TEXAS

Geography & Climate

Texas is located in the southern United States, bordering Mexico on its western and southern sides, and sharing state borders with New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.   Texas is the largest state in the contiguous United States, and is composed of a number of landscapes and environments--from the deserts of West Texas to the Gulf Coast to Central Texas Hill Country.    The Texas climate varies considerably from place to place, but is known for its hot summer months and temperate winters.

Population

The state of Texas is home to 22 million people, most who live in the cities of Dallas, Ft. Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and the capital city of Austin.  

Texas is an ethnically diverse state, with one-third of its residents speaking Spanish as their first language.   Central Texas is also home to many individuals of European, particularly German, descent.

Economy

The Texas economy was once supported primarily by the oil industry, but has diversified considerably to include many technology companies and import-export businesses supported by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).   Petroleum is still an integral part of the economic structure, as are chemical products and natural gas.  

In the 20 th century, manufacturing and food processing plants also began to play a prominent role in the state's economy. Despite industrialization, agriculture is still an integral part in the Texas economic system.   Beef and dairy cattle are raised on Texas ranches, and the state is one of the primary cotton producers in the nation.

A (Brief) History

Condensing the history of Texas is nothing short of a challenge. The state has flown under six flags (Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States of America, and the United States of America) and been the arena for a number of struggles and events in US history.

Spanish explorers first came to the Gulf of Mexico in 1519, settling from present-day Florida to Mexico.   The conquistadors attempted to set up a string of small villages and towns, but were driven out of the area after repeated clashes with the Coahuiltecan natives.   Luis de Moscoso returned to the area twenty years later, leading an exploration of modern-day east Texas. Moscoso's mission was far more successful, and small encampments of Spaniards led to the establishment of towns and outpost cities.

In the mid- to late 1600s, French explorers were also prospecting in North America, and laid claim to land that now comprises Louisiana and east Texas.   The Spaniards, feeling the threat of the French expansion, set up a number of forts and missions state-wide to stake their claim to the remaining territory.   At the height of missionary activity, 30 outposts were constructed as communities to educate Native Americans, who had been resettled to Texas from other parts of the west, in Spanish language and Catholicism.   It wasn't until 1821 that the Spaniards relinquished their control over the geographic area to the independent government of Mexico and the missions were outlawed.

In 1821 the first large group of Anglo-American settlers arrived in Texas.   The move was part of a deal that had been brokered by Moses Austin, who negotiated with the Spanish government to allow him and 300 families from the US to move to Texas.   Austin died before the plan was carried out.   His son, Stephen Fuller Austin, became the leader of the new settlers and would eventually found the city that later became the capital of Texas.

Stephen F. Austin's group of settlers--who numbered over 30,000 by 1830--soon began campaigning for their independence from Mexico and the United States, which were both plagued with political turmoil.   The six month Texas War for Independence ensued (1835-1836), including the infamous Battle of the Alamo in February 1836.   Texan and Tejano soldiers who were defending the mission (which was formally called the Misión San Antonio de Valero, but dubbed "Alamo"--the Spanish word for cotton wood--by the soldiers) were attacked by Mexican forces led by Antonia López de Santa Anna. A 13 day fight for the garrison that defended Texas from Mexico was finally ended when   Santa Anna's troops scaled the walls of the Alamo.   Despite a crushing defeat at San Antonio's Alamo, the Independent Republic of Texas was created in 1839.

Confronted with a number of problems between settlers and Native Americans, Sam Houston, president of the Republic of Texas and a leader in the War for Independence, appealed to the United States Congress to be annexed as a US territory.   In 1845 he was granted his request.   With the help of US forces, the Texans led a retaliation against Santa Anna, starting the Mexican-American War.   This time, the outcome was successful for the Americans, who defeated Santa Anna and reclaimed the territory of Texas.

Twenty years after being admitted into the union Texas seceded and joined the Confederacy by a vote of the popular majority--despite the objections of Governor Houston.   Few Civil War battles were fought on Texas soil, but the state remained in the Confederate States of America until the end of the war and the reunification of the United States of America in 1865.

