International Student Handbook
The International Student Handbook is intended to be a resource to assist newly admitted students in making their stay at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ both meaningful and rewarding. It has been designed, when used in connection with other Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ publications, to smooth your transition into American life and your academic studies.
The Office of International Education assists students with immigration matters and acts as a liaison between the US Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Department of State and all international students and visiting scholars at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ. If you need services that the OIE provides, you can visit the main office to set up an appointment with the appropriate person in the OIE. Specific information about your major or other academic issues can be found by visiting the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Colleges and Departments web page. The Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Academic Calendar is another resource that will assist you with your planning while at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ as it provides information on important dates and academic events.
Academic Matters
- Registration of classes
- University College
- SkillZone tutoring and cultural assistance
- Academic Integrity Policy
- The Source - A Student Policy Index
- Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs
- Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Kathleen Jones White Writing Center
- American Language Institute - English assistance
- Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Library
- On-campus computer facilities
- Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ IT Support Center
Addresses, Mail, and Personal Records
- Reporting US address for immigration purposes
- Receiving and sending mail
- Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ identification cards (I-Card)
- Pennsylvania identification cards
- Social Security Number
- Confidentiality of personal records (FERPA)
- Requesting transcripts
Employment
International students in F-1 and J-1 visa statuses may seek authorization to work while studying in the United States. However, the processes and restrictions associated with such work authorizations vary depending on the student's status and the type of work requested. For information about employment, please visit our F-1 and J-1 Employment Information web page.
Financial Matters
Health Care and Insurance
- Purchase health insurance
- Healthcare facilities in Indiana, Pa.
- Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Center for Health and Well-Being
- Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Counseling Center
Housing
Immigration and Travel
We will do our best to inform enrolled Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ students of changes in immigration and updates that may affect their status or travel. We will use Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ e-mail to send out notifications concerning immigration and travel. Please check your Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ e-mail frequently and review the information on our Immigration web page.
Title IX Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Resources
Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ is committed to an educational and work environment free from any form of sexual harassment and sexual violence. The Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence policy provides definitions, reporting, and complaint resolution procedures. For more information about sexual harassment and sexual violence resources, reporting, and support services, please visit the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Title IX web page. Brochures are available in English, Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Transportation
- Transportation to the United States and Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ
- Airport shuttle, buses, and taxi services
- Owning and operating an automobile
- Buying or renting a car