Tiffin University International Student Handbook

2015-2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1: International Student Services __________________________________ 5
About ISS _________________________________________________________________ 5
Staff & Hours ______________________________________________________________ 5
Organizational Chart ______________________________________________________ 6
Communications __________________________________________________________ 7
When to Seek ISS Help _____________________________________________________ 7
Documents _______________________________________________________________ 8
Chapter 2: Culture 101 ____________________________________________________ 10
First Impressions_________________________________________________________ 10
Values __________________________________________________________________ 11
Social Life ________________________________________________________________ 12
Holidays ________________________________________________________________ 12
Chapter 3: Basics ____________________________________________________ 14
ESL Program _____________________________________________________________14
Registration______________________________________________________________14
Document Requests ______________________________________________________15
Annual Vacation__________________________________________________________16
Tuition & Fees Payment __________________________________________________16
Health Insurance _________________________________________________________16
Computing at TU _________________________________________________________16
Family & Dependents ____________________________________________________17
Chapter 4: Money & Banking _________________________________________ 18
U.S. Currency ____________________________________________________________18
Banking _________________________________________________________________18
Taxes ____________________________________________________________________20
Chapter 5: Living in Tiffin ____________________________________________ 21
Tiffin & Seneca County ___________________________________________________21
Driving & Transportation _________________________________________________21
Shopping_________________________________________________________________22
Sports & Recreation ______________________________________________________23
Community Engagement & Volunteer Opportunities _______________________24
Cultural & Student Organizations _________________________________________25
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Chapter 6: Working in the U.S. ________________________________________ 28
General Requirements ___________________________________________________28
On-Campus Employment _________________________________________________28
Off-Campus Employment_________________________________________________28
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) ______________________________________________
Optional Practical Training (OPT) ________________________________________________
Severe Economic Hardship _____________________________________________________
Internship with an International Organization _____________________________________
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Chapter 7: Completing Your Degree __________________________________ 31
Graduation Application ___________________________________________________31
Program End Date ________________________________________________________31
Transcript Requests ______________________________________________________31
Transferring _____________________________________________________________31
Chapter 8: Appendix _________________________________________________ 32
Directory of Campus Resources ___________________________________________32
Directory of Off-Campus Resources _______________________________________32
Forms & Handouts Available Online ______________________________________33
3
Dear Student,
Welcome to Tiffin University! We are thrilled that you have enrolled with us, and we are excited
to have you as part of our diverse international student body. The fact that you have chosen to
further your education abroad already speaks volumes for your character – you’re courageous,
ambitious, and pioneering. Be proud that you are one of over 700,000 students from around the
globe that have selected the United States as your destination for education.
We understand that it is difficult to be away from your family, friends, customs and traditions, as
well as the everyday familiarities of your home, but understand that we are here to support you
and make sure that you adjust to both your academic and personal lives here in Tiffin, Ohio.
Tiffin University hosts many events that encourage you to promote your culture on campus, as
well as help you learn about American traditions. We also provide advising and support on visa
issues and life both inside and outside of the classroom.
We hope that your experiences as a TU Dragon will remain with you throughout your life, and
that they will be the basis for further growth and development as you pursue career
opportunities both in the U.S. and abroad. We encourage you to take full advantage of the
unique situation you’re in – studying in the U.S., perhaps learning a new language, and meeting
new people! Work hard, enjoy life, and remember that you are already a special person for
being right here at TU.
Regards,
Rachel Crooks
Director of International Student Advising & Programming
Please note that this handbook is available electronically on the MyDragon website. For
the most current information, please visit the MyDragon site.
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Chapter 1: International Student Services
About ISS
The mission of the International Student Services Office at Tiffin University is to provide a
welcoming environment for international students and support in the form of admissions,
advising, language proficiency and other services, as well as opportunities for cultural
exchange and awareness from the point of inquiry to matriculation.
Staff & Hours


Office Location: Friedley Hall
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
(4:00 PM on Fridays in the summer)
 Front Desk
o Phone: (419) 448-3287
o Email: [email protected]
Vice President of International Affairs
 Mahmoud Lamadanie
o Phone: (419) 448-3287
o Email: [email protected]
English as a Second Language (ESL) Program
 Director: Tiffanie Goff
o Phone: (419) 448-3509
o Email: [email protected]
 Coordinator: Jamie Marinis
o Phone: (419) 448-3357
o Email: [email protected]
International Admissions (IA)
 Director: Scott Saracusa
o Phone: (419) 448-3310
o Email: [email protected]
 Admissions Counselor: Callie Brutcher
o Phone: (419) 448-5133
o Email: [email protected]
International Student Advising & Programming (ISAP)
 Director: Rachel Crooks
o Phone: (419) 448-3369
o Email: [email protected]
 Director: Carol McDannell
o Phone: (419) 448-3441
o Email: [email protected]
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Communications
The ISS Office reaches out to students primarily through the Tiffin University email
system (gmail-based account). Please check your TU email FREQUENTLY! If you
wish to use another email, you can easily forward your TU email to another
account.
We also utilize Facebook! Please “like” us – we’re “Tiffin University International
Admissions & Student Services.”
The Tiffin University website (http://www.tiffin.edu/international/
currentstudents/) and the MyDragon portal site (http://mydragon.tiffin.edu) both
have sections for current international students specifically. You can find and
download many of the forms you’ll find in this handbook from these sites.
