Information for New International Students
Optional Practical Training (OPT) 12-Month Update and 17-Month Application (6/11/08)
EA Ambassador/Assistant Applications Available
International Student Council Nomination Form
UK-Sponsored Education Abroad Programs still taking applications:
--Winter Caribbean Cruise Program
Graduating Students:
Health Insurance Continuation Plan
Health Insurance Waiver Procedure 
It is worth noting that it takes time to adjust to a new educational system and a new language, so be patient with yourself. In the American system, homework is usually assigned the first day of class, and students are expected to work hard from the beginning. Most college courses require a great deal of study outside the classroom. The standard guideline is to allow about two hours of study for every hour spent in the classroom. There may be quizzes after a few weeks and mid-term tests within six weeks. While this may be difficult at first, you will find by the end of the semester that this is an advantage because the final grade is not wholly dependent upon the final exam.
Academic Year
The academic year at the University of Kentucky is divided into two equal terms called semesters. The fall semester begins in late August and ends in December. The spring semester begins in mid January and ends at the beginning of May. In addition, the University of Kentucky offers two summer terms. The first, a "four-week session," begins in the second week of May; the second, an "eight-week session," extends from early June to early August. While international students are required by Immigration law to attend school full time, this requirement applies only to the regular academic year covering the fall and spring semesters. They are not required to attend summer school to stay legally in the United States.Suspension from School
Students who are suspended from the University for an academic reason or otherwise, may not stay legally in the U.S. during the duration of suspension. Students who suspect that they might be suspended at the end of the academic term should check their academic status with their respective colleges before leaving the country on vacation.If they return and discover that they have been suspended, they will lose their student status, and their stay in the U.S. will be considered illegal. To regain student status would then involve leaving the country and re-entering a gain when the suspension was lifted.
Priority Registration
After enrollment at the University of Kentucky, students have the opportunity to register early for the following semester. Priority registration for spring takes place in November; for summer and fall, priority registration is in March/April. Academic advisors usually confer with students regarding courses about two weeks before priority registration begins. Normally, a computer "hold" is placed on their registration; to lift this "hold" students must confer with their advisors to plan their course selections and to register.Major and Selection of Courses
A "major" is the main field (often department, sometimes college) in which the student chooses to specialize. For example, a student may have a major in history or computer science or electrical engineering. A student may also be called a "major" in a field or department and may be said to be "majoring." Whether at the undergraduate or graduate level, each "major" has particular requirements and usually some choices.University Studies Program
In addition to one's major, at the undergraduate level students are required to take a core group of courses, known as the University Studies Program. Most of these courses are usually taken during the first two years at the University. Besides basic mathematics, foreign language, inference and communication skills (some of which a transfer student may complete before coming to the University), undergraduates must complete courses in natural and social sciences and the humanities. Students also have cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural requirements. The total credit hours required in University Studies is 39 to 42 hours. The purpose of University Studies is to help students become broadly educated in fields of human knowledge and develop an intellectual base and curiosity that will lead to life-long learning. University Studies also helps students develop their own values and ideas so they can contribute to the political, moral, social, and cultural enrichment of society.Academic Advisor
Within University Studies and within the major, there will be choices to make about which courses to take. Some international students find making such choices difficult and different because they come from systems where student s follow a predetermined curriculum. Advisors can be helpful.It is very important that you be assigned an advisor in your major as soon as possible so you may get assistance in planning your program of study. If you have not been assigned an advisor, inquire in your department or college. Some colleges have professional advisors rather than professors to work with undergraduates. If you are undecided about your major, your advisors will be from the Central Advising Center, located in Miller Hall.
