Important Information for Fall 2012 - International Students - May Edition
Arriving for Fall SemesterNew students should plan to arrive in Salem between August 1st and August 9th (or before) so you have time to get settled and rested before school starts. Our Incoming Student Arrival Liaisons will help new students get settled before school starts. Services include pick up at the Portland Airport and assistance with locating an apartment in Salem after you arrive. This service is especially important for students traveling to Oregon from other states and countries.
Watch your email for an email from our Incoming Student Arrival Liaisons. It will arrive soon. You can reach the arrival team at mba-arrivals@willamette.edu.
Calendar for Fall Semester 2012
Fall Semester 2012 begins on Tuesday, August 14th, with Compass Week. Compass Week is required for all new students. Also, you will want to be sure to participate in the pre-session event on August 10th: "Living and Learning in Salem."
| Living and Learning in Salem - Optional Pre-session Event | August 10 |
| Willamette International Student Orientation | August 14 (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) |
| Fall Semester Begins | August 14 (4:00 p.m.) |
| Compass Week | August 14 - August 17 |
| Labor Day Holiday | September 3 |
| Thanksgiving Vacation | November 19-23 |
| End of Fall Semester | December 14 |
Off-Campus Housing
Most Willamette MBA students live off-campus. For a Google map and recommendations from students click here. Other information is also available on the admitted student housing page. Remember to use our Incoming Student Arrival Liaisons for advice.
Other good resources for information include the Statesman Journal (Classified Ad) and Craigslist.
Looking for a Roommate?
If you would like to have a roommate who is a new Willamette MBA student, please complete our Roommate Interest Form and email it to Judy O'Neill by June 25th at joneill@willamette.edu. We will collect the information and email you a summary of the names, emails and preferences of students seeking a roommate so you can begin to connect with each other. Another great way of meeting potential roommates is through our admitted student Facebook page. If you have not joined yet, be sure to go to the incoming student Facebook page and ask to join.
Registration for Fall Semester Courses
Willamette MBA registration is a very simple process, so don't worry. First year students will automatically be pre-registered for the entire first-semester core curriculum (5 courses, 15 semester credits). Sections will be assigned to ensure demographic, academic and experiential balance in all sections. Judy O'Neill, Associate Dean and Director of Admission, will contact students who have special registration options.
As a guideline, the general class schedule for most first-year Willamette MBA students will be as shown below. Remember, that as a Willamette MBA student you will be involved in many meetings and sessions outside of class (experiential learning, client projects, career management services, professional organizations, etc.). Our estimate is that you will be busy with the MBA program (classes, studying, meetings, events, organizations, etc.) approximately 50 hours per week.
| Monday and Wednesday | 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| Monday and Wednesday | 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday and Thursday | 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. -- or -- 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. |
| Tuesday and Thursday | 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. |
| Tuesday and Thursday | 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
The entire fall semester schedule of classes is available on our web site. The spring semester schedule is also available.
Textbooks For Fall Semester Required Courses
We will provide a list of textbooks for the first semester core courses later this summer. We provide the list so you can purchase your books before school starts, if you would like to do so. All text books will be available for purchase at The Willamette Store
Health History and Immunization Records
Oregon state law requires all new students to provide immunization and health records. Forms to be completed are available online in pdf format and are linked below. Be sure to complete the health history and immunization forms as soon as possible and send them to the Willamette University Bishop Wellness Center by August 1st.
* Immunization Information
* Health History and Immunization Form
If you need the measles immunization (MMR), you can get it on campus on August 15th during Compass Week. The cost for the MMR vaccination is $62. Charges for vaccinations will be billed to your Willamette University student account.
[Note: If you have recently been enrolled in the Willamette University College of Law or College of Liberal Arts, you should update the health history form, but you do not need to resubmit the immunization and history forms.]
Planning for Compass Week
Compass Week runs from August 14th through August 17th. Compass Week is required for all new students and will include important academic, professional and social activities. Different events and activities require different clothing. To help you plan your packing needs, here is your guide to appropriate dress for the activities of Compass Week.
| Tuesday, August 14th | Casual |
| Wednesday, August 15th | Business formal |
| Thursday, August 16th | Business formal |
| Friday, August 17th | Athletic clothes and tennis shoes |
"Business formal" typically means a jacket, tie, button down shirt, matching slacks and dress shoes for men. For women, business attire would typically mean a skirt or slacks, jacket, button down shirt or shell, clear or solid color nylons and closed toed shoes. Also, be sure your shoes are comfortable for walking across campus.