Finally, in the event you are looking for a quick answer to a question related to
your nonimmigrant visa status in the U.S., you may wish to reference the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security’s “Study in the States” website, which is
http://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/.
When to Seek ISS Help
The ISS Office is available to assist you in maintaining your nonimmigrant status in the U.S., but
ultimately, your status is your responsibility.
You are required to notify ISS if and when you:
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Update your residential address (including on the TU campus), home address, and/or
contact information.
Change your degree program from what is listed on your I-20.
Plan to quit school.
Would like to change your immigration status in the U.S.
Will have an expired I-20 before you complete your degree program.
Would like to work off-campus in the next 6 months.
Are not planning to enroll in either the fall or spring semester.
Have not maintained your F-1 visa status.
Are planning to travel outside of the U.S.
ISS can also offer advice in situations such as when you are:



Experiencing difficulties with your studies.
Not sure about employment options or restrictions related to your visa.
Facing a problem with another University department and do not know who to turn to for
a solution.
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

Unsure about your F-1 visa requirements.
Making plans that you think may have immigration implications.
The bottom line is that if you are ever in doubt about a situation or how it may involve your
nonimmigrant status in the U.S., you should contact the ISS Office. If you fail to maintain a lawful,
nonimmigrant status in the U.S., you may be forced to depart the U.S., and this may have lasting
effects on your ability to ever return.
Documents
As an international student, there are many documents that are very important to you. These
should be kept in a safe place while you are here, and they should only be carried with you
when traveling outside of the U.S.
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Passport
o Your passport allows you to exit and reenter your home country. In most cases, your
passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months from the time you enter the U.S. or
you may be denied entry. You can renew your passport while still in the U.S. by
visiting your home country’s embassy, though the location of your embassy may be a
significant distance from Tiffin, Ohio (in many cases, Chicago, IL or Washington,
D.C.). Refer to the U.S. Department of State’s website http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/dpl/32122.htm - for information about your home
country’s embassy.
F-1 Visa
o The F-1 visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to the U.S. and request permission to
enter for academic purposes. Your visa CAN expire while you are in the U.S. If
you have an expired visa, be aware that you will have to renew it once you leave
the U.S. if you plan to reenter at a later date.
I-94 Record
o The I-94 record is your Arrival/Departure Record issued by U.S. Customs and
Border Protection (CBP). In April of 2013, CBP began automating this process and
maintaining electronic I-94 records. The paper form is still available in the event
you need it (for various government applications). Your record can be accessed
at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html.
Form I-20
o The form I-20 is a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Students. It is
extremely important that your I-20 form be updated with current information (i.e.
if you change your program of study, if you need more or less time to study, etc.).
It is also important that you have your I-20 signed within the last six months each
time you travel internationally. Always have your I-20 with you upon leaving and
returning to the U.S.
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
Dependents
o Dependents (on F-2 visas) have legal status as long as the F-1 principal maintains
legal status.
o Dependents must maintain a valid passport, form I-20, and I-94 record for the
duration of the principal student’s status.
o F-2 minor students are eligible to attend elementary and high school.
o F-2 spouses and dependents are not authorized to work under any circumstance.
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Chapter 2: Culture 101
Making the decision to move to another country to continue your education means you must be
ready to make certain adjustments or adaptions to your usual behaviors and attitudes. However,
such adjustments and adaptions are not so easy to accomplish when entering an unfamiliar
place because you may have to confront “culture shock” first.
Culture shock is the feeling of disorientation and confusion that international students
experience when they leave their familiar settings to move into a new and unknown space
where the culture, language, customs, food, climate and terrain are different. Culture shock can
also make you feel lonely and question your decision about leaving your home country. Some
other feelings that can be caused by culture shock are the following: frustration, anxiety, minor
irritations, anger, and lack of sleep. However, during the stage of culture shock it is common for
international students to partner with other students who have the same language and cultural
background and who are in the same situation.
Culture shock is not uncommon, and a normal response to a new environment. We encourage
you to visit the University Health Center to discuss any feelings of culture shock with our
campus counselor.
First Impressions
Fast Pace, Driving Culture
The American culture is based on time consciousness. Therefore, Americans are described as
always in a hurry, always running from one task to another, always moving and not relaxing or
enjoying themselves. In other words, Americans may appear to be “ruled by the clock,” but this
is just their way of making sure that things get done on time.
Diverse People
Even though Tiffin, Ohio may not be considered very diverse, the growing diversity across the
U.S. is one thing that stands out. While in the U.S., international students are likely to hear a
variety of languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, and even different dialects of the
English language that you will find new and interesting. Don’t worry, there is a good chance
that you will be able to fit right into the “melting pot.”
Climate
The U.S. has a broad range of climates. You will see temperatures ranging from subzero during
the winter season to the high 90s (Fahrenheit) during the summer. However, you can expect to
find houses, public buildings and other places equipped with the proper heating and cooling
units.
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Values
Equality
In America, we stand for equality! However, the concept of equality in the U.S. is taken as equal
opportunities for everyone and not necessarily the equality of outcomes. Americans are
particularly concerned with equality in the legal system, religion, and politics.
Informality
The concept of equality is what drives Americans to have informal behaviors with other people.
The casual behavior of Americans can be seen as shocking because of the informality in speech,
dress and posture as well. The superficial friendliness for which Americans are so well known is
related to their informal approach to other people. “Hi!” they will say to just about anyone.
