International Student Online Orientation (Fall 2018)

International Programs
Box T-0770

Stephenville, TX 76402

(254) 968 9488

www.tarleton.edu/international

OBJECTIVES
The goal of this online orientation is to familiarize you with
Tarleton State University’s structure, student life, academic
expectations, and immigration regulations and compliance.
To receive credit for this orientation, you must complete a test
at the end of the course with a score of 80% or higher. You
may re-take the tests as many times as you need.
Failure to complete this orientation will result in a hold being
placed on your records.

ABOUT TARLETON
Mission: To provide an academically
challenging education where learning is
grounded in real-world experiences and
effective teaching, research, scholarship, and
service. As part of the Texas A&M University
System, Tarleton is rich in history and tradition
while being committed to the student
success and diversity. Tarleton strives to
develop moral and ethical thinkers, scholars
and leaders who demonstrate civility and
integrity, while contributing meaningfully and
responsibly to a global society.

CORE VALUES
• INTEGRITY

• LEADERSHIP

• TRADITION

• CIVILITY

• EXCELLENCE

• SERVICE

Box T-0770

Stephenville, TX 76402

(254) 968 9488

www.tarleton.edu/international
International Programs serves the international student population at Tarleton State
University. We are here to help you throughout your academic career.
Our team can assist you with:
• Immigration Advising
• Personal or Academic Issues
• Cultural Adjustment
• Student Events and Activities
• Leadership Programs
• Local Transportation
• Airport Shuttles
Barry B. Thompson
Student Center

TECHNOLOGY
The following technological terms will help you navigate through
university services and resources. Familiarize yourself with them
in order to perform basic technological applications, such as
class registration, student email, online classroom assignments,
use of databases, etc.
For more information please contact:

Information Technology Services
254-968-9885
www.tarleton.edu/technology

UNIVERSITY ID (UID)
• University ID (also called NTNET) is what you will use to logon to campus
computers, lab computers, and wireless access points, among other services.
• Claim your NTNET account at www.tarleton.edu/userclaim at any time after
registering or when you begin classes. Your UID was mailed to you in your
admission letter.
• After claiming your account, you will be required to reset your password within 48
hours. Visit www.tarleton.edu/password to manage your NTNET password

PASSWORD RESET
After claiming your account, you will be required to reset your password within 48
hours. Visit the Tarleton Password manager at 
www.tarleton.edu/password to change your password

MYGATEWAY
• Campus-wide announcements
• Access to student email
• Access to online courses (Blackboard)
• Student Records (holds, grades,
transcripts, etc.)
• Housing Information
• RSS Feeds, Bulletin Board, Weather,
and more
Tarleton’s web portal. You login to myGateway using your NTNET credentials. This
portal provides access to registration, grades, courses, ﬁnancial, and internal
resources

WIRELESS ACCESS
• Tarleton provides wireless services to
common areas of the majority of
buildings on the Stephenville campus.
• Where available, the wireless network
provides Tarleton users with mobile
access to the internet and email without
having to be physically connected.
• Connect to the internet using the  
Texas-NTNET network.

254-968-9885

STUDENT EMAIL
This is the ofﬁcial means of communication to
students, academic departments, and student
services. It is important that you claim your
account and check it on a regular basis.
You can ﬁnd your login information under
Personal Information under Ducktrax in
myGateway.
You can access your student email by visiting:
www.outlook.com/go.tarleton.edu

254-968-9885

HOLDS
TYPES OF HOLDS
• Academic
• Administrative
• Disciplinary
• Financial
To ensure compliance with university policies or to ensure communication with a
student regarding the need to fulfill certain administrative or college requirements,
Tarleton State University is authorized to place holds on student records.
You can find a list of holds, description and
reason for hold, and contact information at
the following link:
www.tarleton.edu/registrar/holdInfo.html

Office of the Registrar
254-968-9121
www.tarleton.edu/registrar

BLACKBOARD
Web-based management system
designed to allow students and faculty to
participate in classes delivered online or,
use materials and activities to
complement face-to-face teaching.
Log-in using your NTNET credentials

Blackboard Helpdesk
254-968-1960
Or visit

CII at Dick Smith Library

Tech Spot at Library Learning Commons

TEXANSYNC
TexanSync is a web-hosted platform designed to help develop and connect campus
organizations and communities.

