Patricia Burnett, IELP Coordinatorhb 124

IELP

Student
Handbook

Dear IELP Student:

Welcome to the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) at Central Connecticut State University. We hope you enjoy studying here. This manual should help to orient you to the IELP program, important immigration regulations and every day issues.

The following list of contacts is for your information as you become acquainted with CCSU.

Patricia Burnett, IELP CoordinatorHB 124

Carmetta Williams, IELP SecretaryHB 124 832-3376

Dragana MaroszHB 120 832-2753

IELP Faculty OfficeHB 120 832-2753

Toyin Ayeni, Int’l Student/Scholar Coor.HB 123 832-2052

Hoa DoHB 123

Dining ServicesMemorial 832-3765

BookstoreStud Center 832-2265

Bursar LD 221 832-2010

Admissions (Undergraduate)LD 115 832-2278

Admissions (Graduate)HB 102 832-2350

Registrar’sLD 116 832-2236

Card OfficeBK Store 106 832-2140

Student Wellness ServicesMW Annex 832-1925

Microcomputer Lab OfficeMW Annex 832-1722

Residence LifeMid-Campus 118832-1660

Learning CenterCarrol Hall 016 832-1900

LibraryLibrary 832-3404

Snow Phone 832-3333

Language LabHB 301 832-2897

Security/ParkingPublic Safety 832-2375

Emergency CallsPublic Safety 911

Should you have any questions that are not answered in the following pages, please feel free to get in touch with the Coordinator any time.

Table of Contents

The IELP Program

Course Descriptions

Student Placement

Student Feedback

Program Grades

Program Certificates

Student Attendance Policy

Tuition, Billing and Refunds

Central Connecticut State University

Intensive English Language Program

Policy on Billing, Refunds, and Non-Payment

E-mail and Central Pipeline Accounts

Immigration Regulations

Reasons to See the International Student/Scholar Coordinator (F-1 and J-1 students)

Every-Day Issues

Money and Banking

Checking Account

Savings Account

Automatic Teller Machines (ATM)

Bank Checks

Credit Cards

Communication

Telephone

International Calls

Postal Service

Medical Forms, Health Insurance, and Health Care

CCSU Medical Forms

If you are living on campus…

Where to Submit Medical Forms

Health Insurance

If you get sick…

Pharmacies & Optical Care

Transportation

Long-Distance Bus Service

Rail Service

Air Service

Taxi Service

Automobiles

Identification Cards

CCSU ID/Blue Chip Card

Driver’s License

Non-Driver’s Identification Card

Culture, Values & Learning to Cope with the American Way

Culture Shock

Holidays

Connecticut/Hartford Area/Campus Resources

History

Weather

Connecticut Information Websites

Center for International Education/ International Student/Scholar Coordinator

Bursar’s Office

Center for Advising and Career Exploration (CACE)

Student Wellness Services

Campus Ministry

Intramural and Recreation Program

Residence Life

Registrar’s Office (Student Records)

The IELP Program

Course Descriptions

The Intensive English Language Program (IELP) offers instruction in English language and American culture to international students wishing to improve their English skills. Classes in the core program are offered at six levels (1-6). These courses are non-credit bearing courses. The Intensive English Language Program (IELP) also offers Level 7 Academic Discourse- a course that helps students develop advanced communication and research skills needed for completing academic work at graduate level. Regular programs are sixteen (16) weeks long and offered two times per year. Detailed descriptions of each course are available in the CCSU catalogs.Presently there are no scheduled summerclasses; however, if enough students request a summer class, part-time courses can be arranged.

Note: The IELP courses are designed to allow students to acquire, develop, and strengthen reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through an integrated skills-based approach to English language acquisition. Development of critical thinking skills in English, as well as autonomous learning skills, is strongly promoted.

Student Placement

The IELP accepts recent (within 6 months) TOEFL or IELTS test scores to determine the appropriate level of each student.

Student Feedback

Instructors provide students with written feedback at mid & end of term according to how well they meet the objectives of the course. The course objectives are clearly outlined in the course syllabus issued at the beginning of the semester.

You will be evaluated through standardized testing at the end of every term (16 week semester).

