INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
ORIENTATION
Fall 2014
Presented by the Office of Global Education
MEI-CHI C. PILETZ
Executive Director
Contact
 Telephone: 601.925.7635
 Email: mcpiletz@mc.edu
ELIOT SANFORD
DSO/International Student Advisor
Contact
 Telephone: 601.925.7700
 Email: ebsanford@mc.edu
WEN WENG
Admission Specialist
Contact
 Telephone: 601.925.7703
 Email: wweng@mc.edu
Immigration Regulations
Presented by Eliot Sanford
MAINTAINING YOUR F1 STATUS
1. Passport
2. I-2o
3. Enrollment
4. On-campus work
5. Updating information
6. Payment
30 day waiting period
MAINTAINING YOUR F1 STATUS:
PASSPORT
• Keep your passport up to
date and accurate
• Apply for renewal at least
6 months before the
expiration date
• Keep copies of your
passport, visa, I-94, and I20 in your possession at
all times
MAINTAINING YOUR F1 STATUS:
I-20
• Contact our office to
make any changes to your
I-20
• Get a new signature on
your I-20 before
traveling outside the U.S.
• When your I-20 expires
you must leave the U.S.
MAINTAINING YOUR F1 STATUS:
ENROLLMENT
• You must be a full
time student!
• You must complete
your course of study by
the date listed on your I20.
MAINTAINING YOUR F1 STATUS:
WORK
• Students can work on campus.
Students can NOT work off
campus.
• Students can work 20 hours or
less each week
• You must meet with our office
before accepting any kind of
employment
MAINTAINING YOUR F1 STATUS:
INFORMATION
• Let us know immediately when you change any
general information: address, phone number, etc.
• Our office will communicate with you through your
mc email. It is YOUR responsibility to check this
email!
• Students must obey all federal and state laws.
MAINTAINING YOUR F1 STATUS:
PAYMENT
• Pay student bills at the business office in Nelson
Hall
• You need to pay two weeks after classes begin
E-COMMUNICATION
•
We will communicate with you through your
mc email address

•
•
Check email DAILY
You will receive an MC email after you register
for class
After you register for class, contact Computer
Services at 601.925.3939 to help you set up
your email

You may also come by the Office of Global
Education, and we will help you set up your email
Health and Wellness
Presented by Huan “Ken” Qiu
Two important issues:
Do exercise
-Build your health
-prevent you from sickness
Have a health insurance
-reduce the cost to pay for health service
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Baptist HealthPlex Gym
• $115 August – December (1 semester)
• Hours:
Monday – Thursday 5:00 AM-10:00 PM
Friday 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
HEALTH & WELLNESS
=
=
• REMEMBER: Go to the Healthplex during its open
hours if you feel sick. You don’t need to go to an
Emergency Room unless it’s a life threatening situation!
HEALTH & WELLNESS
• Baptist HealthPlex Medical
Facility
▫ 601-924-9005
▫ Visit is FREE
▫ Nominal charge for x-rays, blood work, etc
• Hours:
M-F
8:00 - 11:15 a.m.
T/Th
1:00 - 4:15 p.m.
INSURANCE
• ALL international students are required to have a
health insurance through Mississippi College
• Having insurance reduces the amount of money you
will pay for health services
• Insurance cards are scheduled to be at the Office of
Global Education in the next two weeks! After
getting your insurance card, please register online at
hthstudents.com
• Flat rate regardless of your age
Features of our current insurance
• Reimburses you 50% for prescription
medication
• $100 copayment for regular health facility while
half will be waived for registered student center
• 80% of reasonable expenses after up to $2,000
• 100% of reasonable expenses up to additional
$190,000
Driver’s Licenses
• Qualifications:
• Age
• Update of SEVIS Record-30 days after your program
start date
• Website: http://www.dps.state.ms.us/driver-services/
Driver’s License Procedure
• Purchase a driver’s license manual and review it
▫
▫
Buy a physical copy at $2
Download online at http://www.dps.state.ms.us/wpcontent/uploads/2012/06/Driver-License-ManualJan-2012.pdf
• Take the written test (including eye test) to obtain a
learner’s permit
• Practice your driving skills
• Take the driving test
• Get the official driver’s license if you pass the driving
test
Documents Needed
• Translation of Birth Certificate (Required
translation certified by government and OGE)
• Address Certificate (Bank statement or any mail
that has your name and mailing address)
• I-20, Passport, Visa, I-94
Social Security Number (SSN)
What is SSN?
• Basically, for tax purposes
• Commonly used in U.S. as identification
• Not necessary to have it in order to get a cellphone, sign a contract, open an Entergy or
internet account, or get a driver’s license
You must have an on-campus job in order to apply
for a SSN. You cannot apply for one otherwise.
Resources/Ways to Get Involved
Presented by Ran An
International Mentor Program

What is the Mentoring Program?

Who takes part in the program?

What do Mentors do?

How do I join?
Contact MC International Mentor Program at
an@mc.edu
601-925-7701
International Host Program
• Sponsored by the OGE.
• Geared by the local community to help
MC’s diverse international population
experience the richness of American
culture
• The program pairs international
students with American host families.
• In 2012, OGE paired 34 international
students from China, Korea,
Saudi Arabia, Russia, Nepal with
19 American host families.
Ways to Get Involved



On-Campus Organizations: SGA, CAB,
Tribes/Clubs
Global Café – February 7, March 7, & April 4
International Festival – April 5
Important Things to Know!
Beautiful Campus, Fantastic Lifestyle!
Absolutely No Candles in the Dorms!
No Smoking in your ROOM or on Campus!
No Alcohol or Alcohol Products
Traffic SAFETY!
CONTACT US!
Contact information is located in your
orientation manual!
Or online at
www.mc.edu/international/contact/
Follow us on Facebook!
Mississippi College Office
of Global Education