International Student Handbook - Office of International Affairs ...

CONTACT US:
International Scholar & Student Services
Office of International Affairs - OIA
East Hall
Immigration Advising: Room 101
International Student Life: Room 122
632 SW Hall St.
Portland, OR 97201
503-725-4094
www.oia.pdx.edu
Handbook Design:
Anna Gindlesperger
gindlea@pdx.edu
International Student
Handbook
International Student and Scholar Services

WELCOME!
We extend a special welcome to all new international students at
Portland State University. As an international student, you have a
unique opportunity to expand and share your cultural, social, and
academic experiences.
We encourage you to come in to the Office of International
Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) with any questions you might
have. Not only can we help you with immigration questions, but we
can answer questions about Portland State University, the city of
Portland, and the surrounding area.
Our office is located in:
East Hall
632 SW Hall St. on the corner of Broadway Ave. and Hall St.
Phone: 503-725-4094
Website: http://www.oia.pdx.edu
If you would like to see an Immigration Advisor go to: Room 101
If you would like to see the International Student Life Team go to:
Room 122
International Student & Scholar Services wishes you a successful and
memorable time at Portland State University.
Call 503-725 + extension:
Davis, Joshua - F1 INTL Student & SEVIS Advisor x4050
Gindlesperger, Anna - INTL Student Life Advisor x9766
Harris, Paula - INTL Student Advisor x5503
Kenney, Sarah - INTL Student Life Advisor x5943
Jasperson, DJ - Insurance Specialist x4095
Luther, Christina - Associate Director, ISSS x5468
McLaughlin, Megan F1 INTL Student Advisor x4197
Miller, Michele - IELP & ESL Student Advisor x8126
Nilenders, Eve - J1 & INTL Faculty Advisor x5075
Townley, Jill - Associate Director, INTL Student Life x8563
Turay, Mike - Program Assistant x4094
VanDyck, Judy - Director x4878
VII. Dictionary/Glossary of Academic Terms and
Abbreviations
DICTIONARY
Academic Advisor An advisor, either in UASC or in your major
department, who helps you choose your courses and understand your
graduation requirements.
ASPSU (Associated Students of PSU) Portland State’s student government:
http://www.aspsu.pdx.edu/
CAS The Course Applicability System (CAS) provides transfer course
equivalency information and degree progress reports: http://www.pdx.edu/
admissions/transfer_courses.html
Core curriculum The courses that all students are required to complete
prior to graduation, regardless of their academic major.
Course load The number of courses taken per term.
Credit hour Credit awarded for participation and completion of a course.
Credit load Total number of credits for which a student is enrolled. A
full-time credit load per term for undergraduates is 12 credit hours and a
full-time load for graduates is 9 credit hours.
DARS The Degree Audit Report System (DARS) is a tool to assist in the
academic advising process. It is meant to help advisors and students in the
process of course selection and academic program planning. Students
should review their DARS report prior to meeting with an Academic
Adviser.
Distance learning Providing learning through media (e.g. computer) where
the teacher and student are physically separated.
Elective A course selected by the student, which is not a requirement for a
program but still fulfills graduation requirements.
FERPA Refers to a student’s right of privacy concerning release of information
without authorized consent. (FERPA stands for Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act of 1974).
Click here for a link to a variety of PSU Campus Maps and Directions
which will help you as you learn to find your way around campus:
http://www.fap.pdx.edu/floorplans/

Clothing
SHOPPING
The city of Portland will not disappoint those who are looking for the
typical American experience of shopping in a mall. The closest mall, Pioneer
Place, is located downtown, just a 5-10 minute walk from campus.
Lloyd Center is another mall just across the Willamette River. You can get
there by taking the Max (Portland’s rail line) from downtown. Lloyd Center
also has a two movie theaters.
You may choose to buy second-hand clothes at one of Portland’s many
thrift shops. These stores sell things that are used. In the last few years,
there has been a growing trend for college students to buy clothes in
second-hand stores. Sometimes the items they sell are very good, and you
can buy them for much less than if they were new. Look in the Yellow
Pages under the heading Second Hand Stores and Thrift Shops to find one near
you. Some of these stores sell items that were donated. When these items
are sold, the money is used to help people who are hungry or homeless.
Furniture
Furniture can be purchased or rented. A number of companies rent
furniture in the Portland area. Look in the Yellow Pages under Furniture
Renting & Leasing. Call around to compare prices. You may also contact
FOCUS (tel: 503-725-4196), a community group which helps new
international students. FOCUS is located in East Hall, Room 312.

VISA ISSUES
I. VISA ISSUES
1. YOUR LEGAL STATUS IN THE USA
Credit Requirements
International students must be enrolled full-time at Portland State
University. Full-time status is defined below:
Undergraduate Students:
A minimum of 12 credit hours successfully completed per term.
Graduate Students:
A minimum of 9 credit hours successfully completed per term. At least one,
but usually all of these classes will be taken at the graduate level.
One class must be at the graduate level in order for you to fulfill your
obligation to be full-time enrolled.
Post-baccalaureate Students:
A minimum of 12 credit hours if pursuing a second undergraduate degree.
A minimum of 9 credits hours if pursuing a graduate degree. At least one
class must be at the graduate level in order for you to fulfill your obligation
to be full-time enrolled.
Full-time enrollment is a serious immigration matter and should not be
taken lightly. If you have any questions regarding your class credit hours
and your immigration status, contact an ISSS international student advisor.
6. SHOPPING
Below are two large grocery stores near PSU:
Safeway: 1030 SW Jefferson St., Portland, 97201
Fred Meyer: 100 NW 20th Ave., Portland, 97209
If you are looking for items that you can use to prepare foods from your
home country, you might look in the phone book under “grocers-retail” for
small specialty stores. Some of these stores are:
African International Food Market:
922 N Killingsworth St., Portland, 97217
An Dong (Chinese): 5441 SE Powell Blvd., Portland, 97206
Bazaar Pakistani/Indian/Middle Eastern Market Place:
10255 SW Canyon Rd, Beaverton, 97005
Dashen International Groceries: 3022 NE Glisan St., Portland, 97232
Paldo World (Korean): 3975 SW 114th Ave., Beaverton, 97005
Roman Russian Food Store: 6911 SE Foster Road, Portland, 97206
Uwajimaya (Japanese):
10500 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy, Beaverton 97005
Natural and organic foods can be found at:
New Seasons: 1954 SE Division St., Portland, 97202
Food Front Cooperative Grocery
2375 NW Thurman, Portland, 97210
Whole Foods Market: 2825 E Burnside, Portland, 97214
SHOPPING

