International Student Services

Orientation Welcome Letter

Fall 2008

Dear Student,

We are delighted that you are joining us at Utica College for the Fall 2008 semester. The Orientation Program for international students entering UC in the Fall will be held Sunday, August 24, and Monday, August 25, 2008. The Sunday program is a welcome picnic for all new international students, where important information can be given in a relaxed atmosphere. The Monday program will be held in Willard Conference Room, DePerno Hall. This program will start promptly at 9 a.m. and will last until 3 p.m.

The second day of Orientation will provide you with assistance in completing paperwork and registering for classes, a campus tour, banking information, and with extremely important information concerning U.S. immigration laws pertaining to working in the U.S. and traveling in and out of the country. Please bring your passport, I-94, visa documents, and proof of health insurance to the Orientation Program.

There are two important items that we need to draw to your attention before your arrival. First, you should have received a “Residence Information Form” with your acceptance letter. If you are planning to live on campus and have not yet returned this form, you should do so immediately by faxing it to the Residence Life Office at (315)792-3715. The preferred dates of arrival for sign-in at the dormitories are August 22 and 23. We would like to make sure that you are rested and ready for the beginning of your semester!

Second, you should have also received a “Medical History Form.” You must complete pages 1 and 2 of the form and have your family physician complete pages 3 and 4. The College also requires immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella for all students. By requesting a health physical and immunizations in your home country, you will save the time and the expense of having them done once you arrive. This form may be presented to our office when you arrive.

As an international student, we encourage you to contact our Office of International Education in DePerno Hall, Rooms 206-207, should you have any concerns or questions during your stay. Also, should you wish to travel outside of the U.S., you will need a signature from one of us. Additional information to aid in your arrival can be found attached to this letter and in our brochure, International Student Guidebook. We are certain that you will find our Office an information center that will always be available to assist you. We look forward to meeting you at Orientation!

Sincerely,


Laurence W. Roberts, Ph.D.                   Linda L. Worth, M.S.
Associate Dean                                      Director
lroberts@utica.edu                                    lworth@utica.edu

  

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET

Travel to UC

Rail and bus services to Utica are available from New York, Newark, Boston, and all major cities. If you are flying into Syracuse, NY, 80 kilometers west of Utica, rail, bus, and limousine (approximately $70) services are available. Reservations are suggested for all modes of transportation, since there will be a high volume of students traveling at that time. The preferred dates of arrival are January 19 or 20 for those students living in residence halls, but it is possible to check in a day or two earlier if your travel schedule requires it. Please let our office or the Residence Life Office know if you expect an early arrival date. You will find a listing of useful phone numbers and web sites below.

Health Insurance

Utica College requires that all international students have health insurance. Our Student Health Center offers medical treatment to students with minor or short-term illnesses. Beyond that, they will refer you to a local physician or hospital. It is possible that your family’s health insurance will cover your medical needs while you are studying abroad, but you should contact that company to be sure that you are protected. Additionally, your policy must provide for medical evacuation and repatriation. If you do not have health coverage when you arrive, International Education has information available to allow you to enroll in a reputable plan. The cost is approximately $45+ per month, depending on your age. Our office will provide assistance with questions or concerns regarding insurance coverage or claims.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Rail:  www.amtrak.com, 1-800-872-7295
Bus:  www.greyhound.com, 1-800-231-2222
Airport Limousine:  www.nyvintagelimo.com, 1-800-704-5466, 1-315-768-1541
Residence Life: ebalcom@utica.edu, 1-315-792-3285, 1-315-792-3715
Admissions: ccominsky@utica.edu, 1-315-792-5290, 1-315-792-3003
Health Center: kdare@utica.edu, 1-315-792-3094, 1-315-792-3700
International Education:  intlpro@utica.edu 1-315-792-3082, 1-315-792-3061
Student Financial Services: gtuttle@utica.edu, 1-315-792-3016, 1-315-792-3836

 

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