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International Student Handbook
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. Campus Map The most recent version of the campus map is available at http://www.stedwards.edu/map/campmap.htm. 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 . If your visa expires, 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 . For more information regarding the regulations for all 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. Please see the I-901 payment information included in this handbook. 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 in the United States . 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. Be sure to send your passport to the embassy or consulate 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
SEVIS
The SEVIS fee is required of all F-1 and J-1 non-immigrants that come to the U.S. for the purpose of pursuing a full course of study at institutions such as colleges, universities, and language training programs, as well as, exchange programs. It is normally a one-time fee, with a few exceptions which are discussed below. The fee went into effect September 1, 2004 . SEVIS fee payments will be used by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to fund the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), the immigration database used to process documents for international students and exchange visitors during their stay in the United States, as well as to facilitate their travel abroad and visa applications. Who must pay the SEVIS fee?
Who does NOT have to pay the SEVIS fee?
When does the fee need to be paid? At least 3 business days prior to:
How much is the SEVIS Fee? The SEVIS fee is US $100. This fee is separate from, and in addition to, the visa application fee. How is the SEVIS Fee paid? The SEVIS fee can only be paid after obtaining and I-20 or DS-2019, in one of the following ways:
Note: A third party such as a friend, family member, or other interested party can pay the fee on the student's behalf through the same methods as described above. What information is required on Form I-901?
Where and when do I use the SEVIS fee receipt?
If the SEVIS fee is paid with one school's I-20, can it be transferred to another? Yes, if SEVIS fee is transferable to another I-20 or DS-2019. The student needs to bring both I-20s and DS-2019s to the embassy or consulate when applying for the visa, as well as, the SEVIS fee receipt. Is the SEVIS fee refundable? The SEVIS fee cannot be refunded if the F-1 or J-1 visa is denied, but it is valid for 12 months if the student chooses to make another visa application for the same kind of program. Traveling Outside the US International students may travel outside of the United States while they are students at SEU. F-1 students must have their I-20s signed by a 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. Travel Procedures & US VISIT On January 5, 2004, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented US-VISIT at all major air and seaports. US-VISIT is a series of security procedures and identity verifications that begin when an individual applies for a visa to travel to the United States, and continues through entry and exit at U.S. air and seaports. DHS plans to implement US-VISIT at land border crossings, as well. At this point in time, DHS requires the majority of visa holders to have their two index fingers scanned and a digital photograph taken to verify the identity of the visa holder. Centers to register individuals with non-immigrant visas in the US-VISIT system are located at air and seaports and U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. Currently, US-VISIT does not require these measures for those visitors seeking admission under the Visa Waiver Program. US-VISIT does not impose new travel regulations, but you will need to allow yourself sufficient time in the airport to go through at US-VISIT procedures. If you are leaving the United States, you should be prepared to “check out” with a US Customs and Border Protection Officer who will review your documents. This can be done at the air or seaport from which you are departing. Some airports also have sanctioned DHS kiosk for US-VISIT registration where you can scan your own documents before leaving. Upon entering the United States, a customs official will check your passport, immigration documents, and your I-94 card. The customs officer will then ask you to place your left index finger and then your right index finger on a scanner. He or she will also take your digital photograph, and based on this information will determine whether or not you are able to enter the country. All of the information collected during US-VISIT registration is entered into your travel record. 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. On-Campus Employment F-1 students must be authorized by the OIE to work on campus and have to receive this authorization BEFORE beginning work. Students must be in status with USCIS and classified as full-time in order to be eligible to work on campus. On-campus work can NOT exceed 20 hours per week during regular semesters and 40 hours per week during the summer, designated vacations and intersession breaks. Intersession breaks begin the day following the last official class day of the semester and end the first day of the next semester. Graduate students should see an OIE advisor about designated vacation. In order to work on campus, students must have a Social Security number BEFORE beginning to work. It may take as long as 12 weeks to get a Social Security number. Due to recent changes in federal law, obtaining a social security number is a process that requires a considerable amount of documentation. Please see the Obtaining a Social Security Number section of this handbook for more information. After you have received your Social Security card, take it to the Office of the Registrar and the Student Employment Office in the Main Building . Tell the Registrar's Office that you are submitting the number for work purposes. When looking for a job on campus, you must look for a Non-College Work-Study position . International students are NOT eligible for Work-Study positions. Work-Study positions are federally funded and are only available to U.S. citizens. How to find a job on campus:
Offices that often have Non-College Work-Study positions are: Post Office, Library (Circulation Desk and Technical Support), Instructional Technology (IT), Computer Labs, Office of Institutional Research, RCC, Ragsdale Center Information Desk, Bookstore, Undergraduate School offices: Business, Natural Sciences, Humanities, Behavioral and Social Sciences, Education. What to do after you've found a job: You must complete your paperwork before you begin working. Go to the Office of Student Financial Services for a work authorization form, complete it, and bring it to the OIE. The OIE will process your work authorization within 48 hours. After 48 hours you may return to the Office of Student Financial Services for your payroll form. Working Off Campus International students (F-1 and J-1) are NOT allowed to work off campus without authorization from the OIE and USCIS. Please see the OIE to discuss work options. Curricular Practical Training (Internships) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) handouts are available in the OIE. Obtaining a Social Security Number Social Security numbers are issued by the Social Security Administration for the purpose of monitoring an individual's contribution to the social security fund, which provides an income for retirees and those who are unable to work. If you have just arrived in the U.S., it is important that you wait 10 days after your initial entry in the U.S. to apply for a Social Security Number. IN ORDER TO WORK ON CAMPUS, YOU MUST HAVE A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER BEFORE YOU CAN BEGIN WORKING. The Office of International Education provides a handout for students that details the application procedures and the documents needed to apply for a social security number. Please stop by the OIE to pick up one of these forms, and to make an appointment with an advisor to ensure that your application is complete. NOTE: On and after October 13, 2004, F-1 students who apply for a Social Security number on the basis of on-campus employment will have to present a letter from their DSO stating the student is authorized to engage in on-campus employment, the nature of the employment to be engaged in, and identifying the on-campus employer for whom the student will be working. The F-1 student will also have to provide a statement from his or her on-campus employer to prove that the student is engaging in, or has secured, specific employment. This new evidence rule does not apply to F-1 students who have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and does not alter other SSA policies and procedures. ( 69 Fed. Reg. 55065: September 13, 2004 ). The St. Edward's OIE uses a form that combines the DSO letter and the employer verification. Please contact the OIE after you arrange your on-campus employment to get this form. To obtain a social security number take the OIE form, your passport, I-20, I-94 and a form of identification (school ID or driver's license) to the Social Security Office in Austin. J-1 visa holders should take their copy of the DS-2019, and DO NOT need a letter of employment, but do need confirmation of enrollment. Apply for a Social Security number and make sure you provide a valid address. Ask for a receipt. Your receipt can be used for banking purposes until you receive your Social Security card. If you do not receive your card after several weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 for more information. Directions to the Social Security Office The Social Security Office in Austin is located at 1029 Camino La Costa. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The phone number is 1-800-772-1213. Federal Income Tax Everyone who works has to file an income tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The forms that you file may depend on your status and your situation, so you should do your research before the April 15 filing deadline. All forms and instructions can be found on the IRS webpage . The OIE recommends that students consult the Tax Preparation web site created by the International Students and Scholars Office at the University of Texas . The site can help you determine whether or not you are required to pay federal income tax. Please check with the SEU Business Office to find out if your country has a tax treaty with the U.S. If your country does have a tax treaty, you will NOT have taxes taken out of your salary in the U.S. If your country does not have a tax treaty with the U.S. , St. Edward's will deduct federal income tax from your paycheck. Ask the Business Office if you have questions. Social Security Taxes International students do NOT pay U.S. Social Security taxes when they first come to the U.S. Make sure to fill out an exemption form and give it to the Office of Student Financial Services. Texas Driver's LicensePlease note: International students may now be required to present their Social Security card when applying for a Texas driver's license. If you do not have a Social Security card, you can get a letter from the Social Security Administration that says you are not eligible or do not need a Social Security Number.