Texas became home to a number of settlers in the westward expansion.   The Texas economy was driven by agriculture and ranching until the early 1900s, when drilling in the town of Spindletop tapped into a gushing oil well. Although ranching and farming continued to be a part of the state economy, oil soon took the forefront of the state's industries.  

The modern history of Texas includes a number of politicians (including Presidents Lyndon Baines Johnson, Dwight D. Eisenhower, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush).  

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AUSTIN

Austin is located in south central Texas, at the base of Texas Hill Country.   The Texas state capitol, Austin is famed as the Live Music Capital of the World and is home to the University of Texas--the largest state university in the United States.  

Austin has a population of 600,000 residents, the majority of which work in city government, computer and high tech fields, and education.   Compared to other areas in Texas, Austin is known for being a liberal, laid-back city--particularly the South Austin neighborhood where St. Edward's University is located.

The city is bordered by highways: Interstate-35 to the east and Route 1 (aka "MoPac," after the Missouri Pacific railway lines that run alongside the highway) to the west. Downtown Austin is organized in a grid and the city is cut down the middle by Congress Avenue, which leads to the state capital.  

Unlike many urban centers, Austin has a number of large parks and outdoor recreation areas including Zilker Park, Town Lake and preserved natural areas known as "greenbelts."   The Colorado River flows through the center of the city and is bordered by a number of walking, running and biking trails.   

Climate

Since Austin is located in Central Texas, summers can be hot--with temperatures as high as 110 F in August and early September.   Winters are not tropical, but freezing temperatures are rare, and winter precipitation is even rarer.  

The average temperature for January is 50 F (10C) and 85 F (30C) for July.   Rainy weather is likely in the spring and in the late fall, but for the most part central Texas has very pleasant weather.

Population

The metropolitan Austin area, including all of its suburbs, is home to approximately 1 million people.   The city center has 600,000 residents, and Austin was listed as one of the United States' Top 10 fastest-growing states in the last US Census Report.  

The city of Austin is predominantly a mix of European and Mexican heritage--1/3 of Austin residents claim to be of Latino descent, and the surrounding Hill Country is home to many individuals of German heritage.

Unique Things to See and Do in Austin

Austin is home to the largest State Capitol in the United States.   The building features a rotunda decorated with seals that represent the six flags that have flown over Texas--Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States of America and the United States of America.   Large paintings of Texas' past governors and a number of sculptures are also on display at the Capital.

The University of Texas at Austin is located behind the capital building.   Main attractions on the campus include the UT Tower, Texas Memorial Stadium and the LBJ Library.

The Congress Street Bridge , which links the northern and southern halves of central Austin, is home to more than 1 million freetail Mexican bats who fly each night at dusk.   Visitors anxious to see the bats will wait on the bridge at sunset until the bats fly out to feed for the night.

The South Congress shopping district , which is also home to cafes and live music venues, is located directly below the Congress Street bridge.   Here you will find everything from shoes to ice cream to designer original t-shirts to antiques.

Austin's version of Bourbon Street-- 6 th Street --is home to many of the city's nightspots.   Live music venues are found all over the city, including the Warehouse District (4 th & 5 th streets, west of Congress Ave.), South Austin, and areas around the UT campus.

Austin Links

For information regarding the city of Austin, visit the St. Edward's University Visitor Information.

ST. EDWARD'S UNIVERSITY

Mission

St. Edward's University is an independent Catholic University open to qualified students of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs.

The University provides a culturally diverse student body with an education which achieves a balance among the humanities, the sciences, and the professions. St. Edward's seeks to make its graduates competent in a chosen discipline and to help them understand and appreciate the contributions of other disciplines. Graduates should be prepared, through training in critical and creative thinking as well as moral reasoning, to analyze problems, propose solutions, and make responsible decisions. They should be able to express themselves articulately in both oral and written form. They are encouraged to develop an understanding of the human person which is derived from reason and open to faith.

The University promotes excellence in teaching and learning in an environment which encompasses the campus classroom, student life programs, and the broader community. A caring faculty, recognizing that learning is a lifelong process, teaches the skills needed to be independent and productive.

