Dear IELP Student

IELP

Student
Handbook

Dear IELP Student:

Welcome to the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) at Central Connecticut State University. We hope you enjoy studying here. This manual should help to orient you to the IELP program, important immigration regulations and every day issues.

The following list of contacts is for your information as you become acquainted with CCSU.

Patricia Burnett, IELP CoordinatorHB

Carmetta Williams, IELP SecretaryHB 124832-3376

IELP Faculty OfficeHB 120832-2753

Toyin Ayeni, Int’l Student/Scholar Coor.HB 123832-2052

Hoa DoHB

Dining ServicesMemorial832-3765

BookstoreStud Center832-2265

Bursar LD 221832-2010

Admissions (Undergraduate)LD 115832-2278

Admissions (Graduate)HB 102 832-2350

Registrar’sLD 116832-2236

Card OfficeBK Store 106832-2140

Student Wellness ServicesMW Annex832-1925

Microcomputer Lab OfficeMW Annex832-1722

Residence LifeMB 120832-1660

Learning CenterEW 101832-1900

LibraryLibrary832-3404

Snow Phone832-3333

Language LabHB 301832-2897

Security/ParkingPublic Safety832-2375

Emergency CallsPublic Safety911

Should you have any questions that are not answered in the following pages, please feel free to get in touch with the Coordinator any time.

Table of Contents

The IELP Program

Course Descriptions

Field Trips and Social Outings

Student Placement

Level Changes

Student Feedback

Program Grades

Program Certificates

Student Attendance Policy

Student Code of Conduct

Student Complaints

Tuition, Billing and Refunds

E-mail and Central Pipeline Accounts

Immigration Regulations

Reasons to See the International Student/Scholar Coordinator (F-1 and J-1 students)

Every-Day Issues

Money and Banking

Checking Account

Savings Account

Automatic Teller Machines (ATM)

Bank Checks

Credit Cards

Communication

Telephone

International Calls

Postal Service

Medical Forms, Health Insurance, and Health Care

CCSU Medical Forms

If you are living on campus…

Where to Submit Medical Forms

Health Insurance

If you get sick…

Pharmacies & Optical Care

Transportation

Long-Distance Bus Service

Rail Service

Air Service

Taxi Service

Automobiles

Identification Cards

CCSU ID/Blue Chip Card

Driver’s License

Non-Driver’s Identification Card

Culture, Values & Learning to Cope with the American Way

Culture Shock

Some American Cultural Traits

Responsibility for Self

Informality

Gift Giving

Time and Appointments

Invitations

Hygiene

Greetings

Friendship and Dating

Racism

Holidays

Connecticut/Hartford Area/Campus Resources

History

Weather

Connecticut Information Websites

Center for International Education/ International Student/Scholar Coordinator

Bursar’s Office

Center for Advising and Career Exploration (CACE)

Student Wellness Services

Campus Ministry

Intramural and Recreation Program

Residence Life

Registrar’s Office (Student Records)

The IELP Program

Course Descriptions

The Intensive English Language Program (IELP) offers instruction in English language and American culture to international students wishing to improve their English skills. Classes are offered at six levels. Regular programs are eight weeks long and offered four times per year. The Transition course meets for 16 weeks during the regular academic year only, and may be taken for academic credit. Academic credit is only given to undergraduate students. However, Graduate students can still take the class as a non-credit course. Detailed descriptions of each course are available in the CCSU catalogs. Presently there are no scheduled summer classes; however, if enough students request a summer class, part-time courses can be arranged.

Note: Students should expect to complete both sections (01 and 02) of a given course level, with the exception of Transition. The order in which you take these sections does not matter.

Student Placement

The IELP accepts recent (within 6 months) TOEFL or IELTS test scores to determine the appropriate level of each student.

Student Feedback

Instructors provide students with written feedback at mid & end of term according to how well they meet the objectives of the course. The course objectives are clearly outlined in the course syllabus issued at the beginning of the session.

You will be evaluated through standardized testing at the end of every term.

Program Grades

IELP students will receive one of the following course grades:

Levels 1-5: Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory.

Transition: A, B, C, D, F, and I (incomplete).

Graduate Transition: Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory.

Satisfactory: This grade is awarded to students who attend class regularly, participate as necessary, and complete assigned work.

Unsatisfactory: This grade is issued to students whose English skills have not benefited from the program due to lack of attendance, lack of participation, or lack of effort.

Program Certificates

Students successfully completing a full session of IELP study may receive a certificate for each class:

Certificate of Achievement: This certifies that the student attended and completed the session, and successfully met the ACHIEVEMENT objectives of the class.

Note: Instructors may recommend that a student receive no certificate as a result of poor attendance and/or poor class participation. Any student receiving a grade of "Unsatisfactory" will not receive a certificate.

Student Attendance Policy

Number of absences permitted:

Students may have no more than 4 absences per class per session (8 absences per semester for Transition students).

More than 4 absences will result in a class grade of Unsatisfactory or a Probationary Satisfactory.

Absences due to visits from family members are NOT exceptions. They will be counted.

