International Student Handbook

 Important Contacts and Online
Resources
Center for International Education
Website: http://www.acu.edu/international-education/index.html
Lucy Dawson
• Immigration questions
• All off-campus work authorization
• Address changes, degree changes, traveling outside the U.S.
• Health insurance
• Travel endorsement signature for I-20 and DS-2019
--Email: lld09a@acu.edu
Gaby Lane
• International Students’ Association
• Non-academic advising
• Orientation
• International student activities
• Tax questions
• Cultural adjustment issues
• Questions regarding campus resources
• Any issues for international students not handled by other offices on this list
--Email: gcl10a@acu.edu Office phone: 325-674-2821
Medical and Counseling Care Center—Money Student Recreation and Wellness
Center
• Illness
• Medical records
• Counseling
--Phone number: 325-674-2625 Website: http://www.acu.edu/campusoffices/medical/
Human Resources Office—Hardin Administration Building 213
• On-campus employment (only after you have been hired / you can apply for jobs
online or in person in various departments on campus)
--Phone number: 325-674-2359 Website: www.acu.edu/hr
Email: humanresources@acu.edu
Registrar—Hardin Administration Building 207
• Proof-of-Enrollment requests
-- Email: registrar@acu.edu
Phone number: 325-674-2300
Website: http://www.acu.edu/campusoffices/registrar/
Curriculum (Aaron Hastings)—Hardin Administration Building 309
• Transfer credits
--Email: aaron.hastings@acu.edu
Residence Life—McKinzie Hall (west entrance)
• Issues concerning residence halls
--Email: debbie.stewart@acu.edu Phone: 325-674-6321
Website: http://www.acu.edu/campusoffices/residencelife/index.html
Academic Advisor—Department of student’s major
• Academic and degree plan questions
• Change of major (obtain form in Registrar’s office or online)
Team 55—Brown Library
• Computer problems (including username and password)
• Questions about voicemail, I-Phones, Touches, and I-Pads
--Email: team55@acu.edu Phone: 325-674-5555
Website: http://www.acu.edu/technology/team55/
The Depot
• Make a cash or check payment toward your bill / ask a question about your bill /
set up a payment plan (you can also do these things online)
• Change your meal plan (you can also do this on my.acu.edu during the first
twelve days of the semester)
• Buy Bean Bucks or Campus Cash
• Get a new ID card (charge for replacement)
• Obtain a parking permit
• Information on financial aid / billing / scholarships already
being awarded
Peer Transfer for an option to pay your bill: https://www.peertransfer.com/how-itworks
Email: depot@acu.edu Phone: 325-674-2300
Website: http://www.acu.edu/campusoffices/thedepot/index.html
Or www.acu.edu/payingyourbill
Chapel
• To view all chapel events
--Email: chapel@acu.edu Phone: 325-674-2867
Website: http://www.acu.edu/campusoffices/chapel/index.html
Academic Calendar
• To view class start and end dates, deadlines to add or drop a class, application
deadlines, holidays
Website: http://www.acu.edu/campusoffices/registrar/academic_calendar.html
Events Calendar
• To view campus events
Website: http://www.acu.edu/campusoffices/campuscenter/calendar/ACU_Events.html
Student Recreation and Wellness Center
• Offers a workout center, rock climbing wall, swimming pool, basketball courts,
intramural sports, and exercise classes
--Website: http://www.acu.edu/campusoffices/studentlife/srwc/index.html
The Bean
• ACU’s dining hall in the Campus Center
• See their website for meal plan options
--Website: http://www.campusdish.com/en-US/CSSW/AbileneChristian/MealPlans/
Getting to Know ACU
Compiled by Bethany Jones
Welcome to ACU! Abilene Christian University was founded in 1906. It is affiliated with
the Church of Christ and welcomes students of all different religious affiliations. ACU’s
mission is to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world.
Current enrollment is 4,600 students including 800 graduate students from all states and
43 different nations.
The Brown Library includes more than 1.5 million volumes. The library also has unique
learning opportunities, such as the Learning Commons, which offers students a coffee
shop like learning space, with computers available for use and a Starbucks.
The Brown Library is also home to the AT&T Learning Studio, offering group
collaboration rooms, state of the art technology, and a speaking center. Along with this
learning studio, the library also hosts the Maker Lab. Complete with a laser cutter,
embroidery machines, engravers, and 3D printer, the Maker Lab is available for student
use.
Curriculum includes 71 baccalaureate majors, with 125 areas of undergraduate study, 25
masters degree programs and one doctoral program. Retention rate is 74%.
Aside from the educational opportunities offered at Abilene Christian University, there
are also many opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities. Events like
homecoming and the annual Sing Song event offer students opportunities to get involved
in traditions that keep alumni coming back for years. Many students participate in
intermural athletics, in sports such as flag football, basketball, volleyball, and water ball.
Students can get involved in volunteer work through the Center for Christian Service and
Leadership. The Center for Christian Service and Leadership offers opportunities to get
involved during the school year on campus, in Abilene, and on Spring Break trips.
Getting to Know Abilene
Adapted from www.abilenetx.com/about/history and the Abilene Visitor Guide
Abilene was founded in 1881 when the Texas and Pacific Railroad was constructed
between Cedar and Big Elm Creeks. The town was named after Abilene, Kansas, a town
important to the cattle business. Previously, nomadic Native Americans and the United
States military inhabited this area of Texas. The ruins of Fort Phantom Hill outside of
Abilene are a testament to this history. By the 1870s, cattle ranchers had settled into the
area, and when the railroad was constructed through the cattlemen’s land, the newly
founded town was heralded as the “Future Great City of West Texas.” Soon, many more
people came to buy land and begin business in Abilene, and by 1890 the city’s population
was 3,194.
Eventually, Abilene developed from a purely agricultural economy to one more
diversified based on oil, agriculture, commerce, light manufacturing, and service. The
city’s perpetual lack of water held back growth, so between 1897 and 1937, several lakes
were dug to ensure a more sustainable water supply for the town.
