before their I-20 expires. Program extensions can be When a student changes degree or ma- To transfer to a new school from LSU*, you CONTACTED BY THE FBI OR OTHER given to students who have continually maintained jor (BA to BS; MA to MBA; accounting to must complete the following: status and whose completion dates have been de- marketing, for instance) the DSO uses GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY layed due to academic or medical reasons ONLY. You the “profile update” procedure in SEVIS Inform the OISS of your intention to trans- must apply for a program extension 30 days before to alert USCIS of the change and pro- fer to the new school. In addition to keeping your immigration the completion date on the I-20; otherwise, you will documents and status in good standing, vides the student with a new 1-20 form. You must apply and be accepted to the be considered “out-of-status” and will need to apply you should familiarize yourself with your new school you would like to transfer to for reinstatement. rights and responsibilities as a non-citizen prior to transferring. Acceptable academic delays include: (1) change in TO CHANGE YOUR of the United States so that you are able to the major field of study, (2) change in research top- MAJOR/DEGREE Once accepted to the new school, provide respond appropriately to any contact initi- ic, (3) unexpected research problems, (4) lost credits the OISS with a transfer-eligibility form ated by a U.S. governmental authority. upon transfer to school, or (5) insufficient time for 1 Complete a “Change of Major” form from the new school and fill out an LSU If contacted or detained, at the very least, average students to complete studies in the partic- (available in the OISS web site). The Transfer Out form. you should be allowed to contact your con- ular program. Delays caused by medical reasons Advising Office and the Student The OISS will transfer your record electron- sulate for advice and assistance before en- require documentation. If the delay is for academic Financial Services Office must also ically to the new school via SEVIS. tering into a formal interview or meeting reasons, it is advisable to have documentation from sign this form. the academic advisor confirming the reason and the Obtain and sign the new I-20 form from with a representative of a United States 2 Return the form to the OISS to ob- expected date of completion. The DSO may request the new school. governmental agency. To find the location tain an updated I-20 form. a letter from the academic advisor stating the reason of the nearest consulate, please visit the for the delay and the expected date of completion. *In order for LSU to release your I-20 to a differ- OISS web site. You should also keep with CHANGE OF PROGRAM OR LEVEL ent school, your financial balance must be paid you the number of an immigration attor- Academic and/or school citizenship probation or in full. First-time in the country international ney. If you should need assistance in lo- suspension is not an acceptable reason for delay. When a student changes programs or students must complete a full quarter of enroll- cating legal representation, please contact Individuals who have not maintained status or who levels (from ESL to BA; BA to MBA for in- ment at LSU prior to being allowed to requesting OISS at (951) 785-2237. have delays due to academic and/or school citizen- stance), but remains at the same school, a transfer out. ship probation or suspension must apply for rein- the DSO uses the “program update” statement. procedure in SEVIS to alert USCIS of the TO REQUEST A PROGRAM EXTENSION change and provides the student with a new I-20 form. ) To make an application for a program extension, you SPECIAL REGISTRATION OF FOREIGN NATIONALS (NSEERS) must submit the following documents to the OISS at TO CHANGE PROGRAM/LEVEL At present, the government has one special registration system called NSEERS (Na- least 30-days prior to the completion date: tional Entry-Exit Registration System) for male individuals who enter the United 1 Complete a “Change of Program” States, and are from the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangla- 1 Completed “Program Extension” form signed by form (available in the OISS web desh, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, your academic advisor or department head stat- site). The Office of Admissions and North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, ing the reasons for the delay and the expected Student Financial Services must United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. If you are a male F-1 student and fall under the date of completion (this form is available in the also sign this form and you must be NSEERS regulations, remember that you must register upon entry AND exit of the OISS web site). The Office of Student Financial Ser- accepted to the new program prior United States, and can only do so from designated Port of Entries (POE). For a com- vices must also sign the form. to changing your 1-20 form. plete list of NSEERS approved POEs, visit the OISS web site. 2 Return the form to the OISS to ob- 2 Current I-20 form. tain the updated I-20 form.

38 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 39

Generally, a student may not continue to work G ) ON-CAMPUS upon completion of a program of study. A stu- EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT BEFORE dent who has been in status and received an I-20 form from another school that he or she TRANSFERRING TO ANOTHER intends to attend the next regular term can only ON-CAMPUS OFF-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT CAMPUS work for the institution that has his or her SEVIS record. Therefore, if you completed your stud- EMPLOYMENT Financial Hardship ies at LSU and transfer to a new school, you will F-l students who are maintaining status An F-1 student who has maintained F-l status for an aca- not be allowed to work on the La Sierra campus. may engage in on-campus employment. demic year (9 months) and is in good immigration standing

Employment is limited to no more than 20 may apply for “off-campus employment based on econom- hours per week while school is in session. ic hardship.” Economic hardship refers to financial prob- Students may work full-time during vaca- lems as the result of a problem beyond the student’s con- PRACTICAL/ACADEMIC TRAINING IN tion periods as long as they have main- trol such as losing a graduate assistantship, the death of a tained status and they intend to register financial sponsor, inflation in the home country causing the devaluation of currency or exchange rate, etc. YOUR FIELD OF STUDY the following term. The 20-hour limit applies to all types of employment including Documentation must demonstrate that part-time employ- assistantships—the total hours per week ment opportunities through on-campus employment are CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING (CPT) To apply for Curricular Practical Training, you must not exceed 20 hours. insufficient. Students are required to make a good faith must make an appointment with an OISS staff Curricular Practical Training (CPT), employment effort in locating employment on-campus before applying and bring the following documents: International students will be approved to for employment based on economic hardship. Students which is an integral part of an established curric- work full-time only during vacation peri- in English language programs are ineligible for economic ulum, is available to F-l students who have been ods as listed in the official academic calen- hardship. lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least 1 Completed CPT application form (available dar and their quarter off. Typically, this will nine (9) consecutive months. The nine-month To apply for authorization to obtain employment based on in the OISS web site). The academic advisor must include the summer break, Thanksgiving economic hardship, you must make an appointment with in-status rule may be waived for graduate stu- sign the form. break, Christmas break, and spring break. an OISS staff and bring the following documents: dents whose programs require employment be- Students finishing classes before these fore nine months have passed. Undergraduate 2 Letter from the department head, in letter- breaks officially start will be required to 1 Completed EAD I-765 application form (available in the students must have completed nine months of head, and a copy of the page in the La Sierra Uni- wait until the actual beginning of the vaca- OISS web site) full-time study to be eligible for any form of CPT. versity Bulletin indicating that the employment tion period to start full-time work. Students in English language programs are ineli- (i.e. internship, volunteer work) is required of all 2 Supporting materials documenting the unforeseen na- gible for curricular practical training. Upon completion of your program of students in this major to complete the program. ture of the economic hardship and the unavailability of em- The letter should include the number of hours per study, you may not work on-campus un- ployment on campus (personal letter, bank statements, etc.) To be considered for CPT, the work must not less you have received an I-20 form for a only be related to the major field of study, but week you are expected to work and the name of new program or have received an Employ- 3 Letter from the Human Resources Office stating that the company. must also be an integral or important part of the ment Authorization Document (EAD) for there are no on-campus jobs available to sustain your finan- established curriculum. 3 Letter from employer, on letterhead, indi- Optional Practical Training. (OPT). Stu- cial need CPT may be part time or full time. Employment cating job title, dates of employment, number of dents may not work during their 60-day hours of work per week, place of employment 4 Passport (valid for at least six months) and I-94 auto- for 20 hours or less per week is considered part- grace period. (physical address), and brief description of work. mated card time CPT; employment for more than 20 hours On-campus employment performed for per week is considered full-time CPT. Students 4 Valid I-20, passport and I-94 card. the school is usually acceptable, whether 5 Two pictures (see EAD application for format) should be aware that they will not be eligible the employment is in the library, the com- for Post-completion Optional Practical Training 6 Processing fee puter center, bookstore or the residence (OPT) (see below) if they accumulate 12 months You may not start work before you have been halls. Work required by a scholarship, fel- 7 Other documents that the U.S. government may require of full-time CPT. Currently, participation in part- authorized to do so by the OISS and DSO, and lowship, or assistantship is also consid- at time of application time CPT does not affect eligibility for Optional you can only work for the company and the ered employment by the school. To find an Practical Training. dates specified on the I-20 form. on-campus job, visit the Human Resources Office located in the Administration Build- WARNING: Working off-campus without a ing, or call them at (951) 785-2088; http:// work permit is a serious violation of your legal www.lasierra.edu/hr/. status, and could be grounds for deportation.

40 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 41 OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) NOTES: • One year of OPT is available after Students who have been a full-time student in good standing for at least 1 full academic year completing each higher-level degree TAXES and who have completed their course of study program. may apply for post-completion OPT. • A job offer is not required to apply All international students, NO INCOME INCOME While on F-1 OPT, the work you perform must for OPT cholars, and their depen- direclty relate to your major area of study. This All international students, All international students dents present in the U.S. employment is to gain practical experience in • More than 90 days of unemploy- scholars and dependents who earned income the previ- (30 days or more) during your field of study. An F-1 student may be au- must file FORM 8843 ous year and received a W-2, ment during OPT is a violation of F-1 any part of the previous cal- thorized up to a total of 12 months of full-time "Statement for Exempt" in- 1099-INT, 1099-MISC, 1042-S, status. endar year are responsible practical training at each educational level (e.g., dividuals. It is an informa- etc. will file the 1040NR-EZ as for filing annual tax forms undergraduate, graduate, doctorate). Students • Employment may occur anywhere tional statement required well as the Form 8843. (Excep- (tax returns). Filling tax who graduate in an appoved STEM degree pro- in the U.S. by the U.S. Internal Reve- tions apply to those students forms is required whether gram, may be eligible to apply for a 17-month nue Service (IRS). General- who have lived five year or • During OPT; you will continue to be you or your dependents STEM extension of their post-completion OPT. ly, you will not need a so- more in the U.S. in a F-1 visa status. worked or not. Applications for OPT at the earliest is 90 days cial security number to file Speack with the OISS for clar- before the program "completion date" and the • Once you complete your degree, you Form 8843. ification and watch for email latest that USCIS can receive your application is cannot work on-campus or off-cam- during tax season between 60 days after the program completion date. pus until you have the EAD/OPT card January-April. To apply for Optional Practical Training, you in your possession and your selected must make an appointment with an OISS staff start date has arrived. and bring the following documents: HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF MY COUNTRY • The average USCIS processing time Currently, La Sierra HAS A TAX TREATY WITH THE UNITED University Purchases 1. Completed EAD I-765 application form (avail- to issue the EAD/OPT card is 90 days. STATES? able in the OISS web site) You cannot expedite an application. Tax Software For The countries which have tax treaties with the U.S. cov- 2. Completed Verification of Completion of Stud- Our International • OISS recommends F-1 students do Students From ering scholarship/fellowship grants are listed below*: ies form (available in the OISS web site), signed not travel outside the U.S. while pend- by your academic advisor (graduate students) Glacier Tax Prep. We Belgium Kazakhstan Spain or record evaluator (undergraduate students) ing an OPT approval. Require A Fee For 3. Valid passport and I-94 card • OPT is available both before and af- Form And Filling. China Korea (Rep of) Thailand 4. Valid I-20 form Common- Luxembourg Trinidad and ter completing the degree program. wealth of Inde- Tobago 5. All prior EAD Cards (economic hardship (See the OISS for pre-OPT require- pendent States Morocco EAD’s, previous OPT’s). Tunisia ments) Cyprus Netherlands 6. Two pictures (see EAD application for proper Turkey format) FOR FURTHER Czech Republic Norway *for up to date 7. Processing fee INFORMATION Egypt Pakistan countries, visit the REGARDING TAXES France Philippines CONTACT: IRS web site. Germany Poland International Revenue Iceland Portugal ) F-2 VISA HOLDERS ) SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER Services www.irs.gov Indonesia Romania California Franchise Israel Russia # F-2 visa holders (the spouses and dependent If you will be employed in the United States, in- children of F-1’s) may not be employed while in cluding at La Sierra, you must obtain a U.S. so- Tax Board www.ftb. Japan Slovak Republic the United States and F-2 visa category under cial security number, which is used by the U.S. ca.gov any circumstance. government to identify wage earners for tax purposes. For more information about obtaining a social security number, see page 12.

42 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 43 ENTRY TO MEXICO ) TRAVELING ABROAD Citizens of certain countries who wish to TO ENTER ANOTHER COUNTRY visit Mexico are required to obtain a tourist (OTHER THAN CANADA AND visa from the Consulate General of Mexico. MEXICO) Visit the Consulate web site at http://www. When you leave the U.S, depending on where you consulmexny.org for more specific informa- are traveling and from what country you are a cit- tion about their office in Los Angeles. If you izen of, you may be required to obtain a visa to do need a visitor’s visa, you must present a enter the country of destination. For details re- properly endorsed I-20 along with the addi- garding visa requirements, contact the nearest tional application materials. consulate of each country you plan to visit. You can access the address and phone number of the TRAVELING WHILE WAITING FOR nearest consulate office from the OISS web site. OPT TO BE APPROVED It is recommended that you DO NOT travel TO RE-ENTER THE U.S. FROM outside the United States while your OPT ANOTHER COUNTRY (OTHER THAN petition is pending since you might not be CANADA AND MEXICO) allowed back in the country by the Port of In order to re-enter the U.S., you need to present Entry Officer when you try to re-enter the a valid passport and visa along with a properly U.S. If you need to travel, please discuss your endorsed I-20 to the United States Immigration options with an OISS staff member. and Customer Enforcement (US ICE) and/or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official at If you are denied re-entry, we will not be able the Port of Entry. To have your I-20 endorsed for to help you get back in the United States and travel, bring this document to the OISS at least your OPT application may be cancelled by seven (7) days prior to leaving on your trip. the USCIS. If your visa has expired, you will need to apply for a new visa at a US. Embassy or Consulate. Pri- TRAVEL WHILE ON OPT or to applying for a new visa abroad, you should USCIS regulations for F-l students require consult the U.S. Embassy or Consulate web site in that a student present an I-20 form endorsed that country for local application procedures and for travel within the last six months and a time lines. Consulate and embassy time-lines are posted on the OISS web site. valid EAD to reenter the United States along When applying for a new visa, you should be pre- with an employment letter. You should con- pared to present a valid passport, a properly en- sult with the OISS staff before traveling. To dorsed I-20, and evidence of financial support to enter the United States while on OPT, pay for your upcoming school year. In addition, the following documents are required: you may need to convince the consular officer that you have a residence abroad to which you 1. Valid passport Z intend to return. 2. Valid U.S. visa ENTRY TO CANADA 3. Endorsed I-20 form TRAVEL Citizens of certain countries who wish to vis- Always check with the OISS prior to traveling to assure that it Canada are required to obtain a visitor’s visa 4. Current proof of financial support your immigration paperwork is current and that you have the from the Canadian Consulate General. Visit the Canadian web site at http://www.losangeles.gc.ca 5. Proof of employment required documents to re-enter the United States. for more specific information about their office (letter of em ployment) in Los Angeles. If you do need a visitor’s visa, you 6. EAD (OPT) card must present a properly endorsed I-20 along with the additional application materials they require.

