New International Student Orientation - Indian River State College

InternationalAdmissionsThe following documents must be received in the IRSC International StudentOffice by the recommended deadline dates listed for each term.• IRSC Application for Admission and Statement of Residency : Apply online atwww.irsc.edu or mail completed application. F1 Visa students are consideredNon- Florida residents for tuition purposes.• Application fee: Non-refundable $30 (U.S. Dollars) application fee. Fee may bepaid online or mail check or money order payable to Indian River State College.• Official transcripts: Successful completion of a secondary high school program isrequired for admission. Transcripts, certificates, academic records and/orexamination results must include courses taken and grades achieved.Documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by aCertified English Translation. Post-secondary: If you have attended acollege/university outside of the U.S., the transcript must be evaluated by aNACES member evaluating agency. A course by course evaluation is required.You may use any of the NACES member organizations found athttp://www.naces.org/members.htm.

InternationalAdmissions• Affidavit of Financial Support : Indian River State College is required by U.S. federalregulations to verify the financial resources of each applicant prior to issuing theCertificate of Eligibility (Form I-20). Applicants must provide financial documentsverifying the ability to pay his/her living and educational expenses while attendingIRSC. The applicant must complete the Affidavit of Financial Support forms andsubmit valid supporting financial documents certifying sufficient funds areavailable to cover expenses for the first year at Indian River State College.Documents must be original, dated less than six months from the date of intendedenrollment and issued by a financial institution verifying the minimum amount of -$17,000 for Associate degree programs or $19,000 for Bachelor degree programs.ALL FUNDS MUST BE IN U. S. DOLLARS.• TOEFL Scores: Official score report of the Test of English as a Foreign Language(TOEFL) is required of students whose native language is not English. A minimumscore of 500 (paper-based), 173 (computer-based) or 61 (Internet-based) isrequired. Information and registration may be done online at www.toefl.org.Scores are valid for two years.

InternationalAdmissions• Health insurance: You must show proof of health insurance coveragebefore you will be cleared to register. Please remember that if you bringyour spouse and/or children with you, they must also be adequatelyinsured. Coverage is not restricted to a specific health insurance company.Please read, complete and sign the Health Insurance Form pertaining tocoverage and amount needed.• Transfer students: If you are transferring from a school within the U. S.,you must complete the top portion of the International Student TransferRelease Form. The International Student Advisor at your present schoolmust complete the bottom portion and forward it to Indian River StateCollege.

InternationalStudent Office• Once your documents have been reviewed and approved, you will beissued the I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility). You will then make anappointment with the embassy in your country for the F-1 Student Visa.• Please be advised acceptance to Indian River State College does notguarantee you will be granted a student visa by the U.S. Embassy in yourcountry; nor does it guarantee you will be granted a change of status bythe U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).• Upon approval of F-1 Student Visa and arrival to the U.S., please report tothe International Student office located on the Main Campus, W-Buildingand bring your updated I-20 , I-94 card, and passport. You will not becleared to register until we receive these documents.

10 Steps toGetting Started!1. Report to International Student Office (upon approval of F-1 Visa)2. Take Placement Test3. Register & Complete New Student Orientation (you will not be cleared to registeruntil you complete NSO).4. Attend International Student Orientation5. Activate River Mail6. Meet with your Assigned Advisor (you will receive a letter assigning your advisor )7. Select Classes8. Register9. Pay for Classes10. Buy your BooksStudents Attending the Main Campus: Obtain your Student ID and Parking Decal atthe Student Affairs office located in the KSU Building.

Important ImmigrationDocuments• I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility)• I-94 Card• Passport• F-1 Visa

Important ImmigrationDocuments• I-20: (Certificate of Eligibility Form) - Three page document issued by theschool through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System(SEVIS) which allows you to obtain the F-1 student visa status to attend aschool in the United States. It includes specific information such asprogram beginning and end dates and tracking numbers. The I-20 is issuedfor two years. You may be given an extension on the I-20 dates if neededas long as you are continuously enrolled. NOTE: The third page of the I-20includes the Travel signature and should be signed by theCounselor/Advisor - Designated School official; the signature is valid forone year. It is your responsibility to check to make sure the signature is stillvalid. If the signature has expired, you will not be able to travel or beallowed re-entry into the United States.• I-94 Card: Card issued to you at time of entry into the United States whichdocuments your legal status, your initial entry date and port of entry.Should note F-1 and D/S (Duration of Status). This is your permit to stay inthe U.S. and should be kept in your passport.

