new student information summer 2013 مــرحــبــًا hoşgeldiniz welcome! 欢迎 chào...

New Student Information Summer 2013

مــرحــبـًـا hoşgeldiniz

WELCOME!

欢迎

chào mừng

환영 歓迎

Khush Amdaydexoş

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New Student Information Contents

Page Number Content

3 – 5 Important Dates and Required Events

6 – 8 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ELI Enrollment

9 – 12 Pre-Arrival Travel Guide

13 F1 Student Responsibilities

14 ELI Attendance Policy

15 ELI Attendance Policy Frequently Asked Questions

16 Health Insurance Requirements for F1 and J1 Students

17 Immunization Requirements for All Students

18 Tuition for Dropped Courses

19 ELI Student Daily Class Schedule – Summer and Fall 2013

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Important Dates and Required Events – Page 1

Required Event Date, Time, Location Event Description

First Day F1 Students Can Enter U.S. See Page 9

April 15, 2013 Students can enter U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the program start date (#3) on their I-20.

New Student Orientation May 15, 201312:00 – 4:00 p.m.Research Hall, Room 163

• Meet teachers and students• Receive important information

and ID needed for test• Take a university tour

Placement Test May 16, 201310:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Innovation Hall, Room 223

Students take test to determine Core and OCS level. Students find out their score at Registration.

Mason ID Card May 16, 201312:45 – 2:00 p.m.Meet in Innovation Hall Lobby

Go to Photo ID office to get George Mason ID Card

Email Activation May 17, 201310:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Innovation Hall, Room 222

Students activate their George Mason Email. Student must have an active account to register for Summer 2013 classes.

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Registration May 20, 201311:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Johnson Center, George’s – Floor 3

Students register for Core, OCS, Elective and other classes

Student Social Event May 20, 201312:30 – 2:00The Hub, Corner Pocket

Students play ping pong and pool and meet teachers and other ELI students

Health Insurance Payment Deadline See Page 16

May 20 at Registration OR by June 7 in the ELI Office

J1 students and F1 students who do NOT have a scholarship must buy George Mason Health Insurance. International Insurance is not accepted.

First Day of Classes May 21, 2013Core: 9:30 – 12:10OCS: 1:30 – 3:10

Students will receive their class schedules at registration. Students must take the Placement Test and attend Registration first.

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Visa Documents DeadlineSee Page 13

May 29, 2013in ELI Office

Students must submit an address form, a copy of the visa page in their passport, and a copy of their I-20 (if they have an F1).

Last day to drop a class for full refund See Page 18

June 3, 2013in ELI Office

Students must drop by June 3 for a full refund. New F1 students must take full time classes and CANNOT drop a class.

Tuition Payment DeadlineSee Page 11

June 3, 2013Student Union 1, Cash Office or online at fiscal.gmu.edu

Students will receive a bill and online payment instructions in their class by May 31. George Mason does not accept VISA

Financial Guarantee Deadline

June 3, 2013in ELI Office

Students with an Embassy Scholarship must submit their financial guarantee by June 3.

Immunization DeadlineSee Page 17

July 1, 2013in Student Health Services

Students must complete immunization records by March 1.

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Frequently Asked Questions about ELI Enrollment – Page 1

Question AnswerWhen can I enter the U.S? If you have an F1 visa, you can enter on or after April 15, 2013. Do not try to

travel before April 15. You might have problems at the U.S. airport! See Page 9

When do I start ELI? You must be at ELI on May 15, 2013, to attend Orientation. You must take the placement test the next day, May 16, 2013.

Can I come late? No. If you arrive late, you must transfer to another program.

What papers (documents) must I give to ELI?

You must submit these documents to ELI by May 29, 2013:• Your address form (You will receive a form to complete at Orientation)• A copy of the visa page in your passport• A copy of your I-20 (if you have an F1 visa) See Page 13

How do I know my level? You will take the placement test on May 16, 2013, to determine your CORE and OCS level. You will find out your test score at Registration May 20, 2013.

What classes will I take? • If you have an F1 visa, you will take a CORE class (12 hours each week) and an OCS class (8 hours each week). You can choose to take an elective class. **In the Summer, a Core and an OCS are full-time. In the fall, a CORE class, an OCS class, and two elective classes are full-time.**

• If you do not have an F1 visa, you can take part-time classes See Page 18-19

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Question AnswerCan I drop a class? • If you have an F1 visa, you must be full-time and take a CORE class and an

OCS class. You can only drop an ELECTIVE class.

• If you do NOT have an F1 visa, you can drop any class.