Student Health InsuranceAll students enrolled in 4.5 credits or more are required to have health insurance. You will not be required to purchase the Willamette insurance if you are covered by a comparable health insurance plan. The Willamette Student Health Insurance Plan reflects the ruling passed March 16, 2012 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in regard to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
The cost for 12 months coverage through the Willamette University Student Health Plan is $2,536 for the 2012-13. Complete information about health insurance for International students is available online.
Reminders and General Information
Laptop Requirement: All Willamette MBA students are required to have a laptop computer. In some classes you will use your laptop extensively; in others periodically or minimally. See current required laptop specifications
Save Money on Exchange Rates and Bank Transfer Fees with peerTransfer: Willamette University partners with peerTransfer to save international students money on the exchange rates and bank fees involved their payment processes. Using peerTransfer can save students up to $1,500 a year. peerTransfer also provides great 24 hour multi-lingual customer support (phone, email, Skype, and chat), quick service, and the opportunity to easily track your payment. Learn more about peerTransfer at http://peertransfer.com/ and see a comparison of the costs you will have from peerTransfer versus a typical bank. If you want to use peerTransfer you can access Willamette's page at https://peertransfer.com/school/willamette.
CareerLeader: Remember to complete CareerLeader! Completing CareerLeader now -- before school starts -- gives you important time to explore career directions and issues related to your future career satisfaction. Beth Ursin, Director of Career Management for the Willamette MBA program, will use your CareerLeader results to work with you when school starts. If you have misplaced your access information for your initial log-in for CareerLeader, email Judy O'Neill at joneill@willamette.edu for access directions.
Student Health Insurance: All Willamette students enrolled more than half-time are required to have health insurance. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) was passed on March 23, 2010. On March 16, 2012 Health and Human Services ruled that insurance provided by a university for students must follow the PPACA guidelines. As a result of this ruling, the 2012-13 Willamette Student Health Insurance plan will offer comprehensive coverage that will support a student’s well-being and peace of mind while meeting the requirements of the PPACA and the US Dept. of Health & Human Services.The Willamette University sponsored student health insurance for the 12-13 school year is provided by Aetna. The full benefit information along with information about cost and a link to the online waiver will be available July 16, 2012.
For more information see http://www.willamette.edu/dept/health/insurance/index.html. If you have questions about health insurance for U.S. students, contact Julie Prieto at jprieto@willamette.edu
Willamette University Bishop Wellness Center: The Bishop Wellness Center provides Health Services, Counseling Services, and Disability and Learning Services to our students. There is no office visit charge to students; fees are charged for lab work, prescriptions and some supplies. Students are seen by appointment, but urgent problems will be seen immediately. For more information about the services of the Bishop Wellness Center visit http://www.willamette.edu/dept/wellness/index.html
Financial Aid Loan Applications: U.S. citizens and permanent residents applying for federal loans must submit the FAFSA to Willamette University (the WU FAFSA code is 003227) and process of loan applications. If you have questions about financial aid contact Katy Wilson, Senior Financial Aid Counselor in the Willamette University Office of Financial Aid. Email Katy at gradaid@willamette.edu, call 503-370-6273 or call toll free in the U.S. at 1-877-744-3736.
Disability and Learning Services: Willamette MBA students who have a documented disability and would like to request accommodations as covered under the American Disabilities Act are encouraged to apply for special accommodations and services through the Willamette University office of Disability and Learning Services. Disability and Learning Services provides support for individuals with a diagnosed disability (e.g., learning, visual, hearing, psychiatric, chronic illness, etc.). Documentation needs to be on file with Disability and Learning Services to receive appropriate accommodations and services. For more information visit http://www.willamette.edu/dept/disability/ and contact:
Director, Disability & Learning Services
503-370-6471 (voice)
503-375-5383 (TDD)
503-375-5420 (fax)