Identifies
examples under which such
penalties may be imposed
· UNC Charlotte
Code of Student Responsibility
UNC Charlotte has
certain rules and regulations to guide student behavior. It is important that
you are familiar with these rules.
Be familiar with these
Codes. Consequences of breaking them are severe. If you have questions, it
is important that you consult with your teaching faculty. The codes can be
found at:
http://www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/studpol.html.
III. On-campus
Services / Programs
Student Identification Number
The UNC Charlotte
student numbers (999-xx-xxxx) are issued to students who do not have a social
security number. They are used on campus for record and identification
purposes but cannot be used when a social security number is required for work
or getting a driver’s license.
49er Express
UNC Charlotte provides an online service that is very useful. Through 49er
Express you can:
· Register for
classes
· Change personal
information
· Check student
records (grades, transfer credit, transcript,etc)
· Check UNC
Charlotte email
Logging in
Go to the website:
express.uncc.edu. Check on “First Time User?” to look up your user name
and further instructions. Your password is the last 6 digits of your student
identification number (999-xx-xxxx).
Note: if you have trouble
signing in, the Technical Assistants (TAs) in the Barnard Technical Support
Center (Barnard 109) will be happy to assist you.
Registration
After you log into 49er
Express, click on “My Records” then click on “Registration Self-Service” under
the Registrar Section. You will be able to register under “Registration &
Schedule.”
Updating local & permanent address
To update your local address in 49er Express:
-
Go to “My Records”
-
Go to
“registration Self-Service”
-
“Click here for
Student Services”
-
Under Personal
Information, click on “Addresses”
-
If “Local”
doesn’t appear, go to “Add a new address” and add it in
-
Do the same for
permanent in order for bills, etc. to be mailed to you in Charlotte
Additional notes
· Registration
begins in November for Spring semester and April for Fall semester
· Tuition
Payment—be sure to pay your tuition fee by the date on your bill because late
payment will cause your registration to be cancelled!
· Graduation—Remember to apply for graduation according to the established dates
on the University calendar (there is a deadline)
Learning Assistance Programs
Þ Writing Resource
Center
214 Fretwell (www.uncc.edu/writing/wrcindex.html)
The types of assistance include: tutoring, writing workshops, having papers
proofread.
Þ University
Center for Academic Excellence (www.ucae.uncc.edu)
Provides individual and group help in developing study skills and in providing
tutors for specific academic courses.
Food services
49er Account and Optional
Dining Account (also known as declining balances) can be used.
· Cafeterias
- Residence Dining
Hall—near the Highrises
- Crossroads Hall—
near Martin Village
· Student
Activities Center food court
- Burger Kings
- Pizza Hut
- Freshen’s Yogurt
· Ritazza
(provides coffee, sandwich, sushi, etc)
· Candy
Shoppe—located inside the main entrance to Cone University Center; sells more
than 100 kinds of candy and snacks. They do not accept 49er or Optional
Dining Account.
Health care (Brocker Health Center)
· Immunizations—you must verify that you have had the required immunizations
within 30 days of enrollment or your registration will be cancelled.
(Immunizations are available from the Health Center for a small fee.)
· Health
insurance— required for all students. Without it, hospitalization or health
care can be extremely expensive. UNC Charlotte has a health insurance plan,
or if you already have a plan from another company which provides services in
the U.S. you may file a waiver of the university health insurance plan. Visit
http://www.uncc.edu/health_svcs/ to file a waiver BEFORE August 19th.
Otherwise, you will be billed for the university’s health insurance plan.
· Emergency
facilities: If you have an emergency and the Brocker Health Center is not
open, you should go to Carolina’s Medical Center, University, located just
behind UNC Charlotte on the corner of W.T. Harris Blvd. West and N. Tryon St.
Safety Tips
UNC Charlotte is a safe
campus, however it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and
walk with another person, especially at night. There is a handout in your
folder with more information.
The
UNC Charlotte Police are always available to assist students, and can
be seen around campus, in their office, or if there is an emergency, you can
pick up one of the emergency phones located all over campus (they have
a blue-light on top), and someone will assist you.
Call 704-687-2200 or visit them in the Police and Facilities Building.