In World War II, The United States Army placed Camp Barkeley in Abilene, bringing
with it much more money to invest in the local economy. To keep money flowing into the
town, leaders fought and were successful in bringing Dyess Air Force Base to Abilene in
1952.
Abilene boasts many sites of interest, including the Frontier Texas museum (featuring the
history of this area), a zoo, barbecue and steak houses, The Grace Museum (featuring
West Texas artists), the historic Paramount Theatre, The Center for Contemporary Arts,
the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, the 12th Armored Division
Memorial Museum, and not far away, the Buffalo Gap Historic Village.
Getting to Know Texas
Adapted from www.texasalmanac.com
Texas is known for its Wild West legacy, filled with the stories of Native Americans,
Spanish conquistadors, European American cattlemen, and many others who have
roamed its plains. Here is a timeline of Texas history.
Before 11,000-8,000 B.C.E. The first peoples come to what is now Texas.
8,000-7,000 B.C.E. Burials from this time period are the first to have ever been
discovered thus far.
1,500 B.C.E. Corn cultivation begins near Presidio where the Rio Grande and Mexico’s
Rio Concho meet. This is the oldest known continuously cultivated farmland in Texas.
800-1500 C.E. Farmers and hunters build the Buried City, stone dwellings southeast of
Perryton on the northern edge of the Panhandle. These kinds of cities can also be found
along the Canadian River.
1400 C.E. The Caddo Confederacy forms in East Texas and is based on agriculture.
1519 Spanish explorer Alonso Alvarez de Pineda maps the Texas coastline.
1528 Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca and his crew are shipwrecked near Galveston and
begin exploration.
1541 Francisco Vázquez de Coronado cross the Texas Panhandle
1598 A ceremony of thanksgiving takes place near what is now El Paso, including Juan
de Oñate, his expedition members, and Native Americans of the region. Oñate claims the
land draned by the Rio Grande in the name of King Philip II of Spain.
1680 Spanish and allied Native Americans fleeing the Santa Fe Uprising arrive in
present-day El Paso and found three missions—Corpus Christi de la Isleta, Nuestra
Señora de la Limpia Concepción del Socorro, and San Antonio de Senecú
1684-1689 Texas belongs to France
1690-1821 Texas belongs to Spain
1813 The Spanish government grants Moses Austin permission to establish a colony of
Anglo-Americans in the Texas area. After his death, his son, Stephen F. Austin, continues
colonization.
1821 Mexico, at this time including Texas, gains independence from Spain. Texas
remains a part of Mexico until 1836.
1831 Johann Friedrich Ernst and his family are the first German settlers to arrive in
Texas. He writes a long letter to a friend in Germany highly praising the land. This letter
is widely circulated and persuades a small but steady stream of German families to
migrate to Texas.
1832-1836 Relations between Texas and the Mexican government are increasingly
hostile.
1834 To pacify the restless Texians, the Mexican government authorizes English as a
second language in Texas.
1835 Mexican troops attempt to take a cannon that had been given to colonists for
protection from attacks from Native American tribes. The colonists flew a now-famous
flag inviting the Mexican troops to “Come and Take It.” The Mexican troops failed to
obtain the cannon.
1836 The Texas Declaration of Independence is adopted, creating the independent
Republic of Texas. A few days afterwards comes the 13-day siege of the Alamo by
Mexican troops led by Santa Anna. Mexico defeats the Texians at the Alamo. From the
battles between Texas and Mexico come such famous names as Sam Houston and
Stephen F. Austin.
1845 With overwhelming support of Texians and the approval of the United States, Texas
is annexed to become a U.S. state.
1854 Two reservations are established for Native Americans in northwest Texas.
1861 Texas becomes a state of the Confederate States of America during the U.S. Civil
War.
1866 After the Civil War ends and the South is defeated, Texas again becomes a state
of the United States of America. At this time, cattle drives become of major importance
to Texas geography and economy. Cattle drives remain important for the next 20 years,
until the railroads made them unnecessary.
1894 Oil is discovered at Corsicana. Following this, a commercial field opened in 1896,
the first step in Texas’s rise as a major oil producer.
1911-1920 Pancho Villa and his followers are active along the border between Texas and
Mexico.
Introduction to U.S. American Life
Adapted from NAFSA’s “Introduction to American Life”
While no guide can give a complete overview of U.S. American life (the U.S. is
culturally diverse, and although people within each U.S. culture have certain perspectives
in common, they also are individuals with their own perspective on life and
relationships), this is intended to be a helpful introduction to some common aspects of
U.S. culture you are likely to encounter here.
•
•
Time
o Americans usually talk about time as if it were a commodity—something
that can be saved, spent, used wisely, or wasted.
o Time is considered to be a valuable but scarce commodity.
o Being on time (punctual) is a sign of respect.
§§ Being “on time” actually means arriving about five minutes before
the set time to begin. So, if a meeting begins at 10 a.m., people are
expected to arrive at 9:55 a.m.
• Exceptions to this rule include purely social events: For a
dinner party beginning at 7 p.m., it is recommended to
arrive at 7:05 or 7:10 so that your host is sure to have
everything ready by then. Also, at parties scheduled from 8
to 11 p.m., for example, or from 4 to 7, it is acceptable to
arrive and leave any time between those stated hours.
o Americans have a sequential approach to time. While they may multitask
in some circumstances (talk on the phone while eating a snack and
watching TV), in school or business settings, people follow a schedule.
In meetings, people are frustrated when the conversation turns to topics
that are not a part of the scheduled meeting or if the meeting is
interrupted.
§§ It is a sign of respect when you turn in your part of group
assignments on time.
§§ When a friend in the U.S. tells you he can’t talk because of being
in the middle of a project due in two hours and tells you he will
call you back later, it isn’t that he doesn’t want to visit with you.
