New Student Resource Guide Spring 2016.indd

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Table of Contents
Important Tips and Reminders
Academics
Athletics
Email
Entertainment/Fun
Pioneer Passport
Technology
Transportation
U.S. Customs
Your EMPL ID#
Locating Campus Resources
Getting a Cell Phone
Opening a Bank Account
Reporting Discrimination, Bias Incidents, & Other Concerns
Health Insurance
Online ISSS Basic Instructions
Maintaining Legal Status on Your F-1 or J-1 Visa
I-94 Print-Out Instructions
Welcome to Platteville
Pharmacy Directory
Grocery Directory
Shopping Directory
Fun Things
Restaurant Directory
Religion/Worship
What to Buy: Initial Shopping List
Dates at a Glance
Fall 2015 Academic Calendar
Campus Map
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See Back
Important Tips and Reminders
Below is advice provided by current UW-Platteville international
students for new international students
Academics
•Attending class is very important; many professors count class attendance toward your final grade.
Even if some professors do not check attendance, they may have pop quizzes so make sure you
attend class so that you will not miss those points.
•If you need help with studying or writing papers, the Writing and Tutoring Resource (WATR) Center
provides writing assistance for free and tutoring for a minimal fee. For more information, please
visit WATR on the third floor of Brigham Hall.
•UW-Platteville professors and academic advisors are very understanding; do not be afraid to go talk to
them if you have questions or concerns. It is better to get assistance when you first encounter a
problem or concern rather than waiting until the problem gets out of control. UWP has an
academic advisor for international students who is a great resource for asking your questions and
providing extra assistance. Call 608-342-1726 to schedule an appointment.
•Be on time! In U.S. culture, particularly in U.S. university culture, it is often considered rude or
irresponsible to arrive late to class or meetings.
Athletics
•There are many university-sponsored sports team to join, but if you are looking to just play for fun,
UW-Platteville Intramural offers sports such as; badminton, tennis, soccer, football, etc. Check out
more info at the Intramural office in the Pioneer Activity Center (PAC) in the Williams Fieldhouse.
See http://www.uwplatt.edu/intramurals/ for more information.
•The Pioneer Activity Center (PAC) is always free for UW-Platteville students to use to work out. More
information about the PAC facilities and hours is available at http://www.uwplatt.edu/pac.
Email
• Checking your UW-Platteville e-mail every day is very important! Professors (and university
departments, such as the International Student and Scholar Services Office) will send out reminders or
updates about class schedules and other important information through this e-mail account.
• Instructions for accessing your uwplatt.edu email account:
1. Go to www.uwplatt.edu
2. Click on “Shortcuts” at the top of the page
3. Click on “Email”
4. Click on “Email Login”
5. Enter your Net ID and password that you set up at orientation
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Important Tips and Reminders
Entertainment/Fun
• If you want to have more friends and enjoy your life in the U.S., you should not spend
most of your time in your residence hall room or apartment; try to join organizations and sports
teams and participate in campus activities and events!
•Looking for a fun trip to go on or an on-campus event to attend? Check the Campus
Programming and Relations (CPR) updates on Facebook (search for “Campus Programming and
Relations”) or on the CPR website at http://www.uwplatt.edu/cpr/up coming-events. There is
always something fun to do with CPR!
•Do you like doing outside activities, such as canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, camping, caving, paint
balling, or skiing? Check out the Outdoor Recreation page on Facebook (search for “University
of Wisconsin-Platteville Outdoor Recreation Department”) or on PioneerLink (https://uwplatt.
collegiatelink.net/organization/outdoorrecreation). The Outdoor Recreation Department is
located in the lower level of the Pioneer Activity Center (PAC) in the Williams Fieldhouse.
•Join the International Student Club Facebook group on Facebook to find out about fun international
events happening on campus. Simply search Facebook for “International Student Club
(UW-Platteville).”
•There are “$1 Movie Night” tickets for sale every month at the info desk in the Markee
Pioneer Student Center (MPSC) . Your Pioneer Passport (student ID card) is required to purchase
tickets.
•Look for a UW-Platteville club or student organization to join on PioneerLink at
https://uwplatt.collegiatelink.net/. There’s something for everyone!
Pioneer Passport (Student ID Card)
• Your Pioneer Passport (or student ID) is used for many purposes:
-To pay for your meals (if you have a meal plan or dining dollars/points on your card) in the
campus dining facilities such as the Pioneer Crossing and Stations.
-Pioneer Perk and Greenwood Market.
-To check out and return books at the library.
-To check out laptops from Information Technology Services (ITS).
-To enter the Pioneer Activity Center (PAC) and indoor track and for access to some residence halls.
-To get discounts on university-sponsored athletic events and other community events.
-To get your textbooks from the textbook center.
-To pay for on-campus laundry facilities (except in Rountree Commons).
-Ride the campus shuttle bus.
•If you do not have a meal plan, it is easier (and cheaper) to buy food with points/dining dollars on your
Pioneer Passport rather than using cash. If you use dining dollars/points, you are not charged sales
tax.
•Students can now add money to your Passport Funds online at https://eacct-uwplatt-sp.blackboard.
com/eaccounts/AnonymousHome.aspx or in person in the Pioneer Passport Office (second floor of
the Markee Pioneer Student Center).