TRANSPORTATION
5. TRANSPORTATION
Public Transportation
Tri-Met is the Portland public transportation
system and the least expensive way to travel
around the city. In fact, PSU is located in
Fareless Square, the downtown area where
you may ride the Streetcar and Max trains
for free. Note: buses are not free in Fareless
Square.
If you live where you will be taking the bus
regularly, it is less expensive to buy a quarterly
bus pass at the discounted student rate.
Bus passes can be purchased at the Information
Center, located at 506 SW Mill in the Urban Center. This office also
has bus route information, or you can go to the Tri-Met office in Pioneer
Courthouse Square. To get a discounted pass, you need to show your PSU
Student ID card. One-way tickets can be purchased on the bus starting
from $2.05, and you must have exact change.
Cars
If you are going to buy a car, you must have the following:
An Oregon driver’s license: If you intend to stay in Oregon for more than
six months (e.g., students enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students),
you may apply for an Oregon Driver’s License (ODL). Proof of residence
and two forms of identification are required. More information is available
at http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/index.shtml
Liability insurance: The law requires that you have liability insurance on
your vehicle. This insurance covers physical or property damage you or your
car may do to another car and/or person in the event of an accident. Your
license will be suspended if you do not have liability insurance.
A parking permit: If you will be parking your car on campus, you will want
to purchase a parking permit from Portland State University.
Bicycles
Portland is a very bicycle-friendly city and bikes are another inexpensive
way to travel around Portland. Bike lanes and bike paths are marked
throughout the city. Bike theft can be problematic; therefore, it is important
to keep your bike well-secured. We also recommend that you pay a visit to
the Campus Public Safety office where you can use an engraver to engrave
an identification number on your bicycle. This helps identify it if it is stolen.
A good website to check out if you are interested in using your bicycle to
get around Portland is http://www.portlandonline.com/transportation/
Grades
The following marks are acceptable as grades for course completion:
A, B, C, D, and P (Pass)
The following marks are not acceptable:
X No basis for grade
W Withdraw
AU Audit
The following grades may jeopardize your immigration status.
We recommend that you speak with an international student advisor as
soon as you know you may receive one so that your options can be explained
to you:
F Fail
I Incomplete
NP No pass
Co-Enrollment
YOUR LEGAL STATUS
International students may enroll simultaneously at 2 USCIS approved
institutions. This is called being co-enrolled. Portland State University’s
policy requires those students wishing to co-enroll to carry at least half of
their required credits at PSU (for undergraduate students, this means at least
6 credits, for graduate students, as least 5 credits). Your remaining credits
may be taken at another institution.
If you wish to co-enroll, you must do the following:
-You must bring proof of your enrollment at the other institution to East
Hall 101 (ISSS) before the beginning of the term in which you wish to co
-enroll
-You must bring an unofficial grade report to ISSS at the end of each term
you co-enroll. Please note: your co-enrollment at another institution may
not hinder your progress towards completing your degree in a timely
manner, in other words, the classes you are taking at other institutions
should count towards your graduation from PSU.
If you are interested in co-enrolling, you should speak to an advisor at
International Student and Scholar Services before doing so to ensure that
you understand clearly what is allowed and what is not.

VISA ISSUES
Responsibilities of International Students
As an international student at Portland State University, you must always
remember that your immigration status is your responsibility and that you
are ultimately in charge of maintaining it. Some things for you to be aware
of include:
1) You must be enrolled as a full-time student for nine consecutive
months (three consecutive terms) each year for the duration of your studies.
For undergraduate students, this means that you must complete a
minimum of 12 credits each term. For graduate students it means that you
must complete a minimum of 9 credits (at least 3 of which must be at the
graduate level) each term or you must be working full-time on a thesis or
dissertation.
NOTE: In order to complete a credit hour, you must receive either a
passing grade (A-D) or a P (pass). Withdrawal from a course or a grade
option change to audit will not count as credit toward your full-time status.
If for any reason you feel you are unable to complete the required number
of credit hours, come to ISSS so we can discuss your situation.
2) You must understand your immigration status and maintain it. This
includes obtaining extensions of your I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019
(J-1 students). If you will not complete your program by the date indicated
on those forms, you must notify us of major or level changes.
3) You must receive permission from ISSS before working on or off
campus.
4) You are required by the Federal Government to keep the university
informed of any address changes. Addresses can be updated online in the
PSU Information System (Banweb) or reported directly to ISSS or the
Registrar’s office in Neuberger Hall. Changes must be reported within 10
days of your moving to a new address. Addresses are not considered to be
confidential and will be published in the student directory and released if
requested by a third party. Students who do not want their addresses
released must complete a confidentiality request in Neuberger Hall. The
ISSS Office will notify the USCIS of your new address. Please note that if
you are expecting mail from USCIS you must also notify them that you
have moved. Mail from the USCIS is federal mail and it will not be
forwarded by the US Postal Service.
Cell Phones
PHONES
Just as there are many land line service providers, the number of cell phone
companies is overwhelming. We recommend that you talk to other students
about what plans they have found which best suit their needs. Again, please
exercise caution when signing up for service with a cell phone company. A
deal that appears to be too good to be true probably is! Make sure you understand
the contract very well before you agree to it. Cell phone companies
often require year-long commitments and if you try to break those
commitments early the penalties can be very costly.
Phone Services
Long distance and overseas services vary according to the choice of your
carrier. Calling long distance can be expensive. Be aware that there are
certain times of day when it is more expensive to call than others. Check the
Yellow Pages for long-distance carriers. You may want to ask other PSU
students who have been here for some time what company they would
recommend and why. Make sure you find the best service for your needs.

4. TELECOMMUNICATIONS
In this day and age, telecommunications have become complex at best! We
know that the different types of telecommunications options available to you
are very important for you to stay in touch with your friends and families at
home.
Telephones
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
There are many different phone companies which provide land line service
inside your home or apartment. You’ll have to do some research to find out
which plan has the best options for you. Often phone companies offer what
are called packages (bundles of phone service, wireless service, cable TV
service, etc.) for lower prices than you’d pay if you signed up for each
service separately. Be very careful, though, when entering into such
agreements, as most “good deals” require a year or longer commitment. A
phone company will charge an initial installation fee (about $60.00), and
there will also be monthly fees (depending upon services, they can be $18
-$35). For general plans, you will not be charged for local calls you make
from your home, but you will usually be charged for long distance service.
Note, long distance often means outside the greater Portland area!
As cell phones become more popular, there are fewer and fewer public
phones, but most of these phones are still coin-operated phones rather
than card phones. Phones can be found in public places and a local call is
usually 50 cents and you can talk for an unlimited period of time.
The phone company publishes telephone books for every town. Most
people who receive telephone services are listed alphabetically in the
telephone books. If you would prefer to not be listed, you need to tell the
phone company this when you sign up for service.
Local information or directory assistance can be obtained by dialing 411.
Check the front of the phone book for area codes and tips on how to find
long-distance numbers. There is a charge for 411 calls.
Please note: Oregon uses a system of 10-digits. In the Portland area, you
must dial the area code (503) before dialing the phone number. All calls
with the area code 541 are considered to be long distance.
Immigration Documents
YOUR LEGAL STATUS
Passport
You passport must be valid at all times. Your F-1 or J-1 status requires that
your passport be valid at least 6 months into the future. Be sure to allow
yourself plenty of time to renew your passport. To do so, contact the Embassy
or Consulate of your country.
I-94 Card
At your port of entry into the United States, a small white card was stapled
to your passport by an immigration official. This form is very important and
should be kept in a safe place. On that card is written your port of entry,
your arrival date, your visa status, and how long you have been given
permission to stay in the U.S. (for F-1 students this should read D/S).
Also located on your I-94 Card is your Admission Number. This number
was given to you before you went through U.S. Customs on your first entry
to the United States. The number looks something like this: 995-000935
60. Be certain to include this information when you complete your Fact
Sheet when checking in at ISSS. If your I-94 Card has been lost or stolen,
contact ISSS immediately.
NOTE: J-1 students will either have D/S or a date on the I-94 card. If
your I-94 card is date specific, the date on it should match the completion
date on your form DS-2019.