He’s just watching the clock.
§§ From childhood, U.S. children are taught to work first and play
later.
Cultural Communication Styles
o U.S. communication is more than just expressing what you want to say in
English. There are conversation rules:
§§ A U.S. conversation is like tossing a ball back and forth. First one
person says something, and then another person is expected to
respond directly to what the other person said, after which the first
person (or another person in the group) will respond to what the
second person said.
§§ U.S. Americans just want the point of what you have to say.
Extensive descriptions and allusions to history or books may make
some U.S. Americans impatient.
§§ U.S. Americans ask a lot of questions. Their replies to questions
may seem abrupt. If the answer is no, people will simply say no.
They may or may not offer an explanation as to why they are
declining the request. The answer no does not mean you should
start negotiating.
§§ U.S. Americans rely less on people inferring meaning from other
information such as the status of the speaker or the particular
surroundings. U.S. Americans will expect everyone to
communicate in the same way. They are likely to miss subtle clues
and indirect messages because they don’t expect them and are not
accustomed to them.
§§ Asking questions in the classroom is a sign of interest in the
material. If an instructor’s requirements are not clear to you, it is
your responsibility to ask questions to clarify the matter.
§§ Many U.S. Americans see making eye contact when having a
conversation as a sign of respect.
§§ Some topics are considered inappropriate to bring up in
conversation unless you know the person very, very well. These
include:
• Money and how much one earns
• Family
• Religion
Hierarchy
o Americans believe that everyone is created equal.
o However, they still recognize those who hold authority and address them
accordingly.
§§ Anyone with authority, teachers, older people, and those in office
or business interactions are usually called by their formal title (Dr.,
Professor, Mr., Mrs., or Ms.) followed by their last name.
§§ In University settings, interaction between professors and students
can be relatively informal. However, it is still important to
remember that faculty members are authority figures with higher
status than students.
• Religion
o As mentioned earlier, it is wise in general not to talk about religion to
people you do not know very well because it is considered personal in the
U.S.
o On ACU’s campus, however, this situation is different. You will be taking
Bible classes and attending chapel, and because ACU is founded on
Christian principles to create Christian leaders, religion will be a topic
you will have the opportunity to discuss in depth during your studies here.
On ACU’s campus, it is acceptable to express religious doubts. However, all people on
campus are expected to respect one another regardless of beliefs.
•
Grading
Compiled by Bethany Jones
Information also available at http://www.acu.edu/catalog/2013_14/universityinfo/academic.html
Grade Definitions and Points The following grades are used at ACU. The grade point
values shown are per semester hour of credit.
Grade Definitions and Points
Grade Marks
Grade Meaning
Grade Points
A
Excellent
4.0
B
Good
3.0
C
Average
2.0
D
Inferior but passing
1.0
F
Failing
0.0
I
Incomplete
0.0
IP
In-Progress
Not counted
P
Passing
Not counted
CR
Credit
Not counted
NC
No-Credit
Not counted
W
Withdrew
Not counted
WF
Withdrew while failing
0.0
Students receive grades by accessing my.acu.edu. Grades are mailed to all first-year
freshmen students at their permanent address. Students who have signed and submitted
an Education Records Release form have authorized ACU personnel to release academic
information, on request, to the person(s) designated on the form by the student. Education
Records Release forms are on file in the Registrar’s Office.
Academic History and Grading Appeals The grade of the student becomes a part of
that student's permanent academic history. The transcript is the document that provides
records of a student's academic performance at ACU. Because of the necessity of the
permanency of these records, grades for a course become part of academic history after
one long semester has passed and may not be changed except in extraordinary
circumstances and by special permission granted by the Office of the Provost.
The procedure for grade dispute resolution is as follows: The student is to begin at the
initial level of the dispute. Thus, the student should attempt to resolve the dispute with
the professor in question. The student may then go to the department chair who
normally resolves all disputes within the department. The student, however, may appeal
the department chair’s decision to the college dean, then to the provost whose decision is
final. As stated above, after one long semester has passed, no appeals will be considered.
Incomplete and In-Progress Grades A grade of “I” (Incomplete) must be removed by
the end of the next long term or by the time approved in writing by the instructor;
otherwise, it becomes an “F” on the student’s record. The student is responsible for
requesting and completing an “I.” (A grade of “I” is calculated in the GPA as an “F.”)
A student who is graduating should finish any incomplete courses prior to the semester in
which he or she is graduating. Students must complete all courses graded “I” or “IP” in
order to participate in commencement.
The grade “IP” (In-Progress) is normally reserved for graduate students in graduate
courses. It may be used with special permission for unusual circumstances for an
undergraduate student or an undergraduate course. In the event an “IP” is assigned, the
student will have the next long term or until the time set in the student’s agreement with
the instructor to complete the course work; at the end of the next long term, the grade
will become an “I.” At the end of the second long term, the “I” will become an “F.”
Credit/No-Credit Grades (CR/NC) Undergraduate students who have sophomore
standing and a GPA of at least 2.0 may take a limited number of courses on a Credit/NoCredit basis. The purpose of this option is to allow students to take courses that will
broaden their educational experiences, with less emphasis on grades and grade points.
The following rules apply:
• A student may request the Credit/No-Credit option in the Registrar’s Office within the
first two weeks of the fall or spring semester or within the first two days of
a summer semester or on the first day of an intensive course (advisor's signature
required). The teacher will assign a letter grade at the end of the semester, but a
grade of “D” or above will be recorded as “CR.” Incomplete grades (I or IP) are
not appropriate and may not be assigned for a CR/NC course.
• The student receives earned credit hours for a “CR” grade, but the hours are no
counted in computing the GPA.
• A maximum of 12 hours may be taken Credit/No-Credit. These must be courses
that are electives in the student’s degree plan and are outside the major field
of study.