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Important Tips and Reminders
Technology
•If you do not have a laptop and would like to borrow one for up to 72 hours, you can check out laptops
from the Information Technology Services (ITS) Help Desk on the first floor of Karmann Library.
Call 608-342-1400 or email [email protected] for details. You can review the “Laptop
Borrower’s Responsibilities” at https://kb.uwplatt.edu/page.php?id=30121 for more
information. There are also many computer labs on campus, including the Bear’s Den in the
Markee Pioneer Student Center (MPSC)and in Karrmann Library.
•If you have trouble with your computer/laptop or any other computer programs, go to
RESNET, which is located on the first floor in Royce Hall.
•Use your “J: Drive” on your computer, a safe and secure way to save and store important documents.
Transportation
•A campus shuttle is available during the academic year to provide transportation to locations around
the campus and in the community. UW-Platteville students ride free. You are required to bring
your UW-Platteville ID or community pass in order to ride on the shuttle. More information can
be found at: http://www.uwplatt.edu/transportation/pioneer-transit-campus-shuttle
•Lamers Bus Company provides transportation from UW-Platteville to Madison every day. The bus
schedule and cost is listed at http://www.golamers.com/services/lamers-connect/dubuque-tomadison-daily-route/. Cost is approximately $23 one way, but students can get a 15% discount if
they show their student ID.
•Bus rides to Chicago are also available, but direct bus routes to Chicago are only available from
Platteville on a limited number of days per year. Typically, students first need to take a bus from
Platteville to Madison (or Platteville to Dubuque) and then from Madison to Chicago (or
Dubuque to Chicago). Information on purchasing tickets and the bus schedule can be found at:
http://www.uwplatt.edu/transportation/regional-travel.
•Wearing a seatbelt is required by law in Wisconsin and in most states within the U.S.
•For other ideas on how to get around or out of Platteville, please see the UW-Platteville Transportation
webpage at http://www.uwplatt.edu/transportation.
•For information about driving in the U.S. or getting a Wisconsin driver’s license and/or buying a car,
please see our ISSS website at http://www.uwplatt.edu/isss/driving-us.
•Join the “UW-Platteville Ride Board” on Facebook to ask other students for rides (or offer rides) to local
towns/cities in Wisconsin, Illinois, and the surrouding areas.
•The Platteville taxi operates from 6am to 8pm Monday through Wednesday and from 6am to 3am
Thursday-Saturday and from 7amm to 1pm on Sunday. The fare is $2.75 per ride, with an
additional $1 for additional riders to the same location within City Limits. There is an additional
$2 per mile above and beyond the appropriate base rate for trips outside of the City Limits. Call
608-348-6767 to schedule a ride.
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Important Tips and Reminders
U.S. Customs
•In the U.S., you should give waiters and waitresses in restaurants “tips.” Customers generally leave
between 15 percent and 20 percent of their total bill as a tip. If you’re not good at math, simply
leave your server double the amount of tax you paid on the meal.
•In the U.S., the drinking age is 21. If you are purchasing alcohol, you will need to show a form of
identification with your birthdate, such as your passport.
•If you want to smoke in a car or home, always ask the owner if smoking is permitted there, since
smoking is not as widely practiced or accepted as in some other countries.
•When writing calendar dates, Americans list the month first, the day second and the year third.
•U.S. Americans use the Fahrenheit scale to calculate temperatures and miles to calculate distance.
1 mi = 1.61 km
1 km = .62 mi
•Daylight Saving Time in the United States is the practice of setting the clock forward by one hour
during the warmer part of the year, so that evenings have more daylight and mornings have less.
Most areas of the United States currently observe daylight saving time, including Wisconsin.
Clocks “spring” forward on the second Sunday of March (from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m.), and “fall” back
on the first Sunday of November (from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m.).
•The continental United States has four time zones. Wisconsin is in the Central time zone. From east to
west, the time zones are the Eastern (1 hour ahead), Central, Mountain (1 hour behind) and Pacific
(2 hours behind).
•In the U.S., telephone numbers are 10 digits. The first three numbers are called the “area code” and
indicate from what part of the country the caller is located (or where the mobile phone was
purchased).
Your EMPL ID Number
•Your “Empl ID #” is your 9-digit Student ID number.
•Your Empl ID number is NOT the number on your Pioneer Passport/Student ID card; rather, you can
find your Empl ID number on your PASS account (“Student Center”→ “Demographic Date” or
on your tuition bill).
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Locating Campus Resources
Campus Directory/Phonebook
Looking for your professor’s phone number or email address? For links to the Online Campus
Phonebook, the UW-Platteville Department Contact List, and much more, please visit http://www.uwplatt.edu/phonebook.
A-Z Index
The A-to-Z Index of UW-Platteville’s website is an alphabetical listing of university departments, offices, and other sections of
this website, that helps users find web pages.
Instructions for using the A-Z Index:
1. Go to www.uwplatt.edu
2. Click on “Shortcuts” at the top of the page
3. Click on “A-Z Index”
4. Click on one of the letters at the top of the page for a list of links associated with topics that begin with that letter. (For example, click “I” for “International Student and Scholar Services”)
Information Desk
•If you have any questions about where to find something or someone on campus, stop by the Information Desk (also known
as the Info Desk) in the Markee Pioneer Student Center (MPSC). The Info Desk staff will likely be able to answer
your question!