Syllabus
At the beginning of a course, the professor gives each student a syllabus. The syllabus of a course identifies its purpose and scope, describes the pedagogy to be followed, outlines assignments and grading procedures, and makes clear the professor's expectations and policies regarding absences.Papers
As part of completing the requirements for a particular course, students may be assigned a topic or may choose one themselves to research and write about. The result is called a "paper." To complete some courses, students are required to write more than one paper during the term, in addition to passing some tests or examinations.In order to write such papers, certain rules for organizing the material must be followed. Several manuals have been devised to provide the new students with guidelines for this purpose. In the paper, students are expected to express their original thoughts and knowledge about the assigned topic and when using quotations or opinions of other writers, to give the author's name in a footnote, which should include the title of the source and the page number. To neglect to do so is considered cheating or "plagiarism" (a term which means copying any content verbatim from a book or from another person's paper), a serious academic offense.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty is a very serious offense in the United States. You must learn what behavior constitutes dishonesty in our academic system. Examples of dishonesty are cheating and plagiarism.Cheating
Copying or taking answers or material from someone else, either on computers, homework or examinations. Presenting work done by someone else as your own. Giving or taking answers on examinations (even to or from a friend).Plagiarism
Definition: Using the words, ideas, or computer programs of another author in your paper or oral presentation without acknowledging the source. Allowing someone to use your words or computer program.For many internationals, plagiarism is an unfamiliar concept, but ignorance of the rule is not an adequate defense. Because plagiarism is so serious that it may result in your failure, it is very important to consult your professor about forms of citation before you submit a paper. (See Student Rights and Responsibilities. Ask for a copy either in OIA or the Ombud's Office, 109 Bradley Hall.)
To avoid plagiarism: If you copy the words of others, you must place quotation marks around the passage and cite the source.
If you paraphrase (put in your own words) another's ideas, you must also identify the source of those ideas. (Inquire of your professor for the exact form to use.)
Classroom Participation
Most foreign students come from countries where professors are revered and seldom challenged. They are looked upon as a source of knowledge and wisdom, and a student's role is fulfilled by receiving this knowledge without questioning it.In an American classroom, the relationship between student and professor is somewhat different. Students generally are encouraged to voice their opinions and to participate in the discussion of the subject matter. This contribution is expected and highly valued. Therefore, even if you are not accustomed to speaking out in class, try to participate; the different viewpoint you bring will not only enrich the educational experience of others in the class, but may contribute to your fin al grade as well.
Examinations
Most foreign students come from countries where an examination is given only at the end of the school year. In an American classroom short tests called "quizzes" are very common. They are designed to provide feedback to the professor about how the students are absorbing the material. In addition to these quizzes, other tests or examinations are given, usually at midterm and at the end of the semester. Thus, students must study throughout the term and not leave everything until a few days before the final examination."Objective Tests" are widely used to determine students' knowledge of the subject matter. These can take the following forms:
Several answers are given to a particular question and the student is asked to select the correct one (Multiple Choice).
A statement is provided and the student is asked to decide whether that statement is True or False.
The student is asked to match words, phrases or statements from two different columns.
The student is asked to define a particular term or phrase. On occasion, the student is asked to fill in the blanks left in a phrase or statement to complete properly.
Most foreign students are accustomed to answering questions by writing essays of varying lengths. Such "essay questions" are common here, as well, especially in the Graduate School.
Grades (Marks)
The general marking system at the University of Kentucky uses a series of letters to which are assigned grade-point values. For most colleges, the marking system is:
Students in Architecture, Law or Medicine have a slightly different system of grading. Please consult the University Bulletin.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
The grade-point average is the ratio of the number of points gained to the number of credits attempted in a given semester. For example, suppose you are registered for two courses, a 2-credit course and a 3-credit course. You receive a B in the 2-credit course and an A in the 3-credit course. The B would be worth 6 points overall (3 grade points by 2 credit hours), while the A would be worth 12 points overall (4 grade points by 3 credit hours). The sum of these two products--18 divided by the number of credit hours (5)--provides your grade point average, in this case 3.6.Cumulative Grade Point Average is the grade point average the student earns for all course work attempted throughout an entire program of study for a specific degree. It is important to note that when calculating a cumulative GPA, t he grades of P, S and W are ignored.