• No course in which a student has received a letter grade may be repeated on the
Credit/No-Credit basis. Courses offered as “CR/NC” in the course description are
not included in the maximum hours a student may elect under this option.
Pass/Fail Grades (P/F) Students may take PEAC activity courses Pass/Fail, except for
PEAC 100. Any student who wishes to do so must complete a petition in the Registrar’s
Office within the first two weeks of a long term or within the first two days of a summer
term. A “Pass” grade is not figured into the GPA. A “Fail” grade counts as an “F.” Other
courses may be designated Pass/Fail in the Course Description section of this catalog.
Students should be aware that some graduate schools will not accept Pass/Fail grades
and/or will automatically count them as a grade of “C.” Some schools will not transfer
Pass/Fail grades.
Midterm Grades During the fall and spring semesters, undergraduate students receive
a midterm grade for each course. Midterm grades and their definitions are listed below.
Students who receive “unsatisfactory” or “not passing” midterm grades are encouraged
to discuss their course problems with the instructor and their advisor as appropriate.
• • S = Satisfactory progress;
•
• U= Unsatisfactory progress (assigned to students who in the instructor’s
estimation are not doing work equal to their potential);
•
• NP = Not Passing.
Repeating a Course If an undergraduate student repeats a course at ACU, a record of
all occurrences of the course will appear on the transcript but only the most recent grade
will be counted in his or her GPA. No course in which the student has received a letter
grade may be repeated on the Pass/Fail or Credit/No-Credit basis.
Grade Point Average A student’s grade point average (GPA) is based on courses
taken at ACU. It is determined by dividing the total number of grade points by the total
number of hours attempted (not including hours where grade points are not counted).
“Current GPA” is a student’s GPA for a single term; “cumulative GPA” is the overall
GPA for all the terms a student has been enrolled in ACU.
• To qualify for Latin honors at graduation, a student must have completed 64 hours
at ACU (including registered hours) in addition to having the required GPA.
Honors are based on the current GPA at the time of commencement. If the final
semester’s grades alter the student’s standing, the correct honor will be noted on
the diploma.
Calculating Grade Point Average Quality (Grade) Points ÷ GPA Hours = GPA
• A grade point average (GPA) is calculated by using the formula above.
•
1. Quality points are hours attempted multiplied by grade points awarded.
(Refer to the Table of Grade Definitions and Points.)
•
2. GPA hours are all hours graded (including grades of “F,” “WF” and
“I”), minus ungraded hours (“CR” or “P”).
Advising Terms
Compiled by Bethany Jones
Academic probation: students are placed on academic probation following any semester
in which their semester GPA is below 1.5 or after which their cumulative GPA is
between 1.0 and 1.999
Add/drop: adjusting a schedule of classes by dropping an enrolled class or adding a new
class
AP: stands for advancement placement courses taking during high school to receive
university credits
Audit: allows a student to take a class without the benefit of a grade or credit. Must be
approved by instructor and department chair
ACU ID: an identification card assigned to all students and faculty, used to slide into
chapel, to pay for meals and to access dorms
Banner ID Number: the identification number assigned to all students and faculty used
for accessing various student account information, found on your ACU ID
Chapel: a daily gathering of students, faculty and staff for the purpose of worship,
spiritual learning, and celebration of life lived in Christian community. Undergraduate
students must meet a requirement of 55 credits each semester.
CLEP: College Level Examination Program offers subject tests that allow students to
qualify for college credit
Course listings: schedule of courses offered each semester with important registration
and advising information
Credit/no credit: system of grading that does not assign a letter grade
Degree evaluation: an electronic evaluation of a student’s progress in their degree plan.
Shows both completed and remaining coursework
Double major: allows a student to complete the coursework for two majors in addition to
the basic degree requirements
Elective: a course from an area of academic interest which may not be needed to fulfill
basic degree requirements for the major, but elective credits may be required
Minor: group of courses usually consisting of 18 hours in one academic field
Pre- professional track: program designed for students preparing for professional
schools
Prerequisite: a class that must be completed as a requirement for taking another course
Syllabus: information such as description, objectives, assignments, schedule and grade
criteria for a course.
Churches in Abilene
Compiled by Leslie Lewis
Baptist Churches
•
Belmont Baptist Church
2117 Palm St, Abilene, TX 79602
•
Beltway Park Baptist
4009 Beltway S, Abilene, TX 79606
•
Broadview Baptist Church
2500 S 27th St, Abilene, TX 79605
•
Calvary Baptist Church
PO Box 384, Abilene, TX 79604
•
Caps Baptist Church
6610 US Highway 277 S, Abilene, TX 79606
•
Child Development Ctr
701 S Pioneer Dr, Abilene, TX 79605
•
Crescent Heights Baptist Chr
1902 N Mockingbird Ln, Abilene, TX 79603
•
Elmcrest Baptist Church
517 N Pioneer Dr, Abilene, TX 79603
•
Elmdale Baptist Church
233 Elmdale Rd S, Abilene, TX 79602
•
First Baptist Church
PO Box 85, Abilene, TX 79604
•
Heritage Baptist Church
3050 Buffalo Gap Rd, Abilene, TX 79605
•
Immanuel Baptist Church
1241 Cypress St, Abilene, TX 79601
•
Lytle South Baptist Church
1125 E Industrial Blvd, Abilene, TX 79602
•
Potosi Baptist Church
PO Box 7002, Abilene, TX 79608
•
Primera Baptist
PO Box 322, Abilene, TX 79604
•
South Side Baptist Church
1425 S 7th St, Abilene, TX 79602
•
Southern Hills Bma Baptist Church
1741 Edgemont, Abilene, TX 79602
325 692 8574
•
Southwest Park Baptist Church
2901 S 20th St, Abilene, TX 79605
•
Trinity Baptist Church
PO Box 3355, Abilene, TX 79604