HELP DESK
If you are having trouble accessing your
online accounts, get in touch with
Tarleton’s HelpDesk. They can provide
assistance reseting passwords, activating
accounts, and various other technological
needs.
They can provide assistance over the
phone or through email.
254-968-9885

TEXAN CARD
Texan Card is the name of the University’s
identiﬁcation card issued to students, faculty,
and staff. You will need it for:
• Building access (Dorms)
• Book check-out
• Printing (You are credited $5 per semester)
• Entry to campus events
• Receive student services
• REC Center
• Texan Bucks
• Meal Plans
Tarleton Center, Room 101
254-968-1881
www.tarleton.edu/texancard

CHOICE CARD
The Tarleton Choice Cards are how
refunds are processed at the university.
Refunds can consist of scholarships and
overpayments.
The Tarleton Choice Card is NOT a credit
card. The Debit Card feature is only valid if
you open a Higher One bank account.

Business Services
254-968-9107
www.tarleton.edu/business

HEALTH SERVICES
The Mission of the Student Health
Services is to maintain or restore the
health of students to maximize
capability to enable them to achieve
their academic goals.
For any minor illnesses or accidents,
the University’s Student Health Center
provides free access to doctors and
nurses for consultation. For more
information, please visit Student Health
Services website.
Keep healthy. Wash your hands. Student Health Services
254-968-9271
www.tarleton.edu/healthservices
Located on ﬁrst level of
Traditions North
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:30pm

COUNSELING
Student Counseling Services strives for
excellence in providing quality clinical,
developmental, and preventative
services within an inclusive and
supportive learning environment. Some
services provided include:
• Counseling
• Clinical assessments and referrals
• Crisis management
• Psychiatric services
• Academic skills counseling
• Psycho-educational programming
Student Counseling Services
254-968-9044
www.tarleton.edu/counseling
Located on ﬁrst level of
Traditions North
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 5:00pm

ACCESS AND TESTING
The Center for Access and Academic Testing provides services to students with
disabilities and testing opportunities for the Tarleton community.
Access for Students with Disabilities:
• Academic Accommodations
• Auxiliary Services
• Referrals
Academic Testing
• Schedule an accommodated or proctored test
• Schedule TSI, TEAS, CLEP, CLMP, Accuplacer, or Language Placement Test
Center for Access and Academic Testing
254-968-9423
www.tarleton.edu/caat

CODE PURPLE
Code Purple is an emergency notiﬁcation system that gives Tarleton State
University the ability to communicate health and safety emergency
information quickly by email and tex message regardless of your location.
In order to receive text messages, you will have to activate your phone
through e2campus.
www.tarleton.edu/codepurple

POLICE DEPARTMENT
The mission of the University Police and
Transportation Services Department is to
provide a safe and secure learning, living,
and working environment to the university
community through the delivery of
professional police and transportation
services.
FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS DIAL 911
FROM ANY WIRELESS OR WIRED PHONE.
An emergency is any situation that requires
immediate assistance, ﬁre department, or
ambulance. Tarleton Police Department
254-968-9002
www.tarleton.edu/police

DINING SERVICES
Dining Services offers a variety of dining
options for students ranging from buffet
with various cuisine to cafés around
campus.
Locations Include:
• Dining Hall
• Texan Star Food Court
• Cafés
• Retail Dining
For a complete list of locations and
hours of operation, please visit Sodexo’s
website.
Dining Services
254-968-9002
https://tarleton.sodexomyway.com

ON-CAMPUS HOUSING
Living on campus is an experience that
enhances a student’s university
education. For this reason, the Housing
Office is committed to the development
outside of the classroom and provides
numerous opportunities for peer
interaction and personal growth.
• All “first time” students who are under
21 of age are required to live on
campus for two academic years
• Transfer students who are under 21,
prior to their first semester with 12
credit hours are required to live on
campus for one academic year
Housing
254-968-9083
www.tarleton.edu/housing
Located on lower level of
Thompson Student Center
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

CAREER SERVICES
The mission of Career Services is to
empower students and alumni to
synthesize, articulate, and leverage their
academic and co-curricular knowledge
to be competitive. Career Services helps
students think globally and long-term
through career and personal
development.
Career Services also handles
Handshake, the hiring system for the
university.
Career Services
254-968-9078
www.tarleton.edu/careerservices

CAMPUS RECREATION
The mission of Campus Recreation is
to provide opportunities to engage in
activities, programs, and special events
that promote health active lifestyles,
leadership development, social
interaction, and educational
opportunities. Facilities include:
• Recreation Sports Center
• Weight Room and Cardio
• Climbing Wall
• Intramural Turf Field
• Challenge Course
Campus Recreation
254-968-9912
www.tarleton.edu/campusrec

ACADEMIC LIFE
O.A. Grant Humanities
Building

TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE
• TSI is designed to enhance undergraduate
success in higher education. It evaluates student
preparedness for college placement.
• The purpose is to enhance undergraduate
student’s academic skills that need improvement in
the following areas: Math, Writing, and Reading
• Unless exempt, all incoming students MUST take
the TSI prior to enrolling at Tarleton.

