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SonomaStateUniversity1801E.CotatiAve.RohnertParkCA94928707-664-2742ssalisonoma.eduwww.sonoma.eduexedssaliSTUDENTHANDBOOKSonomaStateAMERICANLANGUAGEINSTITUTE TheSSALIstaffisheretohelpyou.SSALIofcehoursare900a.m.to200p.m.MondayThursdayTheSSALItelephonenumberis707-664-2742HereisanoutlineoftheinformationavailableatourofceSSUclasses_________________________CollegeuniversityadmissionassistanceSeriousproblemswithclasses_________TOEFLregistration___________________Registration_________________________HealthInsurance_____________________Immigration_________________________Transferringtoanotherschool_________Housing____________________________Transportation_______________________SocialSecuritynumbersDMV_______Entertainmentandrecreation__________Conversationpartners________________Academicorattendanceproblems______Bookcheck-out______________________Databasemanagement_______________ConcernsaboutSSALIclasses_________Levelactivities______________________EMERGENCYSSALIEmergency707-533-4243Offcampusathome.911SSUPublicSafety...2911SSUHealthCenter2921ConsulateGeneralTelephoneInformation1-415-555-1212SayIwouldlikethenumberoftheConsulateGeneralofyourhomecountryinSanFrancisco.HelenKallenbachDirectorDebraCrowOfceManagerBertaHodgesAcademicCoordinatorYourLevelAdvisor WelcometoSonomaStateAmericanLanguageInstituteTherearemanyfunandinterestingthingstodoinyourfreetime.HereareafewsuggestionsLEISURETIMEACTIVITIESWhatcanIdoatSONOMASTATEUNIVERSITYwww.sonoma.eduSportsintramuraltowatchorparticipateinSignupatStudentUnion.swimmingpoolgymandtnesscenterwww.sonoma.edurecsportsOutdoorPursuitsSSUFilmInstituteandSpecialLectureseriesFestivalsandconcertsatnoononSSUcampusConcertsandtheatereventsJUMPVolunteerorganizationWhatcanIdoinROHNERTPARKSANTAROSAwww.ci.rohnert-park.ca.uswww.ci.santa-rosa.ca.usScandiaFunCenterR.P.miniaturegolfarcadegamesracetrackbaseballbattingcagesSportsCenterR.P.competitiveandrecreationalsportsCommunityCenterR.P.classesinKarateartyogaexercisePerformingArtsCenterR.P.theatricalproductionsconcertsGolfR.P.drivingrange2golfcoursesBowlingRohnertParkandSantaRosaShoppingS.R.2majormallsDowntownPlazaandCoddingtownWednesdayNightMarketS.R.shoppingfoodmusicMaytoOctoberDanceclubsinCotatiandSantaRosaWhatcanIdoinSONOMACOUNTYwww.sonoma-county.orgVisitWineriestoursandtastingBodegaBaybeachrestaurantsRussianRivershingboatingswimminghikinginRedwoodforestsLakeSonomahikingpicnickingcampingboatingHotairballoonshangglidinghotspringsLIVINGWITHAMERICANSManystudentsdecidetoliveinanAmericanhomestay.Thiscanbearewardingexperienceforthestu-dentwhoisinterestedinlearningaboutAmericancultureandfamilylife.Sometimeshoweverproblemscanarisebecauseofculturaldifferences.Itisessentialforyouandyourhostfamilytobepatientandtocommunicateespeciallyduringthersttwoorthreeweeks.Itiscommonforstudentstofeelhomesickatsomepointduringtheirrstyearofstudy.Ifyoufeelsadordepressedrememberthatthisisverynor-malandthebestthingtodoistokeepyourselfbusyorcometotheSSALIofceandtalkwithsomebodyaboutyourfeelings.Sometimestalkingcanreallyhelpyoutofeelbetter.HerearesomethingstokeepinmindaboutAmericancultureMostfamiliesareverybusy.Bothhostparentsmayhavejobsandthechildrenmaybeinvolvedinschoolorsportsactivities.Becauseofthisyoumaybeexpectedtomakeyourownbreakfastorlunch.AlsoyourAmericanparentsmaysometimemakeaquickmicrowavedinnerorbuyafast-fooddinnerhamburgerspizza.Ifthisbothersyoutalktoyourhostparentsinacalmway.IfyoufeeltooshytalktoDebraintheSSALIofce.Californiansareveryconservativewiththeirwateruse.Trytolimityourshowersto10minutesorless. Ifyouareunhappywithcertainfoodsaskyourhostparentsifyoucouldgotothestorewiththemandpickoutfoodsyoulike.OrperhapstheywillallowyoutocookyourfavoritefoodaftershowingyouhowtooperateinatypicalAmericankitchen.Talktoyourhostparentsaboutlaundry.DoyouprefertowashyourownclothesMaybeyoucouldsetupaschedule.Ifyouthinkyoumaygethomelaterthanplannedcallyourhostparentsandtellthem.Theymightworryaboutyouifyoudontcomewhenexpected.Ifyoumakelongdistancecallsfromyourhostfamilysphoneyouwillbeexpectedtopayyourbillpromptly.Whenyourhostfamilyreceivesthephonebilltheywillshowittoyouandprobablyexpectpaymentwithinadayortwo.Agoodoptionistobuyalongdistancecallingcardortopurchaseacellphone.RememberifthereisaproblemtalkwithyourhostfamilyORletusknowYoucancometotheSSALIofceandtalktoDebra.Shewillhelpyoutondasolutiontoyourproblem.WewantyourstayheretobeahappyoneBANKINGOneoftherstthingsyouwillneedtodoafterarrivingistondabank.Itisnotagoodideatokeepalargeamountofcashinyourroomorinyourapartment.Alsoitiseasiertopayyourbillsifyouhaveacheckingaccount.TherearemanybanksinRohnertPark.HerearesomesuggestionsBankofAmericaChaseBankExchangeBankWellsFargo6545HunterDrive201RohnertParkExwy6290Commerce5PadreParkway542-4433588-0200584-7300588-5580TRANSPORTATIONBicycleYoucanbuyaninexpensivebicycleatTarget475RohnertParkExpresswayWest85-125orWal-Mart4625RedwoodDriveoramoreexpensiveoneatoneoftheseveralbicyclestoresinthearea.BreakawayBikes1451SouthwestBlvdTheHubCyclery7885OldRedwoodHwy.Itisagoodideatogetyourbicycleregistered.YoucandothisforfreeatPoliceandParkingServices.BikeRepairThereisabicyclerepairshopontheSSUcampusatnooninfrontoftheStudentUnion.SafetyItisnotlegaltorideyourbicycleAGAINSTtrafcYoumustALWAYSrideyourbicycleintheSAMEDIRECTIONasthecarsYoushouldalwayswearabicyclehelmet.RemembertoLOCKYOURBIKE.BuyaULOCKandconnectittotheframeofyourbicycle.BusIfyouprefertoridethebusyoucanusetheSONOMACOUNTYTRANSITBUStogotoandfromSonomaState.TotravelaroundRohnertParkyoumaytakebusnumbers101112or14.Thecostis1.05forstu-dents.IfyouwanttogotoPetalumaorSantaRosathecostis1.55forstudentsandyouwouldtakebusnumbers4446or48.YouwillneedexactchangeandyourstudentI.D.seebelow.CometotheSSALIofceforbusschedules.IfyouplantoridethebusoftenyoucanbuyabuspassattheSonomaCountyTransitOfce355WestRoblesSantaRosaoratvariousSafewayandRaleyssupermarkets.TogotoSanFranciscoyouhavetotakeadifferentbuscalledGOLDENGATETRANSIT.Youwouldtakebusnumber80atacostof9.75toS.F.fromRohnertPark.YoushouldhavetheEXACTamountofmoney.ForabusscheduletoSanFranciscogototheStudentUnion. TRANSPORTATIONAutomobileHowcanIgetadriverslicenseStudentsmustapplyforaCaliforniadriverslicenseifplanningonowningacar.Aninternationaldriverslicenseisvalidfor30daysonly.BesuretocarryyourdriverslicensefromyourcountryandyourpassportatalltimesuntilyouhaveyourCaliforniadriverslicense.ThedriversmanualisavailableatTheDepartmentofMotorVehiclesDMVinseveraldifferentlanguagesFortheDMVinSantaRosacall542-2424.InPetalumacall763-9883.RememberyourInternationalDriverslicenseisonlyvalidforafewweeksAfteryouhavestudiedalltheCaliforniarulesandregulationscalltheDMVandmakeanappointmenttotakeyourwrittentest.DONOTMAKETHEAPPOINTMENTDURINGCLASSTIMEAfteryoumakeyourappointmentaskhowmuchthefeewillbe.Itisnormallyabout25.YoumaytakethetestinalanguageotherthanEnglishbutyoumustbeabletounderstandroadsignsinEnglish.Whenyoutakethetestbesuretobringyourpassport.Thewrittentestwillhave46questions.Youneedtoanswer39correctlytopassthetest.IfyoupassyouwillbegivenaDriversPermit.Thispermitallowsyoutopracticedrivingonlywhenthereisalicenseddriverovertheageof25withyou.Afteryouhavepracticeddrivingandfeelcondentmakeanappointmenttotakeyourdrivingtest.ThedrivingtestwillbegivenonthestreetsaroundtheDMV.WhenyoupassthetestDMVwillissueyouatemporarylicense.Yourpermanentlicenseshouldarrivebymail3weekslater.HowcanIbuyacarYoumaywanttobuyausedcar.Usedcarscanbefound1OntheInternetCraigslistisagoodsitewww.craigslist.org2inadvertisementsonSSUorSSALIbulletinboards3inUsedCarLotslocatedalongSantaRosaAvenueandattheSonomaCountyFairgrounds4atnewcardealershipsonCorbyAvenue.WhenyoulookatausedcarbesuretoTakesomeonewithyouwhospeaksEnglishverywell.Takesomeonewhoknowsaboutcarmechanics.YoumaywanttoaskWhatisthemileageHastheenginebeenrebuiltorreplacedArethebrakesgoodThetiresThetransmissionIsthereawarrantyYouwillalsoneedtolloutchangeofownershipandregistrationpapers.Besuretotalktothepersonwhosellsyouthecaraboutthis.Lawrequiresthatallcarownersbuyinsurance.LookinthetelephonebookYELLOWPAGESunderINSURANCE.Callatleastthreecompaniestondthebestandmostaffordablepolicyforyou.HowdoIparkmycaroncampusYoumusthaveaparkingpasstoparkyourcarontheSSUcampus.Youcanpurchaseasemester-longpassfromCustomerServiceinSalazarHalloryoucanbuyadailypassfromthemachineslocatednearmostparkinglots.Ifyouparkwithoutapassyouwillreceiveaticketfromthecampussecurity.Parkinglotsoftenllupearlyinthedaysoallowplentyoftimetondaparkingspace. SOCIALSECURITYNUMBERSocialsecuritynumbersarenotregularlyissuedtoSSALIstudents.HEALTHCONCERNSMedicalcareandhospitalizationintheU.S.canbeveryexpensive.Foreignstudentsarerequiredtohavefullcoveragehealthinsurancetocovermajormedicalexpenses.SSALIoffersanexcellentplanatthetimeofregistration.Donotassumethatyourhealthinsuranceplanwillcovereveryservice.CheckwiththeHealthCenterforadvice.ForlessmajormedicalproblemsyoucangotothecampusHealthCentertoreceivefreeorlowcostcare.InfactwheneverpossiblegototheSSUHealthCenterrstforanymedicalproblemThedoctorstherewilladviseyouandgivereferralsifnecessary.STUDENTIDENTIFICATIONCARDNewStudentsWhenyouregisterforyourclassesatSSALIyouwillbegivenanSSUIDnumber.UsethatnumberforALLtransactionsoncampus.DuringyourrstdaysatSSALIastaffmemberwilltakeyoutoCustomerServicewhereyouwillhaveyourpicturetakenandreceiveyourID.ThiscardwillallowyoutousetheSSUlibrarytousecampusfacilitiesandlaboratoriestousetheHealthCenterandtogetdiscountbusfares.ReturningStudentsIfyouwanttovalidateyourIDcardinsubsequentsemestersyoucangotoCustomerServicetorequestasemesterstickerforyouroldcard.Thereisnochargeforthisupdate.ADMINISTRATIVEANDSSUFEESLateRegistrationFee50LateTestingFee75LateAdvisingFee50OpenUniversityperunit265SpecialDiscountsDiscountsaretakenoffanycategoryexcept25enrollmenttheymaynotbecombinedandpre-registrationdiscountnotapplicablewhenspecialdiscountsaretaken.ReferredbyamemberoftheSSUcommunity10Californiaresident25Thirdsemesterenrollmentfulltime10RULESANDREGULATIONSBelowyouwillreadaboutyourresponsibilitiesasaSSALIstudent.ItisoursincerewishthatyourtimestudyingatSSALIwillhelpyouattainyourpersonalandacademicgoals.PlacementPolicyNewstudentsareputintheappropriatelevelclassbasedontheresultsofseveralplacementtestsgivenatthebeginningofthesemester.PlacementandleveladvancementofreturningstudentsarebasedongradesearnedintheprevioussemesterthescoreontheMichiganPlacementTestretakenatthebeginningandendofeachsemesterandteacherrecommendations.IfyoudonotagreewithyourplacementyoushoulddiscussthiswiththedirectorofSSALI.Ifafterseveraldaysalloftheteachersofthelevelrecommendachangeyoucanmovetoadifferentlevel.ProgressPolicyInternationalstudentsarerequiredtomakecontinuousprogress.Werecognizethatallstudentsdonotmakeprogressatthesamerateandtheymayneedtorepeataprociencylevelonce.IfastudentcompletesaprociencyleveltwiceanddoesnotprogressintothenextlevelthestudentwillneedtogetspecialpermissionfromthedirectortocontinuestudyatSSALI. GraduationPolicyInordertoreceiveagraduationcerticatefromSSALIstudentsmusthavecompleted15weeksoffulltimestudyintheadvancedlevelwithnolowerthanaCgradeaverageandnoFgradeinanyofthecoreclasses.AcademicStandardsIfyouwanttocontinueyourstudiesinanAmericanUniversityyoushouldworkforgoodgradesFormalevaluationofyourprogressineachclasswillbemadeattheendofthesessionbyyourteachers.YoucanreceiveagraderangingfromAtoFdependingonyoureffortandprogress.Clevelworkmeansthatyourperformanceissatisfactorybutwillnotearnaletterofrecommendationtoacollegeoruniversity.IfyoureceiveaDorFgradepointaverageyouwillbeplacedonacademicPROBATION.ThismeansthatyoumustimprovegradesoryoumaybeaskedtoleaveSSALI.AttendanceWearerequiredtomaintaininformationaboutattendanceofF-1studentsfortheU.S.BureauofCitizenshipImmigrationServicesBCIS.YouareurgedtoattendALLofyourclasses.Youshouldnotbeabsentmorethan18hourscollectively.Twotimeslatetoclasscountasonehourabsence.IfyouareabsenttoomanytimesyouwillbeplacedonattendancePROBATION.Alsopoorattendancecanaffectyourgrades.Ifyouareabsentfor10ofthetotalhoursforanyonecourseyoumayreceiveanalgradeofFinthatcourse.DismissalPolicyStudentsonacademicprobationwhocontinuetoearnunsatisfactorybadgradesandstudentsonattendanceprobationwhocontinuetobeabsentaresubjecttoDISMISSAL.Thismeansthatthestudentwillbeaskedtondanotherschooltoattendorreturnhome.AstudentwhoisnotmakingnormalprogressmayhaveviolatedstatusandmayberequiredtoseekREINSTATEMENTwithBCIS.DismissaloccursonlyiftheDirectorStudentAdvisorandoneotherfacultymemberagree.Astudentwhohasbeenaskedtoleavemaypetitionthedirectorforreinstatementanotherchancebutthedirectorsresponsetothisisnal.AcademicProblemsIfyouhaveaprobleminaclasstrytoresolveitbytalkingtoyourteacher.IfthisdoesnothelpyoucandiscussyourproblemwithyourleveladvisororwiththeAcademicCoordinatorBertaHodges.FinallyunresolvedproblemscanbediscussedwiththeDirectorHelenKallenbach.StudentConductStudentsareexpectedtoactinamaturemanner.RememberyouarerepresentingtheSSALIprogramtoourcommunityBehaviorthatisinappropriatemayresultincounselingprobationorinseriouscasesdismissal.InappropriatebehaviorincludesbutisnotlimitedtoPhysicalabuseofanymemberofthecampuscommunityorthreatofabuseTheftoforintentionaldamagetocampuspropertyorpropertyofamemberofthecampuscommunitySaleorpossessionofillegaldrugsoncampuspropertyPossessionofadeadlyweapongunknifeoncampusIndecentorobscenebehavioroncampusInappropriatebadbehaviorwillresultindismissalonlyiftheDirectorStudentAdvisorandoneotherfacultymemberagreewiththisdecision. HomeworkYoushouldsatisfactorilycompleteALLhomeworkandcourserequirements.Homeworkisanimportantpartofthecourseandstudyisessentialtoyouracademicsuccess.Sometimesyoumayreceive4or5homeworkassignmentsinoneday.Youareexpectedtocompleteallassignmentsontimeandtodothemwell.Ifyouareabsentfromclassyouarestillrequiredtodothehomeworkandcometoclassprepared.Contactaclassmatetondoutwhatyoumissedandtogettheassignments.SmokingSonomaStatehasaverystrictpolicyregardingsmoking.SmokingisNOTALLOWEDinthefollowingareasInanybuildinginanyhallwayinanywalkwayanoutdoorcoveredareanearanydoorsoropenwindows.SmokingISALLOWEDOUTSIDEatleast20feetawayfrombuildingsSSALIAcademicandClassroomExpectations1.Matureandrespectfulbehaviorintheclassroomatalltimes.Listenrespectfullywhentheteacherorotherstudentsarespeaking.Disruptivebehaviorisnotpermitted.Cometoclassontime.Donotuseyourcellphoneduringclass.2.Attendanceisrequired.F-1studentsarerequiredtoattend20hoursperweek.Youareallowednomorethan18hoursabsencepersemester.Towtimeslatetoclassequalsonehourabsence.3.OralparticipationinclassisrequiredClassdiscussionsarecommonyouareexpectedtoparticipate.Youareexpectedtoworkwithapartnerandsmallgroup.Stayontaskandfocusonthetopic.4.HomeworkrequirementsCompletehomeworkbeforeclassandcometoclasspreparedtoparticipate.Allhomeworkiscompletedonstandardsizedpaper8.5x11Allhomeworkisneatlyhand-writtenortyped.Learnandapplystandardsofacademicessaywriting.Ifyoumissaclassyouareexpectedtogetthehomeworkandclassnotesfromanotherstudent.Teachersdontalwaysacceptlatehomework.Itisyourresponsibilitytocheckwiththeprofessoraboutyourprogress.5.Absolutelynoplagiarismorcheating.Nocopyinginpartorwholeanotherstudentsquiztestorhomeworkanswers.Noallowinganotherstudenttocopyinpartorwholeonesquiztestorhomework.Nosubmittingapaperpurchasedfromaresearchortermpaperserviceorwrittenbyanotherstudentandfalselyrepresentedasonesownwork.Nocopyingdirectlyfromtheinternetwithoutpropercitations.Noturninginworkpreviouslysubmittedinanothercourse.Ateachermaygiveyouafailinggradeforplagiarismorcheating.6.Teachersexpectyoutoaskquestionswhenyoudontunderstand.Youcanmakeanappointmenttoseeateacherifyoucannottalkduringclasstime.Itisyourresponsibilitytounderstandinformationandassignments.7.Thereisnoautomaticpromotionfromoneleveltoahigherlevel.Levelplacementisdeterminedbytheplacementtestscores.Levelplacementisalsodeterminedbysemestergradesandteacher TOEFLIfyouintendtostudyatanAmericancollegeoruniversityyoumustachievetherequiredTOEFLscore.TheclosestTOEFLtestcenterislocatedinSantaRosa.Call800-468-6335toregisterforatestdateifyoucanpaybycreditcard.MoreinformationaboutTOEFLisavailableintheSSALIofce.SonomaStateUniversitywillwaivetherequiredTOEFLscoreforundergraduateadmissionforSSALIstudentswhocompletethe500levelortwosummersessionsofLevelAasfull-timestudentswithnogradelowerthananA-ineachofthecorescoursesandnogradelowerthananSorBineachofthecoreclassesandwhoreceivealetterofrecommendationfromtheSSALIdirector.TOEFLscoresrequiredforSSU61oniBT500ontheInstitutionalTOEFLwithnopartscorelowerthan50.CLASSESATSONOMASTATEConcurrentEnrollmentIfyouareaSSALIstudentandyouwanttotakesomeclassesatSSUwhilestudyingatSSALIConcurrentEnrollmentyoushouldknowthefollowinginformation1.StudentsenrolledatSSALIwhohaveaminimumTOEFLscoreof500173CBT61iBTmayrequestConcurrentEnrollmentinconjunctionwithpart-timeSSALIattheadvancedlevel.SSUunitsplusSSALIhoursmustbeequivalentequaltoafull-timecourseofstudy.2.StudentspresentlyenrolledinSSALIwhohavealreadycompletedtheadvancedlevelofSSALIwithaBaverageandhaveaminimumTOEFLscoreof485163CBT56iBTmayrequestConcurrentEnrollmentnomorethan2SSUcourses.3.Studentswhoarepresentlyenrolledfull-timeintheadvancedlevelwithaBaverageinpreviousSSALIcourse-workandhaveaminimumTOEFLscoreof485163CBT56iBTmayrequestConcurrentEnrollmentnomorethan1SSUcourse.4.Studentsenrolledfull-timeinhigh-intermediatetoadvancedlevelsmayrequestpermissiontoregisterforanSSUcourserequiringverylimitedlanguagesuchasP.E.ordance.IfIameligiblewhatshouldIdoMakeanappointmenttospeakwithHelenKallenbach.CollegeUniversityApplicationYouracceptancetotheSSALIprogramdoesnotmeanthatyouhavebeenacceptedbySonomaStateUniversity.Itisyourresponsibilitytoselectandapplytothecollegeoruniversityofyourchoiceandwesuggestthatyoubeginyoursearchasmuchasoneyearinadvance.IfyouneedhelpwithyouruniversityapplicationseeHelenKallenbach. WORKWorkingisnotpermittedforSSALIstudents.SAFETYGenerallyspeakingRohnertParkisasafecitytoliveinhowevertherearesomethingsyoushouldkeepinmindIfyoulikeorneedtowalkatnighttrytowalkwithanotherpersonoragroupofpeople.Walkinareasthathavegoodlightingstreetlightsandavoidwalkingclosetobushesortrees.Dontcarrylargeamountsofmoneywithyou.Wearsomewhiteclothingjacketpantsetc.sopeopleincarscanseeyou.Dontacceptarideinacarfromastranger.Ifsomeoneoffersyouaridejustsaynothankyouandcontinuewalking.Ifsomeoneasksyoufordirectionsfromacardontstandtooclosetothecarwhenanswering.Whenreturningtoyourcarhaveyourcarkeysready.Alsoneverleaveyourcarunlocked.IMMIGRATIONANDCUSTOMSENFORCEMENTICEREGULATIONSPassportDontletyourpassportexpire.Werecommendkeepingpassportsvalidforaminimumperiodof6monthsintothefuture.ChangeofAddressPleasenotifyDebraimmediatelyifyoumove.ICErequiresthatSSALIhasthecurrentofaddressofeachstudentenrolled.Re-EntrytotheU.S.IfyouwanttotemporarilyleavetheU.S.andreturntoSSALItocontinueyourstudiesyoumustrequestare-entrysignatureonthebackofyour1-20.SeeHelenKallenbach.ProgramExtensionIfyouwanttostudybeyondthedateofcompletionlistedinitem5onyourI-20youmustapplyforaprogramextension.PleaseseeBarbaraatleastonemonthbeforetheenddateonyourI-20.I.R.S.TheInternalRevenueServicerequiresthatallforeignstudentsleanincometaxreturnbyApril15re-gardlessofwhetherornottheyhaveearnedincome.InformationbookletsandformsareavailableintheSSALIofce.UnlawfulPresenceIfanICEjudgedeterminesthatastudenthasviolatedSTATUSandisunlawfullypresentintheU.S.timeoutofstatuscanleadtoareentryBAR6months3yearbar12months10yearbar.
