Spring 2012
Orientation
to be announced
Western Carolina University and the Office of International Programs and Services welcome you to Cullowhee, North Carolina!
Currently, WCU hosts international and exchange students as well as international scholars and faculty from over 30 countries. You and all new international and exchange students participating in orientation activities should recognize that you are now part of the WCU community. Your presence enriches environment and diversity on the WCU campus.
IPS conducts orientation to provide important information about the University, its academic system, its campus facilities and residential living, its immigration and visa regulations, as well as other vital support services. IPS offers a thorough explanation about the educational and cultural atmosphere at WCU and the surrounding commmunities of Cullowhee and Sylva, while also providing an opportunity for you all to meet and to create relationships with continuing WCU students, faculty and staff.
U.S. immigration regulations require that you and all international students and exchange visitors register your presence in the US within 30 days of the program start date listed on your individual immigration document (that is, I-20/DS-2019). SEVIS Registration takes place during the orientation.
Spring 2012 Orientation
• Arrive on Tuesday and/or Wednesday, January 3-4, 2012
• Orientation begins Thursday, January 5 and concludes Sunday, January 8
• With regards to your arrival schedules / time and date,
please notify the International Student Advisor:
International Student Advisor
Christopher Pedo
copedo@email.wcu.edu
or call 828.227.2557
IPS Office Address:
Western Carolina University
109 Cordelia Camp Building
69 East University Way
Cullowhee, NC 28723
All new OR transfer international students and exchange visitors must bring VALID Passport, I-94, I-20 (or DS-2019) and any other immigration documents to the IPS Office when you are scheduled to register in the SEVIS Database - usually on the Saturday during orientation week each semester.
SEVIS Activation
| Student Type | Documents Required |
|---|---|
| All F-1 and J-1 Visa Holders |
|
| Transfer F-1 Visa Holders |
Bring the documents mentioned above as well as the following:
|
| Dependents of Primary Visa Holders | New students who are dependents with the visa status of F-2, J-2, L-2, or H-4 must bring immigration documents for themselves as well as the primary visa holder (spouse or parent). Generally this includes the I-20/DS-2019, passport, visa, and I-94 card. Also bring proof of health insurance coverage. |
| Other Primary Visa Holders |
New students who hold any other visa category should bring all documents related to their immigration status, including the passport, visa, and I-94 card. Also bring proof of health insurance coverage. |
Essential Forms and Information
Prior to your Arrival at WCU:
( revised 31 October 2011 )
- Welcome Letter from International Student Advisor
- Information on "How to Obtain" your required F Visa or J Visa
- SEVIS Fee -- LINK
- Immunization Form - Medical History - (RETURN TO IPS OFFICE)
- Pre-Payment Form - Deposit for either Housing, Tuition or Both - (RETURN TO IPS OFFICE)
- Residency Contract Form - Complete and Sign on Back of Form - (RETURN TO IPS OFFICE)
- Course Selection Form - Complete and Sign - (RETURN TO IPS OFFICE)
- Fall 2011- Spring 2012 UG Tuition / Fees / Costs -- LINK
- Fall 2011 - Spring 2012 Grad Tuition / Fees / Costs -- LINK
- Secure your Financial Arrangements - be prepared to make necessary payments to WCU within the first week / during
orientation, such as housing, meal plan, tuition and fees. - IPS coordinates several annual inter-cultural events, e.g. Study Abroad Fair (September), International Education Week (November), International Festival (April), to build greater awareness of cultural diversity on the WCU campus. IPS encourages you to bring along items that represent your
country or home university, etc. that you could use at these annual events. - Computer Requirement Information
- Inform Christopher Pedo of your travel schedule to Cullowhee at your earliest convenience!
- Writing Center Information
NOTE: ALL RETURN TO IPS OFFICE forms
may be faxed to: 00.1.828.227.7080
Other Important Information
• STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE
• Official Transcript Request Form
NOTE: All RETURN TO IPS OFFICE Forms may be faxed:
00-1-828-227-7080
NOTE: Exchange Students who attend WCU do not pay tuition and fees (except book rental fees)
a) Most exchanges (UNCEP / Bilateral) who live on campus pay for housing, meal plan, insurance if applicable
b) ISEP Exchanges pay for book rental fees only
You can find other important information at the International Student and Scholar Services webpage:
http://www.wcu.edu/9244.asp