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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 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 very soon.


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."

Off-Campus Housing
Most Willamette MBA students live off-campus. For a Google map and recommendations from students visit Housing Recommendations and Tips From Students (http://www.willamette.edu/agsm/full-time/admitted/Off_Campus_Housing_11.html). 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 27th 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 the incoming Facebook page, go to http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/home.php?sk=group_191467337543813&ap=1 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.

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, 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.

[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 tuberculosis forms.]


Planning for Compass Week
Compass Week runs from August 16th through August 19th. 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.

"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.



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


Using Financial Aid to Purchase Your Laptop: The cost to purchase the required laptop can be included in your financial aid budget if you are using loans to help pay for your education. If you plan to use funds from your Stafford or Graduate Plus loan to pay for your laptop, contact the Willamette University Office of Financial Aid at gradaid@willamette.edu or call 503-370-6273 (toll free in U.S. 1-877-744-3736) and submit the Budget Adjustment Form (for graduate students). You can access other information and forms regarding graduate student financial aid at http://willamette.edu/dept/finaid/graduate/index.html


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 students are required to have health insurance. Willamette University's domestic student health insurance plan for 2011-12 is through Fairmont Specialty Group. The policy provides coverage for part of the cost of emergency care and some outpatient medical, mental health, and drug and alcohol care. A written summary of the coverage is available at http://www.willamette.edu/dept/health/pdf/summary.pdf

The rate for the student insurance plan for the 2011-2012 school year is a 2 tier rate based on age. The rate is based on your age on August 15, 2011. Students age 24 and under will pay $490 per year. Students over age 24 or over will pay $737 per year. The coverage period is August 15, 2011-August 14, 2012.

Students who have other coverage may elect to go online after July 1, 2011 to waive this student insurance plan. This plan must be waived by September 21, 2011. The link to waive health insurance is available on the left navigation bar of http://willamette.edu/dept/health/insurance/index.html (Student Brochure and Online Waiver). Once the student waives coverage the student's account will be credited for this charge prior to the next billing cycle.

Dependent Insurance is available if the student is enrolled in the Student Sickness and Accident Plan. Dependent insurance can only be added at the beginning of the fall semester. Exception is only made for a newborn dependent which must be added within 31 days after birth. Those wishing to purchase Dependent Insurance may enroll at the Business Office Cashier located in Waller Hall. The coverage period is August 15, 2011 - August 14, 2012.. The brochure and enrollment form for the dependent plan are available at http://willamette.edu/dept/health/insurance/index.html

Complete information about health insurance for U.S. students is available at http://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)