44 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 45 ) HOUSEHOLD ITEMS TRANSPORTATION TO THE AIR- SHOPPING NEW ITEMS PORT You can buy inexpensive new household goods at variety stores, discount stores, Transportation to and from Ontario, Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Ontario airports may be arranged discount drug stores, discount catalog stores, and department stores. for a fee through the OISS. For more information, please visit http://www.lasierra.edu/airport/. USED ITEMS RENTALS Furniture rent- Garage and yard sales offer low Used furniture stores are usually AIRLINE INFORMATION al companies are listed in the prices on used household items. more expensive than garage sales For airlines information, please visit our web site. yellow pages of the telephone The sales are usually held on and thrift shops. They are listed in directory under “Furniture Rent- weekends. Although prices are the yellow pages of the phone di- LOCAL TRAVEL AGENTS al.” They rent complete room marked, some bargaining is pos- rectory under “Furniture, Dealers, sets and individual pieces. Canyon Crest Travel: 5225 Canyon Crest Dr., Suite 1 sible. The sales are advertised on and Used.” Riverside, California • (951) 788- 7611 a Fridays and Saturdays in the clas- Adventist Community Service is TV rental companies are listed in European Travel: 6776 Magnolia Ave. sified section of local newspapers a non-profit organization of the the yellow pages under “Televi- sion Rental.” Riverside, California • (951) 684-4760 or 1-800-545-8653 under “Garage Sales.” Seventh-day Adventist Church Household Items are listed in the that helps people in need. They Washing machines and dryers AIRPORT DIRECTIONS BUS COMPANIES/SHUTTLE SERVICES classified section of local newspa- sell used furniture, clothes and may be rented from appliance Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) provide food free of charge to rental firms. They are listed in Greyhound: (951) 686-2345 pers under “Household Furnish- From LAX to LSU people who qualify for it. They the yellow pages under “Appli- Trailways: (800) 892-7979 ings,” “Antiques,” “Bargain Liners,” and “Miscellaneous.” Look for ads are open every Wednesday from ances - Household - Major Rent- Super Shuttle: (800) BLUE VAN (258-3826) Take Sepulveda Blvd. South Take 105 East in bulletin boards, newspapers, 8-10 a.m. in the La Sierra Univer- ing and Leasing.” If you live in the Xpress Shuttle: (800) I ARRIVE (427-7483) sity Church, Sierra Vista Chapel. Take 605 South or grocery stores. Residence Halls or on-campus You will need a verification form housing you do not need these! Take 91 East Rummage sales and flea markets, available in the Office of Student Exit Pierce St. Make a Left. Follow signs to similar to garage sales, but usual- The yellow pages of the phone Financial Services to access their ly larger, are often held in church- book has information on restau- LSU services. From LSU to LAX es and parking lots. They are also rants in the area. Riverside and the surrounding areas have a Take 91 West listed in the Classified, in regular great variety of restaurants to Take 605 North ads, or on posters in store windows. They have bargains in used satisfy all tastes and wallets. Take 105 West clothing, furniture, and house Exit Sepulveda Blvd. Make a Right. After wares. the tunnel, make a right. Ontario International Airport (ONT) From ONT to LSU Take Airport Exit towards Haven Ave. ) SHOPPING MALLS ) BUYING EVERYDAY ITEMS Make a right on Haven. Take 60 East. The closest shopping malls are: Food Stores are listed in the yellow pages of the Take I-15 South Galleria at Tyler (5 minutes from LSU) phone directory under “Grocers Retail.” In news- Take 91 East Riverside Plaza (10 minutes from LSU) papers you will find advertised specials for grocery Exit Pierce St. Make a Left. Follow sings to Corona Crossings (15 minutes from LSU) stores in the area. These advertised prices are usu- LSU Dos Lagos at Corona (18 minutes from LSU) ally good for one week and tend to be lower than From LSU to ONT Ontario Mills Mall (25 minutes from LSU) normal. Chain supermarkets have low prices on reg- Take 91 West Victoria Gardens (30 minutes from LSU) ular items, particularly the stores’ own brand. Small Take I-15 North Lake Elsinore Outlets (30 minutes from LSU) neighborhood grocery stores will have higher prices, but may be more convenient. Take I-10 West New Coast Plaza (55 minutes from LSU) Exit Archibald Ave. The Grove (60 minutes from LSU) Make a Left to airport entrance Cabazon Outlet Mall (60 minutes from LSU)

46 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 47 ) EATING FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS On-Campus LSU Cafeteria is where food is prepared and served. It costs money to bring dependents Eagle’s Nest is in the center of campus with a It is located in the Commons to the front of the cam- to the United States. Before issuing Christian coffee house atmosphere. It sells hot pus near the Administration building. The cafeteria and cold beverages along with cakes, muffins, prepares vegetarian and other ethnic dishes. any dependent documents, the Uni- doughnuts and hot meals when the cafeteria is versity will need to see evidence of closed. Tuesday Tunes is a weekly event, which Off-Campus adequate financial support for fam- may feature folk, gospel, jazz, reggae, or brass by There are several nearby restaurants where you can ily members. Estimates of expenses Christian artists from the campus or visiting musi- get very good deals, including good prices, fast ser- are available on the FSF. cians from the community. vice, international cuisine, and more. Please be aware that all dependents are not eligible for work authoriza- BRINGING FAMILY MEMBERS TO LA tion in the U.S. and you cannot de- pend on future work as proof of ad- SIERRA UNIVERSITY equate financial resources. F-2 visa holders (dependents of F-l Several international students at La Sierra University are accom- CULTURAL panied by their families. Often, family members will come to La ADJUSTMENT visa holders) are NOT allowed to Sierra University after the student has arrived and settled. FOR FAMILY work in the U.S. under any circum- It is important that all international students who are requesting MEMBERS stances. documents in order to bring family members to La Sierra Uni- Remember that while you are versity understand some of the challenges to be faced by depen- It is recommended that you com- here to be a student, family mem- dents. We hope that this information will help you think through plete, for yourself, a one page item- bers often spend a great deal of some of these issues. If you have further questions, the OISS ization of expenses for the last time alone until they establish staff will be pleased to assist you. friendships and a schedule of nine months (if a student) or for their own. Family members will six months (if a scholar)—including DEPENDENTS’ MEDICAL EXPENSES also need attention and you will tuition, books, medical expenses, Medical care in the U.S. is very expensive. This is especially true need to spend time with your automobile or transportation ex- when medical insurance is purchased for family members. How- family, sometimes when you feel ever it is extremely important that you purchase adequate health that you should be studying. penses, rent, food utilities, laundry, entertainment, clothes, and miscel- insurance for your family members. It is also very important to Family members may also expe- understand the medical coverage that you purchase. For example, rience loneliness and depression, laneous. You should then project does it cover pre-existing conditions? What are the benefits avail- and the demands that your stud- additional expenses for the family able for pregnancy? ies make on you can sometimes and assess whether you have the lead to conflict and tension. necessary funds to cover these expenses. CHILD CARE Children, age five and older, must attend school, as the law requires. Local public schools are free The cost for childcare is reasonable in the La If you receive financial support from of charge and serve specific geographic areas. To Sierra area. It is estimated that the month- a sponsor, either in the U.S. or over- register your child, you will need to take a copy of ly cost for full-time day-care can range from your lease (or some proof of your local address), seas, does the sponsor understand $480-$600 per month, depending on the age that some of the funds will be used of the child (this can mean anything from your child’s passport or birth certificate, and immu- $7.50 to $12 per hour). nization records. You should make inquiries to local to bring your family to this country? schools concerning the availability of programs in English as a Second Language and their starting dates.