Important ImmigrationDocuments• Passport: Document issued by a national government whichcertifies, for the purpose of international travel, the identityand nationality of its holder..NOTE: You must possess apassport that is valid at all times. You should renew yourpassport six months prior to the expiration date at yourcountry's Consulate in the United States or in your country .• F-1 Visa: This visa reflects the status given to you to enter theU.S. temporarily for the sole purpose of study. NOTE: If yourF-1 Student Visa expires while you are in the United States,you may remain in the U.S. as long as you are in valid F-1student status; you should update the visa the next time youtravel to your home country.

I-20 Form

I-20 Form-Dates

I-20 Form-Signature Page

F-1 Visa Page

F-1 Rules andRegulationsFederal regulations require that you notify /report to the IRSCInternational Student Office any of the following:• Extension of I-20: Do not let your I-20 expire. If you need an extensionon the I-20, You should contact us in a timely manner before theexpiration date. If your I-20 expires, you will be out of the F-1 studentstatus. It is your responsibility to check the I-20 form.• F-1 Visa : If your F-1 Student Visa expires while you are in the UnitedStates, you may remain in the U.S. as long as you are in valid F-1 studentstatus; you should update the visa the next time you travel to yourhome country.• Updates: Notify us of any address, phone or email changes; and/or yourdependent(s) changes

F-1 Rules andRegulations ContinuedFederal regulations require that you notify /report to the IRSCInternational Student Office any of the following:• Terminate your studies for any reason• Do not enroll or drop below full-time enrollment (12 credit hours)during any semester, except summer terms• Change your program of study• Transfer to another institution• Desire Optional Practical Training, Off or On Campus Employment• Criminal activity- Criminal commissions or convictions may have animpact on the student’s immigration status.

Placement Test• Students may present ACT scores of Reading 18, English 17,Math 19, or SAT scores of Verbal 440, Math 440 or register forthe College Placement Test .• PERT: Post-secondary Education Readiness Test; is an untimedcomputer adaptive test which provides information aboutReading comprehension, English, and Mathematics skills.These tests help to determine the most appropriate coursesfor each student.• Students sign up for the test in Educational Services on MainCampus or at one of the IRSC Campus offices. Main Campusstudents must pay fees at the Cashier’s Office, located in W-Building . Students then take the validated receipt and photoID to the Assessment Center in W-109.• Remediation is required before retesting . Test Scores are validfor two years.

Student SuccessPlan•Degree seeking students are assigned an advisor once all theirtranscripts and supporting documents are received.•Advisor assignment are based on the home campus indicatedat the time students applied to IRSC.•An advising plan will outline courses to be taken eachsemester. Students will meet with their assigned advisor tocreate an advising plan that outlines courses needed for theirdegree.•Students may view this plan on-line and use it to completeonline registration each semester.

How to Register forClasses1. Go to www.irsc.edu2. Click Register & Pay3. Sign into MyIRSC - enter Student ID & Pin Number4. The first time you log in, the system will prompt youto change your PIN number5. Select Add/Drop Classes6. Select the appropriate term7. Read the instructions and select the campus of yourchoice. Enter the course ID or reference number(Click“Update Now” to make your selections permanent).8. You will be prompted to pay your fees once registration issuccessful.

Sign Into MyIRSC

Online Registration

Online Registration

Tuition Payment Plan

Tuition Payment PlanStudent Payment InformationWelcomeRiver Mail: @mail.irsc.edu• Credit Card: Pay your outstanding debt by Credit Card.• Electronic Check: Pay your outstanding debt byElectronic Check.• Tuition Payment Plan: Enroll and View Tuition PaymentPlan information.• Florida Pre-Paid: View and Accept Florida Pre-PaidContract.

MyIRSC

Grades

F-1 Rules and RegulationsRegistrationAcademic Requirements: You MUST be registered Full-time each Fall andSpring semesters as defined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services(USCIS).• Full-Time Enrollment: Pursuing a full course of study is one of thecornerstones of maintaining F1 status; you must continue to pursue andmaintain a full course of study throughout the entire time under an F-1student status. If you are not enrolled full-time, we are required to report tothe U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) immediately. This willimpact your continuing eligibility for a student visa and continuedenrollment.Fall ( August) and Spring (January) Semesters: Minimum 12 credits.Summer 1- optional/ Summer 2-optional (unless you have been admittedto IRSC for the Summer term or you are completing your degree by the endof a summer term).