•The Info desk also has a “Lost and Found”, which means that if you lose something on campus, you should check at the Info
Desk to see if someone turned your lost item in at the Lost and Found. Likewise, if you find something that someone
else has lost, turn it in at the Info Desk.
•You can purchase stamps, mail letters, and cash checks (up to $60) at the Info Desk in the Markee Pioneer Student Center.
Int’l Student Handbook/ University Catalogues
Download a copy of the International Student Handbook at https://www.uwplatt.edu/isss/
international-student-handbook. Whether you are here as a visiting international student or scholar, this handbook is designed to answer some of your questions and help you locate the resources and services you may need during your time at
UW-Platteville.
The International Student Handbook should be used in combination with the undergraduate catalog and/or graduate catalog
available at http://www.uwplatt.edu/registrar/catalogs. The university
catalogs contain important information regarding course registration, academic and student conduct policies policies, and
how to remain in good academic standing.
ISSS Website
For more information about health insurance, employment authorizations, travel, immigration regulations, etc., please visit
the ISSS website at http://www.uwplatt.edu/isss.
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Getting a Cell Phone
There are multiple cell phone plans available that do not require
Social Security Numbers or other identification that international
students may not have.
All of the information in this handout pertains to no-contract plans.
This means you do NOT have to sign a contract where you agree to
pay a specific amount of money for a long period of time (usually 1-2
years). Instead, with no-contract plans, you can buy one month of
service at a time and end whenever you want, without any penalty
fees. Also, many no-contract plans will keep your phone number
reserved for you, even if you do not purchase any months of service
for a while (example: If you return to your home country for a while
and do not want to pay for your plan while away from the USA).
Choosing the Right Plan
It is important to think about what you will be using the phone for and what type of plan will best fit it.
•Do you want to call internationally?
•Do you want web access?
•Are you more of a talker or texter?
•Do you like having the newest phone available?
Some plans are difficult (or impossible) to change once you purchase them, or you might have to buy a
new phone or get a new phone number. So think carefully about what you want the phone for!
Many people select an “unlimited” plan so they do not have to worry about running out of minutes,
texts, or web/data. However, many of the plans that are NOT unlimited have “add-ons”, where you can
buy extra minutes, texts, or data to a month that is very busy.
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Getting a Cell Phone
Choosing the Right Cell Phone
A phone does not come automatically with your phone plan; you will have to purchase one to go
with your plan.
You must select a phone that is compatible with your phone company and a no-contract plan. The
type of phone you get depends on the type of plan you choose. For example, if you want a plan that
has web/data, you will need to select a phone that is able to access web/data; or if you will only be
talking/texting, you can select a simpler/less expensive phone if you want.
Walmart has some phones available for you to choose from, and each phone company has more
phones available on their websites.
How to Purchase
Phones and plans can be purchased, in person, at Walmart or a local cell phone store (Verizon and
U.S. Cellular have stores in Platteville). They can also be purchased online, at Walmart.com or the
websites of many of the cell phone companies.
Questions to Consider
•What happens if I choose to not purchase a plan one month, can I reactivate it later?
•Am I able to dial internationally? If yes, to what countries, and is it to landlines or mobile numbers?
•For plans that limit the number of minutes, texts, or data, what happens if I go over that amount?
•I have a specific number of minutes/texts that I can use each month, are incoming calls/texts
(ones I receive) counted toward that number?
•Can I change my plan?
• After you buy them, all issues/questions about your phone/plan must be directed
to the phone company (example: Straight Talk), not from the store you purchased
them from (example: Walmart), unless it is the same place (example: The U.S. Cellular store in Platteville)
•The options listed on the next page are not a complete listing of all plans/other plans
are available. However, not all companies have good reception in the Platteville area.
The list above shows ones that seem to have fairly good reception in the Platteville
area, but everyone’s experience is different!
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Getting a Cell Phone
Company Plan Name
NET10
$50 Prepaid
Card
NET 10
Unlimited
Talk/Text
NET 10
Unlimited
Talk/Text
and 3.5 GB
NET 10
Unlimited
Talk/Text
and 500 MB
NET 10
Unlimited
Talk/Text
and 5 GB
Straight
$10 Global
Talk
International
Card
Contract Price Minutes
No
$50 Unlimited
Texting
Unlimited
No
$35
Unlimited
Unlimited
No
$60
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited* *1st 3.5GB at 4G
speeds
No
$40
Unlimited
Unlimited
500MB
No
$75
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited* *1st 5GB at 4G
speeds
No
$10
Depends
No
on country
called
No
No
$30
1,500
Unlimited
100MB
Unlimited
Unlimited
Straight
Talk
Straight
Talk
All You
Need
Unlimited
No
$45
Straight
Talk
Unlimited
No
International
$60
Data/Web Notes
Unlimited 1st 3GB at high
speeds
No
This is an addon that can be
combined with
any plan, balance carries
over. Check
website for
approved
international
calls
Unlimited* *High speed
data for 1st 3GB,
unlimited 2G
speed after
Unlimited* Unlimited^ Unlimited *Nationwide
and international. Check website for approved
international
calls.
^Nationwide
only.
