1. Provides programs, general advising, and services for all non-immigrant international students upon arrival and throughout their programs. Does NOT provide academic advising. Location: CHHS Room 202 Phone: 704-687-7781 www.isso.uncc.edu

2.  They may be adjusting to English language, U.S. academic & social environment.  They have immigration rules and regulations to comply with.

3.  Assist students in enrolling in a full course of study each semester (undergraduate study = 12 hours) and refer them to the ISSO for any exceptions PRIOR to dropping below fulltime or withdrawing from the university.  May sign ISSO authorization form recommending an exception to fulltime enrollment under the following circumstances: ◦ Documented illness or medical condition ◦ Initial difficulty with the English language ◦ Initial difficulty with reading requirements ◦ Unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods ◦ Improper course level placement ◦ To complete course of study in current term  May sign ISSO authorization form recommending an extension of stay prior to student’s I-20 expiration if normal progress is being made.

4.  Difficulty participating in group discussions (due to language and/or culture)  Unfamiliarity with academic integrity guidelines  Requesting more time on exams  Using a dictionary or translator  Recording class lectures

5. 1. SMILE at me! 2. Names are important. Try to pronounce my name. I will appreciate your efforts. (Remember I must learn all English pronunciations). 3. Tell it simply. 4. Write it down for me, step by step. 5. If you don’t know the answer, send me to someone who does. 6. Ask me: “How are you?” Be personal, not mechanical. 7. Listen to my answers. Let me finish my own sentence. 8. Speak more slowly, not more loudly. 9. Recognize me. I do not know too many people. I need to belong, too. 10. Be interested in me. It’s O.K. to ask me about my country and my family. They are important to me. 11. If I omit something on a form, I probably don’t understand what I am supposed to write. 12. Make your ‘no’ both clear and friendly. 13. If I look confused or lost, it’s probably because I am.