•
Catholic Churches
•
Holy Family
5410 Buffalo Gap Rd., Abilene, TX 79606
(325) 692-1820
•
Holy Family Catholic Church
PO Box 5970, Abilene, TX 79608
•
Sacred Heart
837 Jeanette, Abilene, TX 79602
(325) 677-7951
•
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
837 Jeanette St, Abilene, TX 79602
•
St Francis Catholic Church
826 Cottonwood St, Abilene, TX 79601
•
St Vincent Pallotti Catholic
2525 Westview Dr, Abilene, TX 79603
•
St. Francis of Assisi
826 Cottonwood, Abilene, TX 79601
(325) 672-6695
•
St. Vincent Pollotti
2525 Westview, Abilene, TX 79603
(325) 672-1794
Wylie Baptist Church
6097 Buffalo Gap Rd, Abilene, TX 79606
Churches of Christ
•
11th & Willis Church of Christ
3309 S 11th St, Abilene, TX 79605
•
Baker Heights Church of Christ
5382 Texas Ave, Abilene, TX 79605
•
Hamby Church of Christ
197 County Road 504, Abilene, TX 79601
•
Highland Church of Christ
425 Highland Ave, Abilene, TX 79605
•
Highway 36 Church of Christ
10576 State Highway 36 S, Abilene, TX 79602
•
Hillcrest Church of Christ
650 E Ambler Ave, Abilene, TX 79601
•
Minda Street Church of Christ
701 Minda St, Abilene, TX 79602
•
Minter Lane Church of Christ
2502 Minter Ln, Abilene, TX 79603
•
N.10th & Treadaway Church Of Christ
943 Treadaway Blvd, Abilene, TX 79601
3256727122
•
Northwest Church of Christ
1141 N Willis St, Abilene, TX 79603
•
Oldham Lane Church Christ
5049 Oldham Ln, Abilene, TX 79602
•
Southern Hills Church-Christ
3666 Buffalo Gap Rd, Abilene, TX 79605
•
University Church of Christ
733 E North 16th St, Abilene, TX 79601
•
Westgate Church of Christ
402 S Pioneer Dr, Abilene, TX 79605
•
Woodlawn Church of Christ
3185 N 10th St, Abilene, TX 79603
Episcopal
•
Church of the Heavenly Rest
602 Meander St, Abilene, TX 79602
(325) 677-2091
•
Episcopal Church of Heavenly
602 Meander St, Abilene, TX 79602
•
St Mark's Episcopal Church
3150 Vogel St, Abilene, TX 79603
•
St Marks Episcopal Church
3150 Vogel, Abilene, TX 79603
Lutheran
•
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church
4933 S 7th St, Abilene, TX 79605
Zion Lutheran Church
2801 Antilley Rd, Abilene, TX 79606
•
Non-Denominational
•
•
Calvary Chapel Abilene
5203 S 1st St, Abilene, TX 79605
325-666890
•
Grace Lutheran Church
1202 S Pioneer Dr, Abilene, TX 79605
•
Grace Point Church
221 Oak St., Abilene, TX 79602
325-675-5060
Believer's Church
801 S. Lasalle St., Abilene, TX 79605
325-280-2617
Holidays
Compiled by Bethany Jones
New Year’s Day: January 1
Celebrates the beginning of the New Year. Banks and government offices closed ACU
offices closed.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Third Monday in January
Celebrates the birthday of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Presidents Day: Third Monday in February
Celebrates Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. Banks and
government offices closed.
St. Patrick’s Day: March 17
Honors the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. It is tradition to wear green to avoid
being “pinched.”
Good Friday: Friday Before Easter
No ACU classes and ACU offices closed
Easter: On a Sunday
Honors Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection
Mother’s Day: Second Sunday in May
Honors mothers
Memorial Day: May 30
Honors and remembers men and women who died while serving in the United States
Armed Forces. Banks and government offices closed. ACU offices closed.
Father’s Day: Third Sunday in June
Honors fathers
Independence Day: July 4
Celebrates the United State’s independence from England in 1776. Celebrates with
parades, fireworks and display of red, white and blue. Banks and government offices
closed. No ACU classes and ACU offices closed.
Halloween: October 31
Children dress in costumes and go door to door saying “trick or treat,” the resident of the
home will then give them candy.
Thanksgiving: Fourth Thursday in November
Honoring the plentiful harvest and cooperation of Pilgrims and Native Americans.
Celebrated with a traditional feast of turkey, dressing, vegetables and pumpkin pie. Banks
and government offices closed. ACU classes and offices closed Wednesday through
Friday
Christmas: December 25
Honor’s Christ’s birth. Families gather to exchange gifts, have Christmas dinner. ACU
offices closed December 24-31
New Year’s Eve: December 31
Celebration of the New Year. Countdowns to midnight.
International Student Services
Compiled by Leslie Lewis
Information is also available at http://www.acu.edu/international-education/student-services/index.html
Welcome to the International Student Services office in the Center for International
Education (CIE) at ACU! Numerous services are provided to all students at ACU. In
addition, the CIE provides services specific to international students including, but not
limited to, the ones listed below. We are happy to serve you in any way that we can!
Complimentary Airport Pick-up
•
Our office provides complimentary airport pick-up from the Abilene Regional
Airport (ABI) for all newly arriving students who need this service if we are
provided with all flight and arrival information. Please note that we do not
provide this service at any other airports, and remember that this service is
available only to new students, not to returning students. Whether you need to
be picked up from the airport or not, please enter all flight and arrival
information into our online form.
Passport and Welcome Week/Weekend
•
Passport and Welcome Week/Weekend are programs that all new
undergraduate and ESL students are strongly encouraged to attend. These are
orientation programs for all new undergraduate students at ACU, both
international and American, and they introduce students to many aspects of life
at ACU, provide answers to numerous questions students have, and offer
wonderful opportunities for meeting other new students as well as faculty and
staff members. For more information on these programs, please see the FirstYear Program website. The Center for International Education at ACU also hosts
a required orientation session at the beginning of each long semester for all new
international students. You will be receiving more information about this
orientation via email, and we will look forward to seeing you there!