To drop a class, you must complete a drop form in the ELI office by June 3, 2013. See Page 18

How much do classes cost? Full-time tuition for Summer 2013 is $4,515. See Page 11

When do I pay tuition? The tuition payment deadline is June 3, 2013. You will receive a bill in your class by May 31, 2013. Note that George Mason does not accept VISA.

I have an embassy scholarship. What do I need to give ELI?

You must submit an official financial guarantee to ELI by June 3, 2013.

Do I have to buy George Mason Health Insurance?

If you have an F1 visa and you do NOT have an embassy scholarship, you must buy Health Insurance. See Page 16

Do I have to complete Immunization records?

Yes. All students must complete immunization records by July 1, 2013. If you do not submit your immunization records by the deadline, the university will put a HOLD on your account and charge you a $25 fee. When you have a HOLD, you cannot receive documents from the ELI office or register for classes. Sometimes, if you have a HOLD, you have to stop going to classes. See Page 17

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Question AnswerHow do I complete my immunization records?

You and your doctor must complete the George Mason Immunization Form. See Page 17 or find the form at http://shs.gmu.edu/immunizations/#Forms

Please bring any history of your immunization records when you come to the U.S. If I am an F1 student, how many absences can I have?

If you have an F1 visa, you must attend all classes regularly and complete all major assignments. If you miss too many classes or fail to do your assignments, you will lose your F1 visa status. See Page 14

Do I have to tell ELI if I move?

Yes. If you move, come into the ELI office to complete an address form no later than 10 days after you move. See Page 13

Can I work? If you have an F1 visa, you can work 20 hours each week at the university during the semester and 40 hours during breaks between semesters. You cannot work outside of the university. See Page 13

How do I get housing at George Mason?

You must have your George Mason ID number and submit your housing application at http://housing.gmu.edu. See Page 10

What is the closest airport to George Mason?

Washington Dulles International Airport is 15 miles northwest of the university. Ronald Reagan National Airport is 15 miles east of the university. See Page 9

Do you have more questions? Please contact us at 703-993-3660 or [email protected]

http://shs.gmu.edu/immunizations/

http://housing.gmu.edu/

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Travel Pre-Arrival Guide – Page 1

TRAVEL DATE - If you have an F1 visa, do not travel before April 15, 2013. You may have problems at the airport if you try to enter the U.S. before this date.

F1 VISA APPLICATION – If you are an F1 student, you received F1 Visa Application information with your admission packet. Contact the U.S. consulate in your country for more information on visa application requirements. You can also find information at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html If you receive I-20 forms from several different schools, it is very important that you enter the US with the I-20 of the school you really want to attend!

WASHINGTON DC AIRPORTS

• Washington Dulles International Airport – Dulles Airport is located about 15 miles northwest of George Mason. Most flights from overseas land there. There is a Foreign Visitors’ Desk just outside the Customs Hall. The Dulles Flyer Taxi can take you to the Fairfax area for approximately $40.

• Ronald Reagan National Airport – Reagan National Airport is mainly used for flights in the U.S. It is about 15 miles east of George Mason. A Travelers’ Aid Desk and Foreign Currency Exchange can be found there. Taxis are available to take you to the university for approximately $40.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html

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AT THE AIRPORT - Show your I-20, passport, and customs declaration form to security.

.

HOUSING

George Mason Dormitories – Dormitories have limited space available. You received housing information with your admission documents. You must have your George Mason ID number and submit your housing application at http://housing.gmu.edu. After you apply, send an email to [email protected] to let us know that you are requesting housing for the Spring semester. This will allow us to coordinate with the housing office so that they know that your application is coming from an ELI student.

Be aware that all students who live in the dormitories are required to buy a meal plan.

Off-campus Housing – If you plan to live off campus, you may want to check the website for off-campus housing: http://och.gmu.edu.

Local Area Hotels – If you have not made housing arrangements before you come, you should plan to arrive a few days early. Here is a list of hotels that are close by: http://www.gmu.edu/resources/welcome/hotel.html

http://housing.gmu.edu/

http://och.gmu.edu/

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Money – Bring enough money with you to cover at least your first month’s expenses. Traveler’s checks in U.S. dollars are the most convenient and safest form of currency. Credit cards are also accepted at most places. The chart below shows expenses for the Summer:

Item Cost Due Date Where to PayClass Tuition $4515 –Summer ‘13

($6510 – Fall ‘13)

June 3, 2013 (by 4:30 p.m.)

