Foreign Exchange - October 2004

The e-newsletter for International Students at La Sierra

Vol. 9 Issue 1 - October 2004

Welcome to La Sierra University
Whether you're a new, transfer, or a returning international student, welcome to La Sierra University! We are happy to have you here, and we're eager to start a brand new school year full of activities and fun!

The Office of International Student Services (OISS) would like to remind you that we are here for YOU!

If you:

   • need help registering for classes,
   • need a ride to the store,
   • have a problem with something, but don't know how to fix it,
   • want to hang out or talk to someone,

come talk to us. We are here to help you!

We are located in the Administration Building Room #202. Our phone number is 951-785-2237 (extension x2237 from a campus phone) and our email address is oiss@lasierra.edu

SEVIS Fee
As of September 1, 2004, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Form I-901 Online Completion site is available at www.fmjfee.com. The site is used to pay the SEVIS fee required for F, M, and J nonimmigrants, and provides a brief explanation of the fee requirement and procedure to pay online. For more detailed information on the fee payment process go to the SEVP Web site (www.ice.gov/sevis) and review the I-901 Fee Frequently Asked Questions. That site also contains a link to the PDF version of Form I-901.

Optional Practical Training
If you are planning on finishing your studies in December and want to receive your one year of Optional Practical Training, you must apply as soon as possible. Current turn around time for OPT applications is about 6 months, though after 90 days of your application you could get your temporary work permit. To apply or for more information, please contact Natan in OISS. \

Full-time Registration
Our office will start putting registration holds on those students who did not register for full-time classes. Remember: if you are an undergraduate student, you must take at least 12 units per quarter; if you are a graduate student, you must take at least 8 units. If you have not registered for the minimum, please contact Natan or Esther in OISS as soon as possible in order for us to stop the computer from reporting your units to SEVIS automatically.

How to Print Your Medical Insurance Card
Many of you have asked us how can you print your medical insurance card. Here you go:
1. Go on-line to GGH Students.com.
2. Click "Sign-In"
3. If you already registered with them, enter your email address and password. If you never logged in before, then enter your email address and select "I'm a new user." Follow the instructions. If you need your Certificate Number, contact us.
4. Click on the upper left corner in the "My Benefits" link.
5. Click on the "ID" green icon (to the right). You will need Acrobat Reader to see your card.

REMEMBER: you never know when you will need to go to the hospital, so print your insurance card ASAP!

LSU Astronomical Observatory

Come on Campus the first Friday of the month at 8:30 p.m. and gaze at the stars, weather permitting. Info: x2273.

Thanks for reading

Disclaimer: You have received this email because you submitted your email address to the La Sierra University Office of International Student Services when you registered. If you are no longer a student at La Sierra University, you may be removed from this list by sending an email to oiss@lasierra.edu.

New Student Orientation
We will have our new and transfer student orientation on Wednesday, October 13 in the Cactus Room (located inside the Cafeteria) at 5:15pm. Please plan on coming to learn about the new immigration regulations. FREE international phone cards will be given to international studens who attend.

Sthal Center Sabbath
will take place on Saturday, October 30 at La Sierra University Church. You are encouraged to attend, dressed on your national costume. If you would like to take part in the program as well, contact Jodi Cahill at x2081.

SALSU Events
The Student Association of La Sierra University (SALSU) has weekly social events. Make sure get a copy of the Student Planner so that you can be up to date with our campus current events.

The Eagles Are Back!
Our LSU sport season is about to start. In fact, the Women's Volleyball season is already on the way. To keep up with the latest news about sports at La Sierra, visit the Athletics Web site.

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