F-1 Rules and RegulationsRegistration• Withdraw- If you withdraw, fail to maintain full-time status orotherwise terminate or interrupt your course of study without firstobtaining approval, you will be considered out of status.Immigration only allows withdrawals under specific reasons. If youneed to withdraw below the required hours, please contact us.You may or may not be eligible to withdraw below the requiredamount of credit hours legally.• Online Classes- Only 3 credit hours of distance learning (on-line )courses may count towards the fulfillment of your full-timeenrollment requirement for each semester.• Maintain good academic standing and make satisfactory progresstowards completing your degree.

DepartureIf you have completed your program, you have a number ofoptions:• Change program levels – For example, you can apply to thenext education level after you finish your Associates Degree.• Transfers – You can transfer to a different program at the sameschool or another school.• OPT – You may participate in optional practical training (OPT)which allows you to work in the United States after yourprogram end date.• Change to another visa classification. Please visit U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services for more information.• Return to your home country.

F-1 Rules and RegulationsWork• On-Campus Work: As long as you are in Active F-1 status, youare eligible to work on campus up to 20 hours per weekduring the Spring and Fall semesters. You may work additionalhours if you wish during vacation periods and academicbreaks.• Off-Campus Work: Working off campus requires specialauthorization and is available only in certain situations. Youmust be in F-1 status for at least one academic year. You willbe out of status if you work without authorization.• Optional Practical Training: One year of ImmigrationAuthorized Employment. Typically after completion of studies.• Working without proper authorization constitutes illegalemployment, an offense that can lead to deportation.

Social Security• Social Security: A Social Security number (SSN) is a nine-digitnumber issued to U.S. Citizens, permanent residents, andtemporary (working) residents; used for Tax Purposes only.• Only those who have authorized employment are eligible for aSocial Security Number. ONLY then should you visit the SocialSecurity office to request a Social Security Number. You willneed to meet with the International StudentAdvisor/Counselor for the documents needed to bring withyou to the Social Security office.• You do not need a Social Security Number to : Open a bankaccount, rent an apartment, open a utility account, set up acell Phone Account or Receive a Driver’s License.• Website to Social Security: www.ssa.gov

F-1 Students and Taxes• The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) divides aliens intoresidents and non-residents for tax purposes. These rulesare different than USCIS rules governing immigrationstatus.• Generally speaking, aliens who are in the United Statesfor more than 183 days in any three-year period areconsidered resident aliens for tax purposes and are taxedin the same way as U.S. residents.• To find information about U.S. income taxes for nonimmigrantstudents visit the IRS website at www.irs.govto answer tax questions for foreign students.

On CampusHousing• Living in the United States will be very exciting for you. Findingthe right place to live will enhance your experience.• The River Hammock- The Indian River State College studentresidence complex located on the Main Campus. Apartmentsfeature a central living area, dining room and kitchen. Fourindividual bedrooms with two full baths assure your privacyand an environment conducive to studying. A completekitchen appliance package, central heat and air conditioning,telephone and cable TV outlets are a few of the manyamenities.• Limited space is available and students need to apply inadvance of their enrollment period.• If you are interested in living on campus, please contactStudent Housing at (772) 462-7246 to fill out an application.

Off Campus Housing• Some students prefer the independence of living offcampus. You should exercise care in selecting the rightapartment or house.• When choosing an apartment you should consider its cost,proximity to campus and safety.• St. Lucie County Apartment Rental Information:http://www.homes.com/rentals/FL/County/SAINT%20LUCIE/Type-APARTMENT/• Port St. Lucie Housing: (772) 344-4084• Websites to Cities in the Four County Area:• www.cityofpsl.com www.cityoffortpierce.com• www.cityofstuart.us www.covb.org

Drivers License andTransportation• Drivers License: You must have a valid Florida Drivers licenseto drive.• Florida Drivers License Website: http://www.flhsmv.gov/- Goonline to make an appointment and to get information on thedocuments required to obtain a Drivers License orIdentification Card.Phone Number to Local Drivers License offices:Fort Pierce (772)468-3957 / Port St. Lucie (772)344-4060• Transportation:St. Lucie County Community Transit-1505 Orange Avenue Fort Pierce, FL 34950Fort Pierce (772) 464-7433 / Port St. Lucie (772) 879-1287Treasure Coast Connector- www.treasurecoastconnector.com

