Welcome to Sonoma State American Language Institute!

Dear Student,

Welcome to the Sonoma State American Language Institute (SSALI)! It is my pleasure to write an introduction to our Orientation Handbook. The purpose of this handbook is to help you become familiar with the SSALI program. Please take some time to read the information presented here. You will learn a lot about the SSALI program, including our academic expectations, living in the US, immigration information, and much more. Having a good understanding of the program and its policies will contribute to your overall success at SSALI.

SSALI provides international students with a strong academic program in a supportive, family-like environment. In order to have a successful learning experience, I encourage you to take advantage of all the opportunities that will be presented to you. You will have the opportunity to study using a curriculum based on intensive language learning, which will allow you to improve your communication, reading, writing, and grammar skills for academic, professional, and social situations. You will also have many chances to speak English in a comfortable, non-threatening environment and with native speakers. You will gain the knowledge and confidence you need to achieve all of your English language goals.

Thank you for becoming part of the SSALI family. I hope you have a wonderful and enriching learning experience with us!

Berta Hodges

Director, Sonoma State American Language Institute

Sonoma State University

FIRST STEPS

Before you arrive

  • Obtain your I-20 and pay your SEVIS fee
  • Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and apply for F-1 visa.
  • Email Debra when you receive your visa.Let her know if you are coming to SSALI.You must let her know if you want a host family.
  • Email Debra when you make your plane reservation. Let her know if you want an airport pickup.
  • If you want an airport pick-up, contact Debra.
  • If you will live with a host family, email them, introduce yourself and let them know when you will arrive at their home.

After you arrive

Come to the SSALI office to pay your tuition and fees.

REGISTRATION AND TUITION INFORMATION

Spring and Fall Tuition$4000.00

Student Health Center$ 165.00

Homestay Placement (ISP)$ 200.00

Student ID$ 5.00

Late Registration Fee $ 50.00

Late Advising Fee$ 50.00

Late Testing Fee$ 75.00

Open University $ 280.00/unit

TB test $ 55.00

Discounts

California resident:25%

Third semester enrollment full time10%

VISA AND IMMIGRATIONINFORMATION

Passport

Don’t let your passport expire. We recommend keeping passports valid for a minimum period of 6 months into the future.

Change of Address

Please notify Debra immediately of your U.S. address. ICE(U.S.Immigration and Customs Enforcement) requires that SSALI has the current address of each student.

Re-Entry to the U.S.

If you want to temporarily leave the U.S. and return to SSALI to continue your studies, you must request a re-entry signature on the back of your 1-20 before you leave. See Debra or Berta.

Program Extension

If you want to study beyond the date of completion listed in item #5 on your I-20, you must apply for a program extension. Please see Debra at least one month before the end date on your

I-20.

HEALTH INSURANCE/MEDICAL INSURANCE

Health Insurance

Foreign students are required to have full coverage health insurance to cover major medical expenses. Medical care and hospitalization in the U.S. can be very expensive, but SSALI offers an excellent and affordableplan at the time of registration.

On campus – Student Health Center

For some medical problems, you can go to the campus Health Center to receive free or low cost care. In fact, whenever possible, go to the SSU Health Center first for any medical problem! The doctors there will advise youand give referrals if necessary.

Immunizations and health records

All SSALI F-1 students are also required to take a TB blood test upon arrival at a cost of $55 and provide proof of MMR and Hepatitis B vaccinations upon arrival to SSALI.

LEISURE TIME ACTIVITIES

There are many fun and interesting things to do in your free time. In the SSALI office there are binders with information on transportation and things to do in Sonoma County. Here are a few suggestions:

What can I do at SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY?

  • Exercise - SSALI students can usethe swimming pool, the fitnesscenter (exercise and nutrition classes, exercise equipment) and the recreation center (pool tables, rock-climbing wall)
  • SSU Film Institute and Special Lecture series
  • Festivals and concerts at noon on SSU campus
  • Concerts and theater events
  • JUMP (Volunteer organization)
  • Enjoy a concert at the world-class Green Music Center (gmc.sonoma.edu)

What can I do in ROHNERT PARK and SANTA ROSA?

  • Performing Arts Center (R.P.) -theatrical productions, concerts
  • Golf (R.P.)- driving range and golf courses
  • Bowling - Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa
  • Shopping (S.R.) - 3 major malls: Downtown Plaza, Coddingtown, and Montgomery Village
  • Wednesday Night Market (S.R.) - shopping, food, music, May to October
  • Dance clubs in Cotati (next to Rohnert Park) and Santa Rosa

What can I do in SONOMA COUNTY?

  • Wineries - tours and tasting
  • Bodega Bay - beach, restaurants
  • Russian River - fishing, boating, swimming, hiking in redwood forests
  • Lake Sonoma - hiking, picnicking, camping, boating
  • Hot air balloons, hang gliding, hot springs
  • Charles Schulz museum
  • Ice skating
  • Hiking and biking
  • Petaluma outlet mall

HOUSING OPTIONS - HOME STAY PROGRAM

International Student Placement (ISP) offers students the unique opportunity to live with a local family.