Graduation
Depending on the number of hours spent in the classroom or the laboratory, each course is assigned a number of credits. To graduate, a student must accumulate a specific number of credits and maintain a specific Grade Point Average. Undergraduate students must have maintained at least a 2.0 GPA (in some colleges higher) before they can graduate, while graduate students must have a 3.0 GPA before they can graduate.
Tuition and fees each semester for Fall 2005 and Spring 2006:
Undergraduate
Lower Division $6,985.00
Upper Division $7,078.00
Graduate $7,577.00
Masters, Business $7,839.00
Administration (M.B.A.)
All other specialty programs see Registrar web page http://www.uky.edu/Registrar/feesgen.html
Please add an additional $897.00 for annual health insurance, payable with tuition. (See Medical Matters)
Several payment options are available. Cash, check, and money order payments can be made in person at Student Billing Services, 18 Funkhouser Building. (We do not recommend carrying large amounts of cash.) You may mail your check or money order payment to Student Billing Services, PO Box 931147, Cleveland, OH 44193. Make checks payable to the University of Kentucky and include the student’s ID number. Checks should be issued in U.S. dollars with bank routing numbers. (Routing numbers are digital numbers across the bottom of the check.) Students can use the myUK portal (available at http://myuk.uky.edu) for viewing their account balances and paying tuition and fees by credit card. Should total payment exceed total charges, a refund check may be requested by the student. After the request, please allow from 4 to 6 weeks before the check can be issued.
Housing and dining fees for undergraduates in residence halls are also due in full each semester on the first day of classes. Note that these may be paid in the same bank draft as tuition and fees.
Payment deadlines: The payment deadline for new students only is September 22, 2006 for Fall semester. If payment is not received by the deadline, classes will be canceled.
If your government requires an official University certification of enrollment before approving the transfer of dollar funds, you may obtain a letter from OIA after you have registered.
If a sponsoring agency will pay your tuition, take a letter from that agency to Student Billing Services immediately after registering for classes. The letter should authorize the University to bill the agency directly and should state the amount in dollars it authorizes the University to bill (tuition, fees, health insurance), and the sponsoring agency’s complete billing address. Question should be directed to the Sponsor Billing Coordinator at studentaccts@lsv.uky.edu
Banking Seminars during Welcome Week will explain our banking system and how you may open your own account.
Teaching and Research Assistants are paid bi-weekly, and most will receive the first stipend by the end of their first month, assuming that they complete the paperwork on time.
Travel funds: We recommend that you carry about $100 in cash and $1,500 in travelers' checks for immediate needs.
University Housing (“on-campus” housing) is not automatically assigned to all admitted students as is true in some countries. Students who wish to live on campus must apply for housing, listing their preferences. It is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. For ease of settling in, proximity to classes and making friends, we encourage living on campus for the first year.
University Graduate & Family Housing - The University maintains several apartment complexes opened year-round that are either on-campus or within a 10-20 minute walking distance. Each is briefly described in the housing application sent with the Form I-20 or DS-2019 to graduate students. To apply for graduate & family housing, return your completed application by mail of by fax. The application form is found on the housing web site (www.uky.edu/housing) in the graduate and family section. A deposit in the amount of $150.00 (USD) must accompany applications that are sent by mail. The check or payment document must have US bank routing numbers. Applicants that live outside the US who cannot send a payment document with US bank routing numbers can contact the Graduate & Family Housing office to make other arrangements. Applicants living outside the United States can fax their application without a security deposit. The entire $150.00 security payment will have to be paid when they arrive. An application for housing does not guarantee that you will receive a housing assignment.
When your application and deposit (where required) are received, you will be placed in line to receive an assignment. An apartment meeting your requirements must become available before you can receive a housing assignment. If an apartment becomes available, you will be contacted with an offer which you must accept or reject. The housing office prefers to make contact through email as this is generally the most efficient method of contact. It is your responsibility to ensure that their office has the most up-to-date contact information for you.