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Getting a Cell Phone
Company
Plan Name Contract Price Minutes
Straight
Talk
Wireless
No
Home
Phone w/
International Calling
$30
Unlimited* No
T-Mobile
$30
100
Unlimited Unlimited
T-Mobile
No
$30
Unlimited
Web & Text
with 100
Min Talk
$60 4G LTE No
$60
Unlimited
T-Mobile
$70 4G LTE No
$70
Unlimited
T-Mobile
$80 4G LTE No
$80
Unlimited
T-Mobile
No
$50
Unlimited
No
$40
Unlimited
No
$45
Unlimited
No
$55
Unlimited
No
$65
Unlimited
Verizon
4G $50
Unlimited
Unlimited
Mobile Web
$45 Simple
Connect
$55 Simple
Connect
$65 Simple
Connect
Verizon $35
No
$35
Unlimited
Verizon
Verizon $45 No
$45
Unlimited
Verizon
Verizon $70 No
$70
Unlimited
Unlimited Unlimited* *Up to 3GB 4G
LTE Data
Unlimited Unlimited* *Up to 4GB 4G
LTE Data
Unlimited Unlimited* *Unlimited 4G
LTE Data
Unlimited Unlimited* *1st 100 MB at
up to 4G speeds
Unlimited Unlimited* *Mobile web for
basic phones
Unlimited Unlimited* *1GB at high
speeds
Unlimited Unlimited *2GB at high
speeds
Unlimited Unlimited *4GB at high
speeds
Unlimited 500 MB
Data
Unlimited Unlimited* *Unlimited web,
1GB Data
Unlimited Unlimited* *Unlimited web,
2.5GB Data
US Cellular
US Cellular
US Cellular
US Cellular
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Texting
Data/Web Notes
No
This is a house
phone. No
internet needed
for connection.
*Nationwide
and
international.
Check website
for approved
international
calls.
4G speed
Opening a Bank Account
The following banks in Platteville are able to service international
students. All these banks are within walking distance of campus.
You need to ask for a personal banker to open an account.
We recommend you call to make an appointment (see below).
Mound City Bank
25 East Pine Street
Platteville, Wisconsin
Hours: Mon-Thurs 8:30-4:30, Fri 8:30-5:00
(608) 348-2685
Anchor Bank
80 S. Court Street
Platteville, Wisconsin
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-5:00, Sat 8:00-12:00pm
(608) 348-9556
American Bank (Near Piggly Wiggly)
Appointment Required
Phone number required
University address on “Official Document” required.
130 McGregor Plaza
Platteville, Wisconsin
Hours: Mon-Thurs 8:00-4:30, Fri 8:00-5:00
(608) 348-4300
Anchor Bank
Mound City
American Bank
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Opening a Bank Account
Making an Appointment
Opening a bank account will take about 20 to 40 minutes. Calling to set up an appointment is best.
You can say “I’d like to set up a bank account. I am an international student at UW-Platteville.”
Documents to Bring to Your Appointment
•Passport
•Student ID (Pioneer Passport)
•A printed paper with the following information:
•Your name
•Your Platteville address (residence hall room number, street address of
residence hall
•Your cell phone number
•Your @uwplatt.edu and your personal email addresses
•Your family’s mailing address in your home country and
•Your mother’s maiden name (her surname before she was married).
NOTE: the bank needs this information to contact you if needed and to help prevent fraud
Choosing the Right Account for You
Usually international students will choose the Free Checking account. You
Yo will need to put in a minimum of $25 -$50. However, there are many types of accounts to choose from and the banker can explain
them.
Questions to Ask
•What is the minimum amount of money I need to OPEN the account?
•Is there a minimum monthly balance? If yes, what happens if my balance falls below the minimum?
•Is there a minimum number of purchases I must make each month with my debit card? If yes, what
happens if I don’t make this many purchases?
•Could you please explain how money can be wired to my account from my country? •What are the
fees for this?
•Is internet banking available? How do I start this?
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Opening a Bank Account
Using a Debit Card
•You can use a debit card for payments at stores, gas stations, or to get money from an ATM.
•ATM locations on campus: the Markee Pioneer Pioneer Student Center Glenview Commons, and
Ullsvik Hall.
•A money withdrawal from the ATM is not a purchase. This is important because sometimes there is
a minimum number of purchases required each month.
•It will take approximately two weeks to receive your debit card by mail. You will receive 2
mailings: the first mailing will have your PIN number (a 4-digit number); the second piece of
mail will be the actual Debit Card.
•Ask your bank if you will be charged a fee to withdraw money from ATMs or if there is a monthly
charge for the debit card.
•Do not share your PIN number with anyone.
Wiring Money
You may have your family send money from your home country to your Free Checking account.
One transaction will cost a fee (usually $20-$50) plus the costs your bank in your home country may
charge you. Ask your bank what the fee is to wire money. Your bank will give you the specific instructions you need to wire money, BUT YOU MUST ASK FOR THE INSTRUCTIONS. You can also
link your Free Checking account to a PayPal account.
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Reporting Discrimination, Bias Incidents,
& Other Concerns
The University Bias Incident Team (UBIT) is a group of campus representatives committed to supporting students, faculty, and staff who have been affected by a bias incident (discrimination). UBIT
reviews any reported incidents of bias, gathers information, and recommends a plan of action to
ensure that those affected by the incident receive support. Anyone can report an incident of bias that
they have witnessed or experienced by using the online form at http://www.uwplatt.edu/diversity/
bias-incident-reporting to report incidents of prejudice, discrimination and/or hate incidents. Please
see http://www.uwplatt.edu/diversity/university-bias-incident-team for more information.