They encourage individuals to confront the critical issues of society and to seek justice and peace. Students are helped to understand themselves, clarify their personal values, and recognize their responsibility to the world community. The University gives the example of its own commitment to service.

St. Edward's was founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross, from which it acquired distinguishing characteristics: the courage to take risks, an international perspective, and the commitment to provide educational opportunities for students of varied cultural, religious, educational, and economic backgrounds. St. Edward's expresses its Catholic identity by communicating the dignity of the human person as created in the image of God, by stressing the obligation of all people to pursue a more just world, and by providing opportunities for religious studies and participation in campus ministry. St. Edward's seeks to provide an environment in which freely chosen beliefs can be deepened and expressed.

Now & Then

St. Edward's University traces its origins to a small town on the outskirts of Le Mans, France, called Sainte-Croix.   There, the Venerable Basil Moreau organized the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1837.   He envisioned a religious community of priests, brothers and sisters working in parish ministries, operating schools and doing charitable work.

Father Edward Sorin, CSC, was among the first Holy Cross priests, brothers and sisters to come to America, and in 1842 he helped found the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.   Father Sorin later traveled to Austin and established St. Edward's Academy--named for his patron saint, Edward the Confessor--in 1878.   Originally a school for boys, St. Edward's was chartered as a college in 1885 and as a university in 1925. St. Edward's became a co-educational institution in 1970, and now has a student population of nearly 4500 in the undergraduate, graduate and New College programs.  

View the St. Edward's Facts & Information page for more data on current students and programs at the university.  

Office of International Education

The Office of International Education at St. Edward's works with degree-seeking international students in the undergraduate and graduate programs, exchange students, and students who wish to study abroad.  

If you have any questions regarding your immigration status or your adjustment to life at SEU, we encourage you to meet with the OIE advisor.   Please call the office receptionist at 428-1051 to schedule an appointment.   The office is located in 118 Moody Hall, and is open from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday.  

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STUDENT LIFE AT SEU

Student Organizations

St. Edward's has over 65 recognized student organizations that represent the following categories: academic and professional, community service, cultural, honor societies, special interest and spirit teams.   If you are interested in getting involved on campus, contact Student Life at 448-8422. A complete list of student organizations can be viewed at the Student Life homepage.

Some organizations that may interest SEU's international students are:

Global Innovators
Hispanic Student Assoc.
Rotaract
SEU Ballet Folklorico
Students of African Heritage Assoc. (SAHA)
International Student Organization

Student Support Services

Academic Planning and Support (APS) (Undergraduates)
Moody Hall 155, 448-8660

Academic counselors provide individual guidance and information to help freshmen, exchange, undeclared and transfer students take responsibility for defining and planning their academic objectives. APS offers study skills workshops, a learning strategies course and individual and group tutoring.

Bookstore

The bookstore sells books, office and school supplies, gifts and greeting cards, and St. Edward's clothing and souvenirs .

Career Planning and Experiential Learning (CPEL)
Moody Hall 134, 448-8530

CPEL offers services for students which include résumé review, interviewing assistance, job search counseling, internship postings, credit and non-credit bearing internships, apprenticeships and cooperative education.   The office also holds several special events throughout the year.

Copy Center  
Main Building, Ground Floor, 448-8586

Disability Services
Moody Hall 155, 448-8660

Student Disability Services provides on-going support and assistance for students with medical, psychiatric, or learning disabilities.

Health and Wellness Center  
East Hall, 448-8686    

The St. Edward's Health and Wellness Center offers health care to currently enrolled students. Care is confidential and services are low cost or at no cost to the student. The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and consultation is by appointment only.

IT Student Computing Services
Moody Hall, 448-8437

Computer labs are located in:   Moody Hall 212, 213 and the Ragsdale Center

Kresge Room
Ragsdale Center, Main Floor

The game room provides recreational activities such as computer games, shuffleboard and pool.

Meadows Coffeehouse  
Ragsdale Center, Main Floor

You can order coffee and specialty drinks such as cappuccino, granitas, smoothies and juices.   The Coffeehouse also serves various pastries, sandwiches and desserts.