VISA ISSUES
I-20 Document (F-1 Students Only)
The I-20 is the document Portland State University prepared to show the
US Consulate abroad that you had been admitted to PSU and had shown
sufficient finances for one year of study. You should keep all of the I-20s
you are given while studying in the United States. This form contains
important information and becomes a record of your immigration history.
You need to obtain a new I-20 if the information on your I-20 changes in
any way. If your I-20 form is ever lost or stolen, please notify ISSS
immediately.
DS-2019 (J1 visa holders only)
The DS-2019 is the form you received from Portland State University or
your sponsoring agency and is to be retained by you during your entire
length of study. This form has important information and is a record of
your immigration history. You need to obtain a new DS-2019 if the
information on your DS-2019 changes in any way. If your DS-2019 form is
ever lost or stolen, please notify ISSS immediately.
Duration of status (D/S)
The D/S notation on your I-94 card stands for Duration of Status. As long
as you are maintaining full-time status (a minimum of 12 credits for
undergraduate students and a minimum of 9 graduate level credits for
graduate students) at the school you are authorized to attend, you are
maintaining your immigration status. Maintaining full-time status means not
only registering for the required number of credits, but also successfully
completing them. Acceptable grades are explained on pg. 5 of this
handbook.
Extensions of Stay
F-1 and J-1 students are admitted to the U.S. for a period of stay noted as
duration of status or D/S on the I-94 card. Duration of status is defined as
the period during which you, as a student, are pursuing a full course of
study in any educational program and any periods of authorized practical
training. F-1 students are allowed a 60-day grace period within which to
depart from the U.S. following completion of the degree program or
Optional Practical Training and a 15-day grace period if the student breaks
off his or her course of study prior to completion (with ISSS approval).
J-1 students are allowed a 30-day grace period following completion period
of study or academic training.
SAFETY
Safety of Personal Possessions
In order to ensure that nothing is stolen from you, you should follow a few
safety tips:
Always keep your apartment, dorm room, or house door locked at all times.
Also be sure you know who is at the door before you open it up.
If you live on the ground floor, it is not advisable to leave your
windows open at night or when you are gone. It is a good idea to open your
windows only a few inches and block them with a board so no one can
open them further and crawl in.
If you keep valuables such as jewelry and cash in your home,
Make sure they are well hidden. Do not carry large amounts of cash.
Keep your passport in a safe place. Carry it with you only when
necessary. If your passport is stolen, report the theft to your Embassy in the
U.S. and to ISSS. If it is stolen on campus, you should also report the theft
to the Campus Public Safety office, 503-725-4404. The Campus Public
Safety office also has an engraving machine you can use to engrave your
laptop, bicycle or other personal items with an identifying mark. It has been
recommended that you use your Passport Number as an identifier.
If you own or use a car, never leave anything valuable in it. If you must,
put valuables in the trunk, hide them under a seat, or cover them before you
leave your car.
Avoid parking on dark streets. The best place to park is under a
street light or in a staffed parking structure. Make sure the car you are driving
is insured!
Textbook theft is something that is peculiar to a university campus.
At Portland State, there is a period of time during the start of each term,
when students can return their textbooks to the bookstore for a full refund
provided you have your receipt with you. If your textbooks are stolen and
the receipt is with them, the thief can return your textbooks to the
bookstore for a full refund. We advise you to keep your textbook receipt in
your wallet and NOT with your textbooks to prevent a thief from being
able to return your books. They are expensive and YOU need them!

SAFETY
3. SAFETY ISSUES
While Portland is considered to be a very safe city, it is still a good idea to
take the same precautions with respect to your personal safety that you
would in any large, metropolitan city in the world. Please remember that if
you ever feel unsafe, the best thing to do is to follow your instincts.
Personal Safety Tips
Always be aware of your surroundings, and walk like you know where you
are. When walking on city streets at night, always try to walk with a friend
or a group in a lighted area. If you are on campus and someone is following
you or threatens you in any way, step into any campus building, call Security
at 503-725-4404 and report it to the Security Officer. If you are off campus,
find a phone, call 911, or go into the closest open business. You will also
notice that there are telephone kiosks with blue lights on top of them.
These kiosks have a red button that you can press which connects you
directly with the Campus Public Safety office.
In the U.S., it is illegal for a man to force a woman to have sex with him no
matter what the situation. If you are on a date with someone who wants to
have sex with you and you do not want to have sex, tell him NO. If he
forces you to have sex, it is considered rape. If you have been raped, do not
try to deal with it alone. You may choose to speak with a counselor at the
Student Health and Counseling Center or there are a variety of crisis
hotlines you can call to talk to someone who has been trained to deal with a
crisis like rape or domestic violence. Some of these hotlines are listed below:
Sexual Assault Resource Center 503-640-5311
Crisis Hotline 503-235-5333
Bradley-Angle House Crisis Line 503-281-2442
Women’s Resource Center 503-725-5672
Crisis Pregnancy Centers:
NE Halsey, Portland 503-256-0808
Lloyd Center, Portland 503-284-1977
SE Portland 503-777-7097
Gresham 503-666-6527
Beaverton 503-643-4503
Clackamas 503-659-3336
211 Community resource helpline: 503-226-3099
Crisis Hotline Clackamas Co.: 503-654-2288
F-1 students
If you will not complete your educational program within the time period
indicated on your I-20 form, you must request a program extension. You
will need to demonstrate that you are currently enrolled full-time, show
financial documentation and have legitimate academic or medical reasons
for the delay, such as a change in major or research topic, unexpected
research problems, or documented illness.
You must apply to ISSS for a program extension before the expected
completion date indicated on your I-20 form. If approved, ISSS will
prepare a new I-20 form for you and notify USCIS of your new graduation
date. You may obtain the paperwork for an extension at the ISSS office.
If you cannot demonstrate valid academic or medical reasons for your
delay, you may be considered in violation of your immigration status
and will have to apply for reinstatement to your F-1 student status. ISSS can
assist you through this process. Please see us if you think you may be out of
status or have questions regarding your status.
J-1 students
For those students with J-1 visa status, a new DS-2019 form must be
obtained from your sponsor before your current one has expired. If your
program sponsor is Portland State University, you need to establish that you
are maintaining full-time student status at Portland State University and that
you have sufficient funds for the extended period. This will need to be
verified before a new DS-2019 form is issued. Your program sponsor will
then send a copy of the new DS-2019 form to the United States
Department of State for notification of your extension.
The Immigration Transfer Process
YOUR LEGAL STATUS
You are a transfer student if you are moving from one U.S. school to
another (this includes a U.S. high school, college, university, or an English
Language Program). If you are a student who wishes to transfer, you must:
have valid F-1 status
have maintained a full-time academic course load at your previous
school
have been released in SEVIS by your previous institution to transfer to
PSU

VISA ISSUES
Upon arriving at your new campus, you must:
obtain a new I-20 form
enroll at PSU in the next possible term
check in with ISSS (present your immigration documentation, current
address, phone number and email address)
complete the section 11 of your new I-20 form and submit it to ISSS
within 15 days of the start of classes
If you are a J-1 visa holder:
obtain a new DS-2019 form from Portland State University
be sure that the international student advisors at both the old and new
schools are taking the necessary steps to complete the transfer
take your new DS-2019, passport and your I-94 to ISSS to check in
Please note, unless you follow the above steps, you are not authorized to
attend the new school and may be considered to be in violation of your
immigration status.
Transfer away from Portland State University
If you decide that you wish to transfer away from Portland State, you must
visit the office of International Student and Scholar Services. Our office
may need to complete a transfer clearance form for your new college or
university indicating that you have maintained your immigration status.
Once you have been admitted to the new school you wish to attend, have
given us proof of your admission and have completed PSU’s Transfer Release
Form, we will transfer your SEVIS record to the new institution. Once
we have
released your SEVIS record, we no longer have access to it and cannot
retrieve it from the new institution.
Please note: Your new school cannot issue a new I-20 to you or complete
your transfer process until they have access to your SEVIS record.
Nearby Hotels
HOUSING
PSU University Place Hotel
310 SW Lincoln Street
Portland, OR 97201
Tel: 1-866-845-4647
http://www.pdx.edu/cegs/university-place-hotel-conference-center
Nightly rate: Ask about special PSU rate
The Mark Spencer Hotel
409 SW 11th Ave
Portland, OR 97205
Tel: 1-800-548-3293
http://www.markspencer.com/
Nightly rate: Ask about special PSU rate
You can also visit the Portland, Oregon Visitors Association
http://www.travelportland.com/ for links to other accommodations in
Portland
Youth Hostels
Hostelling International, Portland Hawthorne District
3031 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, OR 97214 USA
Tel: 503-236-3380
http://www.portlandhostel.org/
Northwest Portland International Hostel & Guesthouse
425 NW 18th Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
Tel: 503-241-2783
http://www.nwportlandhostel.com/
Hostelling International, Oregon Council
http://www.oregonhostels.org/

