Welcome to the
International
Student Orientation
for the Center for English Language &
American Culture (CELAC)
at the University of New Mexico
The Land of Enchantment: NM
 Albuquerque: 800,000
 Mixture of Spanish,
population
 5000 ft. (1524 meters)
Above sea level
 State question?
Native American &
English Languages/Culture
 State Bird: Road Runner
 Red or Green?
 Weather: Sunny over
300 days of year
 Hot & Dry in Summer
 Mild in winter-cold &
snow in Mountains
International Students on
UNM Campus
 All UNM students: 30,000
 Approximately 1200 international
 89 Countries represented
 Around 120- 150 CELAC Fall & Spring,
130 Summer
 19-25 Countries at CELAC
 Top 4 Countries at UNM are:
China, India, Mexico, & S. Korea
 Top countries in CELAC:
Brazil, Saudi Arabia, S. Korea, China,
& Mexico
Global Education Office (GEO)
General Office Hours:
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday – Friday
Address: 2120 Mesa Vista Hall
CELAC Phone Number: 277-7540, 277-2566
GEO Phone Number: 277-4032
E-mail: celac@unm.edu
Web: celac.unm.edu & geo.unm.edu
Facebook: facebook.com/CELACatUNM
Twitter: twitter.com/CELACatUNM
EMERGENCY CONTACTS:
 After hours emergency situation during weekends,
evenings, or holidays to get in touch with Advisor call:
(505) 277-4GEO (277-4436) Ask for CELAC contact!
 If life threatening situation call ABQ Police: 911
 Or non-threatening off Campus: (505) 242-cops
 For other situations call Campus Police:
 (505) 277- 2241, website: https://police.unm.edu

Includes: Escort Service; robbery; lost & found; harassment or
other non-emergency situations
GEO & CELAC Are Here to Help
You With:
 Maintaining your legal non-immigrant status
 Identifying campus resources and offices to help you
 Adjusting to life in the U.S.
 Learning English to help you in your future goals
CELAC Advisors & Office Hours
Tatiana Minot – Program Manager
Tel.: (505) 277-2566
e-mail: tminot@unm.edu
(for immigration documents & status issues, or other issues)
Open Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 1:15 - 3:00 pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 10 – 12:00 pm
Vanessa Vander Galien - Academic Manager
Tel.: (505) 277-0754
e-mail: vanevg@unm.edu
(for academic & class issues)
Open Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 1:00– 3:00 pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 9:00 – 11:00 am
CELAC General Contact Information:
Tel.: (505) 277-7540 e-mail: celac@unm.edu
GEO International Advisors
For Help With:
UNM Academic or International Admissions Issues
General Open Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Monday & Thursday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sign up at GEO during Office Hours
to see an Advisor
 During office hours
please sign in at GEO
Reception Desk and
have a seat or make
an appointment for
another time
 You will be seen in
order
Requesting Information
 Please ask for the CELAC request form at GEO reception,




complete, and give to receptionist
Use for updating changes to your address, phone, or other
contact information.
To request copies of transcripts, test scores, social security
letter, verification of enrollment, and other forms.
Please allow up to 5 days for CELAC to process your
request.
Completed requests will be placed in the folder for Student
pickup at GEO Reception
SNOW ADVISORY?!
 Sometimes it does snow
in Albuquerque and it
snows enough to affect
the University
 To find out if the
University will be closed
or delayed please call the
snow hotline at 277-snow
(7669) or you can find
out at the main UNM
website, www.unm.edu
UNM
Emergency Notification System
Register by going to:
http://loboalerts.unm.edu
And follow directions on the screen:
 Sign up to get notifications via text message on
mobile or e-mail
 You will receive messages about weather,
.
emergencies,
or other important information going
on at UNM Campus
Vanessa Vander Galien
Academic Manager
Welcome to CELAC @ UNM !
 Our purpose is to teach you academic English so you
will succeed in your university classes at UNM or
another U.S. university or institution.
 We will do our part in providing the highest quality
instruction using the latest teaching methodologies.