The priority of the Behavioral Review and Recommendation Team (BRRT) is to identify and help
any person who may be experiencing difficulty or who may pose a threat to the safety of themselves
or the safety of others in the university community or who disrupts the normal functioning of the
University. The focused efforts of BRRT are to assess situations, provide support and resources to
help students or employees, recommend monitoring of situations, or recommend interventions.
There are various ways to report a concern to BRRT, including sending an email to
[email protected] or filling out the online Report Form at http://www.uwplatt.edu/brrt. The
identity of a person sending a concern to the BRRT will be protected and anonymous reports will be
accepted.
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Health Insurance
About Your Health Insurance
UW-Platteville works with Student Assurance Services (SAS) to contract for health insurance for international students and scholars. Participation in the UW-Platteville group health insurance policy through
SAS is required for all F and J international students, scholars, and their dependents. You will
automatically be enrolled in this insurance plan each semester, and you will be covered over the summer
months, as long as you are an enrolled student or the dependent of an enrolled student at UW-Platteville
who is not on a scholarship from the governments of Kuwait or Saudi Arabia.
The insurance plan provides continuous protection, 24 hours a day, anywhere in the world during the
period of coverage for which the proper premium has been paid. The insurance charge will be added
to students’ bills at the beginning of each semester. Summer insurance for continuing students will be
charged to the students’ spring semester bills.
Finding a Doctor
INSIDE Wisconsin - Call HealthEOS Plus: 800-279-9776
OUTSIDE Wisconsin - Call Multiplan: 888-342-7427
You are strongly encouraged to call the phone numbers above and verify with the doctor before scheduling doctors appointments to determine whether each doctor/provider is a participating or
non-participating provider in your health insurance plan. The provider you choose will likely affect
how much your insurance company will pay for the care you receive and the amount of money you will
need to pay yourself. To find preferred providers, go to www.multiplan.com. Also, see the “Guide to
Finding a Doctor” at http://www.uwplatt.edu/isss/health-insurance.
Ask Nurseline
Students who enroll and maintain medical coverage in this insurance plan have access to a 24-hour
nurse line administered by Ask Mayo Clinic. This program provides:
• Phone-based, reliable health information in response to health concerns and questions
• Assistance in decisions on the appropriate level of care for an injury or sickness. Appropriate care may
include self-care at home, a call to a physician, or a visit to the emergency room.
Calls are answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by experienced registered nurses who have been specifically trained to handle telephone health inquiries.
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Health Insurance
What is Included in Your Health Insurance Plan?
Health and accident insurance does not cover all medical expenses. In general, it covers the higher costs
that result from accidents and serious illness. For a complete list of what is covered, please see the
“Schedule of Benefits” on pages 7-9 of the “Brochure of Coverage” at www.sas-mn.com. Care for
mental conditions, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, as well as pre-natal care are all covered as any other
sickness. Intercollegiate, club, and intramural sports injuries are covered as any other injury. Benefits
also include medical evacuation and repatriation.
What is NOT Included in Your Health Insurance Plan?
To see an extensive list of treatments and services not covered by your insurance, please see the “General Exclusions and Limitations” on page 13-14 of the “Brochure of Coverage.” In general, these
exclusions include routine visits to the doctor, experimental treatments, and hazardous sports, such as
four-wheeling (ATVs), snow-mobiling, parasailing, and sky-diving.
Perscriptions/Medications
When a physician prescribes a drug for a covered injury and sickness, you can purchase the prescription
drug at a Catamaran participating pharmacy by showing your insurance card to the pharmacy as proof
of coverage. You will pay a copay based on the type of prescription drug purchased; copay amounts are
listed in the “Schedule of Benefits” on page 8 of the “Brochure of Coverage”. For a complete listing of
Catamaran participating pharmacies visit: myCatamaranRx.com or call 855-312-8439.
Preventative Services Covered
For a list of preventative services covered by your insurance, please visit:
https://www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-benefits/
Questions?
For more information, please visit: http://www.uwplatt.edu/isss/health-insurance
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Online ISSS - Basic Instructions
About your ISSS Account
You now have an online account (called ISSS) through the International Student and Scholar Services
(ISSS) Office website! When you log onto your online ISSS account, you will be able to do the following
things:
* Update your emergency contact information
* Update your anticipated graduation date
* View “learning content” (i.e. detailed information about filing taxes, etc.), fill out questionnaires, view
messages, and much more.
ISSS will be sending you emails through ISSS that will often ask you to log-in to your ISSS account and
take actions such as updating your address, updating your emergency contact information, uploading
documents, and much more, so make sure you read these messages carefully!
How to Log in to ISSS for the First Time
1. Go to the ISSS website at www.uwplatt.edu/isss and click on “ISSS” on the far right side of the top
menu OR go to https://isss.uwplatt.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Security.Login.
2. Click “Forgot Your Password?” under “Please Log In.”
3. Enter your uwplatt.edu email address, and a new temporary password will be sent to your email
address.
4. Once you have received the email from ISSS with your temporary password, follow the instructions
given in the email to set up a permanent password for your account.
For First-Time Log-In
1. After logging in to ISSS for the first time, you will be prompted to fill out your profile questions,
including your address and emergency contact information.