You will be required to sign a one year Lease Agreement when you move into an apartment. The $150.00 is applied as a security deposit. You will be required to pay rent in advance on a monthly basic. You should be prepared to pay any balance due on your $150.00 security deposit and rent for your first month (or portion thereof) of occupancy. The Graduate & Family Housing office does not accept cash. You will need a credit or debit card, traveler’s check, cashier check, money order, or personal check to pay your deposit balance and rent.
Single graduate students may elect to share their apartment with one roommate of the same gender. The housing office does not assign roommates nor do they split the rent into two payments. The person that signs the Lease Agreement is responsible to the housing office for all payments and for the proper use of the apartment. All financial arrangements between the two roommates should be discussed in advance. Note: The roommate is responsible for paying their share of the rent and/or deposit to the person that signed the Lease Agreement. Opposite gender unmarried roommates are not allowed.
Prior to accepting an offer for an apartment, you can complete request that your application be cancelled and your deposit refunded to you. You will need to complete “Application Cancellation Form”. This form is found on the housing web site (www.uky.edu/housing) in the graduate and family section. This form must be mailed or faxed to the housing office. Your deposit, if paid, will be refunded within four to six weeks.
For more information:
University of Kentucky
Graduate and Family Housing,
700 Woodland Ave, Lexington, KY 40508, USA.
Phone: 859.257.3721
Fax: 859.323.1900
E-mail: ukapthousing@lsv.uky.edu
Website: http://www.uky.edu/housing
Benefits of living in Graduate and Family Housing: Students that apply early for housing and receive an assignment are assured that they will have a place to live upon arrival. They do not need to search for accommodations when they arrive. All apartments contain basic furniture and appliances. Your monthly rent includes all utilities except for telephone, basic cable, and internet connectivity. Emergency maintenance service is available 24-hours per day, 7-days a week. The apartment communities have their own parking lots for residents with automobiles. The UK Parking Department requires Graduate and Family Housing residents to purchase a parking hangtag that permits them to park in their apartment community. The charge for this parking hangtag is payable to the Parking Department and is not included in the monthly housing rental fee. In addition, they are served by the free campus bus service. Special events are scheduled so that the residents can meet others in a fun setting. Residents can join the Residence Council so they can participate in making community decisions. One of the most special benefits of Graduate and Family Housing is the unique opportunity to live in a highly diverse international community. Graduate and Family Housing apartments are available year-round.
University Undergraduate Housing - The University maintains 18-residence halls (with nearby dining facilities) and the Greg Page Apartments (with kitchens). The publication “A Student’s Guide to Single Undergraduate Housing” describes these housing options and is sent to undergraduates with the I-20 or DS-2019. The residence halls are within a 10-20 minute walking distance of classes. When classes are in session, a free bus serves Greg Page Apartments which are a 20-25 minute walk to campus. Smith Hall is the International Living-Learning Center and is known for its equal mix of international and American students. It offers a special opportunity to make friends from all over the world. New North, Smith Hall, and Greg Page Apartments remain open during Thanksgiving, winter break, and spring break (August – May). All other residence halls close during these breaks. Apply as early as possible because the demand is high.
To apply for undergraduate housing, return the application (and an e-mail address) with $100 first installment. Please read the Rental Agreement including the cancellation and refund policy. If delivery time permits, the Housing Office will notify you by letter starting after May 1 of your status. If you request and provide an e-mail address, they will notify you of your specific assignment after August 1. Often, most students on the waiting list can be accommodated soon after arrival. If not, the deposit will be refunded.
Deposits - The $300.00 deposit is the first installment toward your semester housing fee. Housing applications will not be processed without the $100.00 deposit. If delivery time permits, the Housing Office will notify you by letter after June 1 as to your housing status. If you request notification and you have provided an email address on the electronic application, they will notify you via email of your specific assignment after August 1. Students on the housing waiting list are most often accommodated soon after arrival. If not, the first installment will be refunded to you.