 You must do your part by studying hard, asking lots of
questions, and practicing English every chance you
get!
Your Instructors
 Highly skilled, lots of experience – both teaching in
the U.S. and abroad
 Working on graduate degrees (MA, Ph.D.) at UNM
 Passionate about teaching English
 Have learned other languages themselves
English Placement Test
 Written TOEFL test:
 Written composition
 Listening
 Grammar
 Reading
 Students placed according to results of test
 Class list posted on wall next to Global Education
Office on Monday morning (8:45 am)
 New students join returning CELAC students in class
CELAC Class Overview
 Class Levels:
 Low-Intermediate
 Intermediate
 High-Intermediate
 Advanced
 Academic Bridge
 Subjects:
 Reading
 Writing
 Grammar
 Conversation (Speaking/Listening)
CELAC Class Overview
 Classes meet every day, Monday – Friday
 Meeting times: 9AM-1PM, 1PM-5PM
 Books and materials can be purchased at the UNM
Bookstore
 Syllabus – a plan for the class
CELAC Class Overview
 Homework: about 30-60 minutes each day per class
 Classes are designed to teach you academic English
 Preparation for success in the university classroom
 The harder you work, the faster you will learn!
“Practice makes perfect”
Academic Notes & Dates
 Language Learning Center – Ortega Hall
 Conversation Partners
 Conversation Corner – Christian Challenge (corner of
University Blvd. and Martin Luther King)
 Mondays from 6:00-7:00 PM
 TOEFL Preparation Course: one session
 Starting October 1st
 Final TOEFL Test is on December 5th
Student Handbook & Dictionary
 Read Handbook – we will discuss some points during
in-class orientation
 You are responsible for the information in the
Handbook
Absence Policy
 Classes start at 9AM and 1PM – be on time
 Teachers take attendance and report absences daily
 Academic courses at UNM follow similar policies
 Teachers will review all policies with you in class
Office Hours
 Feel free to see me with questions during my office hours!
 Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 1:00-3:00
 Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00-11:00
 Room 2153 Mesa Vista Hall
Health Care Basics
• Read your insurance plan and be familiar with your
coverage. Don’t wait until you are sick!
• Medical and insurance terminology can be tricky to
understand. Ask questions and refer to the handout
in your packet with terminology and definitions.
• REMEMBER: Keep your insurance card with you at
all times!!!!!!!
Health Insurance at UNM
• Health insurance is MANDATORY for international
students at UNM for the duration of their studies
• Students must provide proof of insurance to CELAC.
We will approve non-UNM health insurance, but it has
to show coverage for at least one semester at a time.
• At minimum, your policy must cover: $50,000 per
accident/illness; $7,500 for repatriation of remains;
$10,000 for medical evacuation.
Services Inside
Student Health & Counseling (SHAC)
•
•



$15 for office visit with other insurance or no
insurance
Additional cost for other treatment such as an
X-Ray or Lab work
CELAC Students must pay up front same day as
services
Get Receipt of payment
File “Claim Form” with your Insurance
Company within 30 days
Claim Procedures
•
The insurance deductible is applied when
services are rendered at any facility or
pharmacy.
•
You must complete and submit a claim form
for services rendered with receipt of payment
•
Claim forms must be submitted within 30 - 90
days of injury or first treatment for a sickness.
Claim Forms
Claim forms are available on
website of Insurance Companies
Online claim form submission is
available and preferred.
What do I do if I get sick?
 If non-emergency, report to UNM Student Health
& Counseling (SHAC) for treatment.
Open: Mon. – Fri. 8 am – 5 pm
 If SHAC is not open you should next seek assistance
from one of the “Preferred Provider” Organizations
(PPO) (In-Network)- Urgent Care or Emergency Room
 If outside UNM, student will be responsible for the
deductible but the cost to student is much lower with
a “preferred provider” than with a non-network
provider.