Living with a family

  • Be part of the family by participating in family activities.
  • Follow the rules of the family.
  • If you are not going to be home for meals, call your host parents and tell them.
  • Many American families have pets that are part of the family. Tell SSALI if you are allergic to animals before you are assigned a host family.
  • Water – California is experiencing a very serious shortage of water. You must take short showers (no more than 5-7 minutes).Do not waste water. Only do your laundry when it is necessary.
  • Give a 2-week notice if you want to move.

Food

  • Your host family provides breakfast and dinner on weekdays and breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday.
  • Breakfast usually includes cereal, milk, toast, and coffee or tea.
  • American families are very busy. You may be expected to make some of your own meals, especially breakfast or lunch.
  • Communicate with your host family if you don’t like the food or if there are certain foods you don’t eat or don’t want to eat.
  • Go to the store with your host family and pick out some of your favorite foods.
  • Help your host family make meals.

Money

  • Pay your host family on time!!

What is a homestay?What can you expect?

What a Homestay ISN’T / What you CAN do
Taxi service / Ride your bike, walk, take the bus.
Families who are only white, native English speakers / Americans are immigrants. They come from many different countries, cultures and languages.
A restaurant where you order what you want for each meal / If you are allergic to a certain food or don’t like a certain food, discuss it with your host family.
Hotel / Notify your host family if you will not be home for dinner, if you are leaving for the weekend, or if you want to have guests.

Before you arrive in the United States

  • When you get your visa and have an airline reservation, you must notify ISPso that a host family can be assigned.
  • Communicate with your host family – introduce yourself by email. Tell them when you will arrive.

Homestay Options

  • Room and Board – (16 meals/week) $875.00
  • Room only - $700.00
  • The student pays these fees directly to the host family.

OFF CAMPUS HOUSING

The SSALI office does not provide assistance in obtaining on-campus or off-campus housing. However, if you wish to have this type of housing, please visit these websites:

Dormitory rooms on campus-Usually dormitory rooms are not available to SSALI students. However, if you wish to live in a dormand apply to the waiting list for dorm rooms, review this website:

Apartments and Roommates- For off-campus housing, you can find listings and roommates at:

ORIENTATION

The one-semester Orientation class is mandatory for all new students.In this class you will learn about:

  • Health insurance and the health center
  • The SSALI program
  • Academic Standards and SSALI policies
  • The SSU campus
  • Things to do around SSU
  • Culture shock
  • Homestays
  • Conversation partners
  • Shopping and eating
  • Bike and traffic rules and safety
  • Visa and immigration issues

BANKING AND FINANCE

When you arrive you should find a bank and make sure you have a credit/debit card and an ATM card. It is not a good idea to carry around a large amount of cash.

There are many banks in Rohnert Park. Here are some suggestions:

Bank of America / Chase Bank / Exchange Bank / Wells Fargo
6545 Hunter Drive / 201 Rohnert Park Expwy / 6290 Commerce Blvd / 5 Padre Parkway
588-2950 / 588-0200 / 584-7300 / 588-5580

TRANSPORTATION

Bicycles

Inexpensive ($85 - $125) / More Expensive
Target (475 Rohnert Park Expressway West) / Breakaway Bikes (1451 Southwest Blvd)
Wal-Mart (4625 Redwood Drive) / The Hub Cyclery (7885 Old Redwood Hwy)

It is a good idea to get your bicycle registered. You can do this for free at Police and Parking Services.

Bike Repair: There is a bicycle repair shop on the SSU campus in the recreation center.

Safety: It is not legal to ride your bicycle AGAINST traffic!! You must ALWAYS ride your bicycle in the SAME DIRECTION as the cars! You should always wear a bicycle helmet. Remember to LOCK YOUR BIKE. Buy a U-lock and connect it to the frame of your bicycle.

Buses

There are several websites where you can find information about bus schedules and about bus routes. Come to the SSALI office for bus schedules and we will help you.

use this to find any bus route.

– use this website is for Sonoma county Transit.

– use this website for travel to San Francisco.

Automobiles

How can I get a driver's license?

If you plan to buy or rent a car you must have a California driver’s license. An international driver’s license is valid for 30 days only. Be sure to carry your driver’s license from your country and your passport at all times until you have your California driver’s license.

The driver's manual is available at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in several different languages. For the DMV in Santa Rosa, call 542-2424. In Petaluma call 763-9883.

Call and make an appointment to take a written test. Be sure to study the manual before you take the test. You will need to pay a fee. You may take the test in a language other than English, but you must be able to understand road signs in English. When you take the test, be sure to bring your passport.

The written test will have 46 questions. You need to answer 39 correctly to pass the test. If you pass, you will be given a "Driver's Permit." This permit allows you to practice driving only when there is a licensed driver over the age of 25 with you.

After you have practiced driving and feel confident, make an appointment to take your driving test. If you pass, you will get a temporary license. Your permanent license should arrive by mail 3 weeks later.

How can I buy a car?