Program Grades

IELP students will receive one of the following course grades:

Levels 1-6: Satisfactory (S), Unsatisfactory (U) and Making Progress (M).

Level 7: Satisfactory (S),

Satisfactory (S): This grade is awarded to students who meet the course objectives to a satisfactory degree, participate as necessary, and complete assigned work.

Making Progress (M):This grade is awarded to students who haven’t met the course objectives to a degree necessary to obtain grade S (Satisfactory) but progress is evident

Unsatisfactory (U): This grade is issued to students whose English skills have not benefited from the program and who have not met the course objectives.

Program Certificates

Certificate of Achievement: This certifies that the student attended and completed the semester, and successfully met the ACHIEVEMENT objectives of the class.

Note: Instructors may recommend that a student receive no certificate as a result of poor attendance and/or poor class participation. Any student receiving a grade of "Unsatisfactory" will not receive a certificate.

Student Attendance Policy

The IELP follows the CCSU guidelines:

CentralConnecticutStateUniversityattendancepoliciesareused forallIELP classes.Seethe passagefromourAcademicStandardsandRegulationsbelow:

RegularclassattendanceisexpectedbytheUniversity.The followingattendance regulationsareineffect:

●Astudentisresponsibleforclass attendancealthougheach instructorshouldestablish his/herpolicyandinformtheclass.

●Astudentabsentfromclassforfiveconsecutivedaysorlessshould,uponreturn, explaintheabsencetotheinstructor.

●Astudent,absentformorethanfiveconsecutivedaysformedicalreasons,should notifytheUniversity HealthServiceinadvanceofreturn.Onreturn,thestudent obtainsaformfromtheUniversityHealthServicetoshowtheinstructor.Ifabsentfor

Nonmedicalreasons,thestudentnotifiestheStudentAffairsOffice,whichnotifiesthe instructor.

●Absences forofficialuniversity tripstoconferences,intercollegiateathleticevents, musicalperformances and other events are authorized in advance by the StudentAffairsOffice.

●Makeupworkistheresponsibilityofthestudent.

Relatedtoattendance:

1.Arrivinglatetoclass

●Itisyourresponsibilitytoarriveon time.

2.MissingCoursework

●Students areexpectedtomakeupallworkmissedoverthecourseoftheir absences.

Note:ExceptionstothispolicyareatthediscretionoftheCoordinatorin consultationwiththeappropriatefacultymember.

Your attendance and active participation will greatly improve your English language skills.

The courses are interactive and collaborative. Completing your assignments on time will benefit you and your classmates and enhance your language learning experience.

Tuition, Billing and Refunds

Central Connecticut State University

Intensive English Language Program

Policy on Billing, Refunds, and Non-Payment

Billing Process

When bills are ready for viewing, students will receive an e-mail notification in their CCSU e-mail box, or at an off-campus e-mail address to which they have set forwarding. A link in the e-mail takes students to CentralPipeline. Students may also access the eBill by logging directly into CentralPipeline using their BlueNet ID and password. Once logged in, students can view tuition bills, make credit card or e-check payments, and set up third-party payers who can make payments on their behalf.

When to Pay

Payment due$5,500 at the start of the program date for that semester. Late payments results in a $50 late fee.

PAYMENT PLAN

Students who are unable to pay 100% of their tuition by the due date MUST arrange a payment plan through the Bursar’s Office before the payment deadline. There is a $35 charge for the Payment Plan option, and all payments must be made on time. Please visit the IELP office to obtain the Payment Plan enrollment form that you will need to bring to the Bursar.

How and Where to Pay

IELP students may pay their tuition bill one of four ways (see below). DO NOT MAIL CASH.

BY MAIL. Make your check or money order payable to “CCSU.” Include your name/address and student I.D. number on the face of the check. Mail the check to the following address:

Central Connecticut State University
Bursar’s Office
P O Box 4010
New Britain, CT 06050-4010

IN-PERSON. Personal Checks (drawn on a U.S. bank), Cashier’s Check, Money Order or Cash

Make your check or money order payable to “CCSU.” Include your name/address and student I.D. number on the face of the check.