Phone: (505) 277-3136
Web: shac.unm.edu
SHAC Location & Hours
MONDAY – FRIDAY
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
~~~
TUESDAYS
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
277-3136
Doctor on-call after hours
Student Friendly Service
 All currently enrolled students can
be seen at SHAC.
 All UNM students are welcome! SHAC
is committed to serving
UNM’s diverse community.
 SHAC is a Safe Space for all
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgender, and Questioning
students.
Features & Benefits
 SHAC offers many services in
one convenient location.
 In general, our fees are lower
than community rates, because
we are funded in part by student
activity fees.
SHAC Services
 Medical Appointments:
Advanced &
Same-Day
 Counseling Services
 Women’s Health
 Men’s Health
 Pharmacy
 Laboratory & X-Ray






Allergy & Immunization
Travel Health Clinic
Specialty Clinics
Physical Therapy
Massage
Student Health
Leadership Council
 Health Education
Medical Appointments:
Advanced & Same-Day
•
Schedule an Advanced
Appointment for routine
medical care.
•
Schedule a Same-Day Appointment
for an
injury or sudden illness.
Appointments: 277-3136
Counseling Services
•
Assessments
•
Emergency / Urgent Care
•
Groups / Workshops
•
Counseling (Individual or Group)
Appointments & Information: 277-4537
Women’s Health &
Men’s Health
•
Annual Exams / Physicals
•
Pap smears
•
Pregnancy testing & referral
•
Screening for testicular cancer
•
Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections
•
Birth control & family planning
Pharmacy
•
Prescriptions
•
Macori Student Health
Insurance provider
•
Ask about other insurance
plans.
Refills: 277-6306 or pharmacy@unm.edu
Lab & X-Ray
SHAC is supported by a
clinical laboratory and an
X-ray unit which are
dedicated to meeting a
student’s needs.
Allergy & Immunization
•
Required MMR vaccine
•
Routine immunizations
•
Meningitis vaccine
•
Allergy shots
Information: 277-7925
Travel Health
•
Travel Health Planning
•
Immunizations (Recommended / Required)
•
Anti-Malaria Medications
•
International Certificate of Vaccination
Appointments: 277-3136 | Info: 277-7925
Physical Therapy
Massage Therapy
•
Stretching and Strengthening
•
Rehabilitation
•
Massage
Information: 277-3136
SHAC Specialty Clinics
 Dermatology
 Psychiatry
(Medication Management)
 Podiatry
Confidentiality at SHAC
 We follow FERPA and HIPAA guidelines to
ensure confidentiality.
 To release records, we require a student’s
signed consent.
Insurance
•
International students
are required to have
health insurance to
help defray
healthcare costs.
Estimated Hospital Costs:
Common Injuries & Health Problems
Knee Sprain / Surgery
Abdominal Pain
Dr. Visit………………….$321
Emergency Room…….$2,132
MRI……………………$1,180
Test / Ultrasound /
Labs…………………$3,384
Day Surgery
& Surgeon……….$25,341
Day Surgery……………$5,022
Anesthetist……………$1,371
Surgeon………………..$1,281
Brace……………………$550
Medication…………….…$620
Physical Therapy………$220
Total…………………..$12,439
Total…………………$28,983
Phone: (505) 277-9100
Web: library.unm.edu
Immigration:
Rules and Regulations
For International Students in
F-1 and J-1 Status
WARNING!!!!!!
Consequences for violations include deportation and
inability to return to the US!
It is YOUR responsibility to know and follow all rules!!
GEO/CELAC MUST report to Immigration:
enrollment, change of address, change of major/level
and other information about your student status so you
must inform us whenever your address or program
information changes and follow messages from our
office carefully
You won’t remember all the rules but when you forget,
ask!!!!