DPS Locations: South 4719 South Congress Ave. Central 6121 North Lamar Texas Identification (ID) Card We suggest that you get a Texas ID card if you do not get a Texas driver's license. It may be helpful for you to have a form of Texas ID with your photo on it while you are here. Take the following to the Texas Department of Public Safety:
Your Texas ID will be valid for 6 years. ACADEMICS AT ST. EDWARD'S UNIVERSITY The following information was taken from the 2004-2005 St. Edward's Undergraduate Bulletin, and the 2004-2005 St. Edward's Graduate Bulletin. For a complete list of academic policies and course offerings, consult the Bulletin on-line on the Undergraduate College's homepage, or the Center for Academic Progress for graduate information. Academic Course Load For Undergraduate Students:
For Graduate Students:
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 Students will enroll in courses with the help of their academic 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 for undergraduate students will be administered during International Student Orientation. The exams will cover the following areas: writing, listening & note taking, and mathematics. Students who do not speak English as their native language are required to take the writing and listening & note taking exams, and all degree-seeking international students are required to take the mathematics placement exam. 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. The academic graduate calendar runs year-round in three trimesters, 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 the minimum number of hours for full-time enrollment 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 standing, and a record of all offenses will be kept by the Office of the Dean of Academic Standing. Offenses that resulted in failure in the course will then be reported to the Office of the Registrar. 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. 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
Student Support Services Academic Planning and Support Services (APSS) (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. APSS offers individual appointments on study skills, a learning strategies course and individual and group tutoring. Bookstore Fondren Hall, 448-8575The bookstore sells books, office and school supplies, gifts and greeting cards, and St. Edward's clothing and souvenirs . Career Planning (CP) Moody Hall 134, 448-8530 CP 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. Center for Academic Progress (CAP) Main Building 220, 428-1050 The Center for Academic Progress is the on-campus office that deals with graduate admission and advising. Copy Center Main Building, Ground Floor, 448-8586 The St. Edward's Copy Center offers basic services such as photocopying and faxing. Copy machines are available at various locations around campus. You can pay with your student ID.Student 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. Recreation/Convocation Center (RCC) 448-8480The 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. 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. South Congress Market Ragsdale Center, Main FloorThe 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. Academic Enrichment and Tutoring Moody Hall 155, 448-8660 This office helps students take control of their learning by assisting them with setting, clarifying, and achieving their academic goals; planning and organizing their work; and understanding course materials, professors' expectations, and their academic progress. Individual t utoring is available for many subjects. Call for more information. Free one-on-one assistance is also available at the following:
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.
2005-2006 Health Insurance Plan (Bolinger Insurance) 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 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, unless you indicate otherwise on your housing form. For exchange students: All exchange students who study at SEU live in the dormitories on campus. 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. Graduate students who wish to live on the SEU campus will be placed in the university apartments, in either the Merryhill or the Hilltopper Heights apartment complexes. 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: Visit these links to see floor plans and virtual tours of each residence hall. Residence Hall Rates Rates for the 2008-2009 academic year are available at http://www.stedwards.edu/reslife/rates.htm. 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. NOTE: SEU apartments are not furnished and require that students provide their own items. 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 Fall 2005 students will be on Sunday, August 21, from noon to 5pm . 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 Aug. 21. 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. Finding Housing Students who choose to live on campus may have the option of several residence halls or on-campus apartments. For the first two semesters at St. Edward's, it is advised to live on campus. For more information concerning the availability of places and your options, please consult the Residence Life web page. Living off campus is another choice for students. Below are some tips for finding off-campus housing. Tips For Finding An Apartment
Questions To Ask Before Renting an Apartment
Legal Advice for Renters Reserving an Apartment A pre-lease is a legal document that reserves the apartment until your lease begins. If you change your mind after signing a pre-lease, you will lose your deposit, and other problems might arise. Make sure that an apartment number is on the pre-lease or you could be given a less desirable apartment. Moving In You usually have one week to complete a move-in inventory. It is very important to fill out this form. When you move out or leave your present apartment, it can prevent you from being charged for damages you didn't make. List all scratches, stains, holes or other damages. Keep a copy of the move-in inventory for later reference. When you move out of your apartment, request that the landlord accompany you in a walk-through of the apartment to inspect for damages. Refer to your move-in inventory to note any damages that were pre-existing at the start of your lease. Repairs