Facilities
· Student Activity
Center (SAC) (www.uncc.edu/sac)
-
Game Room (2nd floor)
-
Fitness Center
-
Indoor track
-
Climbing wall
· Belk Gym
-
Indoor swimming pool
-
Basketball / Badminton and outdoor tennis court
· Intramural &
Recreational Services
Intramurals are less competitive team sports made up of students with a common
interest, such as indoor soccer and badminton. Recreational services include
fitness programs, club sports, aquatics and much more. It’s a great way to
relieve stress!
-
Outdoor Adventures Program
-
Informal Sports Team
Student parking
You must buy a parking sticker
to legally park on campus in designated parking lots. A sticker costs $250
for the year, and can be purchased during registration or from the Traffic
Office in the Auxiliary Services Building.
Copies
The Atkins Library Copy Center
(2nd floor) has copiers available for students’ use. Copies may be paid for
by student ID card. You can insert money into your ID card using the machines
in the library or Barnard buildings. For more information call the Copy
Center at 704-687-2672.
Post Office (mail) on-campus
Residence Hall students
receive mail in their residence halls boxes. Off-campus students should use
their apartment as the mailing address. The International Student/Scholar
Office may be also be used as a temporary address.
International Student/Scholar
Office, Denny 114
9201 University City Boulevard
UNC Charlotte
Charlotte, NC 28223-0001
The Post Office is located
below the Bookstore if you need to buy stamps and mail packages.
Fax
Faxes can be sent and received
at the 2nd floor Atkins Library.
Computer Labs
(www.labs.uncc.edu)
There are several computer
labs on campus which are available for students use. To name a few: Barnard
Building, entire 1st floor, Fretwell Building rooms 321 and Friday Building
rooms 216. Hours and other locations will be posted at these locations or you
may check online.
IV. Off-campus
Services / Programs
Driver’s License
If you expect to drive a
car while in Charlotte, it is required that you obtain a North Carolina
Driver’s License. To obtain a drivers license in North Carolina, you must
present the following personal identification documents having the exact same
spelling of your name. You will also need to pass a written test and a
driving test.
Acceptable documents
are:
- Passport
- Valid I-20 or DS-2019
- Official University transcript
- Proof of residency
- Liability
insurance on your car
- Social Security
card
North Carolina
Identification Card is issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to
individuals who:
· Do not have a
driver’s license
· Want another
form of identification
You must present the following
documents having the exact same spelling of your name: passport, valid I-20
or DS-2019, official University transcript, social security card.
Driver’s License examining locations are located at:
8446 Hwy 29 (North
Tryon) 704-399-8306
6016 Brookshire Blvd
704-535-2525
201-A W. Arrowood
Rd 704-455-9517
Transportation
There is a regular
service 7 days a week to and from UNC Charlotte as well as within the
Charlotte area. Bus schedules are available in the ISSO or at
www.charmeck.org/Departments/CATS/Home.htm
Banks
Several banks are
located in the University area. Two banks on campus are Bank of America and
Wachovia. Checking and Saving accounts can be opened with any one of them.
Documents for identification include passport, I-94 card and I-20 or DS-2019.
Social Security Number
Students on F1 or J1 visas who
will be employed are required to obtain a social security number and must
apply through the Social Security Office at least 10 days after their SEVIS
registration, performed by the ISSO. Proof of visa status is required and
will include passport, I-94 card, I-20 or DS-2019, on-campus employment offer
letter, and a letter of eligibility from the ISSO.
See separate handout in the ISSO for application procedure.
V. Immigration /
Travel
The Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for immigration regulations in the US.
Although students are expected to know the regulations that relate to their
visa status, the ISSO advises on these sometimes complicated and strict laws.
These regulations also change from time to time, which is why students should
be in close contact with the ISSO.
Documents & Definitions
· Passport—a
document issued by your home government giving permission to travel outside
the country. It is renewed through your embassy.
· Visa—
a multi-colored stamp or designated page in the passport which is issued by a
U.S. consulate abroad, allowing a visa holder to enter the U.S. for the time
designated on the visa. It only needs to be valid on the day you enter the
U.S.
** If your visa expires or
you change your status, you will need to obtain a new visa at a U.S. consulate
abroad, as it is not possible to obtain or revalidate the visa in the U.S.
**
· I-94 Card
(Arrival/Departure Record)
- small, white card stapled in the passport at the port of entry. It
indicates the authorized period of stay in the U.S. by the marking , “D/S”
(duration of status) as long as the student is maintaining valid F1 status.
If there is anything other than “D/S” marked on your I-94 card, please see the
ISSO.