HOUSING
PSU has partnered with https://www.places4students.com, a company that
specializes in providing Off-Campus Housing solutions for post-secondary
students. This service is free for all PSU students to use as an effective
method of finding a place to live off-campus. Landlords can list properties
at rates that are very competitive and less than most other mediums of advertising.
Several websites you might find helpful for off-campus housing information
are:
The Willamette Week (a free paper published every Wednesday) at
http://portland.wweek.com/rentals
The daily Oregonian at http://realestate.oregonlive.com/
Portland Roommate Referral Service, (800) 224-4939, (503) 224-4939
Craigslist list at http://portland.craigslist.org/apa/
Host Family (Short-term and Long-term)
You can also request to stay with a Portland family in their home. To
arrange a short or long-term homestay you can contact Friends of Overseas
Citizens and University Students before you arrive in Portland. Please see
their website for more information: http://fs.elpidzo.com Please note that
FOCUS is a Christian organization.
Another homestay organization is:
ANDEO-International Studentstays (ISS), a non-profit organization that
specializes in providing host families for international students living in
Portland. Please see their website for more information:
http://www.andeo.org
Short-term, Temporary, or Emergency Housing
The following is a list of resources for finding short-term,
temporary or emergency housing.
Stay with a family for a short time:
FOCUS: Friends for Overseas Citizens & University Students:
http://fs.elpidzo.com
FOCUS has many providers who are happy to take in students for a few
days or weeks when they first arrive and need time to look for an
apartment. Please contact the FOCUS Homestay Coordinator at least 1
week before your planned arrival.
2. Travel & Special Registration
Students with F-1 and J-1 Visa Status
If you leave the U.S. at any time during your studies and intend to re-enter,
you must be in possession of a valid I-20 or DS-2019 to present to
immigration officials upon your return to the U.S border.
If you have substantial changes to any of the above-mentioned items, you
should obtain a new I-20 or DS-2019 from ISSS reflecting the new
information. To travel outside the U.S., you need:
A valid I-20 or DS-2019 form, signed by an authorized advisor in ISSS
This signature notifies USCIS that you are maintaining your immigration
status at Portland State University. The signature, located on page three of
your I-20 or in the bottom-right corner of your DS-2019, is valid for 12
months. It is advisable to get a new signature if the most recent travel
endorsement is older than 6 months.
You must also have in your possession:
IMMIGRATION ISSUES & TRAVEL
A valid passport (with a validity period extending at least six months into
the future)
A valid visa (unless you are traveling to Canada or Mexico - see below)
A valid I-94 Note: You will surrender your I-94 card to the border officials
when leaving the U.S. and receive a new one upon re-entry except when
you travel to Canada or Mexico.
SPECIAL REGISTRANTS: See next section
IMPORTANT NOTE: Those students who have entered into the U.S. as
Special Registrants have very specific obligations when they leave the
United States. You must notify the US Customs and Border Patrol of your
intention to leave a few days before your flight is scheduled. You will then
be told what the procedure is at the airport from which you will finally
depart the United States. If you have questions about the procedures for
Special Registrants, please speak with one of the International Student
Advisors before planning your trip outside the United States. Note as well,
that if you fail to participate in this exit interview with CBP, you will
probably be prevented from entering the United States again.

VISA ISSUES
Travel to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean (F-1 & J-1 visa holders):
Travel to these countries requires different documentation for most
students than travel anywhere else in the world. In order to enter these
countries, you must make sure that your I-94 form (the small white card) is
valid for longer than the period you expect to stay in that country. If your
I-94 card says D/S, this is sufficient, as long as you are not nearing the
completion date indicated on your Form I-20 or DS-2019.
In addition to a valid I-94 form, you will need to take along a valid passport
and your valid I-20 or DS-2019 form. It is advisable to take evidence of
financial support, which could include a bank statement or scholarship
letter from sponsor. A valid F-1 or J-1 visa is not necessary for re-entry into
the United States from Canada, the Caribbean, or Mexico if your visit was
for 30 days or fewer. Show the immigration officials your valid I-94 card
when you enter Canada or Mexico (don’t let them take it) and you’ll present
it again when you re-enter the U.S. Students from Iran, Syria, Sudan and
Cuba are not eligible for automatic visa
revalidation and must therefore have a valid F1 or J1 visa as well as the
other immigration documents if they wish to re-enter the U.S. from Canada
or Mexico.
NOTE: Depending upon your country of citizenship, you may need a visa
to enter Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. If you travel to these areas, you
will need to contact the appropriate embassy in the U.S.
Canadian and Mexican Embassies nearest to Portland State University:
Canadian Consulate
1501 4th Avenue, Suite #600
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 443-1777
www.canadianembassy.org/
Mexican Consulate
1305 SW 12th Avenue Portland, OR 97201
(between SW Jefferson St and SW Columbia St)
(503) 274-1450/1442
www.sre.gob.mx/portland
2. HOUSING OPTIONS IN PORTLAND
HOUSING
On-Campus Housing
University Housing operates 10 on-campus buildings and houses
approximately 2,000 resident students. On-campus housing is not
guaranteed, so you are encouraged to research your housing options early.
Some units in University Housing are in extremely high demand, especially
most types of single, furnished rooms without roommates. This means it is
very important that you submit your legally binding University Housing
contract as soon as possible. The University Housing contract for the
upcoming academic year generally opens in early March. Your priority
during the housing assignment process is based on the date that the
University Housing office receives your contract. To submit your housing
contract, visit their website at http://www.pdx.edu/housing. The oncampus
residence halls are convenient and provide support services and an active
social atmosphere. Consider living on the Global Village floor which houses
international students together with American students! All on-campus
housing unit costs include the cost of utilities (electricity, water, gas, etc.).
Off-Campus Housing
Affordable housing in Portland is in demand and it may take you several
weeks to find suitable permanent housing. The main campus is centrally
located in downtown Portland. You may also want to consider living in
nearby neighborhoods on both sides of the Willamette River which flows
through downtown. The city is divided into four quadrants: southwest
(SW), northwest (NW), southeast (SE), and northeast (NE), the Willamette
River divides the east and west sides of the city and Burnside Street is the
dividing line between north and south Portland. All of these areas are easily
accessible to campus by public transportation. For more detailed
information about housing in Portland visit the PSU Intensive English
Language Program website at http://www.ielp.pdx.edu/housing.php