On-Campus Housing for ACU Students
•
On-campus housing for ACU students is provided through residence halls (for
first- and second-year students) and in University Park Apartments for students
who are in or beyond their third year of college, are 21 or older, or have been
out of high school for two or more years. For ACU's full housing policy and
information on residence halls, see ACU'sResidence Life Education and
Housing website. For information on University Park Apartments, take a look at
their website. Students who are eligible to live off-campus are also welcome to
live in houses or apartments away from campus but are responsible for arranging
this housing themselves.
o Please note that University Park typically provides a small discount to
international students. Also, if you are interested in setting up a new
lease with University Park, you are welcome to do that through our
office (email Gaby Lane at gcl10a@acu.edu) rather than online.
Student Activities
•
ACU hosts a variety of activities for students, and there are numerous oncampus organizations in which students can be involved. A list of these
organizations can be accessed online. An organization in which many
international students at ACU are involved is the International Students'
Association. Membership in this group is open, and both international and
American students are welcome to join. ISA hosts numerous activities, including
an annual Culture Show, coffee houses, an annual spring trip, weekly chapel
meetings, etc. We encourage all students to get involved in ISA and other
organizations and activities. Participating is a great way to improve your
English skills and to get to know other students!
The International Student Services office provides additional services not mentioned here
and is happy to help you with your needs and questions. Please contact us or come by to
visit and let us know how we can help make your time here the best it can be!
Regular Student Services
Academic Resources
• Academic Advising - Degree and educational planning
• Academic Development Center - Academic assistance and resources
• Alpha Scholars Program (Student Disability Services and TRiO Program)
• Discovery Program - Assistance with deciding upon or confirming a academic
major
• First-Year Program - Guidance through the first year of college
• Speaking Center - Assistance with ideas and planning for speeches
• Testing Center - Course placement, credit by examination, professional and
graduate school admissions, etc.
• Tutoring Services
• Writing Center - Assistance with writing
Administrative Resources
• The Depot - Student administrative services (registrar, financial aid, billing,
meal plans, housing, ID cards, etc.)
• ACU Helpline (prospective and entering students) - Information regarding
admissions, housing, financial aid, etc. for all prospective and entering students
• Mail Services - Mailing and shipping services
• Student Financial Services - Financial aid and billing services including
information regarding scholarship, federal and state aid, and alternative loans
• Team 55 - Technical support
• Textbook Reserve - Service for reserving textbooks
Health, Safety & Living
• ACU Alert - Emergency notification system
• ACU Police - Law enforcement for ACU campus and surrounding community
• Counseling Center - Personal counseling and mental health services
• Dining Services - View food menus and nutrition information
• Medical Clinic - Health care services
• Residence Life - Housing services
Additional Resources
• The Campus Store - ACU merchandise
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•
•
•
Career Center - Career exploration including assistance with resumes,
internships and interviewing
Judicial Affairs - Services for student conduct, and individual and community
intervention
Multicultural Enrichment - Services for multicultural students
Support Our Students Program (S.O.S.) - Assistance for struggling students
(academic, emotional, social, etc.)
US Mailing
System
Compiled by Leslie Lewis
All mailable articles (e.g., letters, flats, machinable parcels, irregular parcels, etc.)
shipped within the United States must comply with an array of standards published in the
USPS Domestic Mail Manual (DMM). Before addressing the mailpiece, one must first
comply with the various mailability standards relating to attributes of the actual mailpiece
such as: minimum/maximum dimensions and weight, acceptable mailing containers,
proper mailpiece sealing/closure, utilization of various markings, and restrictions relating
to various hazardous (e.g., explosives, flammables, etc.) and restricted (e.g., cigarettes,
smokeless tobacco, etc.) materials, as well as others articulated in § 601 of the
DMM.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Postal_Service - cite_note-97
The USPS specifies the following key elements when preparing the face of a
mailpiece:
•
•
•
•
Proper Placement: The Delivery Address should be left-justified and located
roughly in the center of mailpiece's largest side. More precisely, on a letter-size
piece, the recommended address placement is within the optical character reader
(OCR) read area, which is a space on the address side of the mailpiece defined by
these boundaries: Left – 1/2 inch (13 mm) from the left edge of the piece; Right –
1/2 inch (13 mm) from the right edge of the piece; Top – 2-3/4 inches (70 mm)
from the bottom edge of the piece; Bottom – 5/8 inch (16 mm) from the bottom
edge of the piece. Preferred placement of a return address is in the upper left
portion of the mailpiece—on the side of the piece bearing postage. Finally,
postage (e.g., stamps, meter imprints, information-based indicia [IBI], etc.) is to
be affixed in the upper right corner of the address side of the mail cover. It should
be noted that any stamp/indicia partly concealed or otherwise obscured by an
overlapping stamp/indicia may not be counted as valid
postage.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Postal_Service - cite_note100
Delivery Address (party receiving mail): The mail piece must have the address
of the intended recipient, visible and legible, only on the side of the mail piece
bearing postage. Generally, the name of the addressee should be included above
the address itself. A ZIP+4 code will facilitate delivery.
Return Address (party sending mail): A return address tells the USPS where
the sender wants the mail returned if it is undeliverable. Usage of a return
address is required for some postal services (including Priority Mail, Express
Mail, Periodicals in envelopes or wrappers, Insured Mail, Registered Mail, and
parcel services).http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Postal_Service cite_note- 102
Postage Payment: All mailpieces must include appropriate valid postage. Postage
payment may be in the form of stamps, stamped stationery, precanceled stamps,
postage meter imprints & PC Postage products ("Postage Evidencing Systems"),
or permit imprint (indicia).[103] Members of the U.S. Congress, among others,
have franking privileges, which require only a signature.
