The International Student Services office provides a wide range of services and programs to assist the Mount Union community and its international students. The office is open from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.
The purpose of this office is to serve as an advocate for the international students and to educate our community about other cultures and the interdependence of our world.
Goals specific to international students include assisting them in adapting to and integrating into the American culture, the American educational system, and the Mount Union community. To meet these goals, the office staff advises international students on cultural adjustment, academic and financial concerns, and personal issues. This office also coordinates the Community Friend Program and organizes various activities to meet the needs of international students.
Resources
To receive more information regarding international student services choose one of the listed links.
Deciding to study abroad at the University of Mount Union will be a life-changing opportunity. You will meet people from all over the world and USA on campus. I encourage you to arrive in the USA with an open mind. Learning about American culture while navigating a new classroom can sometimes be stressful. Mount Union faculty and staff are here to welcome you and help you become a successful Global Raider!
Most travelers experience culture shock and it is important to know this is a normal part of adjusting to a new cultural environment.
Culture Shockis defined as a feeling of confusion, doubt, or nervousness caused by being in a place (such as a foreign country) that is very different from what you are used to ("Learner’s definition of Culture Shock." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 3 May 2017.)
TheUnited States Department of Stateprovides detailed information on culture shock and strategies to reduce feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and frustration. You are encouraged to talk with the staff in the International Student Services office regarding any questions you may have regarding culture shock.
Mount Union/State IDs
MOUNT UNION STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARDS
New students are photographed for their permanent picture ID card upon arrival in August or January. Students on the University meal plan must present this card at each meal. The card is also to be presented at the library, movie theaters, and student events. ID cards are not transferable. If lost, the card is canceled and a new card will be issued in the ID Office in the Hoover-Price Campus Center upon payment of the appropriate fee.
STATE IDENTIFICATION
Students are able to purchase their Ohio State ID or Driver’s License at the following locations:
Alliance Bureau of Motor Vehicles (for Ohio State ID) 513 East Main Street Phone: (330) 821-4866
Canton License Agency (for temporary driving permit computer test, driving test) 3187 Whitewood St. N.W. North Canton, OH 44720 Phone: (330) 498-0255
Driving Test (advance appointment necessary) To schedule testing call (330) 433-9214
Document Requirements for Ohio State I.D.and Ohio Driver’s License: Passport, Visa, I-20 or DS-2019, I-94 print out, Campus Address, and Social Security Card if you have one.
Financial Information
BANKING
We recommend that students open a bank account at a local bank after arrival in Alliance. During International Student Orientation, time is set aside to open an account. You can deposit some money in the form of cash and travelers' checks; additional funds can be wired from overseas soon afterward.
MONEY
Students are strongly urged to bring traveler's checks and not to carry large amounts of cash. However, students can get cash for incidental needs from ATMs (Automated telling machines, money dispensers). Most ATM's in the US will accept credit or bank cards with the "PLUS" or "Cirrus" logo.
We advise students to expect to spend $750 to $1000 to cover such one-time expenses as textbooks for the semester, linens, newspapers or magazines, and other miscellaneous items including toiletries, desk lamps, and other personal articles. Payment can be made by credit card, traveler's check or cash.
CASHIER'S OFFICE
The Cashier's Office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. With proper picture identification, personal checks may be cashed up to a limit of $50. Any checks over $50, but not exceeding $500, can be approved by the Cashier to be cashed at our local bank. A $30 fee will be charged for checks that are returned from your bank for non-sufficient funds.
HOW IS MY MOUNT UNION SCHOLARSHIP APPLIED?
Scholarship funds are credited directly to a student's account.
PAYMENT PLAN
Mount Union does not expect you to pay all your fees at once and offers the option for you to pay your fees via several payment plans.
Details to enroll in payment plans are available on the Payment Checklist. A statement of the semester's charges will be sent to students at their e-mail address in July and December. Monthly statements will be sent to the Mount Union e-mail address and also are available electronically on Self-Service. Each statement will contain the amount due for tuition charges and other miscellaneous fees that were added during the month. Any charges not included on the Payment Plan should be paid within 30 days of billing. Tuition balances not paid by September 1 will receive a late payment fee of 1% of the outstanding balance (except those who signed up for the monthly payment plan).
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY ACCOUNT IS DELINQUENT?
1% late charges will be assessed monthly to past due balances.
A hold will be placed on viewing grades and requesting transcripts.
Students will not be permitted to register for classes or participate in the housing lottery.
If a balance is not paid by end of the semester a student cannot be hired for summer campus employment.
Students cannot participate in graduation or GradFest until the balance is paid in full.