· I-20 /
DS-2019—The
I-20 is the immigration document for F1 students, the DS-2019 for J1 exchange
visitors. They should reflect your current academic program and personal
information and should be kept with your passport. When signed by a
Designated School Official in the ISSO, they serve as valid travel documents.
Types of Visas
· F1 student:
permits an individual to enter the U.S. for full-time study at a designated
institution. The I-20 is used to obtain an F1 visa at an embassy outside the
U.S.
· J1 exchange
visitor:
permits an individual to enter the U.S. for study, teaching, research, and
training. Form DS-2019 is used to obtain a J1 visa.
Maintaining Your Immigration
Status
· Keep a valid
passport for six months beyond
expiration date
· Maintain
full-time academic student status, which is a minimum of 12 hours for
undergraduates; 9 hours for graduates or 6 hours with assistantship
· Obtain
appropriate employment authorization for any off-campus work
· Apply for
program extension if more time is needed PRIOR to expiration of I-20 or
DS-2019
· Keep local
address up-to-date on 49er Express
Transferring or changing to another U.S. institution
You must notify the ISSO of
your intent to transfer prior to the end of the current semester and make a
decision of which school you intend to transfer to within 60 days of the last
date of being registered. The ISSO will then “release” your SEVIS record to
the new school and they will issue you a new I-20 / DS-2019. See the ISSO for
more information.
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
The tracking system used
by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. universities to keep
up-to-date information on all F1 and J1 students.
The ISSO is required to
send regular reports on the following information:
Þ Arrival at the
university and enrollment of all international students, including full-time
or less than full-time enrollment
Þ Information on
I-20 or DS-2019
Þ Academic program
data (level of study, program start and end dates, program extensions, school
transfer, employment authorization)
Þ Current address
Travel
· In the U.S.—Carry
your passport, I-94, and I-20 or DS-2019 or photocopies of these documents
· Re-entry to
the U.S.
Documents required:
Þ I-20 or DS-2019
with signature from ISSO staff within last year
Þ Valid passport
Þ Valid U.S. visa
(unless traveling to Canada and Mexico, in which case the visa is
automatically revalidated)
Þ Current proof of
financial support
Þ Unofficial
transcript
VI. Employment
· 20 hours per
week during the academic year
· full-time during
vacations and holidays
· social security
number is required for payroll and tax withholding process
On-Campus Employment
· Immigration
authorization is not required
· I-9 and tax
withholding forms are done in the ISSO
· See Student
Employment Office (King Building) or individual department for available
positions.
Off-Campus Employment
· F1 students must
be in student status for one academic year
· J1 students’
eligibility is determined by type of exchange
· Must apply in
the ISSO
Practical Training
· Curricular
Practical Training (CPT) - Work authorization approved by ISSO for internships
during program of study. Apply through University Career Center or in some
cases through your Graduate Coordinator, then receive new I-20 from ISSO.
Employer and date specific.
· Optional
Practical Training (OPT) - Work authorization approved by Dept. of Homeland
Security for work in your field of study either during or after completion of
program. 12 months total per degree program.
· Academic
Training (J1 only) - Work authorization in your field of study either during
or after completion of program. Employer and date specific.
Employment Seminars
The ISSO conducts information
seminars each semester on employment which are announced via email and posted
on www.isso.uncc.edu. Students are asked to attend a seminar if they
plan to participate in Practical Training.
Taxes
· Social Security
& Medicare — Students with F1 or J1 visas are exempt from withholding Social
Security and Medicare taxes if they have been in the U.S. in that status for 5
years or less. See the ISSO for more information.
· Income tax — All
students who work are required to file federal and state income tax forms.
Tax seminars to assist students are conducted by the ISSO each spring prior to
the tax-filing deadline and are announced via email and posted on
www.isso.uncc.edu.
· Property Tax –
anyone residing in Charlotte or Mecklenburg County and owning property (car,
house, etc.) is required to pay annual property tax. Students are responsible
for registering cars and other major property and paying assessed taxes.
VII. Housing
(on-campus & off-campus)
On-Campus
The University has a variety of on-campus housing available. Contact the
Housing & Residence Life Office (Scott Hall, phone: 704-687-2585) or (www.uncc.edu/housing)
about procedures and availability.
Once you receive the
information or receive a housing assignment, it is very important that you pay
attention to deadlines for canceling or renewing your contract, etc.
