Global Education

Spring 2013 Orientation and Welcome Information

We are pleased to learn of your acceptance at California State University, Sacramento. The staff of the Office of Global Education extends a cordial welcome to you.  The university and the Sacramento community also look forward to your arrival and desire to make your stay in Sacramento a worthwhile and pleasant one.

SPRING 2013 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION PROGRAM
Date: Thursday, January 17, 2013
Time: Starts at 9:00 AM
Location: University Union Redwood Room

All new international students admitted to California State University, Sacramento for the spring semester of 2013 will be expected to attend the International Student Orientation. This orientation program begins on Thursday, January 17, 2013 at 9:00 AM and will be held in the University Union’s Redwood Room.

Arriving before the start of the semester to attend the International Student Orientation will provide you the opportunity to receive academic advising, prepare you for the course registration process, inform you of international student immigration regulations, introduce you to campus services and facilities, allow you sufficient time to locate accommodations, and will assist you in making a successful transition to the US, Sacramento, and California State University, Sacramento.  ALL international students new to our university, whether new to the US or transferring from other US institutions, will benefit from attending the orientation program we have designed for you.  There is no charge for this program. Please plan on participating in all appropriate orientation sessions during orientation.

SPRING 2013 REGISTRATION
Students Currently in the Sacramento Area: We advise those of you currently in the greater Sacramento area to register for spring 2013 through one of the Transfer Orientation programs. Students participating in one of these Transfer Orientation programs should still attend the International Student Orientation on January 17.  To ensure that you receive this and other important information, please update any changes to your email address or street address with the Office of International Admissions (intlinfo@csus.edu).  In addition, Sacramento area students should plan on visiting the Office of Global Education (Lassen Hall 2304) for information concerning registration procedures.  

Students Currently Outside the US or Sacramento Area:  New international students currently outside the US or Sacramento area will register for courses after their arrival on campus.  During the International Student Orientation, we will prepare you for the registration process and give you the opportunity to meet with academic advisors to assist you in choosing courses for your academic Major and General Education (undergraduate students). Students not already in the Sacramento area, should plan to arrive in Sacramento by Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at the very latest in order to attend the International Student Orientation.

TRANSPORTATION
Earliest Arrival: Immigration regulations permit new international students to enter the United States up to 30 days prior to the start of the semester. This means that you should plan on entering after December 29, 2012 if you are an F-1 or J-1 student entering the US for the first time as an international student. Please make your travel arrangements to ensure that you will arrive in time to attend the International Student Orientation program on January 17. 

Flights: We recommend that you fly directly into the Sacramento International Airport if at all possible. This is the easiest and most convenient option after a long flight from overseas or elsewhere in the US.  Connecting flights to Sacramento are easily arranged from major airports such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and other major US cities.

Transportation from the Sacramento Airport:  Unfortunately, we are unable to provide transportation services for students from the airport or bus station. The Sacramento International Airport is located approximately 17 miles from the university campus.  Transportation is easily accessible from the airport to the university area/hotels using airport shuttle or taxi. Here are a few transportation options for you to consider: 

  • Sacramento Airport “Super Shuttle”: The least expensive transportation option from the Sacramento airport to the campus area is the Super Shuttle (estimated fare about $21). The Super Shuttle is a van service to transport people from the airport to specific addresses / locations in the greater Sacramento area. Super Shuttle is located in the ground transportation area. To make a reservation, please visit www.supershuttle.com or call (800) 258-3826 for more information. 
  • Sacramento Airport Taxi: You can find taxis in the ground transportation area near the baggage claim (Terminal A) and (Terminal B). The fare for a taxi is approximately $50-55 for transport from the airport to the university area. If traveling together with a friend, this might be an affordable option to consider. Contact information: From the airport use a white courtesy phone and dial 24360, Advance Reservations: (916) 444-0008, Customer Service: (916) 284-6878.

Transportation from the San Francisco Airport:  San Francisco is located approximately 90 miles from Sacramento (2 hours by car / bus).  Ground transportation from San Francisco is less convenient, time consuming, and often difficult when carrying multiple bags and heavy luggage.  If you unable to arrange a connecting flight into Sacramento, you may wish to obtain rates and schedules to travel to Sacramento using the Davis Airporter (www.davisairporter.com). Approximate fare to zip codes in the university area (95819, 95825 or 95826) is $115.

HOUSING INFORMATION: Living On Campus

If you have an interest in living in our university Residence Halls, but have not yet applied, please review the enclosed materials from the Office of Housing and Residential Life. Additional information and applications can also be obtained from the on-campus housing web site located at www.csus.edu/housing.

How to Apply for the Residence Halls: The licensing for Housing is completed on-line through My Sac State.

  1. You will need a SacLink Username and Sac State ID to start the process. To get your SacLink username, go to www.saclink.csus.edu/saclink/ and select the “Register” button on the left. Your Sac State ID can be located in the upper right hand corner of your admission letter. It can take 2 to 3 days for your information and SacLink user name to be available to the Housing office. If you need to create a SacLink username wait 2 to 3 days after creating it to apply for Housing. If you have any questions, email the Housing office at housing@csus.edu or call (916) 278-6655.
  2. Once you have obtained a SacLink Username, you will need to log into the My Sac State portal. From the Portal home page, go into Student Services by selecting the Student Services button at the top of the screen. In the Related Links for Students Area, middle left side of the Student Services window, select the My Housing link to access the on-line Licensing application. You may be asked to verify the authenticity of the certificate sacauth.csus.edu to gain access to the Licensing portal. Select “continue” to proceed. If you have any connection issues or questions, please contact the Housing office. Once you are in the Licensing portal just follow the instructions and you are on your way to becoming part of the campus life!

Moving Into On Campus Housing Early:  If you have received confirmation that a room in the campus housing has been assigned to you, it may be possible for you to make arrangements to move in a few days before the facilities officially open for spring (please contact the Office of Housing and Residential Life directly for details).

HOUSING INFORMATION: Living Off Campus

Locating off-campus housing near California State University, Sacramento is a task that will require a few days to accomplish.  Therefore, we recommend that you arrive in Sacramento as early as possible to begin your search for accommodations.  The following are a few suggestions to assist you with your housing search:

The Upper Eastside Lofts: Another housing option at Sacramento State is the Upper Eastside Lofts.  The lofts are located a just few blocks from the university campus and are within easy walking distance. For full details, please see their web site at www.uelsacramento.com.

Other Off-Campus Rental Listings:  There are numerous housing opportunities available in the surrounding campus area. We recommend that you do not finalize your plans for off-campus housing until after your arrival in Sacramento to allow you to visit the site and evaluate the rental contract. One resource is www.the-deans-list.com on which many students post housing opportunities.

Temporary Accommodations:  Since it will take those of you who will be residing off‑campus some time to finalize such arrangements, you may wish to make a reservation at one of the motels close to campus.  These include:

AFTER YOUR ARRIVAL IN SACRAMENTO
Once you have made arrangements for temporary housing, you should plan to come to our Office of Global Education (Lassen Hall, Room 2304).  We will endeavor to answer any initial questions you may have and help you begin your adjustment to campus and community life.  In addition we will give you informational materials including an orientation/registration packet.  You should bring all of your immigration documentation with you for your first visit. You should be aware that the campus will be closed from December 24 through January 1 (Winter Recess) and on January 21 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day). During the Winter Intersession, our office is open Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

IMMIGRATION ISSUES: Students Transferring from Another US Institution

If you are already in the US you may have questions concerning immigration matters, especially as they relate to transfer procedures.  Please contact our office or the International Student Advisor at your current institution for information concerning the exact immigration transfer procedure that you should follow.  California State University, Sacramento is unable to issue you a new SEVIS I-20 until your present school has electronically released your SEVIS record to us.  International Advisors will usually wait until the end of the term before beginning to transfer SEVIS records to a new institution.  Please make certain that your current International Student Advisor is aware of your plan to transfer to California State University, Sacramento.

Transfer Form:  Please ask your International Student Advisor to complete the enclosed “F-1 International Student Immigration School Transfer Form” and return it to the Office of Global Education at his/her earliest convenience.

IMMIGRATION ISSUES: Initial Entry Students currently Overseas
If you currently reside outside of the US and are required to secure an F‑1 or J‑1 visa, please review the enclosed handout “Preparing For Your F-1 or J-1 Visa Interview & Paying the SEVIS Fee” for detailed information. You should be prepared to demonstrate to the US consular officer that you plan to return to your country after completing your academic program and that you have adequate financial support to meet all academic and living expenses. As some students may be subject to time-consuming background checks, we advise you to begin the visa application process as early as possible. Please be aware that US consular officers are not allowed to issue F-1 or J-1 visas in excess of 120 days prior to the program start date (as listed on your SEVIS I-20 or DS 2019); however, many US embassies and consulates will permit you to begin scheduling an interview appointment prior to that time. Please check with your local US embassy or consulate for specific regional procedures. 