Undergraduate Admissions
254-968-9125
https://www.tarleton.edu/admissions/TSI.html

ACADEMIC ADVISING
When you are admitted to Tarleton you will
be required to schedule an appointment
with an academic advisor who will assist
you in making a degree plan, which maps
out your courses for a desired graduation
date. Undergraduate students only.
The Academic Advising Center will also
help you with course registration.
Graduate students will meet with academic
advisor within their speciﬁc college. Contact
your college if you have any questions.
Academic Advising Center
254-968-9746
www.tarleton.edu/advising

SUPPORT SYSTEMS
Evaluate your expectations:
Keep in mind that you will have a period of
adjustment to the U.S. educational system is
necessary before you will be able to perform to the
best of your ability
Select Courses Wisely:
Do not take more courses than necessary. 12 hours
(4 courses) is considered full-time for undergraduate
students, and 9 hours (3 courses) for graduate
students.
Make sure to have a combination of more demanding
and less demanding courses. Attend classes and do
your homework.
Ask Questions:
Do not be afraid to ask what is expected of you in
class. If you do not ask it will be assumed that you
understand everything.

SUPPORT SERVICES
Center for Academic Readiness and Support
The Academic Support Center offers tutoring
programs on challenging concepts within a given
academic discipline. Engage your critical skills
and reenforce effective problem and study
techniques.
Study Skills Sessions

Learn tips on how to enhance study skills in
different academic areas such as: attitude and
motivation, time management, self-testing,
communication, anxiety, testing strategies, etc.
For more information contact

254-968-9746

www.tarleton.edu/ssp

SUPPORT SERVICES
Writing Center
Free support service for students who need
assistance in any stage of the writing process.
Consultants work with students from all
classes, disciplines, and degree plans to
enhance writing skills
For more information contact

254-968-9746

www.tarleton.edu/writingcenter

UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
Tarleton Libraries provide relevant and
effective user-centered services, collections,
technologies, comfortable facilities, and
helpful personnel to assist with your
academic life while you are at Tarleton.
Services:
• Reference Librarians
• Circulation Services
• Interlibrary Loan
• Study Grounds Cafe
• Printing Services
• Reserve Readings
• Study/Meeting Rooms
• Texshare Libraries
University Libraries
254-968-9249 (Stephenville)
817-717-3315 (Fort Worth)
www.tarleton.edu/library

SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships are awarded for academic
ability and achievement, demonstrated
leadership, ability to perform (music, band,
etc.), extracurricular activities, financial need,
and other criteria as defined by specific
scholarship programs.
Keep in mind that your scholarship may or
may not be taxable. Any amounts used to
pay for room and board are taxable.
International students who qualify for a
$1,000 or more are eligible to receive in-state
tuition rates for one academic year.
Deadlines:
• Fall - February 15
• Spring - December 1
Office of Scholarships
254-968-9922
www.tarleton.edu/scholarships

ACADEMIC CONDUCT
Tarleton State University expects its students and faculty to maintain high standards of
personal and scholarly conduct to preserve the honor and integrity of the creative
community. Students’ responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Maintaining integrity in their own academic work
• Reporting incidents of academic dishonesty to the faculty member involved
• Learning about the general principles of academic integrity as well as those that
pertain to particular disciplines and courses
• Promoting academic integrity

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic Honesty
Be honest in the pursuit of your education. Cheating plagiarism, and collusion are
serious offenses.
Cheating
In general, students in the U.S. academic system are expected to do their academic
work without receiving excessive assistance from other people. This means should do
your own work or know the professor’s terms for collaboration allowance. These are
some things that are considered cheating:
• Copying other students’ assignments
• Copying other students’ answers to examination questions
• Providing answers to other students
• Taking notes or books to an exam and secretly referring to them when answering
examination
• Buying, using, stealing, transporting, or soliciting conﬁdential test information

