Living on Campus – What does Residential Life offer?
North Quad Suites:
As you know, NSE students are required to live on campus. Students with 25 or more completed units are eligible for the North Quad Suites. Students living in the North Quad Suites have the option of being assigned to single or double occupancy rooms in either a two-bedroom/one bath or a four-bedroom/two bath configuration. The meal plan is required in the suites. A substance free program is hosted on the 4th floor of building 303 and an “international” floor program is hosted on the 2nd floor of building 302. We have reserved 30 spaces on this floor and encourage you to select this as your home-away-from-home. There will also be 30 traditional CSUMB students on that floor. The hope is that you will have a chance to get to know “local” students as well as other NSE students.
Each suite features: carpeted floors with contemporary, highly functional furnishing, one or two bathrooms, kitchenette, cable television hookups for no additional charge, fast campus computer network (LAN) connections, convenient study lounges, on-site laundry facilities, secure card access to buildings, and both professional and student staff. Some of the rooms are quite small so please reconsider shipping boxes and boxes of your belongings. Sheets, blankets, pillows and reminders of home are all good ideas but please be selective about what and how much you bring.
North Quad Apartments:
Students with junior status (60 completed units) or who are 21 years of age are eligible for assignments in the North Quad Apartments. Students living in the North Quad Apartments have the option of being assigned to single occupancy rooms in either a two-bedroom/one bath or a four-bedroom/two bath apartment configuration.
Each apartment features: Carpeted floors with contemporary, highly functional furnishing, one or two bathrooms, kitchen with basic appliances, cable television hookups for no additional charge, fast campus computer network (LAN) connections, convenient Study Lounges, on-site laundry facilities, secure card access to buildings, and both professional and student staff.
These new, four-story apartments and suites are both located on the North Quad. They are within walking distance of the main quad, classrooms, the library, the Dining Commons, computer facilities, the Media Learning Complex, the Campus Health Center, the Wellness Activity Center gym, and all administrative offices. The suites seem to appeal mostly to sophomores and juniors, while the apartments appear attractive to many juniors and seniors.
Residence Halls:
CSUMB’s freshmen, sophomores and other interested students live in residence halls located adjacent to the main area of the campus. These modern three-story residence halls surround the main part of campus and are within walking distance of most important buildings and facilities. These buildings are smaller and a little more close-knit, and are best for younger students such as freshmen and sophomores.
More information, including pictures, room layouts, and side-by-side comparison of the housing options can be found at http://housing.csumb.edu. Please take a look at this website if you’d like a more in depth look at what options we have for you.
Housing Info:
Make Housing Reservation ASAP. Please complete the enclosed packet and mail it in the self-addressed envelope. Info about housing is available at csumb.edu/housing:
Arrival Info:
How to get a Meal Plan:
The Meal Plan is a block plan system. All you will need to do is swipe your student ID card at the register. It’s handy because you don’t need to worry about having cash on you when you get food.
More information about the Meal Plan can be found at http://csumb.org/dining/plans.html
Information about the dining locations can be found at http://csumb.org/dining
What you need to know about IDs on campus:
The CSUMB campus relies heavily on computer use for communication and for information gathering. To get access to the network you need an OtterID, which is your personal login and works on any computer on campus. Once your OtterID is setup you will have access to numerous campus system, such as FirstClass email, Blackboard for class websites, and the Home server for web storage. The OtterID is not the same as the number on your ID card. You will also have a regular school ID, a nine-digit number that acts as your student identification number. Please read below for information about these two IDs.
Regular School ID:
You will need a campus ID in order to register, and we will email that info to you promptly. In the meantime, please go to csumb.edu click on academics and find classes that your advisor at home approves. Please make sure that you have the necessary prerequisites completed and that the class times do not overlap.
OtterIDs:
OtterIDs are an alphanumeric login based on the first four letters of your last name and a randomly assigned number (example: otte1234). If your last name has fewer than four letters- your OtterID is your full name and your randomly assigned number. OtterIDs are based on your last name at the time of registration and cannot be changed- even if your legal name has changed. (If Jane Otter (otte1234) marries John Jellyfish, while the name on her accounts can be changed to Jane Jellyfish, her OtterID will remain otte1234).