You may want to buy a "used" car. Used cars can be found: 1) on the Internet (Craigslist is a good site: , 2) in advertisements on SSU or SSALI bulletin boards, 3) in "Used Car Lots" (located along Santa Rosa Avenue and at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds), 4) at new car dealerships on Corby Avenue, and 5) from ads in The Press Democrat.

When you look at a used car, be sure to:

  • Take someone with you who speaks English very well.
  • Take someone who knows about car mechanics.

You may want to ask:

  • What is the mileage?
  • Has the engine been rebuilt or replaced?
  • Are the brakes good? The tires? The transmission?
  • Is there a warranty?

You will also need to fill out change of ownership and registration papers. Be sure to talk to the person who sells you the car about this.

Law requires that all car owners buy insurance. Look in the telephone book YELLOW PAGES under INSURANCE. Call at least three companies to find the best and most affordable policy for you.

PARKING

How do I park my car on campus?

Students must have a parking pass to park your car on the SSU campus.

Students can purchase a semester-long pass from Customer Service in Salazar Hall, or a daily pass from the machines located near most parking lots.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

Social security numbers are not regularly issued to SSALI students.

STUDENT IDENTIFICATION (ID) CARD

When students register forclasses at SSALI, They will be given an SSU ID number. Students must have a picture ID to get their SSU ID card

Students need this card to use

  • the SSU library/computer labs
  • the recreation center
  • the Student Health Center

SSALI ACADEMIC RULES AND REGULATIONS

Below are the responsibilities of a SSALI student. It is our sincere wish that the time studying at SSALI will help students to attain their personal and academic goals.

Placement Policy

New students are put in the appropriate level (class) based on the results of several placement tests given at the beginning of the semester. Placement and level advancement of returning students are based on grades earned in the previous semester, the score on the Michigan Placement Test (retaken at the beginning and endof each semester), and teacher recommendations.

If a student does not agree with the placement, he or she should discuss this with the director of SSALI. If, after several days, all of the teachers of the level recommend a change, the student can move to a different level.

Progress Policy

International students are required to make continuous progress. We recognize that all students do not make progress at the same rate, and they may need to repeat a proficiency level once. If a student completes a proficiency level twice, and does not progress into the next level, the student will need to get special permission from the director to continue study at SSALI. If a student fails a class, he or she may not be able to go up to the next proficiency level.

Graduation Policy

In order to receive a graduation certificate from SSALI, students must have completed 15 weeks of full time study in the advanced level with no lower than a “C” grade average and no “F’ grade in any of the core classes.

Academic Standards

Formal evaluation of a student’s progress in each class will be made at the midterm and at the end of the session by the instructors. Grades range from "A" to "F" depending on a student’s effort and progress. "C" level work means that a student’s performance is satisfactory but will not earn a letter of recommendation to a college or university. If a student receives a "D" or "F" grade point average, he or she will first receive an academic warning letter. If the student continues to have a “D” or “F” average, he or she will be placed on academic PROBATION. If the student continues to not meet the academic requirements, he or she may be asked to leave the program/

Instructors will evaluate a student’s performance using the following grades:

Passing / Not Passing
A / 100-90% / D / 60-69%
B / 80-89% / F / 59% and below
C / 70-79%

Absence/Attendance Policy

We are required to maintain information about attendance of F-1 students for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Attendance requirement:

  • Students are encouraged to attend all of their classes.
  • Students must attend 90% of all classes and complete every course to the satisfaction of the instructor. If a student falls below this 90% threshold, he or she will be at risk of being out-of-status.

Absence:

  • Students will be marked absent anytime they do not attend class, regardless of reason.
  • A student may be absent without losing status if the cause of the absence is:
  • Illness
  • Accident
  • Family emergency
  • Students must provide documentation such as a doctor’s note or police report for

an absence to be excused. This documentation should be given to the front office. A doctor’s note will only be accepted on the first day a student returns to class after the period of absence. In addition, no more than three days absent per term will be excused for medical reasons. Students who exceed three days absent per termfor medical reasons will be placed under consideration for reduced course load per SEVP regulations. Additional medical documentation may be requiredfor students to be placed on reduced course load. Absence for any other reason will be consideredunexcused and will be recorded.

Arriving to the program late; leaving the program early:

  • If you choose to arrive after the start date of classes or leave before the end date of classes, your grades will be based on the full semester. This means that your grade will be lower due to missed classes, missed homework, and missed tests. Midterms and finals are not given early.

Tardy Policy:

If a student is 1-14 minutes late to class, he or she will be marked as tardy or absent at the discretion of the instructor. If a student is 15 or more minutes late to class, the student will be considered absent. Two times marked as tardy will count as one hour absence.

Warning/Probation/Dismissal policy:

If a student’s attendance record falls below 90%, he or she will receive an attendance warning letter. If a student continues to have excessive absences, the student will receive an attendance probation letter. If a student continues to have attendance problems after receiving an attendance probation letter, the student will be considered out-of-status and may be dismissed from the SSALI program. The student will then need to find another school to attend or return home.