48 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 49 CAMPUS SERVICES AND = INFORMATION

LA SIERRA SETTING UP YOUR POST OFFICE SPECIAL MAILING SERVICES Return Address. This has the same format as the UNIVERSITY destination address. Place the return address in E-MAIL ACCOUNT The LSU Post Office is located A Certificate of Mailing is a receipt showing evi- STUDENT the upper left corner of the letter or package. next to the Physical Plant De- dence of mailing. It does not provide insurance IDENTIFICATION All students who have registered partment in the Physical Plant coverage for loss or damage, nor does it pro- International Mail. The format for international CARD at La Sierra University have access Building. Their hours are: 10 vide proof of delivery. mail is very similar to that for domestic mail: to a free e-mail account provided a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Certified Mail provides proof of mailing and de- 1. Recipient’s name To get your La Sierra University by the University. To open your Thursday and 10 a.m. to 12 livery of mail. Certified mail service is available ID card, stop by the Office of Stu- e-mail account, stop by Ambs Hall 2. Recipient’s complete address (include p.m. on Friday. only for First-Class Mail or Priority Mail. Certi- dent Life in the Administration Room 119.To check your e-mail apartment/suite number) Building during orientation week. There are three basic means of fied mail is not available for international mail, from anywhere in the world, log in 3. Post office box number (if applicable) nor does it offer insurance protection. There you can have your picture to http://webmail.lasierra.edu/. sending mail in the U.S.: 4. City, State/Province, (use the correct state taken for the ID card. If you live Express Mail is the fastest Registered Mail is the most secure service op- If you would like to e-mail a fellow abbreviation!) and foreign ZIP code (very im- in the dormitories, you will utilize USPS service. It offers guaran- tion offered by the Postal Service. Registered student, their e-mail address will be portant!) your ID card to open the doors articles are placed under tight security from the first letter of their first name, teed delivery service 365 days after hours, the parking gate, and a year, including weekends and the point of mailing to the point of delivery. 5. Country in CAPITAL LETTERS to eat in the cafeteria. If you lose then the first three letters of their holidays. Return Receipt provides the sender with proof your card, notify the Office of Stu- last name, and the last three dig- of delivery. The return receipt shows who dent Life immediately. There is a its of their ID number followed by Priority Mail can be used when POSTAGE RATES @lasierra.edu. For example, Sample the overnight speed is not signed for the item, the time and the date that replacement fee of $20 for lost or Please visit the United States Postal Service (USPS) Student’s e-mail address would be needed but preferential han- it was delivered. stolen cards. web site for up-to-date rates. http://www.usps.com/ [email protected]. If you would dling is desired. Priority Mail common/category/postage.htm like to e-mail a staff or faculty mem- offers expedited delivery at the ADDRESSING YOUR MAIL FOR DELIVERY ber, their e-mail address is their first least expensive rate in the in- OTHER MAILING OPTIONS initial followed by the first seven let- dustry. For proper delivery of your mail, it is important Federal Express is an express delivery service ^ ters of their last name followed by to use complete address information in the des- First-Class Mail/Air Mail - Inter- that you can use to send letters and packages INTERNET ACCESS @lasierra.edu. For instance, your tination address. It is also advisable to include a national can be used for send- in the U.S. or abroad overnight or with a 3-day Favorite Professor’s e-mail address return address. All registered students at La ing letters, postcards, stamped service. It costs considerably more and you can will be [email protected]. Sierra University have access cards, greeting cards, person- Destination Address. Be sure to include the fol- also use our campus Post Office to send and re- to wireless internet through- al notes, checks, and money lowing information in the destination address: ceive FedEx packages. For more information on their services and rates, please visit them at out campus. There are several orders. Must weigh less than 1. Recipient’s name computer labs including the Li- 13 ounces. First-Class Mail is http://www.fedex.com. 2. Recipient’s complete street address (in- brary, MICOL (located in Ambs generally delivered overnight UPS is the preferred means of shipping bigger clude any apartment or suite number) Hall), the School of Business, to locally designated cities and items in the U.S. To ship an item or package with Residential Halls (Dorms), and within two (2) days to locally 3. Post office box number (if applicable) UPS, visit Shipping and Delivery located in Physical Price Science Complex where designated states within the 4. City, State, (use the correct state abbrevia- Plant. For more information on their services and you can check your e-mail U.S. International Air Mail av- tion!) and ZIP code (very important!) rates, please visit them at http://www.ups.com. and do your homework. If you erages six to nine days delivery have a laptop, all the dormito- depending on destination. ries are wireless.

50 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 51 ) CRIME PREVENTION, SAFETY & SECURITY Despite the idyllic setting and the lack of a reputation for a high crime H rate, the La Sierra University campus and surrounding areas have a surprisingly high rate of petty crimes and even felonies. For more information or to see the crime statistics, visit the La Sierra Security web LEAVING YOUR site at http://www.lasierra.edu/security/. ROOM, APARTMENT, HOUSE FOR THE LIBRARY e2Campus is a mass notification system that can alert students, fac- HOLIDAYS ulty, and staff with text messages via their cell phones and/or email. The La Sierra University Library With the widespread use of mobile phones, this method of communi- Make sure to secure your valu- exists to serve the instructional cation can increase safety on the La Sierra University campus. ables in a closet, locked trunk or and research needs of students storage locker. and faculty. A student ID card is Time-sensitive messages can now go wherever you are. In addition to Lock your doors and windows be- needed to check out books. cell phones, e2Campus enables La Sierra to send important campus information to you via our Web site, RSS, PDA, Email, Text Pager. The fore you leave. The library may seem, at first, choice is yours! This service is completely voluntary. . If you will be gone for a few days, challenging for students coming ask a friend to watch your place. from a different country. While Instructions on e2campus will take place during registration. general orientations are held for Suggestions for Protecting Yourself: For non-emergencies the River- most in the fall, international stu- side Police Department phone dents should not hesitate to ask • Walk with confidence. Show that you are aware and in control. number is (951) 787-7911; and the Fire Department’s is for individual assistance from the • Trust your instincts. If someone or something makes you feel un- (951) 826-5321. staff on how to use the collections. easy, get out or get away. The librarians understand that periodical indexes, CD-ROMs, and • If you are alone, consider requesting an escort from LSU Security other tools can be perplexing. For by dialing x2222 from any on-campus phone. further information about these and other library resources, contact the Main desk of the Library at (951) 785-2044.Their web site is http://www.lasierra.edu/library/. Their business hours are 8 a.m.-l0 F z " p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Friday. AT YOUR OFFICE YOUR BIKE YOUR CAR (951) 785-2222 from off-campus. Lock your belongings, such as a Always lock your bike to a secure Always lock your car doors when They are also in charge of parking, wallet or purse, in your desk or object. This is important even if leaving the car. so if you own a vehicle that you file cabinet. you are stopping for only a short Park in a well-lit area. Avoid se- plan to operate on campus, you Always lock your office or room time. When locking your bike, se- cluded parts of a parking lot. must register it with them; other- cure it through both the frame when you leave even though you Always lock your packages in the wise, you will get a fine! and the wheel. may only be away for a few min- trunk of your car. utes. The best security lock is the U-Iock. Chains and cables can be Always lock your doors when driv- Never leave your backpack, brief- ing alone. case, calculator, laptop, or other cut with bolt cutters. valuable items unattended. If you Register your bike with LSU Secu- cannot take them with you, ask a rity. In addition, record the serial friend to watch them until you get number of your bike and keep it back. in a safe place.