Office of Student Financial Services
Main Building 204, 448-8523

The Office of Student Financial Services is where you will pay for your tuition, fees, housing and meal plan. Students may choose to pay their balance in full at the time of registration or set up a monthly payment plan.   The office accepts credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express), money orders, personal checks, traveler's checks, cashier's checks or cash for payments. 

Post Office  
Main Building, Ground Floor

The St. Edward's Post Office offers basic services including the sale of stamps, weighing of packages and UPS and Federal Express service.   If you live on campus, you will have an assigned campus mailbox.

The Recreation/Convocation Center includes basketball and volleyball courts, an indoor   swimming pool, handball/racquetball courts as well as a comprehensive fitness center.   There are lockers available in the men and women's locker rooms.   For more information call 448-8480.

Registrar's Office
Main Building 219, 448-1047

The Office of the Registrar is responsible for academic records, including transcripts, grade reports, registration, graduation certification, grade collection and the evaluation and posting of transfer credit.

Scarborough-Phillips Library

In addition to its over 146,000 volumes and over 3,000 periodical titles, the library offers remote access to an online text and web-based catalog, electronic data base, electronic books and dozens of additional specialized academic databases.   The library also has videotapes, videodiscs, CDs, audiocassettes, and slides available for class use, library use and checkout.

The main dining facility for the St. Edward's community, the South Congress Market, offers many items prepared to order, a salad bar and takeout service.

Tutoring Services
Moody Hall 155, 448-8660

Tutoring is available for some subjects.   Call for more information.   Free one-on-one assistance is also available at the following:

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IMMIGRATION INFORMATION:

Office of International Education

The Office of International Education at St. Edward's works with degree-seeking international students in the undergraduate and graduate programs, exchange students, and students who wish to study abroad.  

If you have any questions regarding your immigration status or your adjustment to life at SEU, we encourage you to meet with an OIE advisor.   Please call the office receptionist at 428-1051 to schedule an appointment.   The office is located in 118 Moody Hall, and is open from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday.

Visa Information

Your visa is your key to enter the United States. You will only be at St. Edward's for one semester, so your visa is unlikely to expire during this time. If it does expire, understand that you may remain in the United States as long as you are maintaining the status requirements of your visa, but that you will be denied entry should you leave the country and try to re-enter on the same visa.

The US State Department now publishes an on-line guide to obtaining US visas. The 5-page booklet, which can be downloaded or viewed in HTML format, covers issues related to F-1 student visas, J-1 exchange visitor visas, and all other visa classes.   The webpage also contains a consulate locator for your country, visa updates and regulations relating to travel to the United States.

Students studying on direct exchanges at St. Edward's University (those students coming from the Tec de Monterrey in Mexico, Fachhochschule Koblenz in Germany, or from Adelaide, Australia, traditionally study on F-1 student visas.) Students entering on ISEP exchange programs are sponsored as J-1 scholars by ISEP and hosted by SEU.   For more information on these visa classes, please consult the US Department of State webpage.  

NOTE: As of September 1, 2004, all individuals applying for F-1 or J-1 visas (as well as individuals applying for a change of status) are required to file form I-901 and pay a $100 fee at the time of their visa application.  

Passport

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the time of your authorized stay in the United States.   If your passport expires while you are in the US it is usually possible to renew it by sending materials to your home country's embassy post.   Contact your country's embassy or consulate for instructions and guidelines.   If you need to send your passport, make sure to remove your I-94 form from your passport, which should be sent by certified return-receipt mail.

I-94 (Arrival/Departure) Card

Anyone entering the United States from an international destination receives an I-94 arrival/departure record--whether they arrive by plane, boat or drive across the border.   The I-94 card is small and white, and is sometimes stapled in your passport.   It is very important that you save this card.   It reflects your visa status, the duration of your stay and the number that United States Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS) uses to keep track of your records.   Every time you leave the US your current I-94 will be replaced with a new one.  

Students arriving from Mexico should be aware that border officials sometimes do not issue these cards--you should be polite, but firm, that you will be required to show this card to the OIE once you arrive at St. Edward's so that you are issued the I-94 card.