Cancellations - If you must cancel your housing, please contact the Housing Office prior to June 1, 2005 to receive ½ refund of the $300 first installment. If because of foreign exchange restrictions, you are unable to send the first installment, or if you are placed on a waiting list, allow a few days after you arrive to find housing. After June 1, no refund will be issued.
For more information:
University of Kentucky,
Undergraduate Housing
125 Funkhouser Building, Lexington, KY 40506-0054, USA.
Phone:859.257.1866.
Fax: 859.257.6453.
Email: ukhousing@lsv.uky.edu.
Website: http://www.uky.edu/housing
Benefits of Living in Undergraduate Housing: Students that apply early for housing and receive an assignment are assured that they will have a place to live upon arrival. They do not need to search for accommodations when they arrive. Day-to-day life is easier; they do not have to prepare meals; telephone and utility service are ready to use; and laundry facilities are in the building. Undergraduate students living in the residence halls must purchase a diner card each semester. This card can be used in a variety of on-campus dining facilities. Residence hall living provides the best opportunity to meet a diverse group of people and to make life long-friends. Participating in campus life is also easier when living on-campus. It will take time to become accustomed to American culture and food, but it is a unique and exciting opportunity to living and learning in a new environment!
If you need housing during academic breaks, you must choose one of the Universities 9-month halls: Greg Page Apartments, New North or Smith Hall. If you live in any other residence hall, you will have to make alternate housing arrangements during all academic breaks. Many students are able to find alternate housing with friends or they choose to travel during these break periods. The international student advisor may be able to help you make alternate housing arrangements.
Temporary housing on campus – Temporary on-campus housing is available in a residence hall during the month of August for graduates and undergraduates who arrive without permanent confirmed housing or before their housing assignment begins. Temporary housing begins August 1. The rate is $13.00 per night. Bed linens are $5.00 per night. You will need to request bed linens when reserving your temporary housing. All charges will be added to your student bill. Temporary housing ends August 11. The housing office will notify you of your move-in date.
You must reserve temporary housing before you arrive! Notify the Housing Office (ukhousing@lsv.uky.edu OR by fax at 859.257.6453. You will need to provide your date of arrival. Be prepared to show your I-20 or DS-2019 to the staff at your temporary residence hall. Only students can stay in the temporary hall.
In January, temporary housing on-campus is NOT available as all residence halls are occupied. Students may stay in a hotel near campus. You must request hotel accommodations directly with the hotel.
Off-campus housing - If you want to live off-campus (in private, not university-owned housing), you must allow a few days to find an apartment after you arrive. Once you are here, this office will assist you. Many students do find off-campus apartments within 20 30 minutes walking distance. But it takes considerable time, effort and patience on your part. By living off-campus, you may prepare your own food and live only with students from your culture. But it is difficult to buy and carry groceries, to cook, and pay utility bills while at the same time learning to study in a very new environment. And you may feel more isolated. Based on past students' comments, we recommend that you live in a hall your first year. Considering everything, the costs are not greatly different.
The Lease - Most housing is rented on a contract or lease basis. The lease is a legal document giving the terms of the rental agreement. Before you sign, read it and keep a signed copy for your files. A security deposit, normally equal to the first month's rent, is required when you sign. It will be returned by the landlord, minus any damage or cleaning charges, at the end of the contract. Usually it will not be returned if you break the contract.
Arrest & Detention
In the event of arrest or detention, internationals are entitled, by virtue of bilateral treaties, when applicable, and by virtue of the Vienna Convention, to request that their Consulates or Embassies be notified of this event without delay. Subject to local laws and regulations regarding access to detained persons, Consular Officers have the right to visit their imprisoned or detained countrymen and arrange for their legal representation.On the other hand, law enforcement authorities are required by virtue of the above mentioned bilateral agreements to notify the Consulates and Embassies of these nationals in the event of their arrest or confinement. This notification must take place regardless of the wishes of the foreign nationals in question. The nationals themselves must also be informed of this notification.