52 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 53 DURING AN EARTHQUAKE before leaving your cover. Aftershocks are com- Stay calm. Do not panic or run! Quakes usually last mon. about one minute. 4. If you are outside, move away from the sides of ! 1. Remain where you are—indoors, outdoors, buildings, power poles, lampposts, and walls. EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS or in a car. 5. If you are in a car, pull over, stop and park the 2. If inside, IMMEDIATELY get under a table or car. Do not park under bridges, overpasses, desk, brace yourself in a doorway, or brace or power lines. Do not get out of the car until Now that you live in an area where earthquakes are you can minimize property damage or injury. If you yourself in an inside corner away from win- shaking has stopped. Do not try to cross over common, you need to think about what to do when are properly prepared you will be a resource for dows, mirrors, or heavy objects. If possible, structures that may have been damaged. 6. To help calm yourself, count the seconds of the next quake occurs. You are much more likely to your fellow students, not a casualty requiring their move to an inside hallway. Cover your head strong shaking, describe out loud how scared remain calm and react sensibly if you have thought help. Consult our Risk & Management Office at and upper torso. Remember: duck, cover, you feel, or reassure others around you. about it in advance. If you are properly prepared, 951..785.2102 and hold. 3. Wait a few moments after the shaking stops

WHAT EMERGENCY SUPPLIES SPECIAL TIPS FOR DISABLED STU- HOW CAN I MAKE MY APARTMENT/ROOM SAFER? AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE SHOULD I HAVE? DENTS 1. Check to be sure nothing heavy or breakable is 1. Think through the consequences of The following are the recommended items to ob- 1. Make a list of your special needs, medica- hanging over your bed or desk. Most injuries received are any action you plan to take. tain and have immediately available in case of an tions, and/or special equipment. Keep one with from falling objects, not from collapsing buildings 2. Be prepared for aftershocks. Do emergency: you. Update your list as conditions change. 2. Place your bed or desk chair so it is not directly next not run downstairs. Do not run outside. 2. Ask people to be your “buddies” to help to or under a window. If this isn’t possible, sleep or sit with Wait until all motion has stopped before 1. First aid kit and instruction booklet you in an emergency. Give them a copy of your your head away from the window. cautiously exiting. 2. Flashlight and extra batteries/bulbs self-assessment list. Practice with them what you 3. Lock the wheels on TV stands, utility carts, etc. Keep 3. Evacuate if there is immediate 3. Sturdy shoes all would do in an emergency. all breakables in secure low cabinets. Secure your computer danger. Use stairs, not elevators. 4. Portable AM/FM radio and extra batteries 3. Have any auxiliary devices you use, as well to its table. You can use Velcro to attach computer parts to 4. Do not light a match or turn on a light 5. Personal hygiene supplies as extra batteries, medications, or other neces- each other and to the table. switch. There may be leaking gas or electrical 6. Extra change of clothes sary items, nearby at all times. 4. Locate the safe and dangerous spots in your room. shorts. At night, use a flashlight. 5. Wear shoes for protection from 7. Medication, prescriptions, glasses, medical 4. If you are able, get under a table or into Safe Spots: under heavy furniture like a sturdy table or desk, debris or broken glass. Put on a jacket. Use history and immunization records a doorway. If you are in a wheelchair, lock the under interior door frames or braced in an interior corner extreme caution when entering and moving 8. Phone number of out of state contact that wheels of the chair once you are in a protected away from shelves and windows. Danger Spots: windows, about damaged buildings. all family members use (long distance calls may be spot. glass doors, mirrors, hanging objects, tall unsecured furniture, fireplaces, sky-lights, and kitchen area. 6. Check immediate area for injured possible even if local area service is not working) 5. If you cannot move safely and quickly; 5. Keep cleaning products sealed and on lower shelves. persons. Also check for fires, spills, or other 9. One gallon of bottled water per person plus stay where you are and cover your head and 6. Cabinet doors should be latched to prevent opening hazards. Turn off all appliances. liquid chlorine bleach or water purification tablets body with your arms, pillows, etc. during an earthquake. 7. If you are in class or another location for disinfecting 6. Call for help if you need it. Use a whistle 7. Be prepared at all times; carry any necessary on campus, report to the designated 10. Extra nonperishable food (peanut butter, or flashlight. Bring attention to yourself any way equipment or medicines in your backpack and/or car. Emergency Assembly Point for your canned tuna, fruit, soups, crackers, nonfat dry milk, you can. 8. Keep exit routes clear. Do not block doors and residence as soon as possible so that you manual can opener, etc.). hallways. may be accounted for. 11. Legal papers: driver’s license, birth certifi- 9. Know and practice at least two exit routes from your 8. Report serious injuries, fires, or cate, passport, insurance policies, and credit card room and residence. Think about how you would evacuate other hazards to the staff member in charge information your classrooms and dining halls. at your designated Emergency Assembly 12. Cash 10. Locate nearby fire extinguishers and be sure you Point. Help and cooperate with rescue and If you live in the residence halls, the deans provide know how to use them. recovery efforts. many of these items for you. 11. Familiarize yourself with the floor plan of your 9. Do not use your telephones except building and the buildings in your area. Know where the for emergency calls. Do not use your vehicle stairs and the closest exits are. Know where your Emergency unless there is an emergency. Do not flush Assembly Point is located. toilets. Do not go sightseeing.

54 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 55 b COUNSELING CENTER

) FAMILY AND STRESS The Counseling Center, located in La Sierra Hall 115, Couples and families coming to La Sierra University are is a free service provided under intense pressure and stress. They suddenly have by the university for all its less time and energy for one another because of the students, staff, and faculty. huge demands of academic work. Most students and The Counseling Center their families have had to relocate and leave behind their provides free and confidential friends and families to come to La Sierra University. Often SPIRITUAL LIFE counseling by licensed both students and spouses feel isolated, realizing they MISSIONS & OTHER counselors and psychiatrists. no longer have the support systems they used to have. La Sierra University is a Christian co-ed- To make a confidential As a result, there is more need and pressure to rely ex- ucational institution owned and op- MINISTRIES appointment, call them at clusively on each other, perhaps putting more demands erated by the Seventh-day Adventist Missions is the campus’ center for missions (951) 785-2011. on one another. Church. The Spiritual Life Office and the and community services. Students at La Si- Campus Pastor coordinate the religious erra can become vitally involved with short activities. Several worship activities are term (also known as STORM) and long- ) POSITIVE WAYS OF HANDLING STRESS held during the week and students are term service projects in mission outreach Despite the intensity of academic demands, it is import- required to attend University Worship, for the Seventh-day Adventist Church and ant to set aside time to relax with family members on a which is held every Tuesday. If you live a variety of other organizations. Students regular basis. This can provide necessary balance to your in the dorms, you might be required to travel abroad for a year, a quarter or a life and give you fresh energy to tackle academic chal- attend other worships. Please check week.. Missions office is located in Angwin lenges. your Residence Hall Handbook for Hall. For more information, contact (951) To deal with the most pressing challenges, each person more information. 785-2081. needs to develop his/her own positive ways of handling stress. Some options are: The Spiritual Life Office is committed to In addition, other ministries include Home- mutual respect and opposes religious Exercise daily or at least 3 times a week. base Ministry, RASKALS, Collegiate Sab- harassment and manipulation on cam- bath School, Rendezvous, First Service, Develop friendships in which you can share your feel- pus. Consequently programs are de- and many other ministries. For more in- ings of pressure and frustration (as well as enjoyment) signed in such a way that individuals formation send them an email at spiritu- with someone you trust from various religions can enjoy the [email protected] or contact them at 951. Learn techniques of stress management through work- services. Visit their web site at http:// 785.2090. . shops or private consultations with staff at La Sierra www.lasierra.edu/spirituallife/ or call University Counseling Service them at (951) 785-2090.