OtterIDs are used for: email, file storage, and calendar (MyCSUMB), lab/classroom computer login, library resources, online learning, and wireless computing.
Passports are required for all individuals traveling outside of the United States. If you have never had a passport, you can acquire one at official passport processing post offices. Certain post offices also take the needed photos. There is a $135 fee for all applicants, 16 years old and above.
If you have an out of date passport, or one that will be out of date by the time of your return to the United States, you may file for a renewal. In order to renew a passport by mail, the old passport must not be damaged, have been received within the past 15 years, you must have been at least 16 years of age when it was issued, and still have the same name as in the passport or be able to legally document your name change. To renew by mail, you need to complete the form DS-22, available here. Renewing a passport costs $110.
After applying, passports generally require 4-6 weeks to receive. Passports can be expedited for an additional fee of $60, and the passport should be received within 3 weeks. First time passports must be applied for in person, and calling ahead to schedule an appointment may be necessary as indicated below. The following local post offices file first time passport applications during the given hours:
Post Office –Seaside
1093 Broadway Ave. Seaside, CA 93955
Passport Processing Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9am to 2pm
Saturday: 9am-Noon
Phone: (831) 394-1818
Post Office – Marina
3100 DeForest Rd. Marina, CA 93933
Passport Processing Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:30am to 3pm
Saturday: 9:30-11:30am (by appointment only)
Phone: (831) 384-8472
Post Office – Monterey
565 Hartnell St.
Monterey, CA 93940
Passport Processing Hours:
Monday – Friday 9am to 2pm (by appointment only)
Phone: (831) 372-3021
Information on renewing passports can be found here.
Insurance:
Medical Insurance is required for all students studying abroad for either a semester or a year. Some programs provide insurance but for those that don’t, the following study abroad plans are available. Check the benefits of each to see what works best for you.
Somerton Student Insurance
For US Citizen/Resident Alien
Maximum Medical Benefit: $250,000
Deductible per Covered Accident or Sickness: $100
Cost Per Month or Any Part Thereof
Student (Any Age): $36 - $43
Cost Per Year
Student (Any Age): $432 - $516
More information available at: www.somerton-ins.com
Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company
For CSU Monterey Bay International Students
Lifetime Maximum per condition benefit: $250,000
School Plan year deductible for all providers: $150
Cost Per Year (8/15/’08 – 8/15/’09)
Student: $861
Cost Per Semester
Student: $365 - $336
More information available at: www.CSUhealthlink.com
SEVIS I-20
Check the travel signature on your SEVIS I-20. You must have your SEVIS I-20 with you when you travel, even for travel within the United States. If traveling outside of the U.S., be sure that your current I-20 has an authorizing signature for travel no older than one year prior to your date of return to the U.S.
Passport
Check the expiration date of your passport (more information about obtaining a US Passport can be found here). You must have your passport with you for all travel, including travel within the United States. If traveling abroad, your passport MUST be valid at least six months into the future upon your return to the United States. Passports may be renewed at your country's embassy or consulate in the United States. The Office of International Programs (OIP) has a directory of all foreign consulates and embassies, with addresses and phone numbers, for your reference. Or, if you have access to the World Wide Web, you can obtain up-to-date information on passport renewal. Point your web browser to http://www.embassy.org/embassies .
U.S. Visa
Check your U.S. visa stamp inside your passport. Has your visa stamp expired? If it is still valid, is it for multiple entry, or has the entry been used up? Finally, is the category for which the visa was issued the status you currently hold (for example, if your visa is F-2, are you currently in F-2 status or did that status change after you entered the United States ). "Applying for a New Visa at a U.S. Consulate Abroad."