Immigration Documents

• For F-1 students: SEVIS Form I-20

Check your SEVIS-issued I-20 to make sure the information is correct.   If it is not you need to get a new I-20 from the OIE. You should carry your I-20 when you travel, and must have the third page signed if you wish to travel outside of the United States.   Do not throw your I-20s away, even if you get a new I-20, change your status, have finished your program or leave the U.S.

• For J-1 students: SEVIS Form DS-2019

DS-2019 forms for J-1 scholars are issued for all ISEP exchange students. Check the document to make sure the information is correct.   If it is not or it is expired, you need to see your sponsor to get a new DS-2019.   Carry your DS-2019 with you when you travel. If you wish to travel outside of the United States while you are enrolled at St. Edward's University, please be aware that you will have to send this document to Washington, DC, to obtain the appropriate travel signatures.

 

SEVIS

• What is it?   The new Student and Exchange Visitor Information System is designed to update USCIS data base for collecting information concerning F, J and M international students and scholars.

• How does it impact international students?    International offices have to enter your information, beginning with your I-20 or DS-2019 in the SEVIS data base system, which U.S. government offices and officials have access to.   The USCIS may request additional information from schools concerning student documentation and status.

• What should international students do?
  • Read all e-mail updates sent by the OIE.   Changes by USCIS occur often.   We try to send out information as soon as we have reliable facts.   If you have any questions, please ask us.
  • Understand regulations concerning maintaining status.   Be proactive in monitoring your documents and understanding how to maintain status.   Remember that well-meaning friends and departmental faculty and staff are not immigration advisors.   Please refer any questions or problems concerning status to the OIE.
  • Keep your records updated.   Be sure to update address changes on the St. Edward's web site and with the OIE.   This is part of the information that is required in SEVIS.
  • Plan travel arrangements early.   All changes (major, degree program, extensions and travel validations) must be made in SEVIS, so you will need to allow time for processing.

   

Traveling Outside the US

All F-1 and J-1 exchange students may travel outside of the United States while they are students at SEU. Students are discouraged from traveling on days they have classes, but Austin's proximity to Mexico means that many students want to do exploratory travel outside the US on the weekends and school breaks.  

F-1 students must have their I-20s signed by a school DSO (see Erin Ray or Mary Katherine O'Brien in the OIE), and J-1 scholars must have their travel authorized by their sponsor.   For ISEP exchange students, this means sending the DS-2019 to Washington, DC.   J-1 scholars should allow sufficient time for the documents to be sent and returned.

Employment Restrictions

Exchange students on F-1 visas are permitted to work on-campus for 20 hours per week during the academic year. Before beginning work, students must obtain a Social Security number and receive employment authorization from the OIE.  

Obtaining a Social Security number can be a lengthy process, so students should be prepared that they may not be able to get everything in order in time to begin a job.   J-1 students are also required to obtain a Social Security number before working, and must additionally receive approval from the sponsor who issued the DS-2019.

As of October 1, 2004, students must also show evidence of an employment offer before they will be granted a Social Security number.

Change of Address

If for any reason you change your address while you are enrolled at St. Edward's University, you must notify the OIE within ten days of your move.   This includes switching dorm rooms or residence halls.   The OIE is responsible for reporting your address to USCIS via your SEVIS record, and the office must be notified of these changes as soon as possible.

STUDENT HEALTH & HEALTH INSURNACE

SEU Student Health

The St. Edward's Health and Wellness Center offers health care to currently enrolled students. Care is confidential and services are low cost or at no cost to the student.

The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and consultation is by appointment only.

If a student has a chronic illness or needs specialized care, students are advised to be under the care of a private physician.   In case of a serious emergency after hours, students are advised to go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

Remember!   In the United States, going to the emergency room at any time with only a minor problem could result in the patient paying extremely high bills .   Do not go to the emergency room unless you have a serious, urgent emergency.  

The Student Health Center is located on campus, in East Hall.

Student Health Insurance

All students, including international and exchange students, are required to have medical insurance. Coverage is available through St. Edward's University plan, or students may demonstrate proof that they are covered by another plan.