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Plagiarism
This word refers to the copying of published material without making reference to the
source of information, or passing another person’s work as your own. When research
is required, you should be very careful to make reference to the source of information
you are using. You should become familiar with how to write a bibliography and how
to cite sources in your work.
The Writing Center can help you with this. You may also wish to talk to your
professors about the style of writing appropriate for the class.
For more information please visit:

Oﬃce of Judicial Aﬀairs
https://www.tarleton.edu/stulife/judicial

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Collusion
Collusion occurs when collaborating with another person without proper authorization
when preparing an assignment. In certain occasions, a professor will assign group
work; however it is important to understand that certain guidelines still apply to this
type of learning strategy.
Ask your professor in case you have any doubts regarding collusion.


ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Consequences of Academic Dishonesty
If cheating is detected, negative consequences for the student will occur.  
After discussion between yourself and the professor involved, the matter is usually
referred Judicial Affairs for further action. Consequences might include:
• A failing grade for the assignment or examination on which the cheating took place
• A failing grade for the course in which the cheating occurred
• Disciplinary probation
• Under serious circumstances, expulsion from the university
Familiarize yourself with the Student Conduct Code


IMMIGRATION
For questions, please contact:

Designated School Oﬃcial (DSO) or Responsible Oﬃce (RO)
254-968-9632
mablake@tarleton.edu

YOUR RIGHTS
The United States Constitution guarantees
certain rights to the people who are living in
the country. International students enjoy
many of the same constitutional protections
as U.S. citizens; however, non immigrants are
subject to certain immigration laws and
responsibilities.

United States Website
www.usa.gov

MAINTAINING STATUS
While studying in the United States all F-1 and J-1
students must follow immigration regulations as
outlined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
in order to maintain their legal immigration status.
Your status relates to the purpose of your visit to the
United States: to study.  
You should not take any actions that detract you from
that purpose.
Your Designated School Ofﬁcial (DSO) or Responsible
Ofﬁce (RO) is here to help you and answer any
questions you might have. However, the responsibility
of maintaining status is ultimately yours.

Study in the States
https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov

MAINTAINING STATUS
As an international student you are admitted to the
United States for a Duration of Status, listed as “D/S”
on your I-94 Form. This means that you are permitted
to stay in the country as long as you maintain your
status by fulﬁlling international student requirements:
• Maintain a valid passport at all times (at least 6
months into the future)
• Only attend the school listed in your current I-20
(F-1 Students)
• Maintain a full-load of courses each long semester
(12 undergraduate, 9 graduate).  
Be aware of online course restrictions.

Study in the States

MAINTAINING STATUS
• Inform a DSO or RO of any changes made to
your physical and mailing address within 10
days of change and obtain a new Form I-20
(F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1) with updated
information.
• Be aware of the expiration date on your I-20
or DS-2019. If you cannot complete your
program by the date listed on your
document, you must extend it before it
expires. Otherwise you will be “out of status”
and will need to ﬁle for “Reinstatement”.

Study in the States

MAINTAINING STATUS
• If you intend on taking vacation outside of
the United States, make sure you get a
Travel Endorsement signature on your I-20
or DS-2019 from a DSO or RO before you
travel. Without the signature you will face
complications when trying to re-enter the
country.
• NEVER work off campus unless you have
proper authorization from a DSO, RO, or the
Department of Homeland Security

Study in the States

CONSEQUENCES OF
FAILING TO MAINTAIN STATUS
If for any reason you fall “out of status,” you will
start accumulating unlawful presence in the United
States immediately. This is a serious oﬀense.  
If you are in this situation it is imperative you talk to
your DSO or RO immediately to discuss ways to
resolve the issue. Possible consequences of falling out
of status include, but are not limited to:
• Denial of any attributes associated with your F-1 or
J-1 status, including any dependents you may have.
• Hindering your ability to get a U.S. visa or visit the
country in the future
• Deportation

Study in the States

MEDICAL INSURANCE
Medical Services in the U.S. are privatized. That
means that the government does not provide medical
treatment, and the patient is responsible for all costs.
Medical treatment can be very expensive. For this
reason many Americans carry health insurance to
subsidize medical costs.
International students at all Texas A&M University
campuses are required to carry medical, evacuation,
and repatriation insurance during all periods of
enrollment.
You will be automatically enrolled in the Texas A&M
System’s Academic HealthPlans insurance. For more
information please visit:
https://www.tarleton.edu/international/current/
health-insurance.html

INSURANCE CLAIM
When you visit a hospital, clinic, or local
doctor, you will be asked for proof of
insurance.
Most insurance companies will not pay a
100% of the bill. You are responsible for the
deductible.
International Programs is not allowed to
negotiate an insurance claim for you. You will
have to contact the insurance company
directly for any questions.

MEDICAL CARE
Unless you have an emergency condition,
you will typically not go to the hospital. In the
U.S. it is standard for students to go to a
private physician for routine medical
situations that cannot be handled by Student
Health Services.
For any minor illnesses or accidents, the
University’s Student Health Center provides
free access to doctors and nurses for
consultation. For more information, please
visit Student Health Services website. Student Health Services
254-968-9271
www.tarleton.edu/healthservices

EMPLOYMENT
Employment opportunities for international
students are restricted in the U.S. It is illegal
for employers to knowingly hire
nonimmigrants who do not have work
authorization.
The Immigration Service considers that the
primary purpose for an F-1 or J-1 visa holder
is to be a student. Work must not interfere
with this objective. However, there are a few
options for employment.
• Work must be limited to 20 hours per week
• Student must maintain a full-time student
status

EMPLOYMENT
On campus employment takes places on
the school’s premises and a paycheck is
issued by Tarleton State University. If you
are applying for a job and you learn that an
entity other than Tarleton is going to pay
you, check with your DSO or RO before
accepting the job since this could put you
out of status.
• Work must be limited to 20 hours per
week
• Student must maintain a full-time student
status

CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING
CPT is deﬁned by federal regulations as “an
integral part of an established curriculum”
related to your program of study. This can be
in the form of an internship, practicum, or in
the case of graduate and doctoral students,
thesis and dissertation courses taken for
course credit.
• Limited to F-1 students only
• It must be directly tied to program of study
• Authorization is required before
employment starts
• Applying for CPT has no cost

OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING
OPT is work authorization available to
international students who have been in valid
F-1 status for two semesters and who plan to
seek employment in their ﬁeld of study.
• Limited to F-1 students only
• Earliest application date is 90 days before
completion date
• Limited to a cumulative maximum of 12
months per educational level
• It has a cost of $410 payable to the U.S
Department of Homeland Security
• Students in STEM majors may be eligible for
24 OPT Extension

SOCIAL SECURITY
All workers in the United States must have
a Social Security Number (SSN) in order
to receive wages legally.
As of October 2004, the Social Security
Administration issues Social Security
Numbers to international students only
after they have secured legal employment.
For more information:

Social Security Administration
1-800-772-1213
www.ssa.gov


Social Security Administration
1-800-772-1213
www.ssa.gov
HOW TO APPLY
• Secure campus employment
• Obtain letter from department verifying
employment
• Obtain letter of enrollment from your
Designated School Ofﬁcial
• Complete a Social Security Number
Application (SS-5)
• You must apply in person
• Bring letters, visa, passport, I-20 or
DS-2019 to appointment

TAX OBLIGATIONS
The American tax system is very complex.
Each spring all workers in the U.S. must report
their tax status to the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS).
All international students are also required to
ﬁle a report, even those who have not worked
while in the country. The annual report is a
summary of taxes due/paid from the calendar
year (January - December)
Any scholarship that pays for room and board,
is taxable and must be reported to the IRS.
Tax Deadline - April 15

Internal Revenue Service
www.irs.gov

TAX OBLIGATIONS
Each year foreign students living and working
in the U.S. must submit tax forms to the IRS.
These forms (forms 8843 and 1040 NR-EZ)
contain information about the period of time
a student has been in the country and
income earned.
If you worked on campus you will receive a
W-2 form, a statement of earnings to
complete your taxes.
Tax Deadline is April 15.
Tarleton State University is not
professionally qualiﬁed to provide
you with tax advice. You should
seek professional assistance from
the Internal Revenue Service.

Internal Revenue Service
www.irs.gov

CONTACTS
We are here to help. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
The following contacts will be helpful throughout your stay at Tarleton:
254-968-9488
cﬁgueroa@tarleton.edu
Immigration and Retention Specialist
Designated School Oﬃcial
254-968-9632
mablake@tarleton.edu
Housing
254-968-9083
housing@tarleton.edu
Student Counseling Services
254-96809044
www.tarleton.edu/counseling
Tarleton Police Department
254-968-9002 (non-emergency)
police@tarleton.edu
Emergency Situations Only
911

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