Parking and Driving OnCampus• Decals: All vehicles must have an IRSC parking decal to park on our campus.Students using the IRSC Main Campus parking facilities are required to obtainand affix a student parking decal on the left side of rear bumper or rearwindow of their vehicle. Decals can be obtained free of charge and can bepicked up at the Student Affairs Office located in the River CommonsBuilding.• Reserved Parking: Reserved Parking is for full-time faculty, staff, andadministration, these spaces are not for student use. Our security officersticket illegally parked cars.• Student parking is available throughout the campus in the non-reservedareas.• Students MAY park in a designated RESERVED parking space after 5:00 p.m.or on a Saturday or Sunday.• Handicapped parking is conveniently located throughout the campus,including all major lots. You must have a state-issued handicapped tag to parkin these spaces.

Emergency Contactsand Storage• Emergency Contacts: The general emergency number in theUnited States is 911. You can use this number anywhere in theUnited States to reach the police or fire department, and tocall for emergency medical services, like an ambulance.• IRSC Emergency Contacts: On the Main Campus in FortPierce, call ext. 7777 from any campus phone or call 462-4755to reach the on-duty Campus Security Officers.• CODE BLUE PHONES: Code Blue phones are located on eachcampus. The two options are HELP in the case of anemergency and INFO for directions.• Storage: Search online for storage companies in your localarea, should you need to store your items temporarily whileyou are away.

TravelingBefore you Leave the United States:• I-20 Form- Signature on third page is valid for one year. If any informationhas changed, you will need to update. Check the expiration date. You willnot be allowed to travel without your I-20 Form.• Valid Passport- Check the expiration date, it should be valid at a minimum6 months beyond your expected date of re-entry into the U.S.Re-entering the United States:• Valid Passport: Check the expiration date, it should be valid at a minimum6 months beyond your expected date of re-entry into the U.S.• Valid Visa: Ensure that your F-1 Visa is still valid. If your visa has expired,you will need to apply for a new visa while you are abroad.• I-20 Form: Signature on third page is valid for one year. If any informationhas changed, you will need to update. Check the expiration date. You willnot be allowed re-entry into the U.S. if the travel signature has expired.• Proof of funding and registration may be required as well.

Financing Your Education• International student scholarships to study in the United States are quitelimited and highly competitive. Students are encouraged to search onlinefor “International Education Financial Aid” for possible scholarships and orfinancial aid. In several countries, cooperative and thrift societies areviable sources of loans for international students. You should contact yourcountry’s nearest educational advising center/consulate for informationabout local sources of support. There may also be private organizations,businesses, foundations, and religious groups that may provide supportfor study in the U.S.• Federal Financial Aid is not available to International Students. AnInternational Student must finance his or her tuition, books, lab fees andliving expenses. Payment of tuition and lab fees is required at registrationfor each semester. Students should be familiar with the regulations oftheir government about sending money to them in the United States andshould make arrangements to have the necessary funds available at theappropriate times.

Foundation Scholarships• The IRSC Foundation awards over $2,500,000in scholarships annually to deserving areastudents through the generosity of individuals,businesses, and organizations.• For more information or to apply, please visitwww.irscfoundation.org and click onStudents- Foundation Scholarships.• Foundation Office: (772) 462-4786

Linkage Institutes• What are Linkage Institutes? The Linkage Institutes were created by theFlorida Legislature to assist in the development of stronger economic andsocial ties between Florida and strategic foreign countries. Internationalstudents attending any of Florida's state universities/community collegesmay be eligible to apply to be considered as residents for tuition purposesonly.• Who is eligible? In order to qualify, the international student must befrom one of the countries with whom Florida Linkage Institutes areestablished. A very important condition is that students are required toreturn home after graduation. The institutes have set criteria for theselection of such students.• Countries/Regions with whom Florida Linkage Institutes are established:Brazil, Canada, The Caribbean, People's Republic of China, Costa Rica,Eastern Europe, France, Israel, Japan, Mexico and West Africa.• How Do I Apply? To apply for the out-of-state tuition exemption, a studentmust contact the Linkage Institute Director for their country of origin.Search Florida Linkage institute online for more information.

