1. New Student Information Summer 2012 مــرحــبــًا hoşgeldiniz WELCOME! 欢迎 chào mừng 환영 歓迎 Khush Amdayde xoş

2. New Student Information Contents Page NumberContent 3 – 5Important Dates and Required Events 6 – 8Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ELI Enrollment 9 – 12Pre-Arrival Travel Guide 13F1 Student Responsibilities 14ELI Attendance Policy 15Health Insurance Requirements for F1 and J1 Students 16Immunization Requirements for All Students 17Tuition for Dropped Courses 18ELI Student Daily Class Schedule – Summer and Fall 2012 2

3. Important Dates and Required Events – Page 1 Required EventDate, Time, LocationEvent Description First Day F1 Students Can Enter U.S. See Page 9 April 18, 2012 Students can enter U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the program start date (#3) on their I-20. New Student OrientationMay 16, 2012 12:00 – 4:00, Johnson Center, George’s (4 th Floor) Meet teachers and students Receive important ELI information Take a university tour Receive Mason ID card Placement TestMay 17, 2012 9:00 – 12:00, Lecture Hall Room 1 Students take test to determine Core and OCS level. Students find out their score at Registration. Email ActivationMay 18, 2012 10:00 – 12:00 Innovation Hall, Room 222 Students activate their George Mason Email. Student must have an active account to register for Summer 2012 classes. Information FairMay 18, 2012 12:00 – 1:30 Student Union Bldg I, Lounge Students get information about student services and activities at George Mason. 3

4. Important Dates and Required Events – Page 2 Required EventDate, Time, Location Event Description RegistrationMay 21, 2012 11:00 – 12:00 Student Union 2, Rooms 3,4,5 Students register for Core, OCS, Elective and other classes Social EventMay 21, 2012 12:00 – 1:30 Student Union 2, Corner Pocket Students meet International Friendship Club members and friends of the ELI Health Insurance Payment Deadline See Page 15 May 21, 2012 at Registration OR by June 4, 2012 in the ELI Office J1 students and F1 students who do NOT have a scholarship must buy George Mason Health Insurance. International Insurance is not accepted. First Day of ClassesMay 22, 2012 Core: 9:30 – 12:10 OCS: 1:30 – 3:10 Students will receive their class schedules at registration. Students must take the Placement Test and attend Registration first. 4

5. Important Dates and Required Events – Page 3 Required EventDate, Time, LocationEvent Description Visa Documents Deadline See Page 13 May 25, 2012 in ELI Office Students must submit an address form, a copy of their I-94 card, a copy of the visa page in their passport, and a copy of their stamped I-20 (if they have an F1). Last day to drop a class for full refund See Page 17 June 1, 2012 in ELI Office Students must drop by June 1 for a full refund. New F1 students must take full time classes and CANNOT drop Core, OCS, or some transition level classes. Tuition Payment Deadline See Page 11 June 4, 2012 in Cash Office Students will receive a bill in their class by June 1. George Mason does not accept VISA Financial Guarantee Deadline June 4, 2012 in ELI Office Students with an Embassy Scholarship must submit their financial guarantee by June 4. Immunization Deadline See Page 16 July 1, 2012 in Student Health Services Students must complete immunization records by July 1. 5

6. Frequently Asked Questions about ELI Enrollment – Page 1 QuestionAnswer When can I enter the U.S?If you have an F1 visa, you can enter on or after April 18, 2012. Do not try to travel before April 18. You might have problems at the U.S. airport! See Page 9 When do I start ELI?You must be at ELI on May 16 to attend Orientation. You must take the placement test the next day, May 17. Can I come late?No. If you arrive late, you must transfer to another program. What papers (documents) must I give to ELI? You must submit these documents to ELI by May 25: Your address form (You will receive a form to complete at Orientation) A copy of your I-94 card (the small white card in your passport) A copy of the visa page in your passport A copy of your stamped I-20 (if you have an F1 visa) See Page 13 How do I know my level?You will take the placement test on May 17 to determine your CORE and OCS level. You will find out your test score at Registration on May 21. What classes will I take? If you have an F1 visa, you will take a CORE class (12 hours each week) and an OCS class (8 hours each week). You can choose to take an elective class. **In the Summer, a Core and an OCS are full-time. In the fall, a CORE class, an OCS class, and two elective classes are full-time.** If you do not have an F1 visa, you can take part-time classes. See Page 17-18 6

