International Student Handbook - Office of International Affairs ...

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/