“How ya doing?” (That is “How are you doing?” or “How are you?”). However, this type of
behavior does not reflect a special interest in the person addressed, but rather a concern for
showing that one is a “regular person.”

Do It Yourself (DIY) Society
o This refers to the ethic of self-sufficiency Americans possess. In other words,
Americans promote the idea that anyone is capable of performing a task without
having to rely on paid specialists. Most Americans take great pride in DIY
accomplishments, and they may dedicate a lot of their free time to projects
around the home.
 Questioning Authority
o It is common for the younger American population to question and challenge
authority, and this is because Americans are trained from an early age to
question, analyze and search. The expression, “Question authority” is familiar to
young Americans, but may be seen as disrespectful and inappropriate by
international students.
 Directness
o Americans consider themselves to be frank, open, and direct in their dealings
with other people. In the U.S. directness has a higher priority than politeness.
Also, Americans believe that conflicts and disagreements are settled by means of
forthright discussions among the people involved. Therefore, it is common to see
Americans speaking openly to others about things they dislike. One other thing
to keep in mind is that Americans are not taught to hide their emotions; so, if they
are not able to speak what is on their minds, they may express their feelings
through their body language.
 Materialism
o It is common to find Americans who believe that more money equals a better
lifestyle. The reason why Americans are able to acquire things such as pools,
huge TVs, cars, and cutting edge technology regardless of their social status is
because the American economy operates on a mass market basis. A lot of the
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items owned by Americans, however, may be considered a luxury in other
countries, but they are necessity here.
Social Life
Friendships
It is common for Americans to say “Hi!” to anyone for no reason. It is their way of showing their
friendly nature; however, there is a difference between friendliness and friendship in America.
Americans may be friendly with almost anyone, but it takes time for Americans to build real
friendships. When forming a friendship with Americans, it is important to keep in mind that their
friendships tend to be shorter and more casual than the type of friendships found in other
cultures. It is also common to find Americans who only have one close friendship for many years
and the rest of their friends would be considered social acquaintances. This may be related to
the American attitude of not having to depend on other people.
Parties
The main purpose of parties in the U.S. is to meet and talk with people. Also, Americans have
the tendency to move around a lot and with one group then another during the party; sitting or
standing in one place may be boring to Americans after a certain period of time. When arriving
to a large party in the Unites States, the host will introduce you to one or two other people
nearby; however, you will be expected to continue introducing yourself on your own to
everyone else present at the party. Expect informal introductions at both small and large
American parties.
Alcohol
International students may struggle with not being able to drink while studying in the U.S.,
especially students whose countries’ drinking regulations are not as strict. It will be common for
an international student not to understand the reason why Americans have to wait until they are
21 years old to drink alcohol. In other words, it is important to understand and respect some of
the underage drinking regulations in the U.S. in order to avoid the consequences. Despite the
regulations and laws, drinking is also considered a big part of the social life in the U.S.
Holidays
The U.S. adopted legislation to move the celebration of several holidays to the Monday nearest
the date of the actual holiday. The purpose of this legislation was to create as many three-day
weekends (that is, Saturday-Sunday-Monday) as possible.
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Federal Holidays
The following are secular, nationally-observed holidays. Many schools and places of
employment close on these dates:
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New Year's Day (January 1)
o Usually celebrated with parties the night before. On January 1, some people
institute lifestyle changes and goals known as "New Year's Resolutions."
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (3rd Monday in January)
o Marks the birthday of the African American minster who led a nonviolent civil
rights movement in the 1960s.
Washington's Birthday/Presidents' Day (3rd Monday in February)
o Originally designated as the federal observance of the birth of George
Washington (first President of the U.S.), this day honors several influential
American Presidents.
Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
o Americans honor the dead (particularly those killed in war) by visiting
cemeteries, flying the American flag, and attending special gatherings and
church services.
Independence Day (July 4)
o Marks the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence; parades, barbecues,
and fireworks displays take place.
Labor Day (1st Monday in September)
o Tribute to the U.S. workforce; typically celebrated with parades and backyard
parties. Labor Day is also the unofficial end of the summer season.
Columbus Day (2nd Monday in October)
o Commemorates Italian explorer Christopher Columbus' 1492 arrival in the New
World.
Veterans Day (November 11)
o Honors veterans of all American wars.
Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November)
o Marked by a traditional feast of roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie;
has roots in 17th-century America and is a day to show gratitude and share with
loved ones.
Religious Holidays
Because of the nation's large Christian population, many schools and businesses in the U.S.
close for non-secular holidays such as Christmas (December 25) and Easter (early spring).
Americans of countless faiths also observe religious holidays. Notable examples are Ramadan
(observed by Muslims), Kwanzaa (an African tradition taking place in late December), and
Jewish High Holy Days in September.
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Chapter 3: Basics
ESL Program
Non-native English speakers may be required to complete courses in the English as a Second
Language (ESL) program. Students are tested upon arrival and placed accordingly. At the end
of each semester, students are retested to see how they have progressed. For more information
on the ESL program, please see the Important Forms section of the TU website at
http://www.tiffin.edu/international/forms/.
Registration
For first-time students, registration for classes takes place during Orientation. The ISS Office
schedules students for their first semester. Non-native English speakers are scheduled after
English language testing has occurred. For native English speakers, the ISS Office can typically
schedule classes before the student arrives, and perhaps adjust the schedule once the student is
on campus, if necessary.