7. Frequently Asked Questions about ELI Enrollment – Page 2 QuestionAnswer Can I drop a class? If you have an F1 visa, you must be full-time and take a CORE and OCS class. You can only drop an ELECTIVE class. If you do NOT have an F1 visa, you can drop any class. To drop a class, you must complete a drop form in the ELI office by June 1, 2012. See Page 17 How much do classes cost?Full-time tuition for Summer 2012 is $4,300 (total for Core and OCS). All new F1 students must take full-time classes. An optional elective costs $430. See Page 11 When do I pay tuition?The tuition payment deadline is June 4, 2012. You will receive a bill in your CORE class by June 1. Note that George Mason does not accept VISA. I have an embassy scholarship. What do I need to give ELI? You must submit an official financial guarantee to ELI by June 4, 2012. Do I have to buy George Mason Health Insurance? If you have an F1 visa and you do NOT have an embassy scholarship, you must buy Health Insurance. See Page 15 Do I have to complete Immunization records? Yes. All students must complete immunization records by July 1, 2012. If you do not submit your immunization records by the deadline, the university will put a HOLD on your account and charge you a $25 fee. When you have a HOLD, you cannot receive documents from the ELI office or register for classes. Sometime, if you have a HOLD, you have to stop going to classes. See Page 16 7

8. Frequently Asked Questions about ELI Enrollment – Page 3 QuestionAnswer How do I complete my immunization records? You and your doctor must complete the George Mason Immunization Form. See Page 16 or find the form at http://shs.gmu.edu/immunizations.http://shs.gmu.edu/immunizations You should bring any history of your immunization records when you arrive in the U.S. If I am an F1 student, how many absences can I have? If you have an F1 visa, you must attend all classes regularly and complete all major assignments. If you miss too many classes or fail to do your assignments, you will lose your F1 visa status. See Page 14 Do I have to tell ELI if I move? Yes. If you move, come into the ELI office to complete an address form no later than 10 days after you move. See Page 13 Can I work?If you have an F1 visa, you can work 20 hours each week at the university during the semester and 40 hours during breaks between semesters. You cannot work outside of the university. See Page 13 How do I get housing at George Mason? You must have your George Mason ID number and submit your housing application at http://housing.gmu.edu. Contact us at eli@gmu.edu for your ID#. See Page 10http://housing.gmu.edueli@gmu.edu What is the closest airport to George Mason? Washington Dulles International Airport is 15 miles northwest of the university. Ronald Reagan National Airport is 15 miles east of the university. See Page 9 Do you have more questions? Please contact us at 703-993-3660 or eli@gmu.edu 8

9. Travel Pre-Arrival Guide – Page 1 TRAVEL DATE - If you have an F1 visa, do not travel before April 18, 2012. You may have problems at the airport if you try to enter the U.S. before this date. F1 VISA APPLICATION – If you are an F1 student, you received F1 Visa Application information with your admission packet. Contact the U.S. consulate in your country for more information on visa application requirements. You can also find information at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html. If you receive I-20s forms from several different schools, it is very important that you enter the US with the I-20 of the school you really want to attend!http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html WASHINGTON DC AIRPORTS Washington Dulles International Airport – Dulles Airport is located about 15 miles northwest of George Mason. Most flights from overseas land there. There is a Foreign Visitors’ Desk just outside the Customs Hall. The Dulles Flyer Taxi can take you to the Fairfax area for approximately $40. Ronald Reagan National Airport – Reagan National Airport is mainly used for flights in the U.S. It is about 15 miles east of George Mason. A Travelers’ Aid Desk and Foreign Currency Exchange can be found there. Taxis are available to take you to the university for approximately $40. 9

10. Travel Pre-Arrival Guide – Page 2 AT THE AIRPORT - Show your I-20, passport, I-94, and customs declaration form to security. You should then receive a stamp on your I-94 and I-20. Check that you have these stamped documents before leaving security! HOUSING (contact Cloud Spurlock at kspurloc@gmu.edu for more information).kspurloc@gmu.edu George Mason Dormitories – Dormitories have limited space available. You received housing information with your admission documents. You must have your George Mason ID number and submit your housing application at http://housing.gmu.edu. Contact us at eli@gmu.edu for your ID#.http://housing.gmu.edueli@gmu.edu Off-campus Housing – If you plan to live off campus, you may want to check the website for off-campus housing: http://och.gmu.edu.http://och.gmu.edu Local Area Hotels – If you have not made housing arrangements before you come, you should plan to arrive a few days early. Here is a list of hotels that are close by: http://www.gmu.edu/resources/welcome/hotel.html 10