Information about regulations will be available upon receiving a housing
assignment.
· Role of Resident
Advisor—Resident Advisors (RAs) are student staff members who live in the
residence halls. They provide assistance, information, and support to
residential students. RAs are your primary resource for campus information
and assistance.
· International
House—The second floor of Witherspoon Hall houses both international and U.S.
students who wish to experience, appreciate, and learn about new and different
cultures. Each apartment or suite houses two U.S. and two international
students. There is no language requirement and admission is open to all on a
first-come, first-serve basis.
Off-Campus
A list of apartments and
information about students who wish to have or share room is available from
the ISSO or at http://www.dso.uncc.edu/offcampus/index.htm
· Important points
in renting an apartment
Þ Read the
agreement before you sign it.
Þ Learn to operate
the dishwasher and other appliances. If you don’t know, be sure to ask the
apartment manager
Þ Pay your rent on
time. If you are unable to do so, talk
to management to request
permission to pay late.
Þ Keep your
apartment clean. Dirt collects bugs and roaches.
Þ Notify the
manager one month in advance if you are moving. You lose your deposit if you
break your lease before it is complete or if you leave the apartment dirty or
broken. Courtesy to neighbors includes noise control and cleanliness.
Furniture Rental
Agencies
Aaron Rents, 4744 South
Blvd.,....................... 704-527-0300
Cort Furniture Rentals,
6201 Albermarle Rd.,704-568-9550
Utilities
Electronic Service: Duke
Power, ...................... 704-594-9400
Gas Service: Piedmont Natural
Gas Co., ...........704-525-5585
Telephone
Bellsouth Telephone
Company charges a deposit based on the estimated long distance make in a
month.
Call 704-378-6000 about installation. Telephones may be purchased from many
local stores.
Trash Collection
The city collects trash
on a weekly basis. Ask your neighbor about the pick up schedule. Trash
should be put in plastic bags for collection.
VIII. Ways to get
Involved
International Club—Welcomes
both international and U.S. students and provides an opportunity to meet
students from other countries and participate in social activities, trips, and
other events. Contact the ISSO or http://www.sco.uncc.edu/intlclub/
for more information.
International Student
Organizations—UNC
Charlotte has an increasing number of registered international student
organizations. Check the listing at studentorgs.uncc.edu.
International Conversation
Partners Program—This
program provides the opportunity for U.S and International students to spend
an hour together each week for informal, one-on-one conversation.
Registration and additional information is available at
http://www.isso.uncc.edu/ProgramEvents.htm.
International Coffee Hour–
This event is an informal gathering of UNC Charlotte students, staff, and
faculty who wish to meet people from around the world, share ideas, and relax
with coffee and refreshments. It happens every first and third Thursday of
the month from 4-6 p.m. in the Faculty and Staff Dining Room of the Prospector
Cafeteria.
Other clubs & organizations (music,
sports, drama, etc)
Check the listing at
studentorgs.uncc.edu.
Host Family Program—The
community offers this opportunity for international students to develop a
friendship with a U.S American family. It is an opportunity for people from
different cultures to share some common experiences and learn more about each
other. It is
not a live-in situation. Check with the ISSO if you are interested.
IFEST
— A 30-year tradition, this
festival celebrates the music, dance, and food of UNC Charlotte international
students and members of Charlotte’s international community. Over 50
countries from around the world are represented and attendance in previous
years has been estimated at 10,000. The event is free and takes place the
last Saturday in September at the Student Activities Center (SAC).
If you are interested in
representing your country, please contact Marian Beane at
mebeane@email.uncc.edu
Cultural Adjustment
Adjustment to any new
situation or culture is not accomplished in just a few days but is rather an
ongoing process over time. Following are four stages of cultural adjustment
for your consideration:
1 Honeymoon Stage
This stage is characterized by your happiness, anticipation, and excitement.
Everything is new. The “dream” to study in the U.S. is coming true. This is
an exciting time and in all the enthusiasm you frequently nod or smile to
indicate understanding when in fact you have not understood. As your
misunderstandings mount up, you are likely to experience the second stage of
cultural adjustment.
