International Student Services

Orientation Welcome Letter

Spring 2009

Dear Student,

We are delighted that you are joining us at Utica College for the Spring 2009 semester. The Orientation Program for international students entering UC in the Spring will be held Monday, January 19, and Tuesday, January 20, 2008. The Monday program is a welcome dinner for all new international students, where important information can be given in a relaxed atmosphere. The Tuesday program will be held in Willard Conference Room, DePerno Hall. This program will start promptly at 9 a.m. and will last until 3 p.m.

The second day of Orientation will provide you with assistance in completing paperwork and registering for classes, a campus tour, banking information, and with extremely important information concerning U.S. immigration laws pertaining to working in the U.S. and traveling in and out of the country. Please bring your passport, I-94, visa documents, and proof of health insurance to the Orientation Program.

There are two important items that we need to draw to your attention before your arrival. First, you should have received a “Residence Information Form” with your acceptance letter. If you are planning to live on campus and have not yet returned this form, you should do so immediately by faxing it to the Residence Life Office at (315) 792-3715. The preferred dates of arrival for sign-in at the dormitories are January 18 and 19th. We would like to make sure that you are rested and ready for the beginning of your semester!

Second, you should have also received a “Medical History Form.” You must complete pages 1 and 2 of the form and have your family physician complete pages 3 and 4. The College also requires immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella for all students. By requesting a health physical and immunizations in your home country, you will save the time and the expense of having them done once you arrive. This form may be presented to our office when you arrive.

As an international student, we encourage you to contact our Office of International Education in DePerno Hall, Rooms 206-207, should you have any concerns or questions during your stay. Also, should you wish to travel outside of the U.S., you will need a signature from one of us. Additional information to aid in your arrival can be found attached to this letter and in our brochure, International Student Guidebook. We are certain that you will find our Office an information center that will always be available to assist you. We look forward to meeting you at Orientation!


Sincerely,


Laurence W. Roberts, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, International Education 
Email: lroberts@utica.edu   

Daniel M. OToole, M.S.
Director, International Education
Email: daotoole@utica.edu 

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET

Travel to UC

Rail and bus services to Utica are available from New York, Newark, Boston, and all major cities. If you are continuing your flight into Syracuse, NY, 80 kilometers west of Utica, rail, bus, and limousine (approximately $60-70) services are available to continue on to Utica. Reservations are suggested for all modes of transportation, since there will be a high volume of students traveling at that time. The preferred dates of arrival on campus are January 18 and 19 for those students living in dormitories, but it is possible to check in a day or two earlier if your travel schedule requires it. Please let our office or the Residence Life Office know if you expect an early arrival date. You will find a listing of useful phone numbers and web sites below.

Health Insurance

Utica College requires that all international students have health insurance. Our Student Health Center offers medical treatment to students with minor or short-term illnesses. Beyond that, they will refer you to a local physician or hospital. It is possible that your family’s health insurance will cover your medical needs while you are studying abroad, but you should contact that company to be sure that you are protected. Additionally, your policy must provide for medical evacuation and repatriation. If you do not have health coverage when you arrive, the College has a medical plan available through the Business Office. International Programs also has information available to allow you to enroll in an off-campus plan. The cost of that plan is approximately $45+ per month, depending on your age. Our office will provide assistance with questions or concerns regarding insurance coverage or claims.

SERVICES INFORMATION:

Rail: www.amtrak.com  
Telephone: 1-800-872-7295

Bus:  www.greyhound.com
Telephone: 1-800-231-2222

Airport Limousine:  www.vintagelimo.biz  
Telephone: 1-800-704-5466; Fax: 1-315-768-1541

Residence Life: ebalcom@utica.edu
Telephone: 1-315-792-3285; Fax: 1-315-792-3715

Admissions: ccominsky@utica.edu
Telephone:1-315-792-5290; Fax: 1-315-792-3003

Health Center: kdare@utica.edu
Telephone: 1-315-792-3094; Fax: 1-315-792-3700

International Education:  intlpro@utica.edu
Telephone: 1-315-792-3082; Fax: 1-315-792-3061

Student Financial Services: gtuttle@utica.edu
Telephone: 1-315-792-3016; Fax: 1-315-792-3836
 

 

 

 

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