2. After you have finished filling out your profile questions, please click on the “My home” link.
3. Click on the “Edit Profile” button.
4. Type your personal email address into the “CC Email Address Field” under the “Profile” tab.
5. Click on the “Information” tab. These are your responses to the profile questions that you can edit
at any time. Make sure all the information you have entered is correct.
6. Click on the “Address Info” tab. If you need to update your address, your parents’ address(es) or
your emergency contact information, click on the pencil icon next to the address you need to
update.
7. Now click on “My home” again. Under the blue “Applications” box, click on
“UW-P Degree-Seeking” (or whatever your primary program is at UW-Platteville)
8. You can access electronic copies of your passport and visa on the “Applications” page under “Attached
Documents.” Note that our ISSS Office will work to ensure that your most up-to-date I-20 is
uploaded into your ISSS account. We will also keep your passport and visa up-to-date in ISSS if you
bring us a copy of any updated immigration documents you receive.
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Online ISSS - Basic Instructions
How to Update Emergency Contact Information in ISSS
1. Log in to ISSS at https://isss.uwplatt.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Security.Login
2. Click on “Edit Profile” button under the “Profile” section
3. Click on the “Address Info” tab
4. Click on the pencil icon in the “Action” section next to “Emergency Contact (HOME COUNTRY
EMERGENCY CONTACT)” and “Emergency Contact (US EMERGENCY CONTACT)”
5. Click “Update”
How to Update Your Address(es) in ISSS
1. Log in to ISSS at https://isss.uwplatt.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Security.Login
2. Click on “Edit Profile” button under the “Profile” section
3. Click on the “Address Info” tab
4. Click on the pencil icon in the “Action” section next to whichever address type you would like to
update (home/permanent address, mailing address, UW-Platteville address, parent address, etc.)
5. Click “Update”
6. IMPORTANT: After updating your mailing address (in the U.S.) or your UW-Platteville address in
ISSS, please email the International Student and Scholar Services office at [email protected] to
let them know your current address.
How to Access Copies of Immigration Documents in ISSS
1. Log in to ISSS at https://isss.uwplatt.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Security.Login
2. Click on the Applicant on the menu on the left-hand side and click on “My Home”
3. Under “Applications” in the middle of the screen, click on “UWP – Degree Seeking”
4. On the left-hand side, there will be a blue box entitled “Attached Documents.” Your most recent visa
and passport will all be uploaded here.
5. Note: Make sure you always bring a copy of your updated immigration documents to the ISSS Office
in Royce Hall so that we can upload your most recent immigration documents to ISSS.
Learning Content, Documents, Questionnaires,
Signature Documents
1. Log in to ISSS at https://isss.uwplatt.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Security.Login
2. Click on the Applicant on the menu on the left-hand side and click on “My Home.”
3. Under “Applications” in the middle of the screen, click on “UWP – Degree Seeking.” This will bring
you to a page that contains your learning content, your signature documents, your material
submissions and your questionnaires. You should read through the learning content and click
“mark as read” at the bottom of each learning content document.
20
Maintaining Legal Status on Your F-1 or J-1 Visa
Listed below are essential rules that you are responsible for abiding by with respect to
U.S. immigration law and F-1/J-1 student visa regulations.
1
Valid Passport and I-20/DS-2019
Keep your passport valid and your I-20/DS-2019 up-to-date at all times.
Note: Your visa is allowed to expire while you are in the U.S., but you will need to renew it if you travel outside the U.S. and need to re-enter.
2
Full Time Enrollment
If you are a student, maintain your full-time enrollment during the academic year (Fall and Spring). Enrollment in the summer session is not required. Full-time means a minimum of 20 clock hours for ELP students, 12 credits for undergraduates, and 9 credits for
graduate students, each semester. Graduate students who are doing a graduate
assistantship or working on thesis credits are only required to be enrolled in 6 credits per semester to be
considered a full-time student.
Authorization Required for Reduced Course Load (RCL): Although limited, there are a few scenarios in
which authorization to drop below full-time may be granted by
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) to F-1 students. Authorization for an RCL must be granted
by ISSS prior to the student dropping below full-time. Students may request an RCL from ISSS for (and only
for) the following documented reasons:
•Difficulty with English language or reading requirements (may be used only once)
•Unfamiliar with American teaching methods
•Improper course level placement
•Less than a full course load is needed to complete the degree program
•Documented medical reason for requesting a less than full-time schedule
3
Change of Address
File a change of address to both the registrar’s office and International Student and Scholar Services Office
within 10 days of moving. Failure to do so may result in termination of your student status. Always make
sure that the International Student Office has your current address and cell phone number.
4
Change of Major
If you change your major, make an appointment with the ISSS Office. Your major will need to be updated in
SEVIS and you will need a new I-20 reflecting the new major.
5
Change/Issue to Report to ISSS
Contact International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) for the following reasons:
•If you passport/visa and/or I-20/DS-2019 are stolen, lost, or damaged.
•If your name or source of funding changes.
•If you will be leaving the University of Wisconsin-Platteville permanently or temporarily
(withdrawing, transferring to another school, or stopping out for a semester or more).
21
Maintaining Legal Status on Your F-1 or J-1 Visa
6
Online Course
No more than one fully online course (3 credits) per semester may be counted toward the full-course of study
requirement by F-1 or J-1 students.