In subsequent semesters, students are advised as follows:
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ESL Students: Advised by the ESL Director and staff
Undergraduate & Graduate Students: Advised by the Director of International Student
Advising & Programming, Rachel Crooks
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Document Requests
Occasionally students will need official documents or letters from the University for visa
renewal appointments and/or to fulfill a request from a program sponsor. The following chart
details some common requests from students and where they can secure the necessary items:
Information
Needed
Responsible
Office
Alternative
Academic
calendar and
term dates
Registrar’s Office
Calendar available at
http://www.tiffin.edu/academics/calcat/
Courses
required
for degree
International
Student Advising
& Programming
Dean’s List
letter
Registrar’s Office
Degree Plan
International
Student Advising
& Programming
Enrollment
verification
Official
transcript
Registrar’s Office
Registrar’s Office
Pdf versions of curriculum sheets are available on the
MyDragon website. You can also find the list of
required courses for each major at
http://www.tiffin.edu/majors/.
Official transcript will indicate whether student has
student has been placed on the Dean’s List after each
semester.
Pdf versions of the four-year plans are available on the
MyDragon website. Personalized academic plans are
available via Self-Service.
Unofficial transcript or
schedule via Self-Service
Unofficial transcripts can be printed from
Self-Service
Online class
request
International
Student Advising
& Programming
N/A
Progress report
with credits
remaining and
expected
graduation date
Registrar’s Office
N/A
Transfer course
verification
Transient
student request
Verification of
address
(for state ID or
driver’s license)
International
Student Advising
& Programming
International
Student Advising
& Programming
Registrar’s Office
or
International
Student Advising
& Programming
Official TU transfer guides found at
http://www.tiffin.edu/transfer/guides/
Official TU transfer guides found at
http://www.tiffin.edu/transfer/guides/
For students living off-campus, the following items can
also be used: bank statement, credit card statement,
utility bill, Ohio vehicle title or registration, paycheck
stub, or auto/life/liability insurance policy. Most items
must be less than 2 months old.
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Annual Vacation
Students are eligible to take one semester off for their annual vacation each year. Typically,
students will use the summer semester as their annual vacation. If you wish to take either the fall
or spring semester off, you will need to visit the ISS Office in advance to make sure you are able
to do so. If you enroll part-time in the summer, it is still considered a vacation period.
Students approved for a vacation in the fall or spring semester, should expect to enroll full-time
in the remaining two semesters of the respective academic year (Fall – Spring – Summer =
Academic Year).
Please note that students who expect to complete their degree in the summer semester MUST
adhere to the regulations requiring seated courses. For example, a student who has only one
course remaining to graduate would be required to take the course seated. A student with two
or more classes to complete would only be allowed to have one of the courses online.
Tuition & Fees Payment
Once you have registered for classes at TU, a bill will be generated by the Business Office for
you. You will be expected to remit payment within 30 days of any invoice date. Bills can be
accessed and paid via Self-Service—see Computing at TU—or by visiting the Cashier in Seitz
Hall. Monthly payment plans are available.
Health Insurance
Healthcare in the U.S. can be very costly. All international students are required to have health
insurance coverage in the U.S. Tiffin University provides a health insurance plan through HTH
Worldwide (see http://www.hthstudents.com/). The cost is currently $1,065.60 per year (12
months). If you wish to enroll in an insurance program instead of HTH Worldwide, you must
waive the HTH insurance coverage by providing your insurance policy information online at
http://www.tiffin.edu/international/currentstudents/insurance/. All students who live on
campus must also provide medical and immunizations records.
Computing at TU
Tiffin University’s Information Technology Services (ITS) Office offers the resources you will
need during your collegiate career leading to your classroom success.
The ITS Office is located on the second floor of the Hertzer Technology Center. The ITS Office
houses the ITS Help Desk, the Network Administrators, and the student PC Techs who can assist
you with problems or questions related to your account that a lab consultant cannot answer.
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Please note: If you want to connect to the network in your residence hall room or gain access to
the wireless network, you must fill out a contract in the ITS Office.
The ITS Help Desk Staff is available to answer any technical questions that you might have
concerning computer issues or problems. You can stop by the Help Desk in person, call (419)
448-3430 or (800) 968-6446, ext. 3430, or contact them via email at [email protected].
There are also computer labs located in almost every building at TU, including: Gillmor Student
Center, Murphy Academic Support Center, Pfeiffer Library, Franks Hall, the ISS Office in
Friedley Hall, and Hertzer Technology Center.
Important computing terms and services include:
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MyDragon (also called the “portal”) – the intranet for current TU students
Moodle – our online learning platform that is accessed from MyDragon (if you ever take
online courses, it will be through this system)
Self-Service – your resource to access things related to your account at TU (i.e. your bill,
transcript, schedule, grades, etc.)
Family & Dependents
Students with family members, including a
spouse and/or children are able to have
such individuals accompany them in the
U.S. while studying on the F-1 visa. Such
family members receive the F-2 visa and
also must maintain status while the
principal F-1 student is pursuing his/her
degree. Under no circumstances may F-2
visa holders work in the U.S.
In terms of studying, F-2 dependents may
attend elementary and secondary schools.
F-2 visa holders may also pursue part-time
studies, including vocational, recreational
and degree programs.