STUDENT RESOURCES
VI. STUDENT RESOURCES
1. BANKING & MONEY MATTERS
Most banks offer similar services, but there are differences in the fees they
charge and the minimum balance they require in each account. For the best
price, ask several banks for details about their services.
Checking Accounts
You deposit money in these accounts, then write checks to buy things so
you do not have to carry a lot of cash with you. There are various kinds of
checking accounts with different types of privileges and restrictions;
therefore, you should ask many questions and make sure you understand
what the person at the bank is telling you.
Savings Accounts
You can deposit any amount of money into a savings account, but the purpose
is to keep it there to let it grow. You can make withdrawals but can’t
write checks on most of these accounts. Some banks may require you to
keep a minimum amount of money in these accounts to avoid a service
charge, but they all pay interest.
To open a bank account, you will need identification (I.D.). You will need
both your passport and Portland State I.D. If you do not yet have your I.D.,
a second piece of photo identification will be required. Most banks open at
either 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM and close at either 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM. For a
complete listing of bank information, look in the Yellow Pages under Banks.
Special Registration
SPECIAL REGISTRATION & TRAVEL
Who is a “special registrant?”
Special Registration requirements can be applied to individuals from ANY
country, however the requirements have primarily been applied to males
ages 16-45 from the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain,
Bangladesh, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya,
Lebanon, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Somalia, Saudi
Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
How Do I Know if I am Registered?
During the special registration process, when you entered the U.S., the DHS
inspector took fingerprints and photographs. The inspector will write a
Fingerprint Identification Number (FIN#) on the I-94 card of the specially
registered person. If your I-94 card has a FIN# written on it, or a notation
of “NSEERS,” you are enrolled in the Special Registration program. Your
enrollment remains "open" until you leave the United States after having an
exit interview with a DHS officer. If you are not sure if you are a special
registrant, check with your international student advisor.
Departure Reporting / Interview
Anyone enrolled in Special Registration must have an exit interview with an
immigration officer at the airport BEFORE you leave the U.S. If you leave
the US, including traveling out of the US even for only a short period of
time, you must appear in person before an immigration inspecting officer at
the airport from which you leave the US. (If you transfer planes within the
U.S., you must report to the immigration officer at the LAST airport in the
U.S.)
For example, if you have a direct flight from Portland to Amsterdam,
Netherlands you will have your exit interview in Portland. If you have a
flight from Portland to Chicago to London, you will have your exit interview
in Chicago. The airport from which you depart the U.S. must be one of the designated
ports of departure, and you must leave the US from that port on the same day. If
you have questions about an airport, go to East Hall 101 for additional information.
If you do not go through the exit interview with a DHS officer, your Special
Registration file will remain "open." You are likely to be denied a new entry
visa for failure to go through the exit interview. You are also likely to be
denied entry into the United States even if you have a valid visa, if the DHS
records show you did not go through the exit interview. It is possible to
request from DHS, in advance, an exception from the departure reporting
requirement. Such exceptions require a showing of very unusual
circumstances however. It is best to plan your flight times with the exit
interview requirement in mind. It is important to go through the exit
interview, even if it means missing a flight.

SPECIAL REGISTRATION & TRAVEL
What to Bring
When you enter or depart from the U.S, bring the items below:
REQUIRED:
-Passport
-I-94
-I-20 (for F-1) or DS-2019 (for J-1) with a current travel signature from
your advisor
-any other form of government-issued identification you have, e.g. driver's
license, state ID card, national identity card
OPTIONAL:
-proof of residence, e.g. apartment lease or rental agreement, transcript of
academic courses showing current address
-Credit Card, if any
-PSU Transcript (you can print this from Banweb / PSU Information
System)
-status letter from your international student advisor if you have had past
problems with your academic or immigration status
At the Portland airport: Check in, go through security and proceed to
your departure gate (where your plane is waiting). At the departure gate use
a telephone in the area, or your mobile phone, to call the Immigration and
Customs Enforcement Officer. The officer will meet you at your gate.
Allow extra time for security and your interview. If you are leaving from
an airport other than Portland check the travel information posted
outside of 101 East Hall for specific instructions.
The immigration officer may ask questions about your studies, where you
live, or other information, which you must answer. The immigration officer
may record your answers. The immigration officer may ask you to produce
other information or documents at a later time. Do NOT board your plane
until you have met with the immigration officer.
Portland Airport Customs and Border Protection (CBP): 503-326-3230
___________________________________________________________
***We strongly recommend that you try to arrange your travel, if possible,
so that you depart the U.S. from the Portland Airport, as our office has a
good working relationship with CBP at the Portland airport.***
4. SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS
SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS
The ISSS administers 3 scholarships that are available to qualified F
-1 and J-1 students:
International Student Retention Scholarship
The International Cultural Service Program Scholarship:
http://www.icsp.pdx.edu
The Keith Morden Memorial Scholarship
The International Admissions office administers 1 scholarship:
The International Achievement Scholarship
Many of these scholarships require that students maintain a minimum GPA
and are sometimes based on financial need. A full list of the scholarships
specifically for international students and the accompanying application
information can be found at: http://oia.pdx.edu/intl_students/scholarships
Diversity Scholarships recognize students who demonstrate outstanding
achievement, service to school and community, leadership qualities and the
potential to contribute to the diversity of the campus community. A specific
goal of the scholarship is to attract and support students from diverse backgrounds
and experiences who will contribute to the learning environment
by sharing their strengths and diverse perspectives. International students
often qualify for these scholarships as well.
Another great resource for information on national scholarships is
http://www.fastweb.com. (While many scholarships are available only to
U.S. citizens, there are often a few scholarships that are available to international
students as well. Be sure that any scholarships of interest to you are
not limited to applicants with U.S. citizenship). You should also check
with your academic department and to look at the PSU Scholarship website:
http://www.sa.pdx.edu/scholarships/

TEXT BOOKS & TUITION
3. TEXTBOOK & TUITION
Textbooks are available from the PSU Bookstore, located on the corner of
SW Fifth Ave. and Montgomery Street. Full refunds are given for returned
books during a short time at the beginning of each term. SAVE YOUR
RECEIPTS for proof of purchase when returning books. Your used books
may be sold back for a percentage of the price paid at the end of each term.
Ask for details at the PSU bookstore.
Student Finances Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees are determined by the State Board of Higher Education
and are subject to change. Each year, the Offices of Admissions and
International Student and Scholar Services determine how much money
international students will need for tuition, fees and other normal living
expenses. For more information on tuition and fees see:
www.pdx.edu/registration/tuition.html
How to Pay Tuition and Fees
You have four options for paying:
1. Online: You can pay using the PSU Information System for $25.00 at
http://banweb.pdx.edu
2. U.S. Mail: You can send a check in the mail.
3. In Person: You can visit the Cashier’s windows in the Neuberger Hall
lobby and pay using cash or checks. (Note: during the first several weeks of
each term, lines can be very long.)
Tuition and Fees Payment Policy
All students who enroll incur a financial obligation. Oregon University
System and Portland State University policies require payment of tuition
and fees by the designated due date. Students who cannot meet fee payment
deadlines may choose the Revolving Charge Account Plan. For more information
on the payment policy see: http://www.pdx.edu/bao/payments
Students are financially responsible for all classes for which they are
registered prior to the second week of each term. Students who discover
that they cannot attend must cancel their registration prior to the second
week of each term to avoid financial obligation.
Tuition Refunds
Students may receive a complete to a partial refund of their tuition,
depending on when they drop a course. For more information on tuition
refunds see: http://www.pdx.edu/bao/tuition-refunds
II. EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS
1. On-Campus Employment
On-Campus Employment is granted to full-time students so long as it will
not interfere with the student’s full program of study or delay the degree.
Permission must be obtained from ISSS before beginning work. At your
request, we will review your eligibility and then issue a letter authorizing you
to work on campus. If you do not already have one, you will need to
present this letter (along with a letter of offer from your employer) to the
Social Security Administration Office to obtain a Social Security Number.
You can find your closest Office here : http://www.ssa.gov/
The PSU Human Resources Office will also need to see your on campus
employment authorization letter.
Federal regulations limit your on-campus employment to 20 hours per week
while classes are in session. While you are in your annual vacation term, you
may work full time on campus even if you choose to take a class or two
(if you are enrolled full time in a term which would have been your vacation
term, then you are not allowed to work full time on campus). International
students are not eligible for “work study” positions on campus. A listing of
work study positions can be found in the Office of Financial Aid in the
Lobby of Neuberger Hall and at Human Resources Office, which is located
at 1600 SW 4th Ave., Suite 518.
New international students are eligible to work on-campus as soon as they
report to the Office of International Student and Scholar Services, but no
sooner than 30 days prior to the start of the term. Transfer students may
work on campus as soon as PSU has issued an I-20 for them.
Located within the Career Center, the Student Employment Office posts
hundreds of part-time jobs, many of which are
degree related. Please note that you MAY NOT
work off-campus without prior authorization
from ISSS and/or the
USCIS.
For more information contact:
The Career Center
617 SW Montgomery
University Services Building
Room 402
askcarc@pdx.edu
503-725-4613
EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS

EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS
2. Off Campus Employment
Employment Regulations for J-1 Students
Off-Campus Employment authorization for J-1 students will be in the form
of a letter from the International Student and Scholar Services.
Academic Training (AT)
Students with J-1 status are eligible for Academic Training (AT).
AT is a term used by the United States Department to describe employment
in the student’s major field of study. This training may be done at a
company or organization on or off-campus and either before or after
completion of studies. To be eligible you must find work that is directly
related to your field of study as indicated on your Form DS-2019, and you
must be a full-time student in good academic standing. Authorization for
academic training is provided by ISSS. Please see the J-1 Student Advisor at
ISSS for more information on the approval process. Employment can only
begin after you have received authorization from ISSS.
Practical Training: Students with F-1 Visa Status
Practical training is employment in a student’s major field of study. You are
eligible for practical training if you have been a full-time enrolled student in
F-1 visa status for one academic year. There are two types of practical
training: Curricular and Optional.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
In order to be eligible for CPT, you must be in F-1 status and have been
enrolled 9 consecutive months, unless your academic program requires that
all students in the program begin an internship earlier. At PSU, there is
currently only one program which requires that students begin their
practical experience before 9 months have passed. This is the Master in
Social Work Program.
CPT employment must be related to your field of study. This type of
practical training can be an internship, co-op, practicum, or professional
experience listed as a course in your curriculum. It may be for full-time or
part-time employment and must be credit bearing. The credit must count
toward degree completion. Because CPT is credit-bearing, you may only use
CPT before you've met your degree requirements.
Please note: if you complete 12 months of full-time curricular practical
training, you are not eligible for any period of Optional Practical Training.
Authorization for CPT employment is obtained from ISSS. You must
submit your CPT application to EH 101 at least ten business days prior to
your employment start date and you may not begin working until
authorization has been received.
STUDENT ID
Academic Information and Resources
Student Identification Number
Portland State University assigns each student an ID number which will be
used during your studies at PSU. Your PSU ID number will be a 9-digit
number beginning with the number 9. A social security number (SSN) will
only be collected by Human Resources if you work on campus.
Human Resources will keep your SSN confidential and, except for
legitimate uses within the University, it will be released with accompanying
records only when you make a release request.
Student ID Card
If you are enrolled in one or more credits at PSU, you are entitled to a
student ID card which can be used to access many services on campus and
in the community.
Here is what you should do to get an ID card:
1. Go to Neuberger Hall and have your picture taken at the ID window
(cost for replacement= $12 paid by cash or check)
2. Register for classes
3. Once you register, your ID card will be mailed to your current home
address in about 2 weeks
Validating your Student ID Card
Each term, you must obtain a current term sticker in order for the ID to be
valid. You can get the sticker starting the first day of each term after you
have paid tuition. A valid ID can be used on campus for building and
parking access, the library, computer labs, athletic events and gym facilities.
Off campus, the ID can be used for discounted movie ticket, museum
passes, the Japanese Gardens and for Symphony tickets, and other places
that accept student ID cards.
For further information ID cards contact:
ID Operations, Neuberger Hall Lobby Window #9, Phone: (503) 725-8333,
www.psuone.pdx.edu.
Social Security Number
Contact ISSS for details and instructions on obtaining a social security
number.

GRADES
Grade Points
A 4.00
A- 3.67
B+ 3.33
B 3.00
B- 2.67
C+ 2.33
C 2.00
C- 1.67
D+ 1.33
D 1.00
F 0.00
Academic Good Standing
Course hours are completed with a satisfactory grade point average required
for a specific year of college so that student is making satisfactory progress.
Academic Warning
A notice that your grades are below the academic requirements. The
minimum university grade point average is 2.0 (higher for some majors) for
graduation.
Academic Probation
An enrollment restriction as a result of poor grades. If you are placed on
academic probation, be certain to consult ISSS.
Academic Disqualification
A suspension from the university due to academic difficulties. If you are
placed on academic warning, you will be automatically disqualified at the
end of the following quarter after the warning if you have not raised your
GPA.
IMPORTANT NOTE: In case of academic warning, disqualification/
suspension, consult the Office of International Student and Scholar
Services. For additional information on warning levels and GPA
requirements, see the PSU Bulletin or consult your major department.
Office Hours
Each instructor and professor holds regularly scheduled office hours each
week. During this time, students can meet with their professors to discuss
course work, ask questions, or get to know their professor. Professors often
recommend that students schedule time to see them within their office
hours. Information on office hours will be available in the course syllabus
for each class or by contacting the instructor or the department office.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
General Information: Optional Practical Training (OPT) enables
international students to gain valuable work experience related to their fields
of study. F-1 students are eligible for up to 12 months of full-time
employment authorization for each HIGHER level of education completed.
Applications are filed with the Office of International Student and Scholar
Services, but it is the Citizenship and Immigration Services which approves
the applications. While OPT is not employer specific, OPT work must be
related to the field of study just completed.
Eligibility: International students who wish to gain OPT authorization
must demonstrate that they are in valid F-1 status. They must have been
enrolled full time for a full academic year prior to the OPT start date.
Extensions: Some Science, Technology, Engineering and Math students
may apply for a 17-month extension.
For more information about:
Pre-completion vs. Post-completion OPT
Application timing
Starting OPT / Travel while on OPT
Unemployment during OPT period
Please visit ISSS office or attend an OPT/CPT workshop, held throughout
the academic year (www.oia.pdx.edu/isss).
Economic Hardship
EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS
Employment Regulations for F-1 Students
Off-Campus Employment can be granted based upon severe economic
hardship if you are in good academic standing, carry a full-time course load,
and have been in F-1 status for nine consecutive months. Economic
Hardship authorization allows students to work off campus in any job up to
20 hours per week during the term and full time during vacation terms.
Severe economic hardship is a situation caused by unforeseen circumstances
beyond your control. This may include a loss of tuition waiver, loss of on
campus employment, substantial fluctuation in the value of currency or the
exchange rate from your home country, unexpected changes in the
financial condition of your source of support, medical bills, or other
substantial and unexpected expenses. An increase in tuition does not
constitute on unforeseen economic need. Please see an ISSS advisor for
more information.