Domestic first-class mail costs 49¢ for envelopes (34¢ for post cards) and upwards,
depending on the weight and dimensions of the letter and the class.
Mail going to naval vessels is known as the Fleet Post Office (FPO) and to Army or Air
Force installations use the city abbreviation APO (Army Post Office or Air Force Post
Office).
Undeliverable mail that cannot be readily returned, including mail without return
addresses, is treated as dead mail at a Mail Recovery Center in Atlanta, Georgia or Saint
Paul, Minnesota.
The formatting of the address is as follows:
Line 1: Name of recipient
Line 2: Street address or P.O. Box
Line 3: City, State (ISO 3166-2:US code or APO/FPO code) and ZIP+4 code
Example:
Clifford Clavin
789 Beacon Street
Boston MA 02186-1234
The USPS maintains a list of proper abbreviations.
The formatting of a return address is identical. Though some style manuals recommend
using a comma between the city and state name when typesetting addresses in other
contexts, for optimal automatic character recognition, the Post Office does not
recommend this when addressing mail. The official recommendation is to use all upper
case block letters with appropriate formats and abbreviations, and leave out all
punctuation except for the hyphen in the ZIP+4 code. If the address is unusually
formatted or illegible enough, it will require hand-processing, delaying that particular
item. The USPS publishes the entirety of their postal addressing
standards.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Postal_Service - cite_note-105
Customers can look up ZIP codes and verify addresses using USPS Web Tools at from
the official website, or on their Facebook page, as well as third-party sites.
Money and Banking
Compiled by Leslie Lewis
Adjusting to a new currency or a new way of handling money can be a
challenge. Many people can easily see the worth of $1, $5, $10 $20, $50, and
$100 bills, but it is not as easy to distinguish the worth of coins. Below is a
picture of what each coin denomination looks like, is called, and is worth.
From
http://www.teachersnotebook.com/search/results?search=search&sf0&keyword=free%20us%20coins%20g uide
Writing Checks
Many people are called on to write a check to pay for things at some point in time.
At some places, credit or debit cards are not accepted, and cash may not be the
most convenient or the safest form of payment. In those cases, you can write a
check. Your bank should provide you a checkbook when you open an account.
Here, you will find a guide for how to write a check. The top image is how to
write the check itself. The second image tells you how to keep a record of each
check you write in your transaction register in order to keep track of your
checking account balance.
From
http://www.helptionary.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/How-To-Write-A-Check.jpg
From
http://www.da.co.shasta.ca.us/includes/badcheckclass/Images/CheckBookCorrect.j pg
Driver Licenses
Compiled by Bethany Jones
Information is also available at http://www.acu.edu/international-education/student-services/socialsecurity-number-texas-driver-license.html
An individual can legally drive with a valid, unexpired driver license from another state
or country for up to 90 days after moving to Texas.
NOTE: The individual must apply in person at any driver license office for a Texas
driver license within those 90 days to continue driving legally. An unexpired driver
license from another U.S. state, U.S. territory or a Canadian province must be
surrendered to DPS when applying for a Texas driver license.
Adults (18 and Older) Individuals who hold a valid, unexpired driver license from
another U.S. state or U.S. territory, or from Canada, France, South Korea or Germany
(the countries Texas has license reciprocity agreements with), do not have to take
the knowledge or driving tests.
Individuals who hold a valid, unexpired learner license from Canada, France, South
Korea or Germany have to take the driving test but not the knowledge test.
Individuals who hold a driver license from any country other than the U.S., Canada,
France, South Korea or Germany must take the knowledge and driving tests
because Texas does not have reciprocity agreements with other countries.
When you arrive in the U.S., you will find many businesses require a U.S. document
that proves your identity. You may be able to use your passport for some needs, but
others will require one of the following:
Social Security Number: This number is a U.S. government-issued identification
number for U.S. tax purposes. F and J visa holders who have an offer of employment and
are maintaining their status are eligible to apply for a Social Security number. Please
come to the Center for International Education with your written offer of employment to
request the required documents for this application.
When you visit the Social Security Office, they will request the following:
• Two form letters from ACU Center for International Education (CIE) verifying
status and employment
• A completed Social Security application, found at http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf
• Your passport, visa, and I-94 card
• Your original I-20 or DS-2019
• Your ACU ID card
The Social Security Administration Office is at 1202 E.S. 11th Street, and is open from
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and from 9 a.m. to 12
p.m. Wednesday. Talk to Gaby Lane in the CIE if you don't have transportation. After
you apply for the card, it will take 10-14 days to receive the card in the mail.
Texas Driver License or ID Card: These are often used as photo IDs. For application
information, please go to the State of Texas Department of Public Safety, 4649 South
First Street (www.txdps.state.tx.us/).
Be prepared to show the following to prove your identity and immigration status in the
U.S.:
• Original I-20
• Passport
• Visa
• I-94
In order to prove Texas residency, be prepared to show any two of the following
documents, always making sure that the address on both is exactly the same:
• Notarized letter from Gaby Lane in the Center for International Education
• Checking, savings, investment account, or credit card statements dated within 90 days
of the application date
• Mail from a federal, state, county, or city government agency dated within 90 days of
the application date
• W-2 or 1099 tax form from the current year
• Pre-printed paycheck or pay stub within 90 days of the application date
• Electric, water, natural gas, satellite television, cable television, or non-cellular
telephone statement dates within 90 days of the application date
• Current renters insurance policy or statement
• Current automobile insurance policy or statement
Be prepared to pay $16 with cash or a check, not with a debit or credit card.
Medical Care, Insurance, and
Immunizations
Compiled by Kirby Lemon
Information also available at http://www.acu.edu/campusoffices/medical/
The new Medical and Counseling Care Center (MACCC) is located at the northwest
entrance of the Royce & Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center, next door
to the Teague Special Events Center.