2 Hostility Stage
During this time you have periods of great frustration,
anger, anxiety, and sometimes depression. Following the initial excitement
has come frustration with the college bureaucracy and the weariness of
speaking in and
listening to English everyday. Sleep patterns may be
disrupted. You may suffer from indigestion and be
unable to eat. Often your reaction is to reject the new
environment in which you feel discomfort. You may think, “If I feel bad it’s
because of them.” At this point, you may display hostility” toward the new
culture. There may be anger over minor frustration, fear and mistrust of
Americans, frequent absenteeism, lack of interest, and lack of motivation.
Many academic problems begin during this stage. The hostility stage can be a
difficult and painful stage. Realizing this can be very beneficial in moving
on to the third stage of cultural adjustment.
3 Humor Stage
This stage follows when you begin to relax in a new situation and to laugh at
minor mistakes and
misunderstandings, which previously would have caused major headaches. This
more relaxed state of being occurs after you have made some friends, learned
to manage the size and complexity of the University, understand your studies,
and you begin to pass your tests.
4 Home Stage
You find yourself here as you are able to retain and allegiance to your home
culture, but also “feel at home” in your newly acquired culture. You have
successfully adjusted to the norms and standards of the University and the
U.S., and should be commended for the ability to live successfully in two
cultures.
Customs, Values, Beliefs
It is good to conform to
the customs of the country but don’t lose your own personal values and
beliefs.
Daylight Saving Time
Adjustment
An adjustment in clocks
to allow for more daylight hours during the spring and summer months.
· Daylight Savings
Time begins at 2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday in April. All clocks are moved
forward one hour. 2:00 a.m. becomes 3:00 a.m.
· Daylight Saving
Time ends at 2:00 a.m. on the last Sunday in October. All clocks are moved
backward one hour - 2:00 a.m. becomes 1:00 a.m.
Note: it is suggested
that you change the time before going to sleep Saturday night.
Alcoholic Beverages
You must be 21 years old
to purchase OR consume alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, or liquor). You cannot
purchase alcoholic beverages for another person who is under 21. These laws
are very strict and must be followed closely.
X. Well known US
Holidays
· New Year’s
Day (January
1) a time to make new resolutions
· Martin Luther
King Jr.
(3rd Monday in January) special remembrance for his leadership in the area of
civil rights
· George
Washington’s Birthday
(February 22) First President of United States, celebrated on the Monday
before his birthday
· St. Patrick’s
Day (March
17) an Irish holiday when people traditionally wear green
· Easter
(end of March / sometime in April) a religious holiday; remembrance of death
and resurrection of Jesus
· Memorial Day (last Monday
in May) remembrance of those who died in military service
· Mother’s Day (2nd Sunday
in May) special remembrance to all Mothers
· Father’s Day (2nd Sunday
in June) special remembrance to all Fathers
· Independence
Day (July 4)
remembrance of the U.S. independence from Great Britain
· Labor Day (1st Monday
in September) government holiday in honor of laborers
· Columbus Day (October 11)
remembrance of the man who we traditionally say “discovered America”
· Halloween
(October 31) originally a religious holiday. It is now typically celebrated
with costumes, masks, “trick-or-treat” at people’s doors and having parties
· Thanksgiving
(4th Thursday in November) remembrance of the Pilgrim’s (the first Europeans)
first successful harvest shared with Native Americans. It is a time for
families to gather and enjoy big dinners usually with turkey and all the
trimmings
· Christmas
(December 25) a Christian holiday remembering the birth of Jesus
XI. Important
On-Campus Office / Service Numbers
Use prefix (704)-687 +
4-digits, ex: 704-687-2410 when calling from off-campus. Use 7 + 4-digits
when calling from on campus.
Registrar’s Office
........................................................ 73491
International
Admissions.............................................. 72694
Residence Life............................................................
72585
Traffic
Office................................................................ 74585
University
Bookstore.................................................... 74584
Counseling..................................................................
72105
ID
Office.....................................................................
72216
Post
Office.................................................................. 72350
Brocker Health Center..................................................
74617
Learning
Assistance.................................................... 72163
Lost &
Found.............................................................. 72282
XII. Emergency
Numbers
Police, Fire, Rescue (Ambulance).................................... 911
Campus Security.............................................. 704-687-2200
Student Health Service...................................... 704-687-4617
Hospital or Emergency Center
(On-campus) Brocker Health Center................... 704-687-4617
(Off-campus) Carolina Medical Center................. 704-687-9251
International Student/Scholar Office.................... 704-687-2410
International Student Advisors
-
Marian Beane
- Denise Medeiros