Student Union 1, Cash Office, Room 104 or online: http://fiscal.gmu.edu/

Student Health Insurance (required for F1 and J1 students without scholarships)

$576For insurance from May 16, 2013 toAugust 15, 2013

May 20, 2013 at registrationOR by June 7 in ELI office

At Registration OR in the ELI Office, Northern Neck, Room 108

Books and Educational Supplies

$250 (approximate) Teachers will tell students when to buy books

Johnson Center, University Bookstore

On-Campus Housing (only for students who have applied for a dormitory)

$2000-3000 (estimate per semester)

Fall costs = $3000-7000

Check with the Housing Office

Student Union 1, Cash Office, Room 104 or online:http://fiscal.gmu.edu/

On-Campus Meal Plan(required for students who live in a dormitory)

$1735(estimate per semester)

Check with the Housing Office

Student Union 1, Cash Office, Room 104 or online:http://fiscal.gmu.edu/

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Health – In the U.S., most strong medications require a doctor’s prescription. You should bring with you enough medication for any conditions that you have.

What to Bring – In Washington D.C., the weather is hot and humid in the summer and cold and dry in the winter. Bring clothes for all types of temperatures or plan to buy clothing when you arrive. There are many places to shop close to the university.

Dress on campus is generally very casual and comfortable. Mason has a large and active international community so you can bring your national costume to wear at ELI and university international events.

Remember to bring your driver’s license, visa documents, medical records, academic records, and important personal items.

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F1 Student Responsibilities

If you will study in ELI with an F1 student visa, you must follow the rules below to keep your F1 visa status valid:

Rule What you need to doGIVE DOCUMENTS TO ELI Bring your address form, passport, and original I-20 to the office no later than 2 weeks after

the start of the semester.

DO NOT LET YOUR I-20 or PASSPORT END

1-2 weeks before your I-20 ends, bring a new bank letter or financial guarantee to the ELI office. Contact your embassy if your passport ends in less than 6 months.

GIVE ELI YOUR CURRENT ADDRESS Make sure ELI always has your current U.S. address. If you move, complete an address form in the ELI office no more than 10 days after you move.

ENTER AND LEAVE THE U.S. ON THE RIGHT DATES

You can enter the U.S. 30 days before the program start date on #5 of your I-20. When you finish your studies at ELI and go home permanently, you must leave the U.S. no later than 60 days after the semester ends.

STUDY FULL-TIME AND DO NOT MISS CLASSES

You must take full-time classes (20 hours/week). You must not miss too many classes. See the ELI Attendance Policy to see how many classes you can miss each semester. If you miss too many classes, you will fail your class and lose your F1 status.

KNOW THE TRANSFER REQUIREMENTS

If you want to transfer to a new school, you must have a valid F1 visa status. To keep your F1 status valid, do not miss classes and do all of your assignments. If you plan to transfer, you must give ELI an acceptance letter and transfer form from your new school no later than 60 days after you complete your studies at ELI.

KNOW THE TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

If you plan to leave the U.S. during a break in classes, bring your I-20 to the ELI office. You need a school official to sign Page 3 of the I-20 so that you can return to the U.S.

DO NOT WORK OFF-CAMPUS You can work at George Mason up to 20 hours every week during the semester and up to 40 hours during the break. You cannot work outside of the university.

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ELI Attendance Policy• If you miss too many classes, you will fail your class and/or lose your F1 visa status. If you lose your F1 visa

status, you must go home immediately.

• The English Language Institute (ELI) Attendance Policy allows students to miss some classes each semester for sickness, family emergencies, or other personal reasons. Your allowed absences are different for each class. Please see the box below to find out how many times you can be absent in each class.

• *Allowed Absences = the number of classes you can miss

ClassSummer

*Allowed AbsencesSpring or Fall

*Allowed Absences

Core 5 10

Oral Communication Skills 5 6

Elective 2 4

Preparation for Grad Study n/a 10

Experiencing Grad Study n/a 4

Transition Support n/a 6

Academic Preparation 5 n/a

High Advanced Writing 3 4

High Advanced Speaking 2 2

High Advanced Reading 3 4

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FAQs about ELI Attendance and F1 Visas

Question Answer

1. Can I pass a class if I go over the number of allowed absences?

No. If you go over the number of allowed absences for a class, you will get a No Grade (NG) and need to repeat the same level. You will not receive a certificate of completion at the end of the term.

2. Can I get a certificate of completion if I go over the number of allowed absences in electives but have good attendance in Core and OCS?

No. You will not receive a certificate at the end of the semester. You must have good attendance in all classes, including electives, to get a certificate at the end of the semester.

3. Can I lose my F1 visa if I miss too many classes?

Yes. ELI checks student attendance every week. If you start to miss classes, you will receive an attendance warning letter and need to meet with the ELI office staff. If you go over the number of allowed absences after receiving attendance warnings, you could lose your F1 visa.

4. Can I continue to study at ELI if I get an NG in my Core class?

Yes, if it is your first NG. No, if it is your second NG. The ELI Dismissal Policy states that if you get an NG in Core for two semesters in a row, you cannot return to ELI.