7
Travel
If you are traveling outside the United States, you need a valid travel signature from the Designated School
Official (DSO) in the ISSS Office on your I-20 or DS-2019. Do not TRAVEL outside the United States even
briefly without the proper documents and signatures on those documents. Travel signatures for an I-20 (page
3) are valid up to 12 months, and travel signatures for a DS-2019 (page 1) are valid for 6 months.
8
Employment Authorization
Do not accept employment unless the employment is officially authorized or is routinely permitted for
people in your immigration status (such as on-campus employment for F-1 students). F-1 students may not
work off-campus without prior approval for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical
Training (OPT) from ISSS, and J-1 students may not work off-campus without Academic Training (AT)
authorization. This includes internships, co-ops, and other unpaid curricular training programs. Students
must have a written job offer to apply for a social security number.
9
Program Extension
Do not accept employment unless the employment is officially authorized or is routinely permitted for people in your immigration status (such as on-campus employment for F-1 students). F-1 students may not work
off-campus without prior approval for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training
(OPT) from ISSS, and J-1 students may not work off-campus without Academic Training (AT) authorization.
This includes internships, co-ops, and other unpaid curricular training programs. Students must have a
written job offer to apply for a social security number.
10
Filing Taxes
International students are required to file a federal tax form for each year they are in the USA, whether or not
they have any income. As mandated by United States laws,
international students must file the following tax forms:
•If you worked in the United States during the previous calendar year: Please file Form 1040-NR or Form
1040-NR-EZ, and Form 8843.
•If you didn’t work: Please file Form 8843.
22
Maintaining Legal Status on Your F-1 or J-1 Visa
11
Completing Your Program
If you are about to graduate or otherwise complete the activity for which you came to the U.S. and you want
to remain in the U.S. for further study or some other activity, apply BEFORE you complete your current
activity for whatever authorization you need to remain here. If you plan on leaving the U.S. permanently,
fill out a departure form at ISSS.
12
Grace Period
Abide by grace period rules (Duration of Status):
•F1 – 60 day grace period from the program end date on your I-20.
•J1 – 30 day grace period to prepare for departure after the end date on your DS-2019.
13
Rights and Responsibilities
Give truthful answers to any questions a law enforcement officer or government official might ask you about
your student visa status. For more information about your rights and responsibilities when stopped by
Police, Immigration Agents or the FBI, see http://www.aclu.org/drug-law-reform-immigrants-rights-racialjustice/know-your-rights-what-do-if-you.
14
Never Throw Away or Lose Your 1-20 or DS-2019
even after you have completed your program. Make copies of all of your immigration
documents and store them in a separate place away from your originals, in case something
happens to your original immigration documents. If you ever decide to apply for future
immigration benefits in the U.S. (such as OPT, H-1B visa, etc.), you will need to submit
copies of ALL of your past I-20s and/or DS-2019s.
15
I-94
Print 2 copies of your Form I-94 from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94 each time you re-enter
the U.S. from overseas and bring one copy to the ISSS Office in Royce Hall. It is important
to note that if you leave and re-enter the U.S. during your authorized program, your
previous Form I-94 will be overwritten and a new automated record will be created. If your
I-94 record contains any errors or if you cannot find your I-94 record online, immediately
notify the ISSS Office.
23
I-94 Print-Out Instructions
1
Go to https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94. Bookmark this website for
future reference.
2
Fill in the fields using the information from your immigration
documents (Passport and I-20 or DS-2019)
3
You will need to print out 2 COPIES of your I-94. You will bring
one copy to the International Student and Scholar Services
(ISSS) office after each time you re-enter the U.S. from overseas and you will keep one copy for yourself. Either drop off
a copy of your I-94 printout at the ISSS office (Royce 111B) or
scan and email the printout to [email protected]
4
If you have any problems accessing your electronic I-94,
please contact [email protected] as soon as possible. It is
very important that any issue with your I-94 and legal entry to
the U.S. be resolved right away after you re-enter the U.S. or it
could cause complications for you later on.
24
Welcome to Platteville!
While you study at University of Wisconsin-Platteville, be sure to make a trip off
campus and visit Platteville. Located in the Driftless Region, an area of the
United States untouched by the glaciers of the Ice Age, Platteville stands as a
unique town in Southwest Wisconsin. Platteville boasts a population of over
11,000 people, making it the largest city in the southwest corner of Wisconsin.
Take advantage of the many cultural and historical opportunities the city has to
offer by participating in some of the events sponsosred by the city this summer,
eating at one of Platteville’s many quality restaurants, or shopping on Platteville’s historic Main Street.
Pharmacy Directory
Hartig Drug
180 West Pine St
608-348-9771
Walgreens
675 S Water St
608-348-7611
Grocery Directory
Aldi
1530 E Business Hwy
608-348-8260
Driftless Market
95 West Main St
608-348-2696
Piggly Wiggly
255 McGregor Plaza
608-348-2345
25
Shopping Directory
Kmart
1425 E Business Hwy 151
608-348-6555
Platteville Thrift Shop
950 Lancaster St
608-348-7947
Radio Shack
150 McGregor Plaza
608-348-8909
Wal-Mart Super Center
1800 Progressive Parkway
608-348-4888
Fun Things
Avalon Cinema
95 East Main St
608-348-5006
Millenium Cinema
151 Millenium Drive
608-348-4296
6729 North Water
608-348-4653
Platteville Golf & Country Club
Pioneer Lanes & Arcade
Mining and Rollo Jamison Museam
Family Aquatic Center (Pool)
Mountain Biking
608-348-6888
Skateboarding
1185 Highway 151
608-349-6631
405 East Main St.
608-348-3301
1155 N 4th St
608-348-5186
For the “extreme biker,” join like-minded souls at “The
Farm” on Tuesday nights from 5:30 pm until dark. The
Hirsch Farm is southwest of Platteville and is home to
some of the best moutain bike trails around including a
challening single track
A skateboard park is open to the public on East Main St.