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Chapter 4: Money & Banking
U.S. Currency
U.S. currency has both coins and paper. One dollar can be written as $1 or $1.00 and it is equal
to one hundred cents, or coins that equal one hundred. If you want to write that you have ten
cents, you can write it as $0.10 or 10. It is a basic decimal system that only goes to the
hundredth placement (1 cent is equal to 1/100 of a dollar). There are six different kinds of coins:
pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half dollars, and one dollar. The half dollar and dollar are not
very common and are rarely used. The other four, the common coins, are shown below with
pictures, amounts, and metal.
There are generally six different kinds of paper currency: $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. There
are higher paper currencies but they are rarely used and many businesses will not accept them.
If someone says they have twenty bucks, “buck” is a slang term for dollar.
Banking
There are many banks in Tiffin and, upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to set up a bank
account here to use throughout your stay in the U.S. We offer this because it can be expensive to
use a credit card from your home country due to currency conversion fees. In addition to
currency conversion fees, you can avoid having your money either lost or stolen.
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In order to open a bank account, you need: your passport, your home address, and the Tiffin
University address. The best option is to open a basic checking account, which is free at some
banks. If you have a large amount of money that will remain in the bank for a long period of time
then a savings account is another option. A savings account typically earns a higher interest
rate. With a checking account, you receive a debit card and a four digit Personal Identification
Number (PIN) that, when used together, can be utilized almost anywhere in the U.S. The bank
will usually provide you with a “Social Security Number” (SSN) but it is NOT an actual SSN. This
number can only be used with the bank to access your account and participate in online
banking.
Commonly utilized banks include: PNC, Fifth Third Bank, US Bank, and/or Old Fort Bank,
depending on where students would like to open their account. PNC, Fifth Third, and US Bank
are national banks and easily accessed if you are traveling throughout the U.S. Old Fort Bank is
a regional bank, though they have an ATM in the Gillmor Student Center on campus, which is
convenient for students.
With a checking account, you will receive a checkbook and a register to keep track of the
activity with your account. Below is a picture of a check with an explanation of how to write one.
In the register, you can write all of your transactions (deposits, checks, and debit card
purchases) to keep track of the amount of money in your bank account.
Banks in Tiffin, Ohio:
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Fifth Third Bank, 513 West Market Street, 419-447-8018, www.53.com
First Bank of Ohio, 175 South Washington Street, 419-448-9740,
www.bpsom.com/business/FirstBank.html
First Merit Bank, 596 West Market Street, (419) 447-2151, www.firstmerit.com
First Ohio Credit Union Inc., 203 North Sandusky Street, (419) 447-5929,
www.firstohiocu.org
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Old Fort Bank, 33 East Market Street, (419) 447-4790; and 634 West Market Street, (419)
447-1600, www.oldfortbank.com
PNC Bank, 550 West Market Street, (419) 447-3416, www.pnc.com
Tiffin St. Joseph Federal Credit Union, 25 Shaffer Park Drive, (419) 448-0191,
www.tsjfcu.org
U.S. Bank, 730 West Market Street, (419) 447-7133, http://usbank.com
Woodforest National Bank, 2801 Ohio 18 (inside Walmart), (419) 443-0378,
www.woodforest.com
Taxes
The U.S. requires all of its citizens and nonimmigrant students and scholars to file taxes every
year by a deadline in mid-April. For this process, you will receive a W-2 form if you have
worked legally, and/or a 1042/1042-S form if you have received a scholarship at TU.
A few options to assist you in filing taxes include:


In Tiffin
o Liberty Tax Service, 108 S. Washington St., (419) 448-1776
o Jackson-Hewitt Tax Service, 2801 Ohio 18 (inside Walmart), (614) 436-1040
Online
o Sprintax (www.sprintax.com)
 $75 for students to complete all required taxes
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Chapter 5: Living in Tiffin
Tiffin & Seneca County
The city of Tiffin is a smaller community but there are many activities that can be found within
walking distance of campus. In a ten minute walk from campus you can find restaurants, shops,
and museums. Tiffin has a warm atmosphere with many options for activities outside of school.
Inside the city you can find a bowling alley, movie theatre, and stage theatre where plays,
comedians, and music performances are held. There is one other university located in Tiffin,
Heidelberg University, and they are a smaller private college with around 1,500 students and
NCAA Division III athletics.
Within Seneca County are several cities, Tiffin being the biggest and the county seat. There are
several attractions that you can find in Tiffin and the surrounding area. If you enjoy going out
and seeing nature, Lake Erie - and all of its attractions – is only about 40 minutes away. Also, one
unique option located in Bellevue, Ohio is Seneca Caverns. See more attractions under Sports &
Recreation.
Tiffin has a great location being almost equidistant between three major cities: Columbus,
Cleveland and Detroit. Columbus and Cleveland are located in Ohio, while Detroit is north of
Ohio in Michigan. Each city takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by car. Some other area attractions
include:
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Cedar Point, located in Sandusky, Ohio, is the “roller coaster capital of the world,” and
it’s less than an hour away by car!
Cleveland has many attractions, including professional sports teams, the Rock and Roll
Hall of Fame museum, the Museum of Art, Great Lakes Science Center, and Horseshoe
Casino.
Columbus has one of the best zoos in the U.S. and is home to the Columbus Crew Major
League Soccer team.