Legal Service On Campus
The Student Government Association retains an attorney to provide counsel to students. This service is provided free of charge. To make an appointment, go to 120 Student Center or call 257.3191.Legal Service Off Campus
If you wish to select an attorney to represent you in court or otherwise, you can call the Kentucky Lawyer Referral Service toll free at 1.800.899.4529. For a half hour initial consultation, you will pay a fee of $20.Important note: If you should have any immigration problems, it is advisable to consult with the Immigration Specialist in 215 Bradley Hall before contacting a lawyer. Your problem may be solved without one; however, if your case does require legal services, the Immigration Specialist can assist you in locating an immigration attorney.
Alcohol Sales
No one under the age of 21 is allowed to buy alcohol in Kentucky. No packaged alcohol (including beer or wine) is sold on Sunday.
Medical history and skin test for tuberculosis (TB) - Soon after your arrival, you must schedule an appointment at the University Health Service to complete a health history, a record of immunizations and a Tuberculin screening. In order to register for classes for the following semester, you must complete the TB screening by the 4th week of classes. Visit the University Health Service website for recommended immunizations. If you need a booster MMR vaccine, it should be given at least 6-8 weeks before coming to the University so it does not interfere with the skin test for tuberculosis.
If you have had a positive TB skin test either here or at home, the Health Service will require a chest X-ray. Students should be prepared to pay for this cost. If you have had a prior positive skin test for TB, please bring documentation from your physician that includes (1) positivity of test expressed in millimeters of indurations, (2) results of chest X-ray if obtained (not the actual X ray), (3) the dosage, date started and duration of treatment, if INH was given.
The University Health Service (UHS) is the primary health care provider for most students. It offers many outpatient medical services without charge. In case of illness, you should go there first for medical care. The Service is supported by the student health fee, included in the tuition and fees of all full-time students each fall and spring semester. The fee is not included in summer tuition and fees, but may be purchased voluntarily at the Health Service at the beginning of the summer session. Students choosing not to purchase the summer health coverage may be seen on a fee-for-service basis only. Spouses of students are also eligible for care at UHS on a fee-for-service basis. Children are not eligible for care at University Health Service. If you are a student under 18 years of age, bring with you a parent's or guardian's written permission for UHS to provide medical treatment if you should become ill or injured while attending the University of Kentucky. This permission will also be needed to receive the required TB screening. Without permission, UHS may not treat those under 18.
Health Insurance is required to pay for more serious illnesses, as the health fee does not cover referral to specialty clinics, surgery, hospitalization, care after hours, or pregnancy. To cover these unexpected health care needs, the University of Kentucky requires all international students to have health insurance with benefits of at least $200,000 per illness or injury, $10,000 for outpatient surgery, $10,000 for medical evacuation, $7,500 for repatriation, coverage of pregnancy, and 80% of covered medical expenses must be paid by the insurance company. The annual rate of the UK Student Health Insurance Plan for 2007-2008 is $894. This amount will be billed on your Student Billing account (along with tuition and other fees) on a semester basis with coverage dates as follows: Fall Semester - August 26 to December 31, 2007 and Spring Semester - January 1 - August 26, 2008.
Waivers: If you already have insurance that is payable in the United States, bring a copy of the policy in English. Agency-sponsored students should also bring a copy in English of the sponsor’s policy. If the policy meets the minimum requirements, you will be granted a waiver.
Students who bring a spouse or other dependents should be prepared to purchase health insurance for them. The annual rate for a spouse is $2,410; for one child $2,071; for 2 or more children $3,578.
Health Insurance Seminars during Welcome Week will fully describe the policy and how to use your health insurance. For answers to all your questions, please attend. To begin your health insurance coverage before August 26, 2008, please see the health insurance coordinator in 203 Bradley Hall. Please note that in the US medical care is not free and medical costs are very high. This insurance policy can protect you from financial disaster.
To know more about Health Insurance, visit the company's website at: http://www.chickering.com
You can also find brochure and enrollment forms online at:
http://www.chickering.com