11. Travel Pre-Arrival Guide – Page 3 Money – Bring enough money with you to cover at least your first month’s expenses. Traveler’s checks in U.S. dollars are the most convenient and safest form of currency. Credit cards are also accepted at most places. The chart below shows expenses for the summer: ItemCostDue DateWhere to Pay Class Tuition$4,300 (full-time) + $430 for an optional elective June 4, 2012 (by 5:00 p.m.) Student Union 1, Cash Office, Room 104 Student Health Insurance (required for F1 and J1 students without scholarships) $ 437 Coverage from May 16 to August 15, 2012 May 21, 2012 at registration OR by June 4, 2012 At Registration OR in the ELI Office, Northern Neck, Room 108 Books and Educational Supplies $250 (approximate) Teachers will tell students when to buy books Johnson Center, University Bookstore On-Campus Housing (only for students who have applied for a dormitory) $1600 – 2000 (estimate) June 4, 2012 (by 5:00 p.m.) Student Union 1, Cash Office, Room 104 Temporary Housing and Meals for 5 days (only for students who need to stay at a hotel temporarily) $600 – 800 (estimate) Arrange with hotel 11

12. Travel Pre-Arrival Guide – Page 4 Health – In the U.S., most strong medications require a doctor’s prescription. You should bring with you enough medication for any conditions that you have. What to Bring – In Washington D.C, the weather is hot and humid in the summer and cold and dry in the winter. Bring clothes for all types of temperatures or plan to buy clothing when you arrive. There are many places to shop close to the university. Dress on campus is generally very casual and comfortable. Mason has a large and active international community so you can bring your national costume to wear at ELI and university international events. Remember to bring your driver’s license, visa documents, medical records, academic records, and important personal items. 12

13. F1 Student Responsibilities If you will study in ELI with an F1 student, you must follow the rules below to keep your F1 visa status valid: RuleWhat you need to do GIVE DOCUMENTS TO ELIBring your address form, passport, and original I-20 to the office by May 25, 2012 DO NOT LET DOCUMENTS EXPIREMake sure your passport and I-20 do not expire. The end date in your passport should be six months later than the current date. The completion of studies date on #5 of your I-20 should NOT be before you finish your studies at ELI. If you need to renew your I-20, bring an updated bank letter or scholarship letter to the ELI office before your I-20 ends. ENTER AND LEAVE THE U.S. ON THE CORRECT DATES You can enter the U.S. 30 days before the program start date on #5 of your I-20. When you finish your studies and go home permanently, you must leave the U.S. no later than 60 days after the semester ends. STUDY FULL-TIME AND DO NOT MISS CLASSES You must take full-time classes (20 hours/week). You must not miss too many classes. See the ELI Attendance Policy on Page 14 to find out how many classes you can miss each semester. If you miss too many classes, you will receive a failing grade and lose your F1 status. KNOW THE TRANSFER REQUIREMENTS If you want to transfer to a new school, you must have a valid F1 visa status. You can keep your F1 visa valid by attending class regularly and doing all of your work. If you plan to transfer, you must give ELI an acceptance letter and transfer form from your new school no later than 60 days after you complete your studies at ELI. KNOW THE TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS If you plan to leave the U.S. during a break in classes, you must bring your original I-20 to the ELI office. If you are eligible to return to ELI, a school official will sign Page 3 of your I-20. This will allow you to re-enter the U.S. after your travels. DO NOT WORK OFF-CAMPUSYou can work at George Mason up to 20 hours every week during the semester and up to 40 hours during the break. You cannot work outside of the university. 13

14. ELI Attendance Policy You must attend all of your classes regularly to keep your F1 status valid. If you miss too many classes, you will fail your class and lose your F1 visa status. If you lose your F1 visa status, you must go home immediately. The English Language Institute (ELI) Attendance Policy allows students to miss some classes each semester for sickness, family emergencies, or other personal reasons. The number of classes you can miss is different for each class. Please see the box below to find out how many times you can be absent in each class. Class Summer # of classes you can miss Spring or Fall # of classes you can miss Core510 Oral Communication Skills56 Elective24 Preparation for Grad Studyn/a10 Experiencing Grad Studyn/a4 Transition Supportn/a6 Academic Preparation5n/a High Advanced Writing34 High Advanced Speaking22 High Advanced Reading34 14

