All posts by Global Education

Getting Involved on Campus

September 4, 2015 Global Education

Are you interested in getting involved on campus? Want to join a sports team or be a part of a club?

Great because we want YOU to attend Organization Outbreak!

What is Organization Outbreak? Only the biggest gathering of campus clubs and organizations of the year! Our campus has a selection of 150+ student organizations to choose from that let you “Get Involved” with and explore what our campus has to offer.

The clubs and organizations range from academic and professional to spirituality focused and multicultural, allowing you to explore your interests and become involved with your fellow students. Joining a campus club or organization is a great way to meet Millersville students that share common interests and make lifelong friends. No matter what your interests are, there is a student organization for YOU.

If you would like to learn more about the clubs Millersville has to offer before the event, check out our Get Involved website where you can browse the list of clubs and learn a little more about what they are all about. Visit https://getinvolved.millersville.edu/ or click the ‘Get Involved’ Link on the right side of this page to learn more.

Do you play soccer? Are you interested in learning how to play American football? Maybe you like to play volleyball or run?

What better way to meet new friends and have fun being active than joining a club sport or participating in Millersville Intramural sports. Come to Organization Outbreak and meet some of the students that run our Millersville Intramural and Club Sports here on campus and learn how you can join a team or create your own team today!

If you missed the event on September 3rd, don’t worry! Head on over to Organization Outbreak at the Student Memorial Center (SMC) on Thursday, September 16^th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm to see how you can join. The event will be held outside the SMC on the Promenade, and inside the SMC in the MPR room if it rains.

Articles, Events

Social Security Number

September 4, 2015 Global Education

Social Security/ On-campus Employment Workshop

Workshops:

Monday, September 14th 9:00 am – 10:00 am

Tuesday, September 15th 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Social Security Runs:

Must attend one of the workshops

Thursday, September 17th 10:00 am | 2:00 pm (These times may change)

Wednesday, September 23rd Time TBD

Friday, September 25th Time TBD

Getting a Social Security Number

In order to be authorized to work, receive money for work, pay taxes, get a driver’s license, or open up a bank account at certain banks in the United States, you need a Social Security number.

Social Security Number also known as a Tax Identification Number is a code the the government uses to track and report on a person’s wages. Although many companies and services may ask you to give your Social Security number, you generally aren’t required to provide one if you don’t have to. For some services, a Social Security number is required.

How do I get a Social Security Number?

If you want to get a Social Security number please attend one of our workshops (dates listed above). At the workshop you will get more detailed information and instructions. At the workshop you will also sign up for a Social Security Run later that week. The Office of Global Education will drive students to the Social Security Office during certain times. This process can take a long time depending on how busy the office is. Please sign up for a time when you are available for at least 2.5 hours (it may not take the whole 2.5 hours).

What do I need to bring with me to the Social Security Office?

Please bring with you:

The Application for a Social Security Card( Form 22-5) – This will be given to you during the workshop.
Two original documents proving your identity, immigration status, age

Passport or foreign birth certificate
I-20
I-94

Sponsorship letter from The Office of Global Education – This will be given to you.

Articles

Opening a US Bank Account

August 28, 2015 Global Education

Opening a Bank Account

These are the different account types that most US banks offer:

Checking accounts allow you to deposit and withdraw money frequently and are a great way to pay any monthly bills. When you open a checking account, it usually comes with physical checks and a bank card. You can use them to make purchases and pay bills. Most students choose to create a checking account, and they use it for managing their living expenses.

Savings accounts are for long term deposits for earning interest. The interests, minimum balances, service fees vary from bank to bank and depends on the amount of money you deposit into the account. Most international students do not need a savings account.

Important Notes:

ATMs are used to withdraw money from your checking or savings account so that you can have cash. Typically banks will not charge extra fees when you are using your specific bank’s ATM. If you use an ATM in a store or from another bank, you may be charged an extra transaction fee which can be anywhere between $3.00 – $5.00.