Governmental Agencies
 DOS = Department of State: branch of government
that administers consulates and issues visas
 DHS = Department of Homeland Security: branch of
government that oversees immigration issues
Immigration Agencies/DHS
USCIS = US Citizenship and Immigration
Services; part of DHS responsible for processing
applications and providing services to
internationals in the US
ICE = Bureau of Immigration and Customs
Enforcement; part of DHS responsible for
enforcement of immigration regulations (tracks
students)
CBP = Customs and Border Patrol; part of DHS
monitoring ports of entry
Student Tracking Program
 SEVIS = Student and Exchange Visitor Information
System; tracking program to monitor international
students and scholars
 Schools must report information on students and
scholars in order to have permission to give I-20s
Key documents
 Passport
 I-20 for F-1 Students
 Ds-2019 for J-1 Students
 I-94 Arrival/Departure card (now on-line)
 US Visa in passport
Passport
 Must be valid for six months into the future
upon entry to the US
 Must be valid to work
 Renew with your embassy/consulate in the US
or at home
I-20
 Document sent to you by the school Used to apply
for the visa (F-1)
 Must be valid and correct at all times (update
information if it changes)
 Duration of Status (D/S): End date is just an
estimate; you do not have permission to stay until
that date if you end your program earlier. Or if you
continue to study, you must extend BEFORE the end
date.
SEVIS #
Student
Info
Port of entry
Immigration
status
School
Info
Date of entry
Expiration of status
I-20 Reason
Major
Start date
Expected end date
Expected
length of
stay
Advisor signature
Be sure to sign
Signature for Travel: Need signature less than 6 months
old to return to U.S.
DS-2019
 Document sent to you by the school or Agency to be
used to apply for the visa (J-1)
 Must be valid and correct at all times (update
information if it changes)
 Has specific end date; You must leave 30 days after
end date or get an extension to continue to study
BEFORE the end date.
 Signature for Travel on first page by designated
RSO- in agency of sponsorship
I-94- Admission/Departure
Record
 Print a copy for your records:
Go To: www.cbp.gov/I94
 Must give CELAC a copy for our records
 Shows your current legal non-immigrant status
 Shows the end date of your status (students have
D/S or “Duration of Status” – means no fixed date)
 When you leave the US, it will be automatically
updated that you left the country
Visa
 Stamp with picture in your passport issued by US
government
 Gives you permission to ENTER the US in a certain
immigration status (does not say how long you can
STAY)
 Permission to ENTER the US with that visa is only
allowed between the date of issue and the date of
expiration (some exceptions for travel to Canada or
Mexico)
 You do NOT need to leave the US if your visa
expires, but the next time you DO leave, you need
to get a new one before you return
US Visa Stamp
To maintain student status,
ALWAYS...
1. Attend the correct college/university
2. Provide a correct residential address to CELAC and
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
USCIS within 10 days of making a change
Maintain full-time enrollment
Have a valid (correct & unexpired) I-20
Maintain a passport valid for 6 months into the future
Speak with CELAC Advisor before transferring schools
Observe the 60-day for F-1’s or 30-day for J-1’s grace
period after completing your program


Free Travel time in US before leaving
or transferring to a new school- get a new I-20 from other
school
To maintain student status,
NEVER...
1.
2.
3.
Never- WORK OFF CAMPUS without prior
authorization in writing from GEO (on your I-20
for F1)
Never- WORK “ON CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT”
for MORE than 20 hours per week while school is
in session (Fall and Spring)
Never- Take a leave of absence, withdraw from
classes, or drop below full-time until you speak
with a CELAC or GEO advisor (no matter what
ANYONE tells you!); come to let us know if you
will leave before the end date on your I-20/DS
form
Full-Time Study
Must study FULL time:
 CELAC Students: 4 classes everyday



7 Un-excused absences allowed during 16 week semester
5 Un-excused absences in 8 week session
CAREFUL! Tardies may count as an un-excused absence
 Undergraduate students: 12 credits
 Graduate students without assistantship: 9 credits
 Graduate students with assistantship: 6 credits
Do not drop below full-time under any circumstances
without getting approval from an ADVISOR first!!!
Attendance Policy in Student Hand-Book
 a) If you are sick and need to miss class, you may get a written doctor’s excuse by
seeing a doctor at the UNM Health Center, or by seeing another doctor of your choice.