849 Coliseum Way
ACU Box 28154
Abilene, Texas 79699
Phone: 325-674-2625
Fax: 325-674-6998
MACCC hours:
M-F, 8 a.m. - noon & 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Closed during Chapel
http://www.acu.edu/campusoffices/medical/index.html
The MACC offers medical care to all ACU enrolled students. If you think you might be
ill or injured, please visit the MACC.
Health insurance in the U.S. is very important. Medical costs can accumulate quickly
with even a minor medical procedure or office visit. To help protect our students from
these costs, ACU requires all international students and exchange visitors to
purchase ACU health insurance, which meets the U.S. Department of State guidelines.
You are welcome to have another insurance policy if you would like. For example, you
may purchase a policy that covers an area that ACU’s insurance does not. However, even
with outside insurance, you must still purchase a separate policy through ACU.
Insurance charges are automatically noted on the student’s ACU account each
semester. Coverage is continued during the summer months for continuing students who
were enrolled full-time in the previous spring semester. Your insurance charges are
noted on your I-20 and DS-2019 cost information.
•
•
•
Dental and vision coverage is limited with ACU insurance. It would be advisable
to check with your dentist and optometrist at home for needed treatment before
traveling.
Some medications that are sold over the counter in your country will require a
doctor visit and prescription in the U.S.
Even though J-2 dependents are not required to have health insurance coverage
through ACU, they are required by the Department of State to have health
coverage while in the U.S.
The policy purchased by all international students at ACU is provided by HTH
Worldwide. Once you have purchased insurance, please go to HTHstudents.com and log
in with your certificate number found on your insurance card. At this site, you can view
the specific ACU policy for this calendar year. For specific policy-related questions,
please contact HTH Worldwide directly through their website or phone number: 1-888243-2358.
Again, please note that all international students and exchange visitors are required
to have ACU insurance coverage. This coverage cannot be waived.
ACU Immunization Policy
Effective October 1, 2013
All new, transfer, readmitted, graduate and special students and students enrolling
following a break of at least one long semester are required to provide documentation of
immunization to the Admissions and Graduate Admissions Offices for meningococcal
meningitis, measles, and tetanus.
•
•
•
The student must have received at least two vaccinations for measles.
The tetanus vaccination must have been given within the last ten (10) years.
The initial meningococcal vaccine or booster must have been administered during
the five-year period preceding and least ten (10) days prior to the first day of the
first semester in which the student initially enrolls at an institution. Students who
are enrolled only in online classes or are at least 22 years old are exempt from the
meningitis vaccine requirements.
Also, you can purchase Flu shots on campus. ACU recommends that all students receive
a flu shot.
Source: http://www.acu.edu/campusoffices/medical/index.html
Weights, Measures, and Time Zones
Compiled by Kirby Lemon
Clothing:
Source: www.picstopin.com
Temperature:
Source: www.fivejs.com
Metric
Conversions:
Time Zones
Source: webhostingshow.com
Source:egieco.com
Washing and
Cleaning
Washing Clothes
Compiled by Kirby Lemon
General Tips:
• Either wash all your clothes in cold water or separate the dark and light colored
garments
• Check the tag of anything from the US, and it will give you washing and drying
instructions
• Be sure to check whether the material in any of your clothes necessitates that item
to be washed on delicate or with any special care instructions
• The type of clothing and material will dictate what heat setting to put the dryer on
• Towels and sheets can generally be washed and dried on the medium or high heat
setting, some will even have a cotton/towels option
• If you need to remove a stain, soak the garment in lukewarm water and put Clorox
bleach or bleach for colors or tide stain fighters on the stain and leave to soak for
a few hours
Cleaning Supplies
The best place to get cleaning supplies is Abilene is the Wal-Mart on Ambler; they have a
whole aisle just for the cleaning supplies.
List of popular brands
• Dishes- Dawn, Joy, Palmolive, Swan, or Ivory
• Windows or Mirrors- Windex or Glass Plus
• Clothes-Tide, Cheer, All, or Gain
• Sinks, bathrooms, or any hard surface that is not glass or the floor- Clorox, Lysol,
409, Simple Green, or Softscrub
• Floors- small vacuum (Bissel has one for around $20), Swiffer, Clorox, or Pledge
• Toilets- there are special toilet bowl cleaners by Clorox and Lysol
ALWAYS READ INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
Telecommunications
Compiled by Kirby Lemon
There are generally two types of phone service: landline and cell phone. Most likely you
will desire or need to obtain a cell phone; within cell phone service, you can get a
contract with a service provider or a prepaid, no contract phone plan. The contract service
plan will lock you in for a certain length of time, generally two years, but the phones
themselves are also usually cheaper. If you decide to leave the plan before the allotted
length of time, you will be charged a fee. A prepaid phone plan without a contract is just
that—you pay for as much service you decide that you need at the beginning of your
month of service and you are not locked into a contract. However, the phones are
generally more expensive, as you have to pay for them all by yourself.
One of the easiest places to obtain your phone would be Wal-Mart. They have a selection
of various no-contract plans and phones along with contract ones. RadioShack and the
stores of individual cell phone service providers will also carry phones but only if you are
purchasing a contract phone plan.
If you are calling home, depending on your service plan, you will probably be charged
extra for long distance calling. The United States country code for long distance calls is
001. You can have the option when on a payphone to have a collect call, where the
receiver of the call pays rather than the caller. Lastly, there is a very helpful
service
known as directory assistance, or you may have heard it called the operator. You can call
a number, such as 411, for assistance in finding somewhere or someone, but you may be
charged for this service.
Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Straight Talk are popular phone service providers. Some
students choose to get together with other students and sign up for a family plan. Here are
some website to research more options:
Straight Talk: http://www.straighttalk.com/wps/portal/home#.U3Z8KcazMds
Verizon Wireless: http://www.verizonwireless.com/wcms/consumer/shop/shop-dataplans.html
T-Mobile: http://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/individual.html
AT&T: http://www.att.com/att/planner/index.html#fbid=JrhK4583Rk0