) WHEN STRESS OVERFLOWS Often the only place students and their spouses can release their tension and emotions is at home, where they know they are understood. If the stresses of academics, language difficulties, feelings of isolation, and missing home build up too much, just like steam in a pressure cooker, families can be at risk for losing tempers and becoming potentially violent. La Sierra University students are not immune to the kind of pressures that contribute to alarmingly high domestic violence statistics. If you need help managing your stress, contact our Counseling Center for a free and confidential session.

56 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 57 CONSUMER INFORMATION ENTERTAINMENT http://maps.live.com Interactive satellite images. + ADDITIONAL RESOURCES http://www.consumerworld. http://www.moviephone.com org Theatre show times, movie http://www.downloads.com Lots of general information for information and ticket pur- Looking for a computer pro- consumers. chases. gram? You’ll sure find it here!

http://www.recycler.com http://www.imdb.com ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF Find almost any second hand The internet movie database - La Sierra University Bookstore WEB SEARCH ENGINES GREATER LOS ANGELES ) item for sale, from tables to to find information on almost USEFUL LA SIERRA http://www.lasierra.edu/book- AND RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL PAGES airplanes. any movie. UNIVERSITY store http://www.google.com Argentinean PUBLICATIONS http://www.irs.gov http://www.moviepooper.com La Sierra University The best site for specific inqui- http://www.usargentina.com/ Forms and information on tax Find the ending to almost (Available in the Admissions http://www.lasierra.edu ries lapage/ Office and the Office of- Stu treaties and laws to help you any movie before you see the Offers local markets, restau- dent Life) LOS ANGELES SITES http://www.yahoo.com (hopefully!) get a tax refund on movie! rants, professional organiza- A powerful engine, especially April 15th. tions, and community news http://www.towerrecords.com Student Handbook http://la.yahoo.com for broad searches geared to the Argentine com- Undergraduate Bulletin An extensive directory of L.A. http://www.epinions.com Lots of music information, munity. Graduate Bulletin related sites http://www.yellowpages or User opinions on various song previews and shopping. http://local.google.com items including computer ac- Black in L.A. http://www.apple.com/itunes http://www.latimes.com Locate all kinds of businesses cessories. http://www.blacknla.com ) USEFUL WEB RE- Buy songs for only $0.99 each! The Los Angeles Times news- and their addresses. Online publication for Afri- SOURCES FOR INTERNA- paper online http://www.pricegrabber.com http://www.culturefinder.com can-Americans feature events, TIONAL STUDENTS GENERAL INFORMATION Compare online prices for Search the biggest U.S. cities restaurants, businesses, and http://www.laweeldy.com almost any kind of product. social organizations. LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY Pages and pages of events in http://www.cnn.com for the most fabulous artistic WEB PAGES L.A. CNN news http://www.ebay.com performances. Chinese Buy almost anything from this http://www.1acma.org/library/ http://www.infola.com Office of International Student http://www.at-Ia.com http://dailynews.yahoo.com/ online auctioneer. Provides all the needed living Services: The guide to sites relating to headlines gensourc/lacmus.htm http://www.amazon.com | Links to Los Angeles museum information for Chinese in http://www.lasierra.edu/inter- Southern California and Great- Reuters news Southern California. national er Los Angeles http://www.ihavethatbook. web sites. http://espn.go..com com Greek International Student Insur- CALIFORNIA SITES ESPN sports Buy almost any book you’re http://www.ticketmaster.com Get tickets for concerts, sport- http://www.yasas.com ance: HTH Worldwide looking for! Southern California http://www.gghstudents.com/ http://www.gocalif.ca.gov http://www.cnnsi.com ing events, shows, etc. TRAVEL SERVICES Greek-American directory of Guidebook of California maps, Sports Illustrated news bus business, churches, clubs, La Sierra University Health International News activities, and events restaurants, and organiza- Services http://www.cnn.com/WEATH- http://www.travelocity.com tions. http://www.lasierra.edu/ http://www.ftb.ca.gov ER/worldtime http://www.priceline.com http://news.bbc.co.uk health California Franchise Tax Board Find the local time of any city/ http://www.orbitz.com The BCC news network. http://www.cheaptickets.com Iranian country http://www.persiansite.com La Sierra University Library http://www.dmv.ca.gov http://www.expedia.com http://world.cnn.com Persian Heritage Foundation http://www.lasierra.edu/li- Car minded? Find all the de- http://www.mapquest.com http://www.kayak.com CNN world news. offers information on Iranian brary tails at the Department of Maps/directions to anywhere http://www.sidestep.com MUST-SEE COOL SITES culture, history, arts, poetry, Motor Vehicles web site in the U.S http://www.thestoremaker. Office of the Registrar and more. com http://www.onion.com http:// www.lasierra.edu/reg- http://www.xe.com/ Tired of real news? Try some- istrar/ Currency converter thing a bit surreal.

58 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 59 Irish SELECTED FOREIGN LAN- SELECTED FOREIGN LAN- ) WEIGHTS, MEASURES, & http://www.irishcenter.org/ GUAGE PROGRAMS TELE- GUAGE PROGRAMS ON TIME ZONES Abbreviations in Cookbooks American Equivalents ic_links.html VISION RADIO http://www.convert-me.com/en/ tbsp or T = Tablespoon 3 tsp = Provides California’s Irish 1 T with informational resourc- KSCI-TV (Channel 18) For a list of radio stations In your daily activities, you will notice that tsp = Teaspoon 8 oz = 1 c the U.S. uses its own system of measure- es and links, including broadcasting in the Los An- c = Cup 4 tbsp = 1/4 c ments. Although the U.S. is gradually adopt- listings of Irish news/events, KSCI- TV is the leading over- geles area, visit http://www. oz = Ounce 4 c = 1 qt ing the metric system, most measurements businesses, and products. the-air Asian language tele- radiowatch.com/finder.html. lb = Pound 1 qt = 32 oz vision station in the United continue to be based on the English system. You will be able to locate pt = Pint 16 oz = l lb Japanese States and features program- both FM and AM stations in LINEAR MEASURE http://www.jccsc.com qt = Quart 2 T = 1oz ming in the following languag- the area that broadcasts in a Personal height is expressed in feet and Japanese Chamber of Com- gal = Gallon es: Arabic, Armenian, Khmer, number of different languag- inches. To convert centimeters to inches, merce of Southern Califor- American to International Equivalents Cantonese-Chinese, English, es. If you are interested in multiply the number of centimeters by 0.39. nia provides links to living Farsi, Hindi, Hebrew, Japanese, finding out about additional To convert inches to centimeters, multiply Spoons Liquid Metric information for Japanese in Korean, Mandarin-Chinese, Ta- radio stations in California the number of inches by 2.54. & Cups Ounces Measures Los Angeles. galog, Urdu, and Vietnamese. and even some on-line, visit To convert kilometers to miles, multiply the 1 tsp = 1/6 fI. oz = 5 ml (milliliters) http://www.radio-directory. Korean number of kilometers by 0.621. To convert 1 T = 1/2 fI. oz = 15 ml You can view KSCI- TV for free com. http://www.lakorea.com via a UHF antenna placed on miles to kilometers, multiply the number of 1 c = 8 fI. oz = 227 ml Information to address the your television. If you sub- miles by 1. 61. 2 c = 16 fI. oz (1 dry lb)= 454 ml needs of Koreans in L.A. scribe to cable service, KSCI Dry Measure 4 c = 32 fI. oz = 908 ml - TV will be provided as part of Americans use the Avoirdupois system, 62/3 T = 3 1/3 fI. oz = 100 ml Russian the basic programing tier. based on a pound (lb.) weighing 16 ounces 1 c & 1 T = 8 1/2 fI. oz = 250 ml http://la.baraban.com (oz.). To convert grams to ounces, multiply 4 1/3 c = 2.2 dry lbs = 1 kilogram Russian information net- For an updated list of pro- the number of grams by .03527. To convert work of L.A. Provides grams offered in the languag- ounces to grams, multiply the number of Temperature a guide to restaurants, es listed above, visit http:// ounces by 28.35. To convert kilos to pounds, churches, banyas video www.kscitv.com/. multiply the number of kilos by 2.2046. To rentals in Los Angeles. In the U.S. we use the Fahrenheit system to read tem- convert pound to kilo, multiply the number KCRA- TV (Channel 62) perature. Southeast Asian of pounds by 0.454. Avoirdupois weight is To convert from Fahrenheit to Centigrade http://www.seacaef.org KCRA- TV offers news pro- used in the U.S. for personal weight and Subtract 32° from Fº and divide by 1.8. for weighing many commodities including Offers educational and cul- graming in the following lan- To convert from Centigrade to Fahrenheit meats, vegetables, sugar, coffee, butter, etc. tural information and ma- guages: Korean, Mandarin-Chi- Multiply Cº by 1.8 and add 32°. terials for Southeast Asian nese, and Vietnamese. Liquid Measure Water boils at 100° C or 212° F. students and families. Liquid measure usually applies to dry as well Water freezes at 0° C or 32° F. You can view KCRA- TV for free as liquid, if they are to be used in recipes. Cº -40 -30-20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 45 Degrees Swedish via a UHF antenna placed on Recipes calling for “1 cup,” “l tablespoon,” Fº -40 -22 -4 14 32 50 68 86 104 113 http://www.hollywoodweb- your television. If you sub- “1 teaspoon,” etc., refer to special cooking works.com/Swedlink .htm scribe to cable service, KCRA- utensils. If you use tableware, portions may Directory for Swedes living TV will be provided as part of not be correct. in the Los Angeles area. the basic programing tier. Body Temperature Time Zones Thai For other over the air interna- Normal body temperature (by mouth ther- The continental U.S. is divided into http://www.thai-la.com tional programing, visit mometer) is 98.6° F or 37.0° C. Normal body four time zones: Eastern, Central, Thai reference site for Los http://www.geocities.com/hol- temperature can vary within 1 ° F above or Mountain, and Pacific. California is in Angeles. Covers religion, lywood/bungalow/5014/latv. below 98.6° F. the Pacific Time Zone. Traveling from the West Cost to the East Coast, you food, activities, education, html Centigrade Fahrenheit will set your watch ahead one hour for and more. Low fever 37.8° - 38.3° 100° - 101° each time you enter a new time zone. High fever 38.9° - 40.6° 102° - 104°

60 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 61 CASTLE PARK (AMUSEMENT S PIERCE ST PARK/MINI GOLF) 3500 Polk Farmer’s boys (Burger) Local Resources St. Riverside, CA 92505 - (951) Chilitos (Mexican) A 785-3000 Subway (Sandwichs) HANGAR 18 (ROCK CLIMBING) RIverside Thai (Thai Cusine) WAL-MART - 479 N. McKinley ARTS 6935 Arlington Ave. Riverside, St., Corona (951) 270-0707 CA 92503 - (951) 359-5040 HOLE AVE KOHL’S DEPARTMENT BRANDSTATER ART GALLERY MOUNT RUBIDOUX TRAIL Anchos (Mexican) STORES - 470 Hidden Valley At La Sierra University (FREE) BANKS $ SUPERMARKETS (HIKING) Mount Rubidoux Dr Pkwy, Corona (951) 493-6607 - LSU Art Department - (951) MAGNOLIA 785-2959 Riverside, CA 92501 BANK OF AMERICA - 4601 La LA SIERRA NATURAL FOODS Gol (Brazilian) TWO BIT TRAIL (HIKING) Sierra Ave. (951) 343-3060 - 11550 Pierce St. (951) 785- UC RIVERSIDE CALIFORNIA Nara (Sushi) WELLS FARGO BANK - 3765 2181 MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY Trail starts behind LSU Physi- Dragon House (Chinese) Tyler St. (951) 343-3860 STATER BROS MARKETS - (FREE WITH STUDENT ID) - cal Plant Building. Koreana Grill BBQ Buffet (Kore- CHASE - 360 N. McKinley, HOSPITALS 4680 La Sierra Ave. (951) 351- 3824 Main St. Riverside, CA an BBQ) Corona (951) 279-2397 0125 92501- (951) 827-4787 JOE'S SUSHI (Sushi) LA LOMA EFCU - 11498 Pierce PARKVIEW COMMUNITY VONS - 3840 La Sierra Ave, RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL OF Korean Bbq House (Korean St. Suite D, Riverside, CA HOSPITAL - 3865 Jackson St., (951) 359-1580 LIGHTS (SEASONAL & FREE) \ BBQ) CITIBANK 3580 Tyler Street Riverside FOOD 4 LESS - 109 N. McKin- HAPPENS DURING HOLIDAYS Alberto's (Mexican) (951) 688-2211 RESTAURANTS AND FAST- (951) 687-8751 ley St., Corona (951) 278-8020 - 3649 Mission Inn Ave River- Cupcake place (Cupcakes) side, CA 92501 FOOD by near streets RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY TRADER JOE’S - 6225 Riv- Ihop (Pancake's House) HOSPITAL- 4445 Magnolia erside Ave. (951) 682-4684 FOX PERFORMING ARTS CEN- KFK (Chicken Fried) Ave., Riverside LUCKY SEAFOOD MARKET, TER - 3801 Mission Inn Avenue RIVERWALK PKWY - Mc Donald's (Burger) COFFEE SHOPS (951) 788-3000 4529 La Sierra Ave, (951) 688- Riverside, CA 92501 - (951) Carl’s Jr (Burger) George's Drive-In (Local Burger) URGENT CARE - 4444 Magno- 0199 779-9800 Wing Stop (Chicken Wings) EAGLE’S NEST - Dining Com- Bambino's Pizza & Italian Food lia Ave., Riverside Big Tuna (Sushi) mons (951) 785-2138 (951) 682-5661 (Italian) First Class Pizza (Pizza) STARBUCKS - Riverwalk & 91 LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY Green Olive Grill (Mediterian) Freeway (951) 359-1453 MEDICAL CENTER - Loma GALLERIA AT TYLER STARBUCKS - Tyler and Mag- Linda Wok and Grill (Japanese) Cheesecake Factory (American MOVIE THEATERS nolia (951) 688-1210 (909) 558-1000 Traitional and Desert) BACK TO THE GRIND - Down- ACTIVE LIFE LA SIERRA AVE - 3775 TGI Friday's (American Tradi- town Riverside (951) 784-0800 TYLER MALL, AMC Jack in the box (Burger) Tyler Ave. 1-888-262-4386 tional) SKY ZONE (TRAMPOLINS) Deltaco (Mexican) REGAL 16, RIVERSIDE - 3535 Yard House (American Tradi- 4031 Flat Rock Dr. Riverside, Panda Express (Chinese) Central Ave. (951) 784-4600 tional) CA 92505 - (951) 643-0099 Johnny’s Burguer (Local Burger) PHARMACIES VAN BUREN DRIVE-IN - 3035 Red Robin (Burgers) Van Buren Blvd. (951) 688- 2001 ROLLER CITY (ROLLER Pizza Hut (Pizza and Wings) Amaya (Japanese) DEPARTMENT STORES LONG DRUGS - 3440 La Sierra 2360 SKATING) - 10765 Magnolia Taqueria Mi Ranchito (Mexican) Ave. (951) 352-0880 METROPOLITAN VILLAGE Ave. Riverside, CA 92505 - US Donuts (Breakfast Sand- RIVERSIDE PLAZA JC PENNY CO.- Galleria at Ty- RITE AID - 4790 La Sierra Ave. - 1201 University Ave. (951)- (951) 688-4145 wiches, Donuts) Panera Bread (Soup and ler (951) 687-3060 (951) 688-4196 784-4342 AMF RIVERSIDE LANES Subway (Sandwiches) Bread) MACY’S - Galleria at Tyler (951) TARGET - 3520 Tyler St. (951) CORONA CROSSINGS - 2650 (BOWLING) 10781 Indiana Ave. Pupuseria La Sierra (El Salva- Islands (American Traditional) 687-1021 351-8271 Tuscany St. Corona (951) 582- Riverside, CA 92503 - (951) dorean) - Galleria at El Torito (Mexican) NORDSTROM VONS - 3840 La Sierra Ave, 0872 353-2695 Pho 99 (Vietnamese) Tyler (951) 351-3170 Daphne's (California Greek) (951) 359-1580 EDWARDS CORONA 11 - 351 BRUNSWICK CLASSIC LANES SEARS - 5261 Arlington Ave., El Pollo Loco (Mexican Chicken) WALGREENS - 11110 Magnolia W Rincon St., Corona (951) (BOWLING) 1800 Hamner Ave. Riverside (951) 352-5223 PIERCE ST Chipotle (Mexican) Ave. (951) 688-4154 279-1160 Norco, CA 92860 - (951) 734- TARGET - 3520 Tyler St. (951) Oasis (Vegetarian Burgers) WAL-MART - 479 N. McKinley 8410 351-8271 St., Corona (951) 270-0707