Debit Cards, also known as a check card, allows you to withdraw or deposit money to your bank account using an automatic teller machine (ATM) and to make purchases at stores that accept the card. Some debit cards carry a credit-card logo (such as MasterCard or Visa), and can be used in place of a check or credit card. Debit cards are not credit cards and they can only be used if you have funds in the account.

How do I choose the right bank?

It is best to choose a bank with a branch that is close to the Millersville campus or your apartment. If you would like to open a bank account near Millersville, the locations below are close by and they do not require a Social Security Card which is required at most locations. The best way to open the account is in person at these locations:

1. PSECU – On Campus

Student Memorial Center (SMC) 110

Millersville University (717) 872-6516

2. Susquehanna Bank

536 Park City Center Lancaster, PA 17601

(717) 299-0944

3. Citizen’s Bank

515 Leaman Ave Millersville, PA 17551

(717) 871-6433

What should I bring to open an account?

Bring your passport, the documentation listed below and the money you want to deposit and open the account with.

Documentation and Information. Please know and bring with you:

Date of birth, home address, your college address, your U.S. telephone number
Passport
I-20
I-94
Any secondary form of identification (Acceptable ID types include, your Student ID card, birth certificate (international/English version), State’s driver’s license, international insurance card with your name and picture)
Enrollment verification/acceptance letter/email from Millersville University

If you have any questions please contact the Office of Global Education!

Events

Fall 15 Orientation

August 15, 2015 Global Education

Wednesday, August 19th: Arrival Day!

Get your MU ID Card – available until 2:30 pm

Check-in for on-campus residents

6:35 pm – Welcome Dinner (Bolger Conference Center, University Room)

Thursday, August 20th: Bring your passport, SEVIS I-20 and visa

8:30 am – Breakfast with the Office of Global Education

9:15 am – University Student Code of Conduct

10:30 am – Paperwork and Immigration Documents

11:00 am – Academic Adjustment at MU

12:30 pm – Lunch & Walking Tour of Campus

2:00 pm – Meal Plans & How They Work

2:30 pm – Health Services and Immunization Process

3:00 pm – Wal-Mart and Park City Mall – Shopping for Necessities

8:30 pm – First Residence Hall Meeting (Mandatory for on-campus students)

9:30 pm – Residence Hall Socials (on-campus students only)

Friday, August 21st: Bring your passport, SEVIS I-20 and visa

7:30 am – Breakfast at the Upper Deck in Gordinier (Off-campus students breakfast on your own)

8:15 am – Undergraduate Degree Student Department Meetings

9:00 am – Get your MU ID Card if you did not get it on Wednesday

10:15 am – Professor and Staff, Meet and Greet

11:30 am – Technology and Printing at MU

12:30 pm – MU Campus Information Fair and Lunch

1:45 pm – Library Research and Resources

3:00 pm – Life at and Around MU

– Immigration Regulations, On Campus Employment, and other F-1 Visa Issues

4:45 pm – Student Social Activities – Fast Friends, Marauder Treasure Hunt, Pizza Party

Saturday, August 22nd:

10:30 am – Depart for Downtown Lancaster

1:00 pm – Lunch at Good N’ Plenty Restaurant

2:30 pm – Amish Tour

8:00 pm – Optional Evening Activities at SMC, Marauder Courts, and MU Pond

9:30 pm – Glow Party at SMC, MPR

Sunday, August 23rd:

2:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Quad Fest at Brooks Field

Articles

Welcome!

August 14, 2015 Global Education

Welcome!

Welcome to all new and returning international students at Millersville University — we are glad you are here. We hope you had a good summer, and that you are looking forward to the new fall semester—I know we are!

This web-blog is the Office of Global Education’s International Student Newsletter. The Global Ed E-Blast is a weekly news blog for international students (and their families) and friends. The newsletter gives an overview about what’s happening in the University, in the local area of Millersville and Lancaster, and other useful information that will help international students adjust to American college life.

We encourage you to stop by our office if you are experiencing any issues with classes, if you want tips on getting involved at MU, and even just to say Hello! We hope you enjoy your time at Millersville and we look forward to seeing you at our regular social activities this semester.