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SonomaStateUniversity1801E.CotatiAve.RohnertParkCA94928707-664-2742ssalisonoma.eduwww.sonoma.eduexedssaliSTUDENTHANDBOOKSonomaStateAMERICANLANGUAGEINSTITUTE TheSSALIstaffisheretohelpyou.SSALIofcehoursare900a.m.to200p.m.MondayThursdayTheSSALItelephonenumberis707-664-2742HereisanoutlineoftheinformationavailableatourofceSSUclasses_________________________CollegeuniversityadmissionassistanceSeriousproblemswithclasses_________TOEFLregistration___________________Registration_________________________HealthInsurance_____________________Immigration_________________________Transferringtoanotherschool_________Housing____________________________Transportation_______________________SocialSecuritynumbersDMV_______Entertainmentandrecreation__________Conversationpartners________________Academicorattendanceproblems______Bookcheck-out______________________Databasemanagement_______________ConcernsaboutSSALIclasses_________Levelactivities______________________EMERGENCYSSALIEmergency707-533-4243Offcampusathome.911SSUPublicSafety...2911SSUHealthCenter2921ConsulateGeneralTelephoneInformation1-415-555-1212SayIwouldlikethenumberoftheConsulateGeneralofyourhomecountryinSanFrancisco.HelenKallenbachDirectorDebraCrowOfceManagerBertaHodgesAcademicCoordinatorYourLevelAdvisor WelcometoSonomaStateAmericanLanguageInstituteTherearemanyfunandinterestingthingstodoinyourfreetime.HereareafewsuggestionsLEISURETIMEACTIVITIESWhatcanIdoatSONOMASTATEUNIVERSITYwww.sonoma.eduSportsintramuraltowatchorparticipateinSignupatStudentUnion.swimmingpoolgymandtnesscenterwww.sonoma.edurecsportsOutdoorPursuitsSSUFilmInstituteandSpecialLectureseriesFestivalsandconcertsatnoononSSUcampusConcertsandtheatereventsJUMPVolunteerorganizationWhatcanIdoinROHNERTPARKSANTAROSAwww.ci.rohnert-park.ca.uswww.ci.santa-rosa.ca.usScandiaFunCenterR.P.miniaturegolfarcadegamesracetrackbaseballbattingcagesSportsCenterR.P.competitiveandrecreationalsportsCommunityCenterR.P.classesinKarateartyogaexercisePerformingArtsCenterR.P.theatricalproductionsconcertsGolfR.P.drivingrange2golfcoursesBowlingRohnertParkandSantaRosaShoppingS.R.2majormallsDowntownPlazaandCoddingtownWednesdayNightMarketS.R.shoppingfoodmusicMaytoOctoberDanceclubsinCotatiandSantaRosaWhatcanIdoinSONOMACOUNTYwww.sonoma-county.orgVisitWineriestoursandtastingBodegaBaybeachrestaurantsRussianRivershingboatingswimminghikinginRedwoodforestsLakeSonomahikingpicnickingcampingboatingHotairballoonshangglidinghotspringsLIVINGWITHAMERICANSManystudentsdecidetoliveinanAmericanhomestay.Thiscanbearewardingexperienceforthestu-dentwhoisinterestedinlearningaboutAmericancultureandfamilylife.Sometimeshoweverproblemscanarisebecauseofculturaldifferences.Itisessentialforyouandyourhostfamilytobepatientandtocommunicateespeciallyduringthersttwoorthreeweeks.Itiscommonforstudentstofeelhomesickatsomepointduringtheirrstyearofstudy.Ifyoufeelsadordepressedrememberthatthisisverynor-malandthebestthingtodoistokeepyourselfbusyorcometotheSSALIofceandtalkwithsomebodyaboutyourfeelings.Sometimestalkingcanreallyhelpyoutofeelbetter.HerearesomethingstokeepinmindaboutAmericancultureMostfamiliesareverybusy.Bothhostparentsmayhavejobsandthechildrenmaybeinvolvedinschoolorsportsactivities.Becauseofthisyoumaybeexpectedtomakeyourownbreakfastorlunch.AlsoyourAmericanparentsmaysometimemakeaquickmicrowavedinnerorbuyafast-fooddinnerhamburgerspizza.Ifthisbothersyoutalktoyourhostparentsinacalmway.IfyoufeeltooshytalktoDebraintheSSALIofce.Californiansareveryconservativewiththeirwateruse.Trytolimityourshowersto10minutesorless. Ifyouareunhappywithcertainfoodsaskyourhostparentsifyoucouldgotothestorewiththemandpickoutfoodsyoulike.OrperhapstheywillallowyoutocookyourfavoritefoodaftershowingyouhowtooperateinatypicalAmericankitchen.Talktoyourhostparentsaboutlaundry.DoyouprefertowashyourownclothesMaybeyoucouldsetupaschedule.Ifyouthinkyoumaygethomelaterthanplannedcallyourhostparentsandtellthem.Theymightworryaboutyouifyoudontcomewhenexpected.Ifyoumakelongdistancecallsfromyourhostfamilysphoneyouwillbeexpectedtopayyourbillpromptly.Whenyourhostfamilyreceivesthephonebilltheywillshowittoyouandprobablyexpectpaymentwithinadayortwo.Agoodoptionistobuyalongdistancecallingcardortopurchaseacellphone.RememberifthereisaproblemtalkwithyourhostfamilyORletusknowYoucancometotheSSALIofceandtalktoDebra.Shewillhelpyoutondasolutiontoyourproblem.WewantyourstayheretobeahappyoneBANKINGOneoftherstthingsyouwillneedtodoafterarrivingistondabank.Itisnotagoodideatokeepalargeamountofcashinyourroomorinyourapartment.Alsoitiseasiertopayyourbillsifyouhaveacheckingaccount.TherearemanybanksinRohnertPark.HerearesomesuggestionsBankofAmericaChaseBankExchangeBankWellsFargo6545HunterDrive201RohnertParkExwy6290Commerce5PadreParkway542-4433588-0200584-7300588-5580TRANSPORTATIONBicycleYoucanbuyaninexpensivebicycleatTarget475RohnertParkExpresswayWest85-125orWal-Mart4625RedwoodDriveoramoreexpensiveoneatoneoftheseveralbicyclestoresinthearea.BreakawayBikes1451SouthwestBlvdTheHubCyclery7885OldRedwoodHwy.Itisagoodideatogetyourbicycleregistered.YoucandothisforfreeatPoliceandParkingServices.BikeRepairThereisabicyclerepairshopontheSSUcampusatnooninfrontoftheStudentUnion.SafetyItisnotlegaltorideyourbicycleAGAINSTtrafcYoumustALWAYSrideyourbicycleintheSAMEDIRECTIONasthecarsYoushouldalwayswearabicyclehelmet.RemembertoLOCKYOURBIKE.BuyaULOCKandconnectittotheframeofyourbicycle.BusIfyouprefertoridethebusyoucanusetheSONOMACOUNTYTRANSITBUStogotoandfromSonomaState.TotravelaroundRohnertParkyoumaytakebusnumbers101112or14.Thecostis1.05forstu-dents.IfyouwanttogotoPetalumaorSantaRosathecostis1.55forstudentsandyouwouldtakebusnumbers4446or48.YouwillneedexactchangeandyourstudentI.D.seebelow.CometotheSSALIofceforbusschedules.IfyouplantoridethebusoftenyoucanbuyabuspassattheSonomaCountyTransitOfce355WestRoblesSantaRosaoratvariousSafewayandRaleyssupermarkets.TogotoSanFranciscoyouhavetotakeadifferentbuscalledGOLDENGATETRANSIT.Youwouldtakebusnumber80atacostof9.75toS.F.fromRohnertPark.YoushouldhavetheEXACTamountofmoney.ForabusscheduletoSanFranciscogototheStudentUnion. TRANSPORTATIONAutomobileHowcanIgetadriverslicenseStudentsmustapplyforaCaliforniadriverslicenseifplanningonowningacar.Aninternationaldriverslicenseisvalidfor30daysonly.BesuretocarryyourdriverslicensefromyourcountryandyourpassportatalltimesuntilyouhaveyourCaliforniadriverslicense.ThedriversmanualisavailableatTheDepartmentofMotorVehiclesDMVinseveraldifferentlanguagesFortheDMVinSantaRosacall542-2424.InPetalumacall763-9883.RememberyourInternationalDriverslicenseisonlyvalidforafewweeksAfteryouhavestudiedalltheCaliforniarulesandregulationscalltheDMVandmakeanappointmenttotakeyourwrittentest.DONOTMAKETHEAPPOINTMENTDURINGCLASSTIMEAfteryoumakeyourappointmentaskhowmuchthefeewillbe.Itisnormallyabout25.YoumaytakethetestinalanguageotherthanEnglishbutyoumustbeabletounderstandroadsignsinEnglish.Whenyoutakethetestbesuretobringyourpassport.Thewrittentestwillhave46questions.Youneedtoanswer39correctlytopassthetest.IfyoupassyouwillbegivenaDriversPermit.Thispermitallowsyoutopracticedrivingonlywhenthereisalicenseddriverovertheageof25withyou.Afteryouhavepracticeddrivingandfeelcondentmakeanappointmenttotakeyourdrivingtest.ThedrivingtestwillbegivenonthestreetsaroundtheDMV.WhenyoupassthetestDMVwillissueyouatemporarylicense.Yourpermanentlicenseshouldarrivebymail3weekslater.HowcanIbuyacarYoumaywanttobuyausedcar.Usedcarscanbefound1OntheInternetCraigslistisagoodsitewww.craigslist.org2inadvertisementsonSSUorSSALIbulletinboards3inUsedCarLotslocatedalongSantaRosaAvenueandattheSonomaCountyFairgrounds4atnewcardealershipsonCorbyAvenue.WhenyoulookatausedcarbesuretoTakesomeonewithyouwhospeaksEnglishverywell.Takesomeonewhoknowsaboutcarmechanics.YoumaywanttoaskWhatisthemileageHastheenginebeenrebuiltorreplacedArethebrakesgoodThetiresThetransmissionIsthereawarrantyYouwillalsoneedtolloutchangeofownershipandregistrationpapers.Besuretotalktothepersonwhosellsyouthecaraboutthis.Lawrequiresthatallcarownersbuyinsurance.LookinthetelephonebookYELLOWPAGESunderINSURANCE.Callatleastthreecompaniestondthebestandmostaffordablepolicyforyou.HowdoIparkmycaroncampusYoumusthaveaparkingpasstoparkyourcarontheSSUcampus.Youcanpurchaseasemester-longpassfromCustomerServiceinSalazarHalloryoucanbuyadailypassfromthemachineslocatednearmostparkinglots.Ifyouparkwithoutapassyouwillreceiveaticketfromthecampussecurity.Parkinglotsoftenllupearlyinthedaysoallowplentyoftimetondaparkingspace. SOCIALSECURITYNUMBERSocialsecuritynumbersarenotregularlyissuedtoSSALIstudents.HEALTHCONCERNSMedicalcareandhospitalizationintheU.S.canbeveryexpensive.Foreignstudentsarerequiredtohavefullcoveragehealthinsurancetocovermajormedicalexpenses.SSALIoffersanexcellentplanatthetimeofregistration.Donotassumethatyourhealthinsuranceplanwillcovereveryservice.CheckwiththeHealthCenterforadvice.ForlessmajormedicalproblemsyoucangotothecampusHealthCentertoreceivefreeorlowcostcare.InfactwheneverpossiblegototheSSUHealthCenterrstforanymedicalproblemThedoctorstherewilladviseyouandgivereferralsifnecessary.STUDENTIDENTIFICATIONCARDNewStudentsWhenyouregisterforyourclassesatSSALIyouwillbegivenanSSUIDnumber.UsethatnumberforALLtransactionsoncampus.DuringyourrstdaysatSSALIastaffmemberwilltakeyoutoCustomerServicewhereyouwillhaveyourpicturetakenandreceiveyourID.ThiscardwillallowyoutousetheSSUlibrarytousecampusfacilitiesandlaboratoriestousetheHealthCenterandtogetdiscountbusfares.ReturningStudentsIfyouwanttovalidateyourIDcardinsubsequentsemestersyoucangotoCustomerServicetorequestasemesterstickerforyouroldcard.Thereisnochargeforthisupdate.ADMINISTRATIVEANDSSUFEESLateRegistrationFee50LateTestingFee75LateAdvisingFee50OpenUniversityperunit265SpecialDiscountsDiscountsaretakenoffanycategoryexcept25enrollmenttheymaynotbecombinedandpre-registrationdiscountnotapplicablewhenspecialdiscountsaretaken.ReferredbyamemberoftheSSUcommunity10Californiaresident25Thirdsemesterenrollmentfulltime10RULESANDREGULATIONSBelowyouwillreadaboutyourresponsibilitiesasaSSALIstudent.ItisoursincerewishthatyourtimestudyingatSSALIwillhelpyouattainyourpersonalandacademicgoals.PlacementPolicyNewstudentsareputintheappropriatelevelclassbasedontheresultsofseveralplacementtestsgivenatthebeginningofthesemester.PlacementandleveladvancementofreturningstudentsarebasedongradesearnedintheprevioussemesterthescoreontheMichiganPlacementTestretakenatthebeginningandendofeachsemesterandteacherrecommendations.IfyoudonotagreewithyourplacementyoushoulddiscussthiswiththedirectorofSSALI.Ifafterseveraldaysalloftheteachersofthelevelrecommendachangeyoucanmovetoadifferentlevel.ProgressPolicyInternationalstudentsarerequiredtomakecontinuousprogress.Werecognizethatallstudentsdonotmakeprogressatthesamerateandtheymayneedtorepeataprociencylevelonce.IfastudentcompletesaprociencyleveltwiceanddoesnotprogressintothenextlevelthestudentwillneedtogetspecialpermissionfromthedirectortocontinuestudyatSSALI. GraduationPolicyInordertoreceiveagraduationcerticatefromSSALIstudentsmusthavecompleted15weeksoffulltimestudyintheadvancedlevelwithnolowerthanaCgradeaverageandnoFgradeinanyofthecoreclasses.AcademicStandardsIfyouwanttocontinueyourstudiesinanAmericanUniversityyoushouldworkforgoodgradesFormalevaluationofyourprogressineachclasswillbemadeattheendofthesessionbyyourteachers.YoucanreceiveagraderangingfromAtoFdependingonyoureffortandprogress.Clevelworkmeansthatyourperformanceissatisfactorybutwillnotearnaletterofrecommendationtoacollegeoruniversity.IfyoureceiveaDorFgradepointaverageyouwillbeplacedonacademicPROBATION.ThismeansthatyoumustimprovegradesoryoumaybeaskedtoleaveSSALI.AttendanceWearerequiredtomaintaininformationaboutattendanceofF-1studentsfortheU.S.BureauofCitizenshipImmigrationServicesBCIS.YouareurgedtoattendALLofyourclasses.Youshouldnotbeabsentmorethan18hourscollectively.Twotimeslatetoclasscountasonehourabsence.IfyouareabsenttoomanytimesyouwillbeplacedonattendancePROBATION.Alsopoorattendancecanaffectyourgrades.Ifyouareabsentfor10ofthetotalhoursforanyonecourseyoumayreceiveanalgradeofFinthatcourse.DismissalPolicyStudentsonacademicprobationwhocontinuetoearnunsatisfactorybadgradesandstudentsonattendanceprobationwhocontinuetobeabsentaresubjecttoDISMISSAL.Thismeansthatthestudentwillbeaskedtondanotherschooltoattendorreturnhome.AstudentwhoisnotmakingnormalprogressmayhaveviolatedstatusandmayberequiredtoseekREINSTATEMENTwithBCIS.DismissaloccursonlyiftheDirectorStudentAdvisorandoneotherfacultymemberagree.Astudentwhohasbeenaskedtoleavemaypetitionthedirectorforreinstatementanotherchancebutthedirectorsresponsetothisisnal.AcademicProblemsIfyouhaveaprobleminaclasstrytoresolveitbytalkingtoyourteacher.IfthisdoesnothelpyoucandiscussyourproblemwithyourleveladvisororwiththeAcademicCoordinatorBertaHodges.FinallyunresolvedproblemscanbediscussedwiththeDirectorHelenKallenbach.StudentConductStudentsareexpectedtoactinamaturemanner.RememberyouarerepresentingtheSSALIprogramtoourcommunityBehaviorthatisinappropriatemayresultincounselingprobationorinseriouscasesdismissal.InappropriatebehaviorincludesbutisnotlimitedtoPhysicalabuseofanymemberofthecampuscommunityorthreatofabuseTheftoforintentionaldamagetocampuspropertyorpropertyofamemberofthecampuscommunitySaleorpossessionofillegaldrugsoncampuspropertyPossessionofadeadlyweapongunknifeoncampusIndecentorobscenebehavioroncampusInappropriatebadbehaviorwillresultindismissalonlyiftheDirectorStudentAdvisorandoneotherfacultymemberagreewiththisdecision. HomeworkYoushouldsatisfactorilycompleteALLhomeworkandcourserequirements.Homeworkisanimportantpartofthecourseandstudyisessentialtoyouracademicsuccess.Sometimesyoumayreceive4or5homeworkassignmentsinoneday.Youareexpectedtocompleteallassignmentsontimeandtodothemwell.Ifyouareabsentfromclassyouarestillrequiredtodothehomeworkandcometoclassprepared.Contactaclassmatetondoutwhatyoumissedandtogettheassignments.SmokingSonomaStatehasaverystrictpolicyregardingsmoking.SmokingisNOTALLOWEDinthefollowingareasInanybuildinginanyhallwayinanywalkwayanoutdoorcoveredareanearanydoorsoropenwindows.SmokingISALLOWEDOUTSIDEatleast20feetawayfrombuildingsSSALIAcademicandClassroomExpectations1.Matureandrespectfulbehaviorintheclassroomatalltimes.Listenrespectfullywhentheteacherorotherstudentsarespeaking.Disruptivebehaviorisnotpermitted.Cometoclassontime.Donotuseyourcellphoneduringclass.2.Attendanceisrequired.F-1studentsarerequiredtoattend20hoursperweek.Youareallowednomorethan18hoursabsencepersemester.Towtimeslatetoclassequalsonehourabsence.3.OralparticipationinclassisrequiredClassdiscussionsarecommonyouareexpectedtoparticipate.Youareexpectedtoworkwithapartnerandsmallgroup.Stayontaskandfocusonthetopic.4.HomeworkrequirementsCompletehomeworkbeforeclassandcometoclasspreparedtoparticipate.Allhomeworkiscompletedonstandardsizedpaper8.5x11Allhomeworkisneatlyhand-writtenortyped.Learnandapplystandardsofacademicessaywriting.Ifyoumissaclassyouareexpectedtogetthehomeworkandclassnotesfromanotherstudent.Teachersdontalwaysacceptlatehomework.Itisyourresponsibilitytocheckwiththeprofessoraboutyourprogress.5.Absolutelynoplagiarismorcheating.Nocopyinginpartorwholeanotherstudentsquiztestorhomeworkanswers.Noallowinganotherstudenttocopyinpartorwholeonesquiztestorhomework.Nosubmittingapaperpurchasedfromaresearchortermpaperserviceorwrittenbyanotherstudentandfalselyrepresentedasonesownwork.Nocopyingdirectlyfromtheinternetwithoutpropercitations.Noturninginworkpreviouslysubmittedinanothercourse.Ateachermaygiveyouafailinggradeforplagiarismorcheating.6.Teachersexpectyoutoaskquestionswhenyoudontunderstand.Youcanmakeanappointmenttoseeateacherifyoucannottalkduringclasstime.Itisyourresponsibilitytounderstandinformationandassignments.7.Thereisnoautomaticpromotionfromoneleveltoahigherlevel.Levelplacementisdeterminedbytheplacementtestscores.Levelplacementisalsodeterminedbysemestergradesandteacher TOEFLIfyouintendtostudyatanAmericancollegeoruniversityyoumustachievetherequiredTOEFLscore.TheclosestTOEFLtestcenterislocatedinSantaRosa.Call800-468-6335toregisterforatestdateifyoucanpaybycreditcard.MoreinformationaboutTOEFLisavailableintheSSALIofce.SonomaStateUniversitywillwaivetherequiredTOEFLscoreforundergraduateadmissionforSSALIstudentswhocompletethe500levelortwosummersessionsofLevelAasfull-timestudentswithnogradelowerthananA-ineachofthecorescoursesandnogradelowerthananSorBineachofthecoreclassesandwhoreceivealetterofrecommendationfromtheSSALIdirector.TOEFLscoresrequiredforSSU61oniBT500ontheInstitutionalTOEFLwithnopartscorelowerthan50.CLASSESATSONOMASTATEConcurrentEnrollmentIfyouareaSSALIstudentandyouwanttotakesomeclassesatSSUwhilestudyingatSSALIConcurrentEnrollmentyoushouldknowthefollowinginformation1.StudentsenrolledatSSALIwhohaveaminimumTOEFLscoreof500173CBT61iBTmayrequestConcurrentEnrollmentinconjunctionwithpart-timeSSALIattheadvancedlevel.SSUunitsplusSSALIhoursmustbeequivalentequaltoafull-timecourseofstudy.2.StudentspresentlyenrolledinSSALIwhohavealreadycompletedtheadvancedlevelofSSALIwithaBaverageandhaveaminimumTOEFLscoreof485163CBT56iBTmayrequestConcurrentEnrollmentnomorethan2SSUcourses.3.Studentswhoarepresentlyenrolledfull-timeintheadvancedlevelwithaBaverageinpreviousSSALIcourse-workandhaveaminimumTOEFLscoreof485163CBT56iBTmayrequestConcurrentEnrollmentnomorethan1SSUcourse.4.Studentsenrolledfull-timeinhigh-intermediatetoadvancedlevelsmayrequestpermissiontoregisterforanSSUcourserequiringverylimitedlanguagesuchasP.E.ordance.IfIameligiblewhatshouldIdoMakeanappointmenttospeakwithHelenKallenbach.CollegeUniversityApplicationYouracceptancetotheSSALIprogramdoesnotmeanthatyouhavebeenacceptedbySonomaStateUniversity.Itisyourresponsibilitytoselectandapplytothecollegeoruniversityofyourchoiceandwesuggestthatyoubeginyoursearchasmuchasoneyearinadvance.IfyouneedhelpwithyouruniversityapplicationseeHelenKallenbach. WORKWorkingisnotpermittedforSSALIstudents.SAFETYGenerallyspeakingRohnertParkisasafecitytoliveinhowevertherearesomethingsyoushouldkeepinmindIfyoulikeorneedtowalkatnighttrytowalkwithanotherpersonoragroupofpeople.Walkinareasthathavegoodlightingstreetlightsandavoidwalkingclosetobushesortrees.Dontcarrylargeamountsofmoneywithyou.Wearsomewhiteclothingjacketpantsetc.sopeopleincarscanseeyou.Dontacceptarideinacarfromastranger.Ifsomeoneoffersyouaridejustsaynothankyouandcontinuewalking.Ifsomeoneasksyoufordirectionsfromacardontstandtooclosetothecarwhenanswering.Whenreturningtoyourcarhaveyourcarkeysready.Alsoneverleaveyourcarunlocked.IMMIGRATIONANDCUSTOMSENFORCEMENTICEREGULATIONSPassportDontletyourpassportexpire.Werecommendkeepingpassportsvalidforaminimumperiodof6monthsintothefuture.ChangeofAddressPleasenotifyDebraimmediatelyifyoumove.ICErequiresthatSSALIhasthecurrentofaddressofeachstudentenrolled.Re-EntrytotheU.S.IfyouwanttotemporarilyleavetheU.S.andreturntoSSALItocontinueyourstudiesyoumustrequestare-entrysignatureonthebackofyour1-20.SeeHelenKallenbach.ProgramExtensionIfyouwanttostudybeyondthedateofcompletionlistedinitem5onyourI-20youmustapplyforaprogramextension.PleaseseeBarbaraatleastonemonthbeforetheenddateonyourI-20.I.R.S.TheInternalRevenueServicerequiresthatallforeignstudentsleanincometaxreturnbyApril15re-gardlessofwhetherornottheyhaveearnedincome.InformationbookletsandformsareavailableintheSSALIofce.UnlawfulPresenceIfanICEjudgedeterminesthatastudenthasviolatedSTATUSandisunlawfullypresentintheU.S.timeoutofstatuscanleadtoareentryBAR6months3yearbar12months10yearbar.