HEALTH INSURANCE
III. STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE
All international students at Portland State University are required to carry
health insurance for themselves and their dependents for the duration of
their academic programs. Therefore you and your dependents must have
nonstop, year-round insurance. This includes vacation terms, thesis and
dissertation research periods, internship training periods, etc., whether you
are enrolled or not, as long as you are on a valid PSU I-20 or DS-2019.
Students will be enrolled in the International Student Supplemental
Health Insurance Plan automatically each quarter. Coverage for dependents
in the U.S. must be requested each quarter by emailing
intlins@pdx.edu. Waivers of the Supplemental Plan are available in a
very limited set of circumstances. For more information about the
insurance plan and about waivers, please visit: http://oia.pdx.edu/
intl_students/insurance/
How does the health insurance work?
The Portland State University International Student Health Insurance plan
is one policy, but has three separate parts. The different parts are:
The Health Services Fee. This mandatory fee for PSU students taking
5 or more credit hours allows access to the Center for Student Health and
Counseling (SHAC), a primary health care clinic located on campus. It is
important to note that self-support courses do not count toward registration
hours of eligibility, and students registered for fewer than 5 PSU credit
hours are not eligible to use Student Health Services.
The Basic Insurance Plan. All PSU students are required to have
“Basic Insurance” coverage. Basic Insurance is designed to assist students
by paying a portion of benefits, but does not entirely eliminate the expense
of a majority of minor illnesses and injuries. The Basic Insurance plan is
normally included with the Health Service Fee that is included with a student’s
tuition when taking 5 or more regular credits.
The International Student Supplemental Health Insurance Plan
(often simply called the Supplemental or Extended Insurance Plan). It is
designed to assist students by paying a significant portion of major medical
expenses after the “Basic Plan.”
* Please see the Health Insurance brochure for more current information
For questions about:
Fees on student accounts, contact intlins@pdx.edu
For questions about claims and benefits, contact Christi Ziegler at
christi.ziegler@wellsfargo.com or via phone at 503-975-4292.
GRADES
Student may request nondisclosure of Student Directory Information by
specifying nondisclosure, in writing, to:
The Office of Admissions, Records, and Financial Aid,
Portland State University, PO Box 751
Portland, OR 97207-0751
Due to FERPA regulations, the University cannot
release information to parents and family; therefore it is
always important to keep them up to date on your
academic and living situations. International students
should be aware that the Patriot Act gives special
permission to employees of the Department of Homeland
Security. At their request, University officials are required to release
information to Homeland Security about any F1 or J1 students who are
currently studying at or have previously studied at Portland State
University. If such a request is made, PSU employees may NOT inform
students.
Academic Standing
Grades
End of term grades are available on the Wednesday following finals week.
Students may view grades and print grade reports using the PSU
Information System online. The system requires the student to enter their
ID and PIN number.
Each instructor and professor holds regularly scheduled office hours each
week. During this time, students can meet with their professors to discuss
course work, ask questions, or get to know their professor. Professors often
recommend that students schedule time to see their professor within the
office hours. Information on office hours will be available in the course
syllabus for each class or by contacting the instructor or the department
office.
Calculating your GPA (Grade Point Average)
Each letter grade corresponds to a numeric value on a scale from 0.0 to 4.0,
in which A corresponds to 4.0. A student’s academic success for a quarter is
measured cumulatively, which is computed by dividing the total number of
points earned by the total number of credits taken. Under specific circumstances,
letters such as: I (incomplete); W (Withdraw); X (No basis for
grade); P (Pass); and NP (No Pass) may appear in grade reports. These
letters are not grades and are not included in the calculation of the
cumulative GPA.

ACADEMIC ISSUES
Registration and Records Registration
All students new to Portland State, both freshman and transfer, will register
for their first term of classes during Orientation. At Orientation, they will
meet with student peer advisers, as well as department and/or university
advisers who will assist them in planning their first term schedule and in
registering for classes. Students will register online for classes using the PSU
Information System online.
For all registration periods following their initial term of enrollment at PSU,
students will register on their own. They may begin to register for classes
during the pre-term registration period and may make changes to their
registration until after the term begins. Pre-term registration dates are
prioritized according to student class standings, which are determined by
the number of credits a student has earned. It is important for students to
be aware of the available dates for registration, as well as deadlines for
adding and dropping classes, making grade changes, withdrawing from
classes, refund percentages and other policies.
Enrollment Verification
If you need to provide verification of enrollment, you may obtain this at the
Registration Windows. Often, this is necessary for health and car insurance,
scholarships, loans, and employers. If the verification does not have to be
signed by a University official, a student can print their schedule from the
web. Some students may also require this verification in the form of a status
letter. These may be requested from the Office of International Student
Services by filling out a Student Request Form. Status letter requests take
about three to five (3-5) business days to process; please plan accordingly.
Student Records
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives domestic
and international students certain rights with respect to their educational
records. These include the right to consent to disclosures of personally
identifiable information contained in the student’s records, except to the
extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. FERPA
authorizes the University to make public disclosure, upon request, of
Student Directory Information. Student Directory Information includes the
student’s name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, dates of
attendance, degrees and awards received, number of credits earned, and the
fact of enrollment, including whether the student is enrolled full-time or
part-time.
IV. CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT
Adjusting to a New Country and Culture:
The Adjustment Experience
CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT
When you decided to study in the United States, you may have anticipated
that some adjustments would have to be made with respect to differences in
climate, food, time, and culture. The cultural adjustment process is not an
easy or comfortable one, but it can be an extremely productive and
rewarding experience. It does not happen overnight. It may take several
months to feel comfortable in your new environment. Many people attain
new levels of self-awareness, personal growth, and gain a new
understanding of their own cultures in addition to that of the new country.
Although everyone goes through some adjustment process, it is important
to remember that the experience is very personal.
Stages of the Cultural Adjustment Process:
Stage 1: You may experience general anxiety combined with a great deal of
excitement. There are many details to keep you busy. Often, you find there
is no real time to sit down and think during the first few weeks in a new
place. When the excitement wears off, you may feel very emotional.
Stage 2: When the initial excitement fades, you may feel a lot of frustration
and become tired of operating in English. It may seem to take forever to
accomplish something that once took you a very short time. You may miss
friends and family back home and have less energy and tolerance than usual.
Changes may occur in your eating and sleeping habits. This is a time you
need to pay extra attention to your health. It is important to remember that
this is a normal and expected part of the cultural adjustment process. REST.
Stage 3: A greater sense of regularity now becomes noticeable. During this
time, you may find that you laugh at the mistakes that irritated you only a
few weeks ago. You may also find that information is more easily absorbed,
and your energy level is higher.
Stage 4: The final stage is a sense of ease in the new culture. You have a
better understanding of how the culture works, and parts of it may even
begin to feel comfortable.

CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT
The Adjustment Process in a New Culture
Full-time status
ACADEMIC ISSUES
International students must maintain full-time status (a minimum of 12
credit hours for undergraduate students and a minimum of 9 graduate credit
hours for graduate students in every term enrolled). If you choose to
WITHDRAW from a course or change the grading option to AUDIT, you
MUST consult an international student advisor at ISSS prior to doing so.
Reducing your credit load to less than full time may place you out of status
with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Failure to
maintain the proper number of credits may also result in you having to
abandon your studies and return to your home country. Do not take too
many classes. Give yourself time to adjust to the U.S., to Portland State
University, and to your classes. Taking too many classes can result in low
grades and high stress. It may also endanger your academic standing and
admission to professional programs. Listen to your academic and
international advisors. Advisors are trained to evaluate students’ needs and
abilities. Following their advice can mean the difference between a good
grade point average and a poor or inconsistent one.
Add/drops, changes and withdrawals
A student who has registered and wishes to add a course may do so in the
first two weeks of the quarter. After the first week, all adds are processed at
the Registration windows in Neuberger Hall Lobby using the Special
Registration Form. Late payment fees and schedule change fees begin after
the first week of the term and are billed on a monthly billing cycle. Students
who withdraw or drop a course may be entitled to certain refunds of fees
paid. (See the PSU Bulletin Schedule of Classes for more information.) You
can find out more information on paying fees here:
http://www.pdx.edu/bao/payments
Remember: You must talk to an ISSS advisor if you want/need to drop
below full time! This period also includes in-person processing of the
Special Registration Form. This form is used for closed classes, other
restrictions, overload approvals, grade option changes, and audits. There are
expanded evening hours for registration and the cashier’s offices. Classes
may be dropped the first four weeks of the quarter on-line. If you wish to
drop a class after this time, you must get permission from the academic
departments. They will stamp the Special Registration Form, which can be
obtained at the Registrar’s Office. After you have this form filled out by the
academic department, you will need to take it to the Registration window in
Neuberger Hall Lobby.
NOTE: If you do not officially drop a class that you do not attend, you will
be charged for the class and will be expected to pay the bill. Be sure to
check your term calendar in the Bulletin for deadline dates.

REGISTRATION & RECORDS
2. REGISTRATION & RECORDS
Before you register, visit an academic advisor.
Undergraduate and transfer students should pay a visit to the academic
department in which you intend to study and the:
Undergraduate Academic Support Center (UASC).
Smith Memorial Student Union, Suite 425. 503-725-4005.
http://www.pdx.edu/uasc
Email: askuasc@pdx.edu
Graduate students will be assigned an academic advisor within their
graduate department. They should also become familiar with the:
Office of Graduate Studies
184 XSB (Extended Studies Building), 1633 SW Park Ave.
503-725-8410.
http://www.gsr.pdx.edu/ogs.php
Email: grad@pdx.edu
Academic Help
A variety of resources exist on campus to provide students with direct
academic assistance. In addition to the office hours of their professors,
there is also a Math Lab, a Writing Center and tutoring in a variety of
subjects. Students can receive help with specific assignments, general
concepts or ideas, preparing for tests, conforming to the different stylistic
guidelines (e.g., MLA, Chicago, APA), and a variety of different
subject-specific assistance. More information can be found at the following
websites or under the following numbers:
Math Lab – Fariborz Maseeh Dept. of Mathematics and Statistics,
Neuberger 465, http://www.mth.pdx.edu 503-725-3621
Tutoring – Skills Enhancement and Tutoring Center, Smith 439
http://www.setc.pdx.edu 503-725-4448
Writing Center – Cramer 188F
http://www.writingcenter.pdx.edu 503-725-3570
Graduating is not always as simple as it may appear to be. There are three
sets of requirements for a baccalaureate degree at PSU: General education
(University Studies or the Honors Program), Degree (Bachelor of Arts,
Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Music), Major requirements.
It is imperative that you stay in touch with your academic advisors in your
department and the UASC to ensure that you meet the requirements for
each of these areas or you may find that you have to spend additional time
studying at PSU. This, in turn, could jeopardize your immigration status.
CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT
Steps that will help you through the Cultural Adjustment
Process:
Be aware of the cultural adjustment process. Realize that it is natural to
miss your family, friends, and home. Talk about these feelings with
someone you feel comfortable with or someone who has experienced the
same feelings in the past.
Spend time with people from your home country or other
international students. There are many international student organizations
that you can join to meet others.
Find an American to be a cultural informant for you to gain insights
into American culture. Also, try asking several different Americans the same
question. The differences and similarities in answers may surprise you.
Stay busy. Get involved in activities, but also continue hobbies and sports
that you enjoy in your home country.
Maintain your sense of humor. Anyone who has lived in another culture
has funny and/or embarrassing stories. You are not alone. Laughing at
these situations can ease the tension.
Keep realistic expectations. It may take longer to accomplish tasks in a
new culture, a new academic environment, and a new language.
Remain open minded, flexible, and adaptable. You will find things that
don't make sense. Remember that you are experiencing these events
through your particular cultural lens. It will take some time before you can
see through an American lens.
Remember that being in a new culture can be confusing. It is often difficult
to figure things out on your own. The important thing to remember is to
ask questions.
Communicate with your instructors at PSU. In many cultures students
do not talk to the faculty. Here, in the United States, it is extremely important
to talk to your instructors. If you do not understand an assignment, are
going to miss a class, or are unable to hand in an assignment, talk to your
teachers. The only way they can make informed decisions about your class
work is if you inform them. If you feel uncomfortable speaking with them
directly, you can speak to the staff in ISSS.

ACADEMIC ISSUES
1. ACADEMIC ISSUES
Learning how to operate in a new academic situation is a challenge, and
doing so in a different culture and in another language can be especially
challenging. In many cultures, there is a great difference in status between
students and teachers. Students listen quietly, not questioning what the
teacher says. In the United States, it is acceptable for students to ask questions
and discuss topics with the instructor. You are expected to come to
class on time, to notify your teacher ahead of time if you will be absent, and
to participate. During the first class meeting, your teachers will give you a
syllabus, which lists office hours and when and how they can be
contacted. If you have a problem with the material presented in class, it is
expected that you will see the teacher during office hours and ask for help.
The syllabus also tells when assignments are due.
Dress is informal in U.S. classrooms. Smoking is not permitted in
classrooms or university offices. Some professors permit students to have
food and beverages in the classroom.
(reprinted from Ohio State University Intl Student Handbook)
Academic Conduct
Americans value originality and individual achievement. These values are
reflected in the rules of academic honesty, and thus, students are evaluated
academically based only on their original work. What constitutes academic
honesty varies from culture to culture, and it’s important to understand the
rules of academic conduct at Portland State University.
Academic Misconduct (Cheating)
In many cultures, it is common for students to collaborate on papers and
projects. In the United States it is forbidden to do so, unless the professor
states that the paper or project is to be worked on in groups. PSU defines
academic misconduct as any of the following behaviors:
Violating course rules as contained in the course syllabus (this includes
getting assistance from or providing assistance to another student or
students on a project or paper)
Providing or receiving information during quizzes and examinations
Falsifying, fabricating, or dishonest reporting of research results
Taking the place of another student or enlisting another student to take
your place in an examination
Altering grades or marks by the student in an effort to change the
earned grade
Plagiarizing
Plagiarism
In the United States, ideas are considered the property of their author. It is
considered stealing to use the ideas of another in a paper or presentation
without giving credit to the originator of the idea. Types of plagiarism
include:
Word-for-word copying of someone else’s work without attributing the
source (this would include using the words of an author or another student
without indicating that they are not your own)
Changing a few words of someone else’s work but not acknowledging
that the ideas are not your own. When using the ideas of another person,
give that person’s name and the publication where the ideas were published.
If you have any questions about this, contact your instructor.
(Reprinted from Ohio State University International Student Handbook)
Academic Support Services
The goal of PSU's academic advising services is to assist you in
understanding the following:
Both the requirements for graduation and the University's institutional
policies
What campus resources are available
The value of activities outside the classroom
The balance between your responsibilities and those of the University
Academic Advising
ACADEMIC ISSUES
PSU believes that academic advising should be a part of your entire
academic career, beginning with your pre-admissions contacts with the
University and with New Student Orientation, and that you should have
frequent contact with advisers during the entire time you attend PSU.
Academic advising, provided by both professional advisers and faculty
advisers, will assist you with the following:
Exploration of personal life goals
Exploration of career and academic goals (including graduation and
professional programs)
Integration of personal, academic, and career goals
Selection of general education option, degree, and major or program of
study
Selection and scheduling of courses
Understanding University policies and regulations
Information about and referral to University resources and services