If you provide a written doctor’s excuse, CELAC records an “excused absence” for
you. There is no penalty for an excused absence.
 b) If you do not provide a doctor’s excuse for your absence, CELAC will record it as
an “unexcused absence.”
 c) CELAC permits a student to have 7 unexcused absences in each class during a
16-week semester. Students are permitted 5 unexcused absences during the 8-week
summer semester.

 d) If you have 8 unexcused absences in a class (or 6 during the Summer
Semester), you will not be permitted to return to that class. You will be dropped
from that class.

 e) If you are dropped from a CELAC class, CELAC must report to the Department of
Homeland Security that you are no longer in legal status because you are no longer a
full-time student. At that time, you would need to apply for reinstatement of your F1
status or leave the United States and return home because you have violated F1
status requirements.
Late Policy- TARDY
 Arrive in class on time: Being late for class may be
considered rude and impolite. If you enter class late, you
interrupt the concentration of the other students.
 You must arrive at the start time of class (example- 9:00,
10:00). A student will receive one unexcused absence for
each 4 times he or she comes late to class.
 An emergency or an unexpected problem may happen on a
certain day that causes you to be late. We are concerned
about a habit of being late for class many times,
which causes an interruption of the class.
Exceptions to Full-Time
 VERY FEW EXCEPTIONS EXIST!
 All must be authorized IN ADVANCE by the
international advisor!!!
 EXCEPTIONS:
 Initial difficulties with English language or




American teaching methods
Improper course level placement
Medical excuse authorized by Medical Doctor
Undergraduates in final semester of coursework
Graduates completing their final degree
requirement such as thesis or dissertation
Travel Information
 For International Travel You Need:
 Current passport
 Current, unexpired US visa (for reentry); Travel to
Canada & Mexico - special 30-day exception for
expired US visa (unless you apply for new visa while
there); some countries do not qualify
 CELAC Advisor’s signature from current semester
on pg.3 of I-20 form
 J-1’s need travel signature from sponsoring agency
 For new or renewal visa application, consult your
CELAC or GEO Advisor
Tax Issues
 Tax year from January 1st to December 31st
 Taxes due April 15 for previous year
 ALL international students and their dependents must
complete US tax forms for each year they are in the US
even if they have NO US income!
 Tax system is complex so you will need to devote some
time to reading and filling out forms
 Tax information session for international students and
tax advising in March each year
Issues for International Students
On-Campus Work for F-1 Students
How Many Hours Can I work?
 20 hrs/wk ONLY during the semester provided:
 Maintain full-time legal student status
 Have health insurance
(US students can work 30 hours, so don’t get
confused!)
 30-40 hrs/wk during semester breaks as long as you
will continue study in the next semester (students
who are taking classes during the summer break are
restricted to 30 hours by UNM policy)
Types of On-campus Work
 Assistantships: Only students in degree programs are
eligible
 Student Employment Jobs: Intl. students are eligible
 Work Study Jobs:
Intl. students are NOT ELIGIBLE
https://unmjobs.unm.edu
Careers at the University of New Mexico
Click on the box below to learn more about the positions available.
How to Apply:
Applications for all faculty, staff and student positions are submitted
through UNMJobs, the University of New Mexico's on-line application form.
New Applicants:
•To search positions, click on the type of position above or click the Search Postings link at the
left.
•To create your login and on-line application form, click the Create Application link at the left.
Returning Applicants:
Click Login at the left and enter your user name and password. This will enable you to:
•Edit your existing application.
•Review the status of positions to which you have applied.
•Apply to new jobs without re-entering your application information.
This site is best viewed in Internet Explorer 6.0 and above and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view
uploaded documents. To download Internet Explorer, click here.
For Adobe Reader click here.
For assistance with FACULTY POSTINGS, please contact the search coordinator specified on the
posting, STAFF POSTINGS, please contact Human Resources at (505) 277-6947; and for STUDENT
POSTINGS, please contact (505) 277-3511.
