Statement of Understanding

(Revised August 2008)

Please read each statement carefully.  By agreeing to these conditions for admission, you understand fully the UCO academic, administrative, and immigration regulatory policies to become a UCO student on F-1 visa.

1.        I understand that I must submit all application forms and supporting documents to the UCO Office of International Student Services (OISS) before the deadline date listed.  If my application failed to meet the deadline, it will be considered for the next earliest semester.

2.        I understand that all information given on the application forms must be accurate.  Failure to list all colleges previously attended, or falsification of application information or any of my academic records will result in my suspension for academic misconduct and immediate dismissal from UCO.

3.        I understand that I must submit official academic credentials from all schools I am currently attending and/or have attended in the past.  I understand that I must meet the grade point average requirement for the program I intend to pursue.

4.        I understand that if English is not the primary vernacular in my country, I must meet the English proficiency requirement outlined before the admission will be granted.  However, I may submit the application for admission to UCO without having met the English requirement but only for evaluation of my academic credentials.  If I have met all the admission requirements except for the English proficiency and wish to attend an intensive English program, I must apply to the English language school approved by the State Board of Regents to receive the I-20 and the provisional acceptance letter from UCO.

5.        I understand that if I enter the U.S. on I-20 issued by UCO, I must enroll and complete 12 credit hours before I am eligible to transfer to another institution in the U.S.

6.        I understand that during my first semester at UCO I must complete English 1153 – English Composition for Internationals.  This class will help me in cultural adjustment as well as improving my English skills.  I further understand that English 1223 should be completed during my second semester.

7.       I understand that I must be prepared to bring with me to UCO sufficient funds (a minimum of $6,000 deposit) to cover tuition, fees, textbooks and supplies, and health insurance for one sixteen-week semester.  I further understand that remaining funds must be at my disposal for my subsequent semester study at UCO. I understand that I am required to bring additional funds for living expenses separately, in addition to the deposit.
 

8.        I understand that if I am younger than 21 years old and have not completed 32 semester credit hours, on-campus housing which includes meal plans may be the best way to adjust to campus life.

9.        I understand that I must have made a housing arrangement, either reserved a room with UCO Housing Office or with a friend off campus, prior to arrival in the U.S.

10.     I understand that I must attend a mandatory informational meeting for new students at the beginning of my initial semester at UCO.

11.     I understand it is very important to maintain my visa status by making good academic progress at all times during my stay in the U.S.  I am required to enroll and complete successfully a minimum of 12 credit hours as an undergraduate student during Spring and Fall semesters.   I further understand that while I am at UCO, I must comply with the university Code of Student Conduct.

12.     I understand that I must be in proper status with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while I am in the U.S.   If reinstatement of F-1 visa status or change in visa classification is required, I must consult the UCO Immigration Advisor and file appropriate application with the ICE.  I will not be permitted to enroll until I have completed all the paper work for reinstatement of student status with the UCO Immigration Advisor.  If I am changing from any of other non-immigrant visa status to student visa status, I will not be permitted to enroll until the ICE notification of approval is received.

13.     I understand that I must maintain a valid passport at all times by applying for the renewal at least 6 months prior to its expiration.

14.     I understand that my I-20 must be valid throughout the duration of my study.  The extension must be requested at least 30 days prior to its expiration at Office of International Student Services.

15.     I understand that I must always provide the current address information to UCO and ICE by informing the Office of International Student Services when there is any change either in my residence in the U.S. or in my family address in my home country.

16.     I understand that my F-1 visa status will prohibit my engaging in off-campus employment without prior authorization from the ICE.  If I am found to be working off-campus without a proper authorization, I will lose my visa status and may face immediate deportation.

17.     I understand that I am required to have a health insurance coverage while I am a student at UCO.  This mandatory insurance plan is offered through UCO as a part of my school fees.   

18.     I understand that I must submit the proof of required immunization or sign the waiver before enrollment.

19.     I understand that I am required to complete a tuberculosis skin test during my first semester at UCO Student Health Center before I am permitted to enroll for subsequent semesters.  I understand that if X-Ray is required as the result of testing, I must visit an off-campus facility at an appointed date and time to meet the testing requirement for enrollment.

YOU MUST RETURN THIS FORM WITH YOUR SIGNATURE!

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