1. Students must be able to show proof of insurance coverage to appropriate University authorities.   Many off-campus health care providers want to see a medical insurance card at the time of service.

2. Students must send all bills from off-campus medical providers with a claim form to their insurance company for reimbursement.   Coverage varies by individual and insurance company.

3. If students are evaluated at off-campus medical facilities, often fees must be paid at the time of service.   If a facility says it "does not accept student insurance," it means the student must pay for the service directly, and then submit the bill to the student insurance company for reimbursement later.

2004-2005 Health Insurance Plan (Bolinger Insurance)

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ACADEMICS AT ST. EDWARD'S UNIVERSITY

The following information was taken from the 2004-2005 St. Edward's Undergraduate Bulletin. For a complete list of academic policies and course offerings, consult the Bulletin on-line on the Undergraduate College's homepage.

Academic Course Load

All undergraduate international students must take a minimum of 12 credits hours per semester.   12 hours is considered full-time enrollment, and generally constitutes 4 course selections.   Students should consult with an academic advisor from Academic Planning and Support Services (APSS) when making their course selections.  

Students may take more than 12 credit hours per semester, provided they are able to handle the work load.   Due to immigration regulations and maintenance of F-1 student or J-1 scholar status, however, international students may not take fewer than 12 credit hours in a semester.   This applies to exchange students as well as degree-seeking international students.   Students considering dropping courses should consult with the Office of International Education before making any change to their schedules.

Semester Hours

The semester hour is the unit of measurement for work completed.   Normally, a semester hour of credit means the successful pursuance of a course requiring 50 minutes of class time a week for 14 weeks, plus a week of finals.

Enrolling In and Dropping Courses

Student will enroll in courses with the help of an APSS advisor.   A student must complete all steps of the registration process prior to attending classes.   No credit will be granted for any class for which the student is not properly registered for.

Students must be enrolled in their final schedule of courses by the 12 th day of the semester.   Up until that day, students are permitted to drop courses they no longer wish to take, provided that they maintain 12 credit hours of instruction.   Students who wish to drop a course should consult with the OIE before doing so.

Placement Tests

Placement tests will be administered during International Student Orientation.   The exams will cover the following three areas: writing, listening & note taking, and math.   Exchange students who do not speak English as their native language are required to take the writing and listening & note taking exams.   The mathematics exam is not required, unless students wish to take a math course while studying at St. Edward's.

Course Levels

Only those courses numbered 1000 or above count toward a degree.   Course numbering generally denotes the following:

Evaluation: Grading and the Grade Point System

Grades at St. Edward's are assigned to individual assignments, exams and projects, as well as a cumulative grade that is given at the end of the course.   Instructors grade on the following system:

Averages are computed according to the following point scheme:

School Calendars

The academic undergraduate calendar runs from late August to early May, with two summer sessions, and can be viewed on-line in HTML format.

Class Attendance

SEU considers regular attendance in all classes to be an obligation of the student.   Each instructor is responsible for establishing attendance rules for his or her own class and providing them in written form.   Students should read these guidelines carefully--some instructors will drop students from their class rosters for poor attendance.   International students who are taking 12 credit hours and are dropped from a class will fall below the guidelines for maintaining status.  

Academic Integrity

St. Edward's University expects academic honesty from all members of the community, and it is the university's policy that academic integrity be fostered to the highest degree possible.   Consequently, all work submitted for grading in a course must be created as a result of your own thought and efforts.   Representing work as your own when it is not a result of such thought and efforts is a violation of our code of academic integrity.   Whenever it is established that academic dishonesty has occurred, the course instructor shall impose a penalty on the offending individual(s).   It is recognized that some offenses are more egregious than others and that, therefore, a range of penalties should be available.   Whenever possible, it would also be important to try to determine the intent of the offender, since the error could be a result of careless work rather than intent to deceive.   The maximum penalty for a first offense is failure in the course, and if that penalty is imposed, the student does not have the option of withdrawing from the course. In cases of mitigating circumstance, the instructor has the option of assigning a lesser penalty.