Letter of Warning:

Upon receipt of 2 absences, the faculty member will report this student to the IELP via the Attendance Form.

A letter of warning, will be mailed to the student. This letter will remind the student that s/he has only two absences remaining for the session.

Both the Attendance Form and letter of warning will be kept in the student’s file.

Letter of Probation:

Upon notice of a 5th absence, the faculty member will once again report this student to the Coordinator using the Attendance Form.

In the case of students on an F-1 visa, the Coordinator will report the student to the International Student & Scholar Services Coordinator.

A letter of probation will be mailed to the student.

The letter of probation will state that the student will be receiving a grade of Unsatisfactory and has been placed on Probation effective immediately.

The student is required to sign and return the probation letter to show that he/she has received it and understands its meaning.

Both the Attendance Form and letter of probation will be kept in the student’s file.

Failure to sign and return the probation letter does not affect the decision to put a student on Probation.

Letter of Dismissal:

If any more absences occur during that course in that particular session, the faculty member will report this student to the IELP Coordinator using the Attendance Form, marking the box labeled Academic Dismissal.

The Coordinator will review and sign the Attendance Form and arrange a meeting with the student.

Upon conclusion of the meeting, the Coordinator will determine whether to dismiss the student or offer Probationary status. If dismissed, the dismissal is effective immediately and no refund will be provided regardless of what week dismissal occurs.

Arriving late to class

Being late to class is unacceptable. Four late arrivals equal one absence with respect to this policy.

Missing Coursework

Students are expected to make up all work missed over the course of their absences.

Note: Exceptions to this policy are at the discretion of the Coordinator in consultation with the appropriate faculty member.

Student Code of Conduct

IELP students shall:

Treat the IELP faculty, staff, and other students with dignity and respect, remembering that they are all equal with respect to race, national origin, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, political opinion or disability.
Conduct themselves in a manner that ensures a safe and productive learning environment for all students.
Participate actively in the classroom; however, attention must be paid to the diversity present and differences in learning styles must be respected.
Come to class promptly and attend classes regularly.
Inform the IELP office staff of any changes affecting their immigration status (e.g. change of address, change of status, intention to transfer schools, or continue beyond the validity of their visa.)

IELP students shall have the right to:

Be placed in an appropriate level of instruction based on the results of placement testing.
Voice their opinions and concerns about teacher performance, instructional materials, and methods of instruction at any time during a session. Problems specific to a course must first be discussed with the teacher of that course; only when the student is dissatisfied with the handling of the problem on the course level should the matter be brought to the attention of the Coordinator.
Receive periodic updates relative to their classroom progress.
Be considered equal in the classroom and be judged only by the quality of their work.
Take the Institutional TOEFL test free of charge.
Be issued a CCSU Student ID Card.
Take part in off-campus activities, e.g. field trips, sponsored by the IELP.
Use campus facilities and services.
Attend extracurricular activities on campus.

Student Complaints

All student complaints regarding the classroom shall first be directed to the instructor.

If there is no resolution reached between the student and the teacher and the nature of the complaint is academic, personal or involves some aspect of program operation, the student may be referred to the IELP Coordinator.

All complaints will be treated with equal respect.
Through the use of the Student Comment/Complaint Form all issues will result in feedback to the student and faculty member (if appropriate) regarding the action taken.
All complaints will be maintained in a secured binder in the IELP Coordinator’s Office and remain confidential.

Tuition, Billing and Refunds

Central Connecticut State University

Intensive English Language Program

Policy on Billing, Refunds, and Non-Payment

Billing Process

When bills are ready for viewing, students will receive an e-mail notification in their CCSU e-mail box, or at an off-campus e-mail address to which they have set forwarding. A link in the e-mail takes students to CentralPipeline. Students may also access the eBill by logging directly into CentralPipeline using their BlueNet ID and password. Once logged in, students can view tuition bills, make credit card or e-check payments, and set up third-party payers who can make payments on their behalf.

When to Pay

Advanced payment due $5,500* at the start of the program date for that semester. Late payment made after the start date is $5,800*.

How and Where to Pay

IELP students may pay their tuition bill one of four ways (see below). DO NOT MAIL CASH.

BY MAIL. Make your check or money order payable to “CCSU.” Include your name/address and student I.D. number on the face of the check. Mail the check to the following address:

Central Connecticut State University
Bursar’s Office
P O Box 4010
New Britain, CT 06050-4010

IN-PERSON. Personal Checks (drawn on a U.S. bank), Cashier’s Check, Money Order or Cash

Make your check or money order payable to “CCSU.” Include your name/address and student I.D. number on the face of the check.

Payments made in-person by cash, check or money order can be presented at the Bursar’s Office, located in Davidson Hall, Room 221, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

Credit card payments are not accepted for in-person payments; however computer kiosks are located in the Bursar’s Office where credit card payments can be made. A 2.5% non-refundable convenience fee applies to all credit card payments.