15. Health Insurance Requirement for F1 and J1 Students You do NOT need insurance if: You have a scholarship or government sponsored program that provides insurance that meets Mason’s Student Health Insurance plan You or your spouse/parent has a US employer who provides insurance that meets Mason’s Student Health Insurance Plan If you meet the requirements above, contact Johanna Byrne at 703-993-3660 or jbyrne2@gmu.edu for an exemption application form. Please apply for your waiver as early as possible and at least two weeks before the payment due date.jbyrne2@gmu.edu 15 If you have an F1 or J1 visa and you do NOT have a scholarship from your embassy, you must buy George Mason Health Insurance. International Health Insurance is NOT accepted. COST = $437 for Summer (May 5 – August 15, 2012) You will pay for insurance at Registration on May 21 At the beginning of Fall 2012, you will buy insurance again for coverage for Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 George Mason Health Insurance Information: The Mason Student Health Insurance Plan is covered under Aetna. Plan details can be found at: https://shs.gmu.edu/insurance/documents/brochure20112012.pdf The last day to apply for a Mason Student Health Insurance Plan is June 18, 2012.

16. Immunization Requirement for All Students George Mason Immunization Requirement: All students must comply with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Immunization Requirement: They must submit Immunization Records by the stated deadline. Students who do not meet the deadline will be charged a $25 fee and have a HOLD put on their account. If you were born before 1957, you do not need to complete the immunization form. Immunization Record Deadline: July 1, 2012 Complete the immunization form and fax it to Student Health Services at 703-993-4053. ELI sent you the form by email attachment. You can also find it here: http://shs.gmu.edu/immunizations/documents/immunizationrecordform7.pdf For more information, visit: http://shs.gmu.edu/immunizations http://shs.gmu.edu/immunizations If you have questions/concerns, please send an email to eli@gmu.edu ***IMPORTANT*** 1.We recommend that you get your required immunizations before you come to the U.S. so that you do not have to get shots after your arrival. 2.Bring any documents that show your immunization history. If you have a booklet that shows the shots you took, bring it with you. Immunizations Required 1.Hepatitis B must receive 3 doses of vaccine OR provide a titer report indicating positive immunity 2.Tetanus and Diphtheria: Last booster within 10 years 3.Two (2) doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine administered after your first birthday and after 1967 OR Titer report indicating MMR immunity is acceptable in place of vaccine documentation. 4.Meningococcal Vaccine: must receive vaccine or sign waiver 5.Tuberculosis Screening – Tuberculosis screening is required for all students as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health. TB screening should be done within the last 12 months. 16

17. Tuition for Dropped Courses – Summer 2012 If you want to drop a class, you must complete a drop form in the ELI Office by June 1, 2012, to get a full refund. See the table below to find out the tuition charge for dropping classes on a specific dates. If you are an F1 student, you must take full-time classes. You cannot drop a CORE or OCS class. You can only drop an ELECTIVE class. Please note that in Fall 2012, you must take CORE, OCS, and ELECTIVE classes. If you are NOT an F1 student, you can drop any class. Dates of DropTuition Charge May 22 – June 1, 2012No charge June 2 – June 8, 201233% of your tuition June 9 – June 15, 201267% of your tuition June 16 and after100% of your tuition 17

18. ELI Student Daily Schedule – Summer and Fall 2012 Summer 2012, May 16 – July 27, 2012 Fall 2012, August 22 – December 7, 2012 MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday CORE Class 9:30 – 12:10 CORE Class 9:30 – 12:10 CORE Class 9:30 – 12:10 CORE Class 9:30 – 12:10 ELECTIVE CLASS 10:30 -12:10 (optional) BREAK ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS CLASS 1:30 – 3:10 ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS CLASS 1:30 – 3:10 ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS CLASS 1:30 – 3:10 ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS CLASS 1:30 – 3:10 MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday CORE Class 10:30 – 12:20 CORE Class 8:50 – 10:20 CORE Class 10:30 – 12:20 CORE Class 8:50 – 10:20 CORE Class 10:30 – 12:20 BREAK ELECTIVE 1 1:30 – 2:20 ELECTIVE 2 2:30 – 3:20 ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS CLASS 2:50 – 4:20 ELECTIVE 1 1:30 – 2:20 ELECTIVE 2 2:30 – 3:20 ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS CLASS 2:50 – 4:20 ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS CLASS 1:30 – 3:20 18