After obtaining sufficient evidence that such dishonesty has occurred, the instructor should discuss the question with the student.   Instructors who impose a penalty for serious academic dishonesty should report this penalty to the dean or director of the program in which the course is offered.   The dean or director will report confirmed cases of dishonesty to the Dean of Academic Services, and a record of all offenses will be kept by the Office of the Dean of Academic Services.   Offenses that resulted in failure in the course will then be reported to the Office of the Registrar.

More information regarding the St. Edward's University policy on Academic Integrity is available in the Undergraduate Bulletin.

Transcripts

You must bring an original transcript from your home institution to submit to the Office of the Registrar when you arrive at SEU.   The office will keep the copy of your official transcript on file for the duration of your time at the University.   Failure to submit this copy may result in your dismissal, as the university is required by its accrediting agents to maintain these records and must enforce this rule.

Requests for SEU transcripts of the permanent record must be made in writing to the Office of the Registrar.   SEU defines the permanent record as the student's academic history at the university.   There is no fee for official transcripts.   To order or request your transcript, contact the Office of the Registrar, or fill out an on-line transcript request form.   

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RESIDENCE LIFE

The St. Edward's Residence Life program is based on a philosophy to provide an on-going educational program focused on student needs and development. Residence Life staff works with students to enhance the learning environment outside the classroom. Valuable programs and activities are provided to foster learning in a positive and caring way.

Residence Life is responsible for housing more than 1000 residents in 5 residence halls, 178 apartments, and over 250 summer conference guests. Specifically, Residence Life distributes and accepts all new applications, maintains housing waiting lists, coordinates current resident contract renewals, processes bills, coordinates new room and hall changes, and coordinates written communications with students who have questions or concerns regarding on campus housing.

Dorm Living

All exchange students who study at SEU live in the dormitories on campus.   Living with other St. Edward's students is an excellent way to be a part of the campus community and to experience the American student way of life.

Residence Life will attempt to place students in double rooms (2 occupants) with American students.   Realizing that exchange students are often older than traditional American freshmen, the office will attempt to place these students with returning sophomores, juniors or seniors.

Residence Life will also try to place students of similar interests in the same rooms or suites.    Consult the Residence Life FAQs for more information regarding dorm selection, roommates, and SEU dorm policies.

Residence Halls

SEU has five residence halls for undergraduate students:

East Hall
Teresa Hall
Premont Hall
Doyle Hall
Basil Moreau Hall

Visit these links to see floor plans and virtual tours of each residence hall.

Residence Hall Rates

Rates are per student, per semester for the Fall 2004 and Spring 2005 semesters.

Furniture & Appliances

All dorm rooms are furnished with beds and mattresses, and storage for clothing.   Students are responsible for providing their own sheets, towels and pillows, which may be brought from home or purchased upon arrival.   Regular twin sheets or extra-long twin bedding will fit the standard-issued mattresses that are in each dorm room.

Student rooms are equipped with telephone lines, but students must purchase their own phones and answering machines. Many American students bring small refrigerators, televisions, and laptop computers with them to college.   If your roommate has these items you may ask him or her if you can share for the semester, or you may purchase these items when you arrive in Austin.   Computer labs are also available in many locations around campus.

Dining Services

South Congress Market, the dining hall at St. Edward's, is located in the Ragsdale Center.   Food service is available from 7am to 8 pm, Monday through Friday.

Meal plans, which also allow you to purchase food at The Meadows Coffeehouse, can be purchased through Auxiliary Services.   Dining options for those students living in the residence halls include Plan I ($1250 per semester) or Plan II ($1400 per semester). For more information, contact Dining Services.

Payment for Room & Board

Room & board payments can be made to Student Financial Services.   Payment should be made by check or credit card, and can be processed on-line, or in person once a student arrives on campus.  

Residence Hall Check-In & Check-Out

Check-in for Spring 2005 students will be on Monday, January 10.   You should arrange your travel so that you are able to check into your residence hall that afternoon; if arrive early you should be prepared to stay in alternative accommodations (hotels, with family friends, etc.) before Jan. 10.

Check-out is the last day of exams for each semester.   If you plan to stay in Austin beyond that time you must find accommodations for yourself.

Visit the Residence Life FAQs for more information about on-campus living at SEU.