ONLINE THROUGH YOUR CCSU PIPELINE ACCOUNT

ELECTRONIC CHECK – Online payment by eCheck/ACH uses funds directly from a checking or savings account. Payments by eCheck are secure, instantly applied to the account and are processed on CCSU’s behalf through the QuickPAY eBill/ePayment system without assessment of any fees.

CREDIT CARD - Discover and MasterCard credit cards will be accepted; due to Visa restrictions Visa credit cards, however, will no longer be accepted. Credit card payments will be processed on CCSU’s behalf through the QuickPAY eBill/ePayment service which has been certified compliant with credit card security regulations ensuring continued security for students and authorized users’ financial data. For all credit card transactions CCSU will assess a 2.5% non-refundable convenience fee.

WIRE TRANSFER

Wire Transfer Payments, both domestic and international, can be accepted. All funds must be in US dollars. The Bank Routing information for IELP is as follows:

ABA Route (EFT/ACH)011900571

ABA Route (wires)0260-0959-3

Bank NameBank of America, 100 West 33rd Street,

New York, NY 10001

University Account0086-5080

(Note) There is a service fee with this transaction, please see your bank.

Exchange Rate Information

Central Connecticut State University settles all accounts in United States dollars, and does not assume any liability for losses that may result from foreign exchange rate differences under any circumstances. Central Connecticut State University's liability in the event of an error to a student's account is limited to the correction of the error in United States dollars.

Refund Policy

Tuition: The $100 application fee is non-refundable. If you withdraw before the first day of classes, 100% of tuition is refunded. If you withdraw in the first or second week of classes, 50% of the tuition is refunded. If you withdraw in the third or fourth week of classes, 30% of the tuition is refunded. If you withdraw after the fourth week of classes, there is no refund.

Nonpayment Policy

All IELP tuition and fees must be paid in full by the deadline (end of the first week of classes. Failure to pay the full amount or arrange other financial support will result in a $50 late fee. Additionally, a hold will be placed on the student account, which will block the account from any activity (registering for future semesters, registering to take the TOEFL exam, requesting grades or transcripts, etc.). This hold will remain on the account until the balance is paid in full.

E-mail and Central Pipeline Accounts

Once you have paid your tuition deposit, you may activate your on-line CCSU Pipeline account and access your university e-mail account, billing statements, make on-line credit card payments, review your semester class schedule and read other university announcements.

Visit https://accounts.ccsu.edu/wacctmgt/ to set-up your CCSU Pipeline Account username, password and e-mail preferences for the first time. You will need to provide the following information:

Your 8-digit CCSU ID Number
Your Birth Date
Your CCSU PinNumber (obtained by calling the CCSU Help Desk at (860) 832-1720)

After you have set-up your Pipeline account, you may login at pipeline.ccsu.edu/cp/home/loginf

Immigration Regulations

Regularly updated information on immigration regulations is available on The International Students and Visiting Scholars page of the Center for International Education website at: www.ccsu.edu/isss

Reasons to See the International Student/Scholar Coordinator (F-1 and J-1 students)

International Student/Scholar Coordinator

Toyin Ayeni

E-mail:

Phone: (860) 832.2040

Fax: (860) 832.2047

 Traveling Outside the United States

Attend one of the scheduled Travel Advisory Sessions posted through email
You need:
Valid I-20 with travel signature from the International Student/Scholar Coordinator on page 3 (travel signature valid for 6 months).
Valid F-1 Visa
Passport valid at least 6 months into the future

 Extension

If your I-20 is expiring and you plan to remain with the IELP, you must request an extension from the International Student/Scholar Coordinator.

You need:
A written explanation from the Coordinator of the IELP (stating you are making appropriate progress and your expected date of completion)
A newly completed Affidavit of Support (obtain blank form from the IELP Secretary)
This must be done before your current I-20 expires or you will be out of status.

 Transfer

If you are transferring to another program or university, you must notify the International Student/Scholar Coordinator in writing (email is fine) of your acceptance and your intended date of transfer. Your SEVIS Immigration Record will be transferred to your new school at the completion of your last session at CCSU. You must be 100% positive of your plans as this process is difficult and lengthy to reverse. Your new school will issue a new Form I-20 to you.

 Matriculation

If you are moving up to university level here at CCSU, you must notify the C.I.E. Immigration Dept. during your application period. You will need a new I-20 within 60 days of your last date of attendance.
You must submit the following to the International Student/Scholar Coordinator:
Proof of acceptance to CCSU
A new Affidavit of Support

 On-Campus Work Authorization and Other Letters

You can only work at the Bookstore or Food Service Dept. at CCSU
Other letters may include; Military; Good Standing
Request a letter at the Front Desk

 Social Security Number and/or Driver’s License

Request an information packet (including application) at the Front Desk
Social Security visits CCSU at the beginning of each academic year.

As an international student in the United States, your legal status is that of a non-immigrant. It is your responsibility to know and follow the regulations. We are here to help, but ultimately the responsibility is yours to maintain your status.

If you require assistance, signatures, or paperwork to be processed by the International Student/Scholar Coordinator, be sure your request is made well in advance of any deadline.

All questions concerning your status as an international student should be referred to the International Student/Scholar Coordinator (email: ).