If you have questions or need assistance, please e-mail
UNMJobs@unm.edu or call (505) 277-6947.
Social Security Number
You cannot get an SSN unless you have a job
You do not need an SSN to get a driver’s license
F-1 and J-1 students who work MUST obtain a Social
Security Number (SSN)
See page in booklet for directions for SS Office.
UNM Net ID (e-mail) Account
 Go to my.unm.edu
 Create UNM Net-Id or Change password
example: elastname@unm.edu
password example: Unm#1abq
 After you Log in: check your e-mail & send
celac@unm.edu a message with your new e-mail
 Update your current mailing address & phone
#: go to myunm.edu; Quick Links; Manage
Personal Info; Demographic Info, mailing &
permanent ……
 Pay Tuition on-line: myunm.edu, Quick
links, Tools, make payment, etc. …….
Add your Albuquerque Address
Bicycle Safety
 Find bike map at the City of Albuquerque web page
http://www.cabq.gov/bike/
 Be careful. Some Albuquerque areas are not bike
friendly
 Bike trails for recreational purposes
 Buy U locks for your bike
 Bike and Ride (ABQ Ride)
City Transportation/Safety Services
ABQ RIDE/RAPID RIDE: http://www.cabq.gov/transit
FREE for all UNM Students Make sure to get sticker on
LOBO ID at SUB downstairs
Rapid Ride route provides access to the Bio Park, Old
Town, Downtown, UNM, shopping and more
SAFE HAVEN: In cases where you are on the street and
feel threatened, approach a bus driver for help
Car Regulations And Safety
NEW MEXICO DRIVER’S LICENSE:
 Information available in your check-in packet
about rules and contact information
 Necessary if you will have a car or drive
regularly
 If you will not drive regularly, an international
license should work, but you need to check
insurance coverage
 Driver’s license or state ID is a good idea for
everyone as a form of legal identification
Other Drinking Issues
 Must be 21 to drink in the U.S.
 ID is required to get into bars and at restaurants if
ordering alcohol
 IT IS A FELONY TO GIVE ALCOHOL TO ANYONE
UNDER 21!!!
 ABQ Police “Party Patrol” often raids parties in the
area near campus; if you are hosting a party with
alcohol, make sure all are over 21!!!
Smoking on UNM Campus
 UNM is a Non-Smoking Campus!
 Absolutely no smoking except in a “Designated Area”
 It must say smoking allowed
 No smoking in restaurants and bars in most places in
the USA.
Traditions at UNM
Everyone's a Lobo
Woof
Woof
Woof
Craft Studio & Craft Fair
Located
on the
lower
level of
the SUB
Lobo Basketball Games
Southwest Film Center
And Mid Week Movies
Located on the lower level of the
Student Union Building
Mid Week Movie
Series
Students $2.00
•American
“Hollywood” Movies
•Children’s Movies
•Action Movies
Southwest Film
Center
Students $3.00
•Foreign
Language Films
•Independent
Films
•Film Festivals
International/Cultural
Student Organizations:
http://sac.unm.edu/
 Afghan Student Association
 Club Italiano
 Arabic Language Club
 Cricket Club
 Deutsch Klub
 Indian Students
 Bangladeshi Student
Association at UNM
 Brazil Club
 Chinese Student Friendship
Club
 Chinese Student Soccer
Club
Association
 Israel Alliance
 Japanese Language Club
 Japanese Network
 Korean Students
Association
International/Cultural
Student Organizations (cont):
http://sac.unm.edu/
 League of United Latin
 Pakistani Student
American Citizen of
America
 Mariachi Tiaxcala
 Mexican Student
Association
 Nepali Student
Association
Association
 Russian Club
 Spanish Tertulias
 Turkish Student
Association
 World Student Alliance
Joining GEO Listserv
 Log on to your UNM email account and
send a message to : listserv@unm.edu
 Leave the subject field blank
 Type in the body of the message
 Subscribe intlstud
 Last Name
 First Name
 ( With no other Text )
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