Deposit Within thirty days of the end of your lease, your landlord must return your deposit or give you an itemized account of any charges subtracted from your deposit. Roommates A person living alone in an apartment spends an average of $800 to $1,000 per month for rent, utility bills and food. Sharing an apartment with a roommate can significantly lower these costs. To find a roommate, look at bulletin boards around St. Edward's or check the classified section of the newspaper. Utility Information Electricity & water are connected through the City of Austin. Renters and homeowners are usually required to pay a deposit upon connection ($40-170 depending on number of bedrooms, whether the residence has air conditioning and whether the renter pays the water bill). This service also includes garbage collection. See the apartment manager first; often he or she will arrange connection for you. If not, you will need to contact Austin Energy to set up your electricity and the City of Austin for all other services. After making arrangements over the phone, you will have 2-4 weeks to mail the deposit. During the call you will need: your name & Social Security number if available (or St. Edward's ID), address where utilities will be connected, billing address (if different), photo ID ( Texas driver's license or passport) and copy of lease (if available). Gas Utilities are provided through the Texas Gas Service. For new service call 1-800-700-2443. A $50 deposit, check or money order form, is required. You will pay this deposit when a Texas Gas Service representative makes the connection at your residence. You must be at the residence the day the connection is made. A $35 connection fee will appear on your first bill. You need: your name (and roommate's name if any), address where connection will be made, date of birth, Texas driver's license number (if any), telephone number, address of relative or friend in the US to notify in case of emergency. If you know the name of the previous tenant, you should include this information, as well. Storage Storage facilities in the U.S. are a common way individuals store or keep their belongings when they are not able or do not want to keep them where they live. International students who live in a residence hall may need storage during the winter break when the residence halls close. Sizes and prices of the storage units vary. Some storage units are air-conditioned and have 24-hour access. The following are some nearby storage facilities:
Telephone Service Local Service Telephone service in the U.S. is offered by a local provider for local calls and usually by a separate long distance provider for long distance calls. SBC is the largest provider of local service in Austin. You can sign up for service using the SBC link provided above. Making Long Distance Calls To make long distance calls either within the country or abroad, you need to select a long-distance carrier on your local phone number or have a phone card. It is also possible to call long distance on a pay phone. You can obtain credit phone cards and prepaid, debit phone cards. Prepaid phone cards are available at U.S. post offices, twenty-four hour convenience stores and sometimes at grocery stores. Long distance rates and international phone rates are highly competitive among phone companies. Therefore, phone rates change quite often. A representative from a phone company might call you to see if you are interested in changing your long distance carrier. Note: if you are not satisfied with your service, you can switch at any time to another company. Mobile Phones Mobile cellular phones have become very popular—particularly for students who move frequently and decide not to set up regular phone service. You can do research on the web by comparing plans for Cingular, Verizon Wireless, Sprint's T-Mobile, and Nextel . Some vendors will tell you that you need a Social Security number to have a cellular phone or a mobile phone plan—this is not accurate. You may open an account or purchase a phone without a Social Security number. If you experience problems, please visit the Office of International Education for a letter explaining to the vendor that you do not need the Social Security number for the transaction. Buying a Car If you decide to buy a car while you are here, you'll probably find that the best option is buying a used car. Before doing so, there are several things you should know. Buying a Used CarTalk to friends who have bought a used car and find out what a reasonable price for a car would be. If you would like assistance with buying a car, speak to Lieutenant Dan Beck with the Campus Police. He has offered to help students in the past. (448-8444) After looking at the car, ask the owner for permission to take the car to a mechanic. It's best to take the car to a mechanic who works specifically on that type of car (e.g. Volkswagens, BMWs, Hondas, etc.) The person selling the car expects to come down on their asking price, so plan to bargain with the seller to get the price closer to what you'd like to spend. If the car needs repairs, ask the owner to reduce his/her asking price based on the repairs you'll have to pay for. Once you have paid for the car and received the title from the owner, you will need to get car insurance. (See car insurance information below.) Check to see that the car has a current inspection sticker on the windshield. If this sticker shows a date that has passed, you will need to get the car inspected and will need show to show proof of insurance at the inspection. You can find a car inspector in the Yellow Pages under Auto Inspection Stations. After purchasing car insurance, take the title and proof of insurance to the Travis County Tax Assessor - Collector's office (473-9473) to register and pay taxes for the vehicle. Buying a New CarIf you choose to buy a new car, you should go to a car dealership. Most of these dealerships are located on the access road of I-35 South between Ben White and Stassney Lane . You can also look in the Yellow Pages under Auto Dealers - New Cars. Car InsuranceAutomobile liability insurance is mandatory in Texas, and drivers are required to carry proof of insurance at all times. Before choosing an insurance company, call several companies to compare their rates. Look in the Yellow Pages under Insurance for a listing of insurance companies. Don't forget that it is the law in the State of Texas that the driver and the front-seat passenger wear seat belts at all times. Shopping Information Grocery Stores
Shopping Malls
Other Suggestions Classified Advertisements in the Austin American Statesmen newspaper or the Austin Chronicle list furniture and other items for sale by individuals. A Green Sheet newspaper, found at local convenience and grocery stores, also lists inexpensive items for sale by individuals. Inexpensive New Furniture and Other Household Items
Money Matters During your stay in Austin, you may need to set up a bank account or find a place to cash traveler's checks. To open an account, you will be required to present a Social Security card or a valid passport. If you do not have a Social Security card when you open an account, you will need to notify your bank if you are issued one by the Social Security Office. Keep the following questions in mind as you look for a bank to do business with: What kind of checking accounts does the bank offer? Do these types of accounts earn interest? How much? What savings options do they offer? Is there a minimum balance for all accounts? Is there a charge for checks? Do they offer telephone and/or internet banking? What are the locations and number of ATM machines?