I-94 Arrival/Departure Card
You must have your white, I-94 card with you for all travel, even travel within the United States. You will need to surrender your I-94 card if you are departing from the United States. You will be issued a new I-94 card upon your re-entry to the United States with a new admission number. However, your SEVIS ID number (printed at the top right of your SEVIS I-20) will not change. SPECIAL NOTE: F-1 students with expired U.S. visas who are traveling to Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands for up to 30 days AND who will be resuming their studies upon their return should NEVER surrender their I-94 card. Canadian or Mexican nationals returning to their home country should surrender their I-94 card as they enter their country, and obtain a new I-94 card the next time they enter the United States. Canadian nationals should be sure to carry with them their financial documentation that verifies the information on their I-20 when getting ready to return to the United States.
CSUMB Student ID Card
Carry your current CSUMB ID card with you as supporting documentation.
Health Insurance ID Card
You will need your ID card if you need to visit a health care provider for an illness or accident, either locally or away. If you do not have health insurance CSUMB offers student insurance through Somerton Student Insurance Inc. Somerton may be contacted directly or pamphlets are available at Student Recruitment Services.
Somerton Student Insurance, 7277 Lone Pine Dr. #C202, P. O. Box 1287, Rancho Murieta, CA 95683 Telephone 800-853-5899 or 916-314-5500
Practical Training
If you have completed your studies and have applied for Practical Training, you must have your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with you, as well as your SEVIS I-20 endorsed for practical training, in order to re-enter the United States. You must have been a studentat CSUMB for one year.
Special Registration Applicants
If you were required to go through the special registration process either at a U.S. port of entry or as part of a "call-in" registration at a district USCIS office, because you are male and from one of the 25 designated countries, there is a special exit procedure that you must follow before you can depart the United States, at the airport where your overseas flight will depart. Failure to do so can result in your being permanently barred from entering the United States. For a description of the requirement, and a list of designated exit ports and specific information on their locations and hours of operation, go to:
http://www.ice.gov/graphics/enforce/imm/specreg/WalkawayMaterial.pdf
http://www.ice.gov/graphics/enforce/imm/specreg/WalkawayMaterial.pdf
Important Travel Information
Your Travel I-20
In order to re-enter the U.S. in F-1 student status after traveling to another country, you will need a valid CSUMB SEVIS I-20 form signed by an International Student Advisor at the CSUMB Office of International Programs. To permit your return to the U.S., one of our International Student Advisors will either:
If your current I-20 is signed on page 3, you may use this I-20 to re-enter the U.S. for up to one year from the date it was signed (for absences of less than five months). However, we recommend that you request a new signature if you have a current signature that is more than 6 months old. If you were given a new I-20, please note item #5 which indicates the latest date you may re-enter the U.S. You may not return after this date unless page 3 has been signed. If you have been authorized by the Immigration Service to participate in Post-Completion Practical Training, you will also need to show your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) when you re-enter the U.S.! You will also need to bring a letter from your employer to show that you have already started (or will soon start) to work!
F-1 Visa Renewal
You must apply for a new F-1 student visa to return to the U.S. in F-1 status if:
Your F-1 visa stamp in your passport has expired or will expire before you return to the U.S. (unless you are traveling only to Canada or Mexico for less than 30 days).
You originally entered the U.S. in another visa category, then changed your status to F-1 in the U.S. For example, if you entered the U.S. on a tourist (B-1/B-2) visa and changed your status to F-1 in the U.S. , then you must apply for an F-1 visa (stamp in your passport).
Please carefully read the information "Applying for an F-1 Visa" on the back page. U.S. visas (visas to enter the U.S. ) are issued only by U.S. embassies or consulates outside of the U.S. . If you need to renew or obtain an F-1 visa, we advise you to make plans to do this at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. We do not advise you to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate other than the one in your home country. In most cases this is very difficult, and in some cases it is impossible. Please meet with an International Student Advisor before leaving the U.S. to get more information about the risks and limitations of applying for a visa in a "third" country.
Please read the instructions on page 2 of your I-20 form. It is your responsibility to know and follow the immigration regulations that apply to your F-1 student status. If you have any questions, please contact an International Student Advisor at the Office of International Programs at (831) 582-4735. We wish you a safe and pleasant trip.
Travel to and from the U.S.