Payments made in-person by cash, check or money order can be presented at the Bursar’s Office, located in Davidson Hall, Room 221, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

Credit card payments are not accepted for in-person payments; however computer kiosks are located in the Bursar’s Office where credit card payments can be made. A 2.5% non-refundable convenience fee applies to all credit card payments.

ONLINE THROUGH YOUR CCSU PIPELINE ACCOUNT

ELECTRONIC CHECK – Online payment by eCheck/ACH uses funds directly from a checking or savings account. Payments by eCheck are secure, instantly applied to the account and are processed on CCSU’s behalf through the QuickPAY eBill/ePayment system without assessment of any fees.

CREDIT CARD - Discover and MasterCard credit cards will be accepted; due to Visa restrictions Visa credit cards, however, will no longer be accepted. Credit card payments will be processed on CCSU’s behalf through the QuickPAY eBill/ePayment service which has been certified compliant with credit card security regulations ensuring continued security for students and authorized users’ financial data. For all credit card transactions CCSU will assess a 2.5% non-refundable convenience fee.

WIRE TRANSFER

Wire Transfer Payments, both domestic and international, can be accepted. All funds must be in US dollars. The Bank Routing information for IELP is as follows:

ABA Route (EFT/ACH)011900571

ABA Route (wires)0260-0959-3

Bank NameBank of America, 100 West 33rd Street,

New York, NY 10001

University Account0086-5080

(Note) There is a service fee with this transaction, please see your bank.

Exchange Rate Information

Central Connecticut State University settles all accounts in United States dollars, and does not assume any liability for losses that may result from foreign exchange rate differences under any circumstances. Central Connecticut State University's liability in the event of an error to a student's account is limited to the correction of the error in United States dollars.

Refund Policy

Tuition: The $100 application fee is non-refundable.

Refer to CCSU policy:

Nonpayment Policy

All IELP tuition and fees must be paid in full as stated above. Failure to pay the full will result in a $50 late fee. Additionally, a hold will be placed on the student account, which will block the account from any activity (registering for future semesters, registering to take the TOEFL exam, requesting grades or transcripts, etc.). This hold will remain on the account until the balance is paid in full.

E-mail and Central Pipeline Accounts

Once you have paid your tuition deposit, you may activate your on-line CCSU Pipeline account and access your university e-mail account, billing statements, make on-line credit card payments, review your semester class schedule and read other university announcements.

Visit to set-up your CCSU Pipeline Account username, password and e-mail preferences for the first time. You will need to provide the following information:

Your 8-digit CCSU ID Number
Your Birth Date
Your CCSU PinNumber (obtained by calling the CCSU Help Desk at (860) 832-1720)

After you have set-up your Pipeline account, you may login at pipeline.ccsu.edu/cp/home/loginf

Immigration Regulations

Regularly updated information on immigration regulations is available on The International Studentsand Visiting Scholars page of the Center for International Education website at:

Reasons to See the International Student/Scholar Coordinator (F-1 and J-1 students)

International Student/Scholar Coordinator

Toyin Ayeni

E-mail:

Phone: (860) 832.2040

Fax: (860) 832.2047

Traveling Outside the United States

Attend one of the scheduled Travel Advisory Sessions posted through email
You need:
Valid I-20 with travel signature from the International Student/Scholar Coordinator on page 3 (travel signature valid for 6 months).
Valid F-1 Visa
Passport valid at least 6 months into the future

Extension

If your I-20 is expiring and you plan to remain with the IELP, you must request an extension from the International Student/Scholar Coordinator.

You need:
A written explanation from the Coordinator of the IELP (stating you are making appropriate progress and your expected date of completion)
A newly completed Affidavit of Support (obtain blank form from the IELP Secretary)
This must be done before your current I-20 expires or you will be out of status.

Transfer

If you are transferring to another program or university, you must notify the International Student/Scholar Coordinator in writing (email is fine) of your acceptance and your intended date of transfer. Your SEVIS Immigration Record will be transferred to your new school at the completion of your last semester at CCSU. You must be 100% positive of your plans as this process is difficult and lengthy to reverse. Your new school will issue a new Form I-20 to you.

Matriculation

If you are moving up to university level here at CCSU, you must notify theC.I.E. Immigration Dept. during your application period. You will need a new I-20 within 60 days of your last date of attendance.
You must submit the following to the International Student/Scholar Coordinator:
Proof of acceptance to CCSU
A new Affidavit of Support

On-Campus Work Authorization and Other Letters

You can only work at the Bookstore or Food Service Dept. at CCSU
Other letters may include; Military; Good Standing
Request a letter at the Front Desk

Social Security Number and/or Driver’s License

Request an information packet (including application) at the Front Desk
Social Security visits CCSU at the beginning of each academic year.

As an international student in the United States, your legal status is that of a non-immigrant. It is your responsibility to know and follow the regulations. We are here to help, but ultimately the responsibility is yours to maintain your status.

If you require assistance, signatures, or paperwork to be processed by the International Student/Scholar Coordinator, be sure your request is made well in advance of any deadline.

All questions concerning your status as an international student should be referred to the International Student/Scholar Coordinator (email: ).

Note: Do not rely on anyone concerning your immigration questions and problems. Immigration law is complex and easy to misunderstand. Each case is different and judged separately. Therefore, the information you receive from others may not be appropriate for your situation.

Every-Day Issues

Money and Banking

The basic unit of currency in the United States is the dollar. All paper currency is the same size and color, with different denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20, etc.). Coins make up denominations smaller than the dollar. They are:

$.50= a half-dollar

$.25= a quarter

$.10= a dime

$.05= a nickel

$.01= a penny

100 pennies (100 cents), 20 nickels, 10 dimes, 4 quarters, and 2 half dollars all equal one dollar. $1.25 is the equivalent of one dollar and $.25 cents (or a dollar and a quarter).

It is neither practical nor safe to carry large amounts of cash. Thus, upon arrival in the U.S., you should open a bank account as soon as feasible. Each bank in the Hartford area has its own policies on types of accounts offered, service charges, minimum balance requirement and interest yields. You may wish to choose a particular bank because it has a convenient location, good business hours (most banks are only open 9am-3pm, Monday through Friday), provide Automatic Teller Service (ATM) or because it offers the type of account most suitable to your needs.

To open an account, you will need to provide identification to the bank. Be sure to bring your passport and other-immigration papers, and other forms of identification (such as social security card or student ID). If you do not have a social security number, ask the teller for a W8 form instead. (You do not need a social security number to open a bank account.)

The following is a summary of commonly used types of bank accounts:

Checking Account

You will receive (at a small cost) a supply of checks, imprinted with your name (and address, if desired). You can use checks to pay bills (cancelled checks are legal payment receipts), and make purchases (provided you have two acceptable forms of ID, one of which may often times be a credit card). The bank may charge a service fee for each check that is written or a monthly fee, or limit the number of checks you can write each month without a charge. Some banks waive fees if you agree to keep a minimum balance in your account. However, if you overdraw (or your “check bounces”), you will be charged a fee by the bank and often times by the institution to which you wrote the check.

It is important that you keep a record of your withdrawals (both checks written and money withdrawn through an ATM) and deposits, and other assessed fees, using the ledger the bank provides with your supply of checks. This way you will always know exactly how much money you have.

Every month your bank will mail you a statement, listing all deposits and withdrawals made during the previous month. Your cancelled checks will also be included. Be sure to reconcile your bank statement with your own records. Always keep your cancelled checks--DO NOT throw them away.

Savings Account

This type of account does not normally come with checks, but is useful if you have a large sum of money you will need to draw on regularly (for example, an “emergency fund”), because it pays interest. As you make deposits and withdrawals on this account, all transactions are recorded in your bankbook.

Automatic Teller Machines (ATM)

Most banks offer ATM service. This service allows you to make withdrawals and deposits, and check your current bank balance, during non-banking hours via the use of a computer located on the outside of the bank building. This service is available for both checking and savings accounts.

The bank issues you a plastic card with a personal identification number (PIN) that you choose. DO NOT reveal this number to anyone else. Some ATM cards can be used at banking institutions other than the one with which you have an account. However, you may be charged a transaction fee for using another bank’s machine. Make sure you understand your bank’s policies on the use of ATM’s.