5. Can I stop attending ELI classes if I get accepted to another school, including George Mason’s ACCESS, BRIDGE, and regular admission programs?

No. You must still attend all ELI classes regularly until the end of the semester and complete all assignments. If you miss too many classes, ELI must tell your new school, including George Mason Admissions, that you lost your F1 status and cannot transfer.

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Health Insurance Requirement for F1 and J1 Students

You do NOT need insurance if:• You have a scholarship or government sponsored

program that provides insurance that meets Mason’s Student Health Insurance plan

• You or your spouse/parent has a US employer who provides insurance that meets Mason’s Student Health Insurance Plan

If you meet the requirements above, contact Johanna Byrne at 703-993-3660 or [email protected] for an exemption application form. Please apply for your waiver as early as possible and at least two weeks before the payment due date.

If you have an F1 or J1 visa and you do NOT have a scholarship from your embassy, you must buy George Mason Health Insurance.

• International Health Insurance is NOT accepted.

• COST = $576 (coverage from May 16, 2013 to August 15, 2013)

• Where and when to pay for health insurance:o in the ELI office any day before Registration o at Registration on May 20o In the ELI office from May 1 to June 7

• Make checks payable to George Mason University

George Mason Health Insurance Information:

The Mason Student Health Insurance Plan is covered under Aetna. Plan details can be found at:http://shs.gmu.edu/insurance/documents/brochure1213.pdf

The last day to apply for a Mason Student Health Insurance Plan is June 7, 2013.

mailto:[email protected]

http://shs.gmu.edu/insurance/documents/brochure1213.pdf

http://shs.gmu.edu/insurance/documents/brochure1213.pdf

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Immunization Requirement for All StudentsGeorge Mason Immunization Requirement: All students must comply with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Immunization Requirement: They must submit Immunization Records by the stated deadline. Students who do not meet the deadline will be charged a $25 fee and have a HOLD put on their account.

If you were born before 1957, you do not need to complete the immunization form.

Immunization Record Deadline: July 1, 2013

Complete the immunization form and fax it to StudentHealth Services at 703-993-4053. ELI sent you the formby email attachment. You can also find it here:http://shs.gmu.edu/immunizations/#Forms

For more information, visit: http://shs.gmu.edu/immunizationsIf you have questions/concerns, please send an email to [email protected]

***IMPORTANT***

1. We recommend that you get your required immunizations before you come to the U.S. so that you do not have to get shots after your arrival.

2. Bring any documents that show your immunization history. If you have a booklet that shows the shots you took, bring it with you.

Immunizations Required

1. Hepatitis B must receive 3 doses of vaccine OR provide a titer report indicating positive immunity2. Tetanus and Diphtheria: Last booster within 10 years3. Two (2) doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine administered after your first birthday and after 1967

OR Titer report indicating MMR immunity is acceptable in place of vaccine documentation.4. Meningococcal Vaccine: must receive vaccine or sign waiver5. Tuberculosis Screening – Tuberculosis screening is required for all students as defined by the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health. TB screening should be done within the last 12 months.



http://shs.gmu.edu/immunizations

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Tuition for Dropped Courses – Summer 2013

If you want to drop a class, you must complete a drop form in the ELI Office by June 3, 2013, to get a full refund. See the table below to find out the tuition charge for dropping classes on specific dates.

• If you are an F1 student, you must take full-time classes. You cannot drop a CORE or OCS class. You can only drop an ELECTIVE class. Please note that in Fall 2013, you must take CORE, OCS, and ELECTIVE classes.

• If you are NOT an F1 student, you can drop any class.

Dates of Drop Tuition Charge

May 21 – June 3, 2013 No charge

June 4 – June 10, 2013 33% of your tuition

June 11 – June 17, 2013 67% of your tuition

June 18 and after 100% of your tuition

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ELI Student Daily Schedule – Summer and Fall 2013Summer 2013, May 15 – July 26, 2013

Fall 2013, August 22 – December 6, 2013 (new students for fall must report by August 21)

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

CORE Class9:30 – 12:10




ELECTIVE CLASS10:30 -12:10

(optional)

BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK

ORAL COMMUNICATION

SKILLS CLASS1:30 – 3:10

ORAL COMMUNICATION


ORAL COMMUNICATION


ORAL COMMUNICATION


Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

CORE Class10:30 – 12:20


CORE Class10:30 – 12:20


CORE Class10:30 – 12:20

BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK

ELECTIVE 11:30 -2:20

ELECTIVE 22:30 – 3:20

ORAL COMMUNICATION


ELECTIVE 11:30 -2:20

ELECTIVE 22:30 – 3:20

ORAL COMMUNICATION


ORAL COMMUNICATION