Detroit has professional sports teams, and it is known for its history and diversity.
Lake Erie, one of the famous Great Lakes, stretches across the northern Ohio border.
Toledo, a slightly smaller city, is only one hour from Tiffin and has opportunities for
water parks, shopping, museums, great restaurants, and Hollywood Casino.
Driving & Transportation
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Tiffin University
o Airport Shuttle Service
 Free service to DTW airport on specific shuttle dates
 Contact the Student Affairs Office at [email protected] or
(419) 448-3264
o TU Taxi
 Free service every Wednesday from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Available within 30 mile radius of Tiffin
Appointments required
Contact the Student Affairs Office at [email protected] or
(419) 448-3264
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Service Cab Company (Taxi)
o Phone: (419) 447-3232
o Hours: Typically 24 hours/day
o Rates (estimates):
 In-town: $6.00 one-way for one person with $0.25 extra per person
 Out-of-town trips are $2.00 per mile but specific towns have specific
prices.
 Findlay: $62.25 one-way
 Fremont: $47.25 one-way
 Toledo Airport: $120.00
 Toledo Bus Station: $117.75
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Seneca County Agency Transportation (SCAT)
o Requires 72-hour notice in advance of trip
o Phone: (419) 448-7344 or (419) 937-2424
o Hours: 8:00 AM– 5:00 PM (office); 5:00 AM – 5:30 PM (driving)
o Rates (estimates):
 In-town: $2.00 each way or $4.00 round trip
 Out-of-town options include:
 Cleveland/Columbus: $150.00 round trip
 Findlay Bus Station: $15
 Findlay/Fremont: $25.00 round trip
 Sandusky/Toledo/Marion: $60.00 round trip(beyond 2 hours + $10/hr)
 Toledo Airport: $40
 Within Seneca County: $5 one-way
Shopping
Tiffin has many options for shopping whether it is for clothes, food, or general items. Some
examples include:
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Clothing Stores: Walmart, JCPenney, Maurices (women only), and Peebles
General Stores/Discount Stores: Walmart, Family Dollar, Dollar Tree
Grocery Stores: Walmart, Kroger’s, ALDI, Tiffin Heritage IGA
Office & Craft Supplies: Walmart, Pat Catan’s
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The Westgate Shopping Center in Tiffin is home to a variety of stores, too. As stated before,
there are three major cities near us, but there are still shopping malls even closer to Tiffin.
Cities near Tiffin with shopping (listed by distance, closest to farthest):
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Findlay (30 minutes)
Mansfield (1 hour 5 minutes)
Toledo (1 hour 15 minutes)
Columbus (1 hour 45 minutes)
Cleveland (1 hour 50 minutes)
Detroit (1 hour 50 minutes)
Sports & Recreation
On Campus
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Hanson Physical Fitness Center
o Athletic training facilities
o Cardiovascular equipment (treadmills, stationary bikes, etc.)
o Billiards
o Table tennis (ping pong)
o Weight equipment
Heminger Center
o Indoor track
o Artificial turf field
o Commencement location
o Offices for coaches
o Dining option
Tiffin Community
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Public Parks
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Most popular is Hedges Boyer Park
 Located at 491 Coe St.
 78 acres; 4 baseball/softball fields; lighted tennis, sand volleyball and
basketball courts; playground areas; 6 picnic shelters; walking trails; BMX
bike track; outdoor swimming pool; 18 hole disc golf course; dog park
For complete list of parks, see http://www.tiffinparks.com/
o
YMCA
o Discount memberships available in the Student Affairs Office
o Indoor pool, indoor track and basketball/volleyball/tennis courts
o Located at 180 Summit St. (near Hedges Boyer Park)
o Phone: (419) 447-8711
Community Engagement Programs & Volunteer Opportunities
Adopt a Dragon
Adopt a Dragon is a program established by the International Student Services Office that
brings together TU international students with Tiffin families. The program was founded on the
belief that bringing together diverse cultures creates opportunities to learn and grow as both a
student and community member. Adopt a Dragon offers international students the chance to
learn about American culture from the perspective of a local family and provides Tiffin citizens a
unique cultural experience. Our goal is to increase cultural awareness in Tiffin and establish
friendships in the process.
The program involves a short application process which will allow us to match an international
student with a local friend (a family, couple, or individual). Participants will have the
opportunity to make requests regarding matching preferences, but do not forget our main goal
is to match all students who apply with a host. The program does not require an abundance of
additional time and energy; just welcoming a student into the host’s normal, everyday life.
Opportunities with the International Cultural Center
The ISS Office works closely with the International Cultural Center (ICC), a Tiffin-based group
dedicated to providing “opportunities for the people of the community to better know,
understand and appreciate the peoples of the world” (http://www.tiffin.k12.oh.us/
administrative Department2.aspx?aid=17). The Director of the ICC is Joe Moore, and he often
will seek out volunteers from TU to participate in activities at the local schools and other
community organizations. Typically, the ISS Office emails all volunteer opportunities through
the TU email system. As always, volunteer opportunities count as service learning co-curricular
credit, which all TU undergraduate students are required to complete.
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Tiffin-Seneca County Heritage Festival
Every third weekend in September, the annual Tiffin-Seneca County Heritage Festival takes
place in Tiffin. The international students participate by walking in a parade while carrying the
flags of their home countries and a banner celebrating, “We Chose Tiffin.” Then, in conjunction
with Heidelberg University and the International Cultural Center, international students have
the opportunity to volunteer at a booth with fun activities for children.