62 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 63

FARRELL’S ICE CREAM PAR- LOUR RESTAURANT - 3610 Park Sierra Riverside, CA SALONS & BARBERSHOPS 92505 - (951) 351-1200 ELETRONIC DEVICES STORE YOGURT PUFF - 115 N Mckin- SALON 3778 - 3778 9th St. ley St. Corona, CA 92879 - BEST BUY - 3900 Tyler St. Riverside, CA 92501 - (951) (951) 272-2000 Riverside, CA 92503 (951) 343- 683-6294 TUTTI FRUTTI - 2210 Griffin 8960 MIMI’S HAIR SALON - 4509 La Way. Corona, CA 92879 - (951) Sierra Ave. Riverside, CA 92505 272-6585 (951) 688-0888 BASKIN-ROBBINS - 3760 Tyler PIERCE BARBERSHOP - 3812 St. Riverside, CA 92503 - (951) Pierce St. Riverside, CA 92503 687-4222 - (951) 688-0204 YOGURTLAND - 420 N Mckin- BIKE SHOP ADORE NAIL SPA - 11090 ley St. Corona, CA 92879 - Magnolia Ave. Riverside, CA (951) 520-2682 RIVERSIDE CYCLERY USA 92505 - (951) 343-7279 COLD STONE CREAMERY - - 10000 Magnolia Ave. River- 9867 Magnolia Ave Riverside, side, CA 92503 (951) 354-8444 CA 92503 - (951) 637-0920 PEDALS BICYCLE SHOP 3765 Jurupa Ave. Riverside, CA J 92506 (951) 683-5343 BEVERAGES AND SMOOTHIES

JAMBA JUICE - 9825 Magno- FITNESS CENTER lia Ave., Ste.. A Riverside, CA RECYCLE CENTER 92503 - (951) 358-0819 ANYTIME FITNESS - 4270 GREEN CRUSH Riverwalk Pkwy.Riverside, CA REPLANET RECYCLING - 4680 1299 Tyler St. Riverside, CA 92505 (951) 977-9607 La Sierra Ave. Riverside, CA 92503 - (951) 688-8688 FITNESS 19 - 3480 La Sierra 92505 (951) 343-2580 US DONUTS 4786 La Sierra Ave.Riverside, CA 92503 (951) Ave. Riverside, CA 92505 - 785-1919 (951) 352-1893 FAMILY TAE KWON DO CEN- FROSTBITES TER - 4547 La Sierra Ave River- 10347 Magnolia Ave side, CA 92505 (951) 354-6645 Riverside, CA 92505 - (951) YOGA DEN 1035 Montecito Dr SDA CHURCH 352-4903 Corona, CA 92879 (951) 279- TEA TIME EXPRESS - 430 N 9642 LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY Mckinley St. Corona, CA 92879 UFC GYM - 470 N McKinley St. CHURCH - 4937 Sierra Vista - (951) 808-4000 Corona, CA 92879 (951) 808- Ave. La Sierra University, Riv- 3850 erside, CA 92505 24 HOUR FITNESS - 275 Tell- er St. Corona, CA 92879 (951) LA SIERRA SPANISH 7TH-DAY 734-0121 5885 La Sierra Ave.Riverside, CA 92505 FROZEN YOGURT AND ICE CREAM

64 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 65 GLOSSARY OF TERMS Immigration Terms F-1: Student Visa CBP: Customs and Border Protection, the F-2: Dependent (spouse/child) of an F-1 visa branch of the government that enforces the H-1: Work Visa import and export laws and regulations of the H-4: Dependent (spouse/child) of a work visa U.S. federal government and conducts immi- J-1: Scholar/Exchange visitor visa gration policy and enforcement at the Port of J-2: Dependent (spouse/child) of a J-1 visa Entries. R-1: Religious worker visa R-2: Dependent (spouse/child) of an R-1 visa COS: Change of Status, usually from one visa Forms category to another. DS-2019: Eligibility form that allows a scholar/ CPT: Curricular Practical Training, permission exchange visitor to stay in the U.S. to work outside of the university through an internship or co-op opportunity. IAP-66: now DS-2019 CSC: California Service Center, where the OPT AR-11: Change of Address form applications and other immigration forms are I-20: Eligibility form that allows a student to filed, if you are attending school in California. stay in the U.S. DHS: Department of Homeland Security I-94: Admissions form, usually given at the INS: Immigration & Naturalization Services, airport and stapled to the passport now USCIS/USICE. I-102: Application to replace lost I-94 NSEERS: National Security Entry-Exit Regis- I-129: Application for non-immigrant worker tration System, a program that tracks certain I-539: Application to change/extend non-immi- foreign nationals. grant status. OPT: Optional Practical Training, a 12-months I-765: Application for Employment Authoriza- work permit students can apply for when they tion complete their studies to work in a job related to their major. I-797: Notice of Action Out of Status: a term that refers usually to a I-901: SEVIS payment fee student who was in F-1 status but violated one I-907: Application for premium processing fee or more of the F-1 regulations. Other Terms Reinstatement: process to reinstate a stu- GPA: Grade Point Average, an average of dent back into F-1 status, usually after falling grades earned, weighted by the number of “out of status.” credit hours earned. RFE: Request for Further Evidence (when filing OISS: Office of International Student Services a form with the CSC) SSN: Social Security Number, a number as- STEM: A 17-month extension on an OPT for signed by the government to U.S. residents students who are studying under particular at birth and used by many universities and majors in the STEM (science, technology, engi- businesses as an identification number. neering, and mathematics) categories. TOEFL: Test Of English as a Foreign Language; USCIS: United States Citizen and Immigration a test that measures the ability of nonnative Services, the branch of the government that speakers of English to use and understand processes all the immigration paperwork. North American English. Many university aca- USICE: United States Immigration and Cus- demic programs have a minimum TOEFL score toms Enforcement, the branch of the govern- for admission. ment that carries out the enforcement side of Undergraduate Student: a student working immigration toward a bachelor’s degree. POE: Port of Entry, or any official place where Graduate Student: a student working toward an immigrant can enter the United States. a master’s or doctoral degree. Visas

66 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 67 68 NEW & TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK