Campus Compass: Essential Campus Resources Every International Student Should Know

Moving to a new country for your education is an exhilarating adventure filled with opportunities for growth and discovery. As you embark on this journey, one of the most important steps you can take is to familiarize yourself with the campus resources designed to support your success. From finding internships to managing your finances, these departments are here to help you navigate your new environment with ease. In this guide, we'll explore the essential campus resources every international student should know about, ensuring you have all the tools you need to thrive academically, socially, and professionally.

International Services Office

The International Services Office is your lifeline on campus. This office specializes in supporting international students with all aspects of their stay in the U.S. From immigration advice to cultural adjustment programs, the ISO is there to ensure you have a smooth transition. They offer orientation programs specifically for international students, which can help you get acclimated to the campus and local community. The ISO can also assist with extending your visa, obtaining work authorization, and understanding your rights and responsibilities as an F-1 student. Make sure to attend their events and stay connected with the staff and Designated School Official (DSO) —they are here to help you succeed. This office specializes in supporting you with immigration and cultural adjustment needs.

• Visa and Immigration Advice: Get help with visa extensions, work authorization, and maintaining your status.
• Cultural Adjustment Programs: Attend workshops and events designed to help you acclimate to life in the U.S.
• Orientation Programs: Participate in orientations specifically tailored for international students.
• Advising Services: Access one-on-one support from advisors knowledgeable about international student issues.

Career Services

The Career Services Center is a crucial resource for all students, especially those looking to build their careers in the U.S. This center usually offers a range of services designed to help you land internships and jobs. From resume writing workshops to mock interviews, career fairs, and one-on-one career counseling, the Career Services Center is your go-to place for career development. For international students, the Career Services Center can also provide guidance on navigating the U.S. job market, understanding work authorization options like CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training), and connecting you with potential employers. Don’t miss out on their events and resources—they’re designed to give you a competitive edge. This center offers a range of services designed to help you land internships and jobs.

• Resume Writing Workshops: Learn how to create a compelling resume that stands out.
• Mock Interviews: Practice your interview skills with career advisors.
• Career Fairs: Meet potential employers and explore job opportunities.
• One-on-One Counseling: Get personalized advice on career planning and job searching.

Human Resources Office

While you might associate the Human Resources (HR) Office with staff and faculty, it is also a valuable resource for students, particularly if you’re looking for on-campus employment. The HR Office can provide information on available student jobs, application processes, and work-study opportunities. Working on campus can be a great way to earn extra money, gain work experience, and integrate into the campus community. HR can guide you through the hiring process, ensure you understand employment regulations, and help you get started in your new role.

• Student Job Listings: Find available student positions on campus - career services website
• Employment Regulations: Get information on the rules and regulations governing student employment.
• Hiring Process Guidance: Receive help with applications, interviews, and onboarding for campus jobs.
• Tax Filing: Tax forms for students employed by the university are provided by HR
• Paycheck: All paychecks for student employees are processed by HR, contact them in case of inaccurate payments, or mistakes made in reporting of hours worked

Registrar's Office

The Registrar's Office is the hub for all your academic records. Whether you need to register for classes, obtain transcripts, or verify enrollment, this office has you covered. They also handle important administrative tasks such as adding or dropping courses, managing your academic standing, and ensuring you meet graduation requirements. For international students, the Registrar's Office can provide vital information about maintaining your full-time student status, which is crucial for maintaining your visa. They can also assist with any academic issues or questions you might have throughout your studies.This office is essential for managing your academic journey.

• Class Registration: Register for classes and manage your course schedule.
• Transcripts: Request official transcripts for job applications or further studies.
• Enrollment Verification: Obtain verification of your student status for various purposes.
• Academic Records: Access and update your academic records and personal information.

Cashier's Office

The Cashier's Office is where you handle all financial transactions related to your tuition and fees. This office can assist you with making payments, setting up payment plans, and understanding your billing statements. They can also provide receipts for your records, which might be necessary for visa or tax purposes. Understanding your tuition and fees is crucial to managing your finances effectively. The Cashier's Office can answer any questions you have about your account and help you stay on top of your financial obligations.

• Tuition Payments: Make payments and set up payment plans.
• Billing Statements: Understand and manage your billing statements.
• Receipts and Documentation: Obtain receipts for visa or tax purposes.
• Financial Questions: Get answers to any questions about your student account.

Financial Aid Office

Navigating the financial aspects of your education can be challenging, but the Financial Aid Office is here to help. This office provides information on scholarships, grants, and other funding opportunities that might be available to you as an international student. While many federal aid programs are limited to U.S. citizens, there are often scholarships and grants offered by the university or external organizations that you might be eligible for. The Financial Aid Office can help you identify these opportunities, understand the application processes, and manage any financial aid you receive. The Financial Aid Office helps you navigate the financial aspects of your education.

• Scholarships and Grants: Find out about scholarships, grants, and other funding opportunities.
• Financial Aid Applications: Get assistance with the financial aid application process.
• Loan Information: Learn about student loans and how to manage them.
• Financial Counseling: Access counseling to help you budget and manage your finances.

Campus Safety

Campus Security is dedicated to ensuring a secure environment for all students. This department provides a range of services from round-the-clock patrols to emergency response, Campus Security is always on alert. Many campuses offer escort services, ensuring you can travel safely across campus at night. Familiarize yourself with how to contact Campus Security in case of an emergency and take advantage of the resources they provide to keep you and your campus community safe.

Emergency Services: Learn how to contact campus security in case of an emergency.

Campus Patrols: Know that campus security is patrolling to keep you safe.

Escort Services: Use escort services to get safely across campus at night or call when in need of security if you feel unsafe around campus

Library Services

The campus library is more than just a quiet place to study; it's a hub for research, learning, and collaboration. You can access a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other academic materials to support your coursework and research projects. The library staff are always ready to assist with research inquiries, helping you find and utilize the best resources for your assignments. Additionally, the library offers workshops and training sessions on various topics such as research skills, citation styles, and using academic databases. You can also take advantage of study spaces, including quiet areas for individual work and group study rooms equipped with the latest technology. Whether you need to borrow a textbook, find a peer-reviewed article, or simply a quiet place to focus, the library is an invaluable resource that supports your academic journey.