Tiffin Seneca-Public Library
Each year, the ICC and universities partner with the local public library to host a series of
events, including Story Hour programs with children, and panel discussions with adults. Both
programs are great opportunities to share cultural information and news with community
members of all ages!
Tiffin Welcomes the World Reception
Each fall, a reception is held to welcome the over 200 international students studying at Tiffin
University, Heidelberg University and the local high schools to the town of Tiffin. The reception
is attended by the mayor, local politicians, prominent business owners, and other friends of the
universities and International Cultural Center.
Cultural & Student Organizations
There are many opportunities at TU to become involved on campus. Many of our international
students are athletes. If you are not interested in NCAA Division II athletics, there is the
opportunity to play intramural sports such as: golf, dance team, bowling, men’s rugby, and so
much more.
Outside of sports, there are performing arts clubs, academic organizations, organizations based
on interest, and Greek letter organizations (fraternities for men and sororities for women).
Academic organizations range from the Business Professionals of America to the English
Enthusiasts and Global Affairs Organization. Some of the interest groups are Black United
Students, American Sign Language Club, the World Student Association, and other more
specific international groups, such as the Chinese Student & Scholar Friendship Association, and
the Saudi Student Organization.
International Programming
Tiffin University currently has a Coordinator of International Student Programs, who plans
events to encourage international students to experience American culture, as well as share
their cultures with the Tiffin campus community. In addition to a variety of trips and excursions,
some regular events include the following:
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Food & Culture Series
The Food & Culture series provides all TU faculty, staff, and students the opportunity to
learn about the interconnection between culture and cuisine. Each lecture focuses on a
specific region or country, and immediately following the presentation, attendees are
invited to eat in Cole Dining Hall for a lunch that highlights the particular region or
country that was discussed. Undergraduate students who attend the lecture receive
personal development co-curricular credit.
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International Dinner
Each spring, Tiffin University hosts the International Dinner to celebrate the food,
culture, and traditions of our diverse international student body. This is the largest event
put on by the ISS Office and is attended by people from the community along with
students, faculty, and staff. The dinner features a menu of recipes submitted by students
in addition to music and dance performances. The dinner will be held on Saturday,
March 19, 2016.
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International Flag Ceremony
The annual International Flag Ceremony welcomes our new international students to
campus and honors those returning. Students from countries that are new to TU also have
their countries’ flags inducted into the international flag corridor in Gillmor Student
Center. This year the event will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2015, which is
during the U.S. Department of State’s International Education Week.
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Meet & Mingle Events
The International Student Services Office hosts“Meet & Mingle” events on various
Fridays throughout the year. Each event has a different theme, and they are designed to
encourage conversation amongst all students, staff, faculty and friends of the ISS Office.
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Chapter 6: Working in the U.S.
General Requirements
As a rule, international students studying on an F-1 visa are NOT eligible to work off-campus
unless specifically authorized to do so (see following paragraphs regarding Off-Campus
Employment). You can, however, work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the regular
academic year (fall and spring semesters), and up to 28 hours per week during the summer and
official school breaks.
A student securing employment of any type must apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)
through the U.S. Social Security Administration Office. If an international student secures a
position on campus, he/she must then visit the ISS Office to obtain the necessary letters and
information to apply for a SSN. The SSN is imperative for tax purposes and receiving payment
for the work you do. A student can ONLY apply for a SSN if he/she secures a job.
Any time a student wishes to work off-campus, he/she must see the ISS Office in ADVANCE to
discuss if it is possible and if so, how it will be recorded on the student’s I-20.
On-Campus Employment
Each semester, the Office of Career Development & Internships hosts the On-Campus
Employment Fair to assist students in securing an on-campus job. Almost every department on
Tiffin’s campus employs student workers to some extent.
Students may only work 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters, and up to 28
hours per week during the summer and other official University breaks. These hours cannot be
averaged (i.e. 10 hours one week and 30 hours the next week). For the purpose of calculating
hours, please note that the work week is considered Sunday to Saturday.
