Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University and the Office of International Programs and Services (IPS) 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 the environment and overall 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.

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT / EXCHANGE
ADMISSIONS TO WCU 

For International Degree-Seeking Students and Non-Degree-Seeking Exchange Students (Bilateral Partners, ISEP and UNCEP) 

Once you have completed your WCU admissions application, please send the completed form with other required documents ( see below to be returned ) to Kevin Childers for processing. He will forward your application and other required documents to the appropriate offices, specifically the WCU office of Admissions, which will issue your acceptance letter and return it to Kevin Childers.

He will then issue your visa document - either the F-1 / I-20 or the J-1 / DS-2019 and post it to you along with your original acceptance letter and other information. Once you have received this post via Fed-EX, be sure to communicate with Christopher Pedo. See below for further information.



International Student Scholar Services /
Risk Manager / PDSO

Kevin Childers
kchilders@email.wcu.edu
or call 828.227.3455




Once you arrive at WCU, Kevin Childers will meet with you regarding your visa documentation in order to "activate" you in the SEVIS database. This will occur during the IPS Mandatory Orientation.

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION 

Contact the International Student Advisor (ISA) with questions regarding international student orientation and academic calendar details.

Please also provide the ISA with the detailed information about your flight number, arrival date and time into Asheville, NC.

International Student Advisor

Christopher Pedo
copedo@email.wcu.edu
or call 828.227.2557

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Prior to your Arrival at WCU

( revised 18 February 2013 )

• Welcome Letter from International Student Advisor
• Information on "How to Obtain" your required F Visa or J Visa
• SEVIS Fee -- LINK 
  
  Important Forms to be returned to International Student Advisor:
   
• Immunization Form - Current Information on your Medical History
• Pre-Payment Form - Deposit for either Housing, Tuition or Both
• Residency Contract Form - Complete and Sign on Back of Form
• Course Selection Form - Complete with your home academic advisor 

  International Programs and Services
  Western Carolina University
  109 Cordelia Camp Building
  69 East University Way
  Cullowhee, NC  28723
  
  NOTE: Scan and email to copedo@wcu.edu or fax forms to: 00.1.828.227.7080
  
  Tuition and Fees and Other Charges

• Fall 2012 - Spring 2013 -- UG Tuition / Fees / Costs -- LINK (as WCU has listed)

• Fall 2012 - Spring 2013 -- Grad Tuition / Fees / Costs -- LINK (as WCU has listed)
  
  PLEASE VISIT THIS LINK FOR A BREAKDOWN OF ALL COSTS TO ATTEND WCU
  
• Computer Requirement Information 
• STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE
• Official Transcript Request Form

 

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EXCHANGE STUDENT REMINDERS

 

• Secure your Financial Arrangements and be prepared to make necessary payments to WCU within the first week / during orientation, such as housing, meal plan, or 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 diversity at WCU.
• IPS encourages you to bring along items that represent your country or home university, etc. to use at and during these annual events.

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, and insurance if applicable
b) ISEP Exchanges pay for book rental fees only

 

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You can find other important information at the International Student and Scholar Services webpage:
http://www.wcu.edu/9244.asp

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SEVIS ACTIVATION

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.  

Student Type	Documents Required
All F-1 and J-1 Visa Holders	Original I-20/DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility (stamped at the port of entry) for the student and any dependents Original passport, visa, and I-94 card (issued at the port of entry) for the student and any dependents Proof of health insurance coverage J-1 students are also required to show proof of health insurance coverage for any dependents
Transfer F-1 Visa Holders	Bring the documents mentioned above as well as the following: All previous I-20s
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). 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 must bring all documents related to their immigration status, including the passport, visa, and I-94 card. Also bring proof of health insurance coverage.

 

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