Credit Cards Credit cards are a popular way of paying for items and establishing credit in the U.S. Before applying for a credit card, be certain that you understand all the terms and obligations by asking the company questions and reading their information very carefully. Be sure that you can make the necessary payments. Most often you must pay in full in 30 days or make monthly payments with interest until the balance is paid in full. You do not need to have a Social Security Number to get a credit card. Cards issued in your home country should be acceptable as long as they have the Visa or MasterCard logo. International Students and Credit Cards In the past, international students have obtained credit cards through their bank or through some of the many web sites listed previously. If you would like to get a credit card before you arrive in the US, talk to your bank at home or:
Getting Around Austin Capital Metro (Bus) Public bus transportation is provided by Capital Metro, which operates year-round with adjusted schedules during major holidays. Schedule booklets include maps of different routes and timetables as well as useful phone numbers. These booklets may be obtained from some local grocery stores. There is a Capital Metro Information Center at the corner of 5th and Congress Avenue . Taxis Taxis are available in Austin . To avoid surprise at the price, ask for the cost of the fare before the taxi comes to pick you up. Hailing cabs on the street can be difficult, so call for pick up.
Travel To and From Austin Austin-Bergstrom International Airport: Averages 100 flights a day from 16 gates. Served by AmericaWest, American, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Northwest, Southwest, TWA, United and USAir. Call (512) 530-2242, or visit on-line. Amtrak: Intercity Rail Passenger Service: 250 North Lamar Blvd. Daily direct service to cities across the nation. Reservations are required. For information and reservations: 1-800-872-7245, or visit on-line. Greyhound: 916 E. Koenig Lane 1-800-231-2222, or visit on-line. Kerrville Bus Co.: (Located at the Greyhound Terminal) 1-800-231-2222 or 389-1063 Car Rentals : At times international students opt to rent a car for long distance travels. Consult the yellow pages for a list of all available agencies. It is best to call a few to see who has the best prices. www.avis.com, www.enterprise.com, www.hertz.com, www.orbitz.com Safety Concerns & Precautions Austin is a relatively safe city, but it is important to be careful and take precautions to guard your personal safety. Here are a few things that you should remember:
Emergency Contact Numbers Extreme Emergency 911 If you have an urgent medical condition or emergency, you can call for the police, the fire department or an ambulance by dialing 911. Office of International Education 428-1051 The Office of International Education is here to help students with educational, immigration, financial, social or personal concerns. Everything discussed is strictly confidential. Campus Police 448-8444 For any on-campus emergency you can call the Campus Police. They are available 24 hours a day. Cultural Adjustment What is Cultural Adjustment? Living in a foreign place with different customs and rules sometimes causes confusion and disorientation in different degrees. In a majority of cases, there are symptoms of sadness, weariness, illness and apathy. This adaptation process is normal. The following are some important recommendations:
Social Customs and Cultural Differences Social Visits Americans often plan social gatherings on short notice, so don't be surprised if you are invited to someone's home or to see a movie or baseball game without much warning. If the time is convenient for you, by all means accept their invitation. If you are busy, do not be afraid to decline the invitation, perhaps suggesting a time that would be better. Your host will not be insulted. If a friend has invited you to drop by anytime, it is best to call before visiting to make sure it is convenient for them. Do not stay too long, since you do not want to overstay your welcome. Personal Space The average personal distance, the distance at which two people stand apart when talking to each other, varies from culture to culture. Americans tend to require more personal space than in other cultures. If you get too close to an American during conversation, he or she will likely back away. If the person to whom you are speaking backs away a little, give them room and don't get closer. Stereotypes Don't believe all of the stereotypes you may have heard about Americans. Even the ones that are true in general may not be true about specific individuals or a large segment of the population. For example, although Americans tend to be louder and more boisterous than people from other cultures, many of the people you meet will be quiet and polite. Remember that American films and television exaggerate in order to generate excitement and as a result present a rather distorted picture of what life in the U.S. is really like. Dress Code Austin is a casual city where you will see a lot of t-shirts, shorts, and jeans. Summer temperatures can be over 100F, so it's important that you bring clothing that will keep you cool. Most public spaces are air-conditioned, so even in the summertime it can be necessary to bring a light sweater. Fall and winter bring cooler temperatures, as well, so long pants and light sweaters are appropriate dress during these seasons. Things get slightly dressier when Austinites go out to the infamous Sixth Street or to one of the city's many live-music venues. Women often wear skirts and light dresses; men are likely to wear polo or button-down shirts. Austin is located in south central Texas, just outside of the 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 —one of the largest state universities 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 divided 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 cities 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 page. Geography & Climate Texas is located in the southern United States, bordering Mexico on its western and southern sides and shares 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 it 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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