26
Restaurant Directory
Badger Brothers Coffee
10 E Main Street
608-348-7764
Benvenuto’s
1621 Progressive Parkway
608-348-5000
Berry-Yo Frozen Yogurt
305 E Business Hwy 151
608-348-9511
Country Kitchen
65 E Bus Hwy 151
608-348-3041
Cold Fusion
92 E Main Street
608-348-7170
Culver’s
375 E Bus Hwy 151
608-348-9993
Fiesta Cancun
105 E Bus Hwy 151
608-348-2735
Jimmy John’s
105 E Main St
608-348-8010
Las Palmas
300 W Bus Hwy 151
608-348-7790
Milio’s Sandwiches
90 E Main St
608-348-3450
Papa Murphy’s
160 McGregor Plaza
608-348-5959
Pioneer Lanes
1185 E Bus Hwy 151
608-348-6631
Pizza Hut
230 W Bus Hwy 151
608-348-9731
Pizzeria Uno
115 W Bus Hwy 151
608-348-7808
Steve’s Pizza
175 Main St
608-348-3136
Taco John’s
1465 E Bus Hwy 151
608-348-5400
Take 2 Restaurant
111 Millennium Dr
608-348-9939
The Ticket Bar & Grill
60 S Court St
608-348-3700
VFW Club Bar & Grill
110 E Mineral St
608-348-8883
27
Religion/Worship
Christian Churches:
Mosque:
In Platteville, there are many Christian churches. For a
complete list, please go to: http://platteville.com/faith/
Tri-State Islamic Center
805 Century Drive Suite 101
Dubuque, IA 52004
email: [email protected]
Fajr - 6:15am
Dhuhr - 12:30pm
Asr - 3:00pm
Maghrib - 10 minutes after sunset (never changes)
Isha - 8:00pm
Platteville-area Muslims pray at First English Lutheran
Church on Chestnut and Pine in Platteville on Fridays
at 2:00pm. Also, special prayers and dinners are held
during the month of Ramadan.
Temple Beth El
475 West Locust St.
Dubuque, IA 52004
(608) 583-3483
Synagogue:
28
What to Buy:
Initial Shopping List Suggestions
Pillow/Pillow Case
Shower Caddy/Bucket (for carrying personal hygiene supplies)
Soap
Shampoo
Toothbrush/toothpaste
School Supplies (pens, pencils, notebooks, calendars, etc)
Laundry basket/bag (for carrying personal laundries to laundry room)
Laundry detergent/laundry soap
Hangers for clothes
Cell Phone
Outlet Converter
29
Dates at a Glance
Monday, January 11, 2016
March 19-28, 2016
Arrival at Chicago O’hare
Spring Break
January 12-16, 2016
Saturday, April 9, 2016
International Student Orienation
(Required)
International Night Dinner
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Saturday, January 16, 2016
International Farewell Reception
Trip to Madison, Wisconsin
May 9-13, 2016
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Final Exam Week
First Day of Classes
International Student
Club Meeting
30
Spring 2016 Academic Calendar
Registration and Drop/Add begins (Excludes new freshman)
Special Student (excludes auditors and youth options) registration begins
New Freshman Registration
Youth Course Options Registration begins at 1:30 pm
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (University Offices Closed, NO CLASSES)
Auditor Registration
Classes Begin (Tuesday)
Last day to file Pass/Fail or Audit cards
Self Service registration and course add ends
Self Service dropping ends
Last day to register
November 9, 2015
Last day to drop 1st 8-week classes without “W” (withdrawn) noted on
transcript
Drop fee begins - $45.00 each course and “W” (withdrawn)
noted on transcript for regular and 1st 8 week courses
Late Add fee begins - $45.00 each course
Last day to drop from 1st 8-week classes with “W” (withdrawn) noted on
transcript
Last day to drop/withdraw from full semester course with “W” (withdrawn)
noted on transcript
2nd 8-week classes begin
Last day to add a 2nd 8-week class
Last day to drop a 2nd 8-week class without “W” (withdrawn) noted on
transcript
NO CLASSES - Spring Break
Classes Resume (Tuesday)
Last day to drop 2nd 8-week class with “W” (withdrawn)
noted on transcript
Commencement
Final Exam Week
Final grades due (faculty electronic submission) at 4:00pm
Memorial Day (University Offices closed) no classes
February 1
Academic appeals (for student dismissals)
June 1, June 3, July 20,
August 18
31
December 1, 2015
January 15
January 15
January 18
January 19
January 19
January 25
January 25
February 1
February 1
February 2
February 2
February 12
March 14
March 14
March 15
March 18
March 19-28
March 29
April 18
May 6-7
May 9-13
May 18
May 30
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