Willamette MBA - Important Information for Fall 2011 - Exchange Students - May Edition

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Arriving for Fall Semester
New students should plan to arrive in Salem between August 1st and August 9th (or before) so you have time to get 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. You will receive an email from our Incoming Student Arrival Liaisons later this week.


Calendar for Fall Semester 2011
Fall Semester 2011 begins on Tuesday, August 16th, 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 12th: "Living and Learning in Salem."

Living and Learning in Salem - Optional Pre-Session Event August 12
Willamette International Student Orientation August 16 (9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.)
Fall Semester Begins August 16 (3:00 p.m.)
Compass Week August 16 - August 19
Labor Day Holiday September 5
Thanksgiving Vacation November 21 - 25
End of Fall Semester December 16


Compass Week

Compass Week is the first week of fall semester and begins on Tuesday, August 16th . Compass Week is required for all new students and will include important academic, professional and social activities. As an exchange student, you will not be required to attend all of the events, but you will find them helpful and enlightening. 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. We will update you more about Compass Week in future emails.

Tuesday, August 16th Casual
Wednesday, August 17th Business formal
Thursday, August 18th Business formal
Friday, August 19th 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.


On-Campus Housing for Exchange Students
We have reserved on-campus housing for exchange students. The Willamette Univeristy housing office will email you. The email address of the housing office is housing@willamette.edu.


Registration for Fall Semester Courses
Registration for classes is a very simple and individualized process, so don't worry. The typical course load for the Full Time Early Career Willamette MBA program is 15 credits (5 three credit courses) per semester.

Before selecting your courses, be sure to read the registration information included in your admission email for directions specific to your program. After you make your selections, email Judy O'Neill with your top choices and with any questions you may have. Your transcripts will be reviewed for equivalent prerequisite course work.


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, immunization, and tuberculosis forms as soon as possible and send them to the Willamette University Bishop Wellness Center.
* Immunization Information and Instructions ((http://www.willamette.edu/dept/health/pdf/health_form_info.pdf)
* Health History and Immunization Form (http://www.willamette.edu/dept/health/pdf/immunization_form.pdf)
* Tuberculosis Screening Form (http://www.willamette.edu/dept/health/pdf/tb_form.pdf)

If you need the measles immunization (MMR) or the PPDTB test, you can get them on campus on August 17th during Compass Week. The cost for the MMR vaccination is $62. The PPDTB test is $12. Charges for vaccinations will be billed to your Willamette University student account.


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. Current required laptop specifications are available at listed http://www.willamette.edu/agsm/full-time/admitted/laptop.htm


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@wilamette.edu for access directions.


Student Health Insurance: All Willamette University international students and their accompanying family members are required to have health and accident insurance for each semester the student is registered for classes. Insurance coverage must be equal to or greater than the following:

  • medical benefits of no less than $50,000 per each accident or each illness
  • medical evacuation (assisted transportation to home country provided to a seriously ill person) to the insured’s home country no less than $l0,000
  • repatriation (transportation of dead body to home country) of remains no less than $7,500
  • a deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
  • benefits must be payable in the United States
  • terms of coverage (beginning and ending dates) must e in effect throughout the entire semester and be renewable for continuing coverage
  • maximum dollar coverage for each accident or illness
  • list of covered services
  • list of excluded services
  • insured person's name
  • address and telephone number of the insurance company

Willamette offers a health insurance plan that meets and exceeds the above requirements. The cost for student insurance for the 2011-12 academic year is $468 per semester for six months coverage ($936 for 12 months coverage). The cost of the health insurance is automatically billed to you by Willamette University at the beginning of each semester. Payment is required at the time other charges are paid. Check with Nicole Melius, International Programs Advisor, Willamette University Office of International Education (phone 503-370-6736; fax 503-370-6565, email oieadvising@willamette.edu ) for coverage and rates for family members.

You will not be required to purchase the Willamette insurance plan if you can prove that your existing insurance policy meets the minimum requirements listed above. If you have an insurance policy which meets the above requirements and contains all the information listed above, you must obtain a copy of your insurance coverage (written in English), and take it to Nicole Melius, International Programs Advisor, in the WU Office of International Education to be evaluated for compliance by the first Friday of classes each semester. If you are not able to provide proof of the required level of insurance coverage, you will be automatically billed for Willamette's health insurance plan.

If you have questions about international health insurance, contact Nicole Melius, International Programs Advisor, Willamette University Office of International Education (phone 503-370-6736; fax 503-370-6565, email oieadvising@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


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)