Entering the US: US Port of Entry immigration authorities do not allow F-1 or J-1 visa students to enter the US more than 30 days prior to the academic program start date (listed on your SEVIS I-20 or DS 2019). When you arrive at the US Port of Entry you should have the following documents with you to present:

  • Passport, valid for at least 6 months in the future 
  • Valid F-1 visa (or J-1 visa for non-degree students)
  • Immigration documents: SEVIS I-20 for F-1 visa students or SEVIS DS 2019 for J-1 visa students 
  • University admission letter 
  • Receipt of your paid SEVIS fee 
  • Evidence of financial resources

Please note:  It is very important that you enter the US with the SEVIS I‑20 or DS 2019 of the institution you plan to attend.  Please contact the Office of Global Education staff if you have any questions prior to your arrival.

HEALTH ISSUES & HEALTH INSURANCE ISSUES [Additional information is available on the “Health Insurance Information for International Students” handout enclosed.]

The California State University, Sacramento Student Health Center will provide you with out-patient medical care during normal business hours; however, you are required to have health and accident insurance for your protection. All international students (F/J visa) are required to present detailed proof of health insurance coverage which meets our minimal institutional requirements. 

University International Student Health Insurance:  International students are encouraged to purchase the CSU International Student Health Insurance policy which exceeds the minimum requirements for health insurance coverage.  If you would like to preview the full details of this policy, please view the online brochure at www.csuhealthlink.com (select Sacramento State University and the policy is the “Sacramento State International” plan).

  • How to purchase:  You may purchase this policy after you arrive on campus or online at www.csuhealthlink.com.  The policy will begin on January 22, 2013.

All Other Insurance Policies:  Those of you contemplating purchasing health insurance other than the international student policy offered by our university should contact the Office of Global Education prior to your insurance purchase to obtain pre-approval of the specific policy you are considering.  Please review the enclosed “Health Insurance Information for International Students” information sheet regarding Health Insurance requirements.

Temporary Travel Insurance:  The campus policy for international students does not begin until January 22, 2013. We recommend that you acquire a short-term travel insurance policy in your country before your trip to the US to cover you while traveling and for any time prior to January 22.

Immunizations (Measles / Rubella Vaccination & Tuberculosis Test):  During your first semester, you will be required to visit the university Student Health Center and present proof of your immunizations for measles and rubella.  We recommend that you obtain these immunizations before you arrive in the US, if possible, and bring written documentation to campus with you.  If you are not able to complete this task before arrival, then the Student Health Center will administer the immunizations at a cost of $49.  In addition to the measles and rubella requirement you will also be tested for Tuberculosis.  The Tuberculosis test should be done at the university Student Health Center (not your home country), and is currently provided free of cost.

FINANCIAL ISSUES
You are encouraged to plan carefully your finances to cover room, board, insurance, books and supplies, tuition expenses, and miscellaneous expenses for the entire year.  Please refer to your admission letter for the amount of money you should bring with you to meet initial expenses. Please note that you may remit payment for university tuition and fees by personal check, overseas banker’s draft, certain credit cards (although an additional charge is assessed), traveler’s checks, and, although not recommended, cash.

Also, you should be aware that according to immigration regulations, international students are not permitted to apply for an off‑campus work permit during their first academic year in the US. Thereafter, such permits are often difficult to obtain.

OFFICE OF GLOBAL EDUCATION CONTACT INFORMATION
Please feel free to write to or call our Office of Global Education if you have any questions that must be answered prior to your arrival.  We will be happy to assist you in any way we can. Our website www.csus.edu/oge may also prove useful for you to review. We look forward to welcoming you to the university.  Meanwhile, best wishes to you in your present activities.

Office of Global Education Staff:
Eric D. Merchant, Associate Director (ericmer@csus.edu)
Tracey M. Culbertson, Coordinator of International Student & Scholars (tculbert@csus.edu)
Jack Godwin, Chief International Officer
Lori Harrison, Office Manager
Mlima Morrison, Coordinator of International Admissions (intlinfo@csus.edu)
Caroline Peretti, International Admissions Specialist (intlinfo@csus.edu)
Josef Preciado, International Admissions Counselor (intlinfo@csus.edu)
Janis J. Silvers, Coordinator of Study Abroad

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