Departing : When you leave the U.S. you will be asked to submit your I-94 form (the small white card that is in your passport) to an airline representative. If you do not have your I-94 form, you will still be allowed to board the plane. DO NOT give up your I-20 form when departing the U.S.
Returning : When you return to the U.S. you will be given a new I-94 form. Upon returning, you must show to the port-of-entry immigration official: (a) a valid passport (usually required to be valid for at least six months), (b) a valid I-20 form, (c) a valid F-1 visa (if you are visiting Canada or Mexico for less than 30 days, you can re-enter the U.S. with an expired F-1 visa.), (d) your EAD card if you are on PCPT, and (e) a letter from your employer to verify that you have already or will soon start to work (if under PCPT). We recommend that you also take copies of your financial support documents, health insurance coverage, and student ID card in case you are asked to show these documents.
Traveling to Canada or Mexico
Ask for specially prepared information sheets form the Office of International Programs if you are planning to travel to Canada or Mexico.
Traveling to Countries Other Than Canada or Mexico
If you are traveling to one or more countries outside the U.S. which is not your home country, you may be required to obtain a visa and, in some cases, immunizations in order to enter. Before your departure you should find out exactly what you will need to enter another country by contacting the nearest consulate or embassy of each country you plan to visit. Most countries have consulates in San Francisco . Check the telephone directory or obtain a list of consulate addresses and telephone numbers from the Office of International Programs. If you are visiting a country with no local consulate, you will need to contact that country's embassy in Washington, D.C.
Applying for an F-1 Visa
Applying for an F-1 student visa can be complicated and frustrating. Moreover, there is no guarantee that the visa officer at the U.S. embassy or consulate will automatically issue you a new visa. You will need to convince the U.S. embassy or consulate that you are a serious student who has maintained full-time student status and earned good grades. You must also show sufficient financial support and demonstrate evidence that you will return to your home country after you have completed your studies at CSUMB.
We recommend that you call the non-immigrant visa section of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will be applying for a visa in advance to learn about their specific procedures and policies regarding F-1 student visa applications. For example, some U.S. embassies and consulates will require you to make an appointment in advance while others may operate on a drop-in basis. Some may accept F-1 visa applications only during certain hours of the day. We suggest that you do some research in advance of your visit so that you will be well prepared.
Application Documents:
Although each U.S. embassy or consulate may have slightly different document requirements, you will need these items when applying for an F-1 student visa:
Preparing for the Visa Interview
We recommend that you be prepared to respond to these questions:
Why did you decide to study at CSUMB? (Because of the university's strong academic program in your major, recommendation from a relative or friend, etc.) You may wish to prepare your answer in a short written statement to take with you.
How will a degree from CSUMB be used to help you find a job in your home country after you graduate? (If you already have a job offer in your home country after graduation, take a letter from your future employer. This will help demonstrate your ties to your home country).
What or who is the source of your financial support while you are in the U.S.? You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses and tuition costs for one full academic year as indicated in item # 7 of your form I-20. You will need to demonstrate that you will have these funds available to you for each year of study in the U.S. You may wish to have your financial sponsor with you to explain how you will be supported financially during your stay in the U.S.
You should also be prepared to demonstrate the following:
That you have strong ties to your home country (such as family, property, job offers) that will compel you to return after you complete your studies in the U.S.
That you have sufficient knowledge of the English language necessary to be successful in your studies
Reminders:
If you have close family members (such as parents, brothers, or sisters) who have immigrated to the U.S. , it may be more difficult for you to obtain an F-1 student visa. You will need to present a strong case to the visa officer that you will return to your home country after you complete your studies since the officer may believe that you intend to remain in the U.S.
Above all, we recommend that you be honest on your visa application form and during an interview.
If your visa application is denied. . .
Consular officials have absolute authority to grant or deny visas. If your application for a visa is denied, you should be given an explanation why (the officer may explain verbally or in writing). Although there is no formal system of appeal for visa denial, reconsideration may be given to you if you are able to present additional documents that will support your case.
• • Semester@CSUMB • •
Now accepting applications
for Spring 2013