Off-Campus Employment
The ways in which international students can be approved to work off-campus are limited. They
include Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), Severe Economic
Hardship, and Internship with an International Organization. In ALL CASES, off-campus
employment must be approved BEFORE a student begins working. All four options will be
discussed:
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CPT (see TU website for CPT form)
o CPT must be authorized and completed before a student completes his/her
degree program
o CPT is an internship opportunity and MUST count for credit towards the student’s
degree
o CPT can involve positions that are paid or unpaid
o CPT can only be part-time (20 hours per week) during the academic year, and
can be part-time or full-time during the summer semester
o CPT authorization is obtained through the ISS Office
o There is no cost to apply for CPT
OPT (see TU website for OPT form)
o OPT can be completed either before (as pre-completion) or after (as postcompletion) a student has completed his/her degree program
o OPT work must relate to a student’s degree program
o OPT can involve positions that are either paid or unpaid
o Pre-completion OPT can only be part-time (20 hours per week) during the
academic year, and can be part-time or full-time during the summer semester
o Post-completion OPT must involve working a minimum of 20 hours and maximum
of 40 hours per week
o OPT can last no more than 12 months (including both pre- and post-completion)
o There is currently a $380 fee to apply for OPT
o OPT authorization comes from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
(USCIS) Office
Severe Economic Hardship (see TU website for Severe Economic Hardship form)
o Student must have experienced an unforeseen and drastic event that has limited
his/her originally-intended funding source
o Severe Economic Hardship work can only be part-time (20 hours per week)
during the academic year, and can be part-time or full-time during the summer
semester
o Authorization is given in one year increments
o There is currently a $380 fee to apply for Severe Economic Hardship
o Severe Economic Hardship authorization comes from the U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services (USCIS) Office
Internship with an International Organization
o Organization must be a recognized international organization within the meaning
of the 59 Stat. 669, International Organization Immunities Act (see
http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/87183.pdf for list)
o Student must be enrolled full-time (maintaining status) and have written offer of
employment from organization
o Work can be full-time or part-time
o Work does not have to relate to student’s field of study
o Authorization is given in one year increments
o There is currently a $380 fee to apply for this type of internship
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o
This authorization comes from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
(USCIS) Office
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Chapter 7: Completing Your Degree
Graduation Application
In order to have your degree conferred at Tiffin University, you must complete the Application
for Graduation. This must be completed whether or not you plan on participating in the actual
commencement ceremony held each year in May. The Application for Graduation is updated
yearly and available from the Registrar’s Office (Seitz Hall).
Please note that students who expect to complete their degree in the summer semester, MUST
adhere to the regulations requiring seated courses. For example, a student who has only one
course remaining to graduate would be required to take the course seated. A student with two
or more classes to complete would only be allowed to have one of the courses online.
Program End Date
Your form I-20 details when you should complete your degree program at TU. Please pay close
attention to this date, as it may need to be updated in some cases, especially if you are taking
English language courses, or if you experience academic difficulties. In this case, the student
must complete the Program Extension form (see appendix), and visit the ISS Office to have
his/her SEVIS record updated and a new I-20 printed. Please note that a program extension
CANNOT occur once your current program end date has passed; you must visit the ISS Office
prior to the end date if an extension is needed. In some cases, students complete their degree
before the stated Program End Date. This requires the student’s program to be shortened in
SEVIS, and a new I-20 printed.
Transcript Requests
Students may access unofficial transcripts, schedules, and grades via Self-Service. If a student
wishes to receive or send an official copy of the transcript from the University, he/she must
formally request the document. Students must complete the transcript request process at
http://www.tiffin.edu/academics/resources/transcripts/.
Transferring
In some cases, students may decide to transfer to another institution in the U.S. In this case, the
student must first be admitted to the new school, then visit the ISS Office with a completed
Transfer Out form (see TU website). The student will need to work with his/her advisor at the
new school to complete this form. Once it has been received by the ISS Office, and proof of the
student’s admission is presented, the student’s SEVIS record will be transferred to the new
institution.
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Chapter 8: Appendix
Directory of Campus Resources
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Bookstore……………………………………………………
Bursar’s Office………………………………………………
Business Office………………………………………………
Co-Curricular Credit……………………………………….
ESL Director………………………………………………….
Health Services………………………………………………
International Student Services……………………………
o Callie Brutcher………………………………………
o Rachel Crooks……………………………………….
o Front Desk……………………………………………
o Tiffanie Goff………………………………………….
o Mahmoud Lamadanie………………………………
o Jamie Marinis………………………………………..
o Carol McDannell …………………………………..
o Scott Saracusa………………………………………
Library………………………………………………………
Murphy Academic Support Center………………………..
Registrar’s Office……………………………………………
Student Affairs Office………………………………… ……
o Counseling Services...…………………………….
o Dean of Students……………………………………
o Housing Operations……………………………….
o Residence Life……………………………………..
(419) 448-3437
(419) 448-3409
(419) 448-3316
(419) 448-3590
(419) 448-3509
(419) 448-3429
(419) 448-3287
(419) 448-5133
(419) 448-3369
(419) 448-3287
(419) 448-3509
(419) 448-3287
(419) 448-3357
(419) 448-3441
(419) 448-3310
(419) 448-3435
(419) 448-3324
(419) 448-3270
(419) 448-3264
(419) 448-3578
(419) 448-3582
(419) 448-3392
(419) 448-3422
Directory of Off-Campus Resources
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Emergency Personnel
o Emergency Situations…………………………….
o Fire Department……………………………… ….
o Police Department………………………………..
SCAT Bus……………………………………………………
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Service Cab Company (taxi)……………………………..
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911
(419) 448-5448
(419) 447-2323
(419) 448-7344
(419) 937-2424
(419) 447-3232
Forms & Handouts Available Online
In many instances, you will be required to submit a form for approval, verification, or
participation in an activity at TU. Some of the most common forms for international students are
listed below. All of these can be found at http://www.tiffin.edu/international/forms/ or via the
MyDragon portal.
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Airport Shuttle Service Request Form (for current students)
Authorized Early Withdrawal
Curricuar Practical Training Worksheet
Drivers License Information
Emergency Medical Authorization
English Language Proficiency Policy
Housing Contract
HTH Worldwide Insurance Information
Immunization Record
International Student Handbook (current version of this document)
On Campus Employment Form
Optional Practical Training Handout and I-765 Application
Program Extension Form
Severe Economic Hardship Application
Social Security Information
Student Travel Itinerary (for new students only)
Transcript Request
Transfer In Form
Transfer Out Form
Transportation Policy
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