Support Services• Student Success Services: A one-stop center to assist you with registration, academicadvising, and career exploration. Student Success cross-trained staff are available to assistyou with all your academic needs. Located in the W Building, Main Campus.• Career and Transition Services : Assist students and alumni in effectively developing,evaluating, and implementing their career plans. Services include: workshops, job fairs,career forums, career counseling, resume assistance, job searches , and careerexploration/assessments.• Libraries: The IRSC libraries have a range of publications and resources to help guide youwith your research needs. Go to www.irsc.edu and click on Libraries for a list of libraries bycampus location.• Testing: The Assessment Services Center offers testing services to IRSC students. Testsinclude: Placement Tests, exams for online courses, Health Science entrance exams, etc.Located in the W Building, Room 109, Main Campus and available at all IRSC Campuses.• Tutoring: Academic Support Center (ASC): Provides tutoring assistance in English,mathematics, reading and science. Located in Miley Library, Main Campus and available atall IRSC Campuses.

Campus Services• Bookstore: The River Shop is the local bookstore serving students,faculty and staff. Staff is available to assist students in selectingtextbooks by using their class schedules. Located in the KoblegardStudent Union Building, Main Campus.• Health and Wellness Center: Provides a variety of healthinformation services, basic first aid, crisis counseling, and supportgroups. Located in the U Building, Main Campus.• IRSC Mail Room: Offers Postal services; sell stamps, weighspackages, priority and parcel post. Residents of the River Hammockreceive their mail through the mailroom. Located in the KoblegardStudent Union Building, Main Campus.• River Café: Offers Breakfast and Lunch Menus. Located in theKoblegard Student Union Building, Main Campus.• RiverMail: New students must activate their free IRSC emailaccount. This is the official means of electronic communication forall student information.

Student Life• Athletics: Our Intramural Sports program offers a variety of sports including:volleyball, basketball, racquetball, and tennis. For more information contact Healthand Wellness.• Clubs: IRSC currently has over 55 student clubs on campus that cover a wide rangeof interests. The important thing is to get involved and find a club that's right foryou. Contact the Student Activities office in the River Commons Building, MainCampus.• Fitness Center: The Weight Training and Exercise Room-provides the mostadvanced exercise equipment; includes a full range of nautilus and universal weightequipment. All students are eligible for services at no charge.• Shows: The Fine Arts play a vital role at IRSC. Those who appreciate theater,comedy and musical performance will want to catch the McAlpin OnStage shows inthe Wynne Black Box Theatre. Contact the IRSC Box Office, Main Campus.• Study Abroad: IRSC offers several study and travel abroad trips each summerproviding students with opportunities to earn college credits as they participate inenriching life-changing experiences.• Facebook: Find IRSC on Facebook!

International Events• Throughout the year the college offers many interesting programs abouthistory, cultural diversity and more. These are just a few: Black History,Cultural Diversity, Hispanic Heritage, Women's History, Asian/PacificAmerican Heritage.• International Student Clubs: Chinese Cultural Club, International Club,Spanish Club, German Club, Haitian Club, Latin Dance Club, Asian CulturalClub. For further information contact office of Student Affairs- RiverCommons Building, Main Campus.• International Week: A week of fun filled activities celebrating our cultureand diversity. Held in November of each year.• Hispanic Heritage Month: An evening of music, food and dancingcelebrating Hispanic Heritage! Held in September of each year.

International Events at theRiver!

Useful Links• Immigration (USCIS): www.uscis.gov• Department of Homeland Security: www.dhs.gov• Department of Motor Vehicles: www.flhsmv.gov• Social Security Administration (SSA): www.ssa.gov• US Department of State (Information about your local embassy in your country) www.usembassy.gov• Internal Revenue Services (IRS): www.irs.gov• Currency Convertor : www.xe.com• TOEFL- www.toefl.org• NACES – Approved Evaluating agencies: www.naces.org/members.htm

Contact UsAlexandra AnezTess BilakInternational Student International StudentCounselorAdvisorcanez@irsc.edu tbilak@irsc.edu(772) 462-7784 (772) 462-7799W- Building W- BuildingMain CampusMain Campus

QuizQuestion #1- What is the minimum amount of credits an F-1Visa student needs to take each Fall and Spring semester?Question #2- Can international students withdraw below fulltime?Question #3- Name two documents needed in order to Reenterthe United States when you travel?Question #4- What must you do if you want to change yourmajor, transfer or decide not to continue attending IRSC?

Questions?