Office of International Programs

Office of International Programs
UNCP
One University Drive
Pembroke, NC 28372-1510

Phone: 910.775.4095
Fax: 910.521.6864
Relay: 910.775.4095
Email: ip@uncp.edu

Location: International Programs
Campus Map

Frequently Asked Questions
New Incoming International Students

Acceptance Packet

Upon acceptance to UNCP you will receive a welcome email with a FedEx tracking link, information on your student ID number, SEVIS information, and Airport Transfer information. Please review and keep this email for future reference.

What is my student ID number?

Your student ID is assigned upon acceptance at UNCP and provided to you in your welcome email. It will begin with an 84 number and will personally identify you on campus. It will be printed on your student ID card and will be associated with your student account.

Please note: Your UNCP student ID is not a social security number.

What is my username?

Your UNCP username will be a combination of your initials and a number. For example: Anna Hagstrom may be ah0003. Your UNCP email will be your username@bravemail.uncp.edu. Upon arrival at UNCP all email to the International Programs Office must be from your Bravemail account. You will not be able to forward your Bravemail account to a personal email so it is very important that you check your account on a daily basis.

International Student Status at UNCP

UNCP is pleased to have approximately 100 international students representing about 20 different countries every semester. International students associated with the International Programs (IP) Office include students on an F-1 or J-1. Students may be grouped as an exchange, visiting, transient, 4-year, graduate or program student. International students may be here for 1 semester or for a 4-year degree.

Please note: Immigration for a student is on an individual basis. Each student is unique and information is confidential. If you have questions about your immigration status please speak directly to a Designated School Official.

Campus Map

To help familiarize yourself with The University of North Carolina at Pembroke offices, please visit our campus map.

Airport Transfer (travel from RDU to Pembroke)

The International Programs Office will provide transportation from Raleigh/Durham (RDU) Airport only. For dates of airport pickup, please see the Airport Transfer website. It is very important that you read the Airport Transfer Policy for UNCP.

Deadlines for fall Airport Transfer is August 1/December 1.

Deadline for spring Airport Transfer is December 30/April 30.

Upon registration for the Airport Transfer you will receive an initial confirmation email. A few days prior to arrival you will receive an additional confirmation with specific pick-up directions.

What if I don't register in time for the Airport Transfer?

Unfortunately, you will need to make your own arrangements to arrive at UNCP. Our Airport Transfer is a service and we need time to prepare our transportation and notify students. Students are responsible for registering their request in a timely manner. Late registrants cannot be accommodated.

End of Semester

At the end of the semester the IP Office will provide an Airport Transfer to RDU on select dates. You must register by December 1 or April 30 for a ride. You are not required to take this shuttle but it is provided as a service.

Immigration

If an international student has questions about their immigration status
(F-1/I-20 or J-1/DS-2019) in relation to their program at UNC Pembroke, they should speak with an Immigration Officer. Please contact:

Ms. Robyn Deemer, PDSO/RO (robyn.deemer@uncp.edu)

Ms. Wendy Wong, DSO/ARO (wendy.wong@uncp.edu)

Orientation

Do I have to attend Orientation?

Yes! All new incoming F-1 and J-1 students are required to attend orientation. Please check the Orientation link regularly for updates.

What will Orientation cover?

During the Orientation we will cover issues in relation to immigration, safety, course registration, traveling in the U.S., health insurance, etc. There are a variety of topics that will be covered during this time and it is essential that you attend. Unfortunately, if you miss the session there will be no additional opportunities for review.

Course Registration

When may I register for classes?
You may register for classes on or after your registration time and when all your registration holds are lifted.

How do I register for classes?

Once your registration holds are lifted you will be able to register for classes. You will need to register as a New User for BraveWeb. Once your account is completed you will be able to login and review courses.

What are Pre-Requisite Requirements?

A Pre-Requisite is defined as a lower level foundation course that is needed to take an upper level course. Pre-Reqs build a students general knowledge in a topic that prepare you for a more difficult level course. If your lower level courses are not in our system you will need to speak with the department upon arrival.

Please note: You may need to supply course descriptions in English to the department you are requesting the course in. The Department Chair will review your request and make the decision.

Finalizing your class schedule

As a new incoming international student please be patient with the process of registration. You may not be able to finalize your schedule until you arrive on-campus. UNCP will do everything we can to help you receive the courses you would like to take, however, we cannot guarantee course placement. Once you are on campus you will be able to access the various Department Chairs in person and therefore finalize your schedule.

When does my course schedule need to be completed?

As an international student you must have your schedule completed by 5:00PM on the final day of drop/add. To review the academic calendar, please click here. Select your semester of enrollment and review the last day to drop/add a course.

How many credits do I need to register for?

You must register for a minimum of 12-credit hours (undergraduate) and 9-credit hours (graduate) in order to stay compliant with your immigration status. If you have specific questions about your schedule, please speak to a University immigration Officer in IP.

Do I have to attend class on a regular basis?

Yes. As an international student you must attend class on a regular basis. UNCP has a mandatory attendance policy and students are required to abide by this policy. You must continue to make academic progress.

Do I need to purchase books for class?

Yes. Most courses will have a required text for class that students must purchase. You do not need to purchase books until you arrive at UNCP. More information on books will be provided at orientation.

UNCP will do it's best to accommodate students request and placement for courses. However, course requests cannot be guaranteed.

Office of the Registrar Information

Where can I find the Academic Calendar?
You may find the Academic Calendar here. This will list holiday and times the school will be closed. Please make a note so you will know when to travel.

Where can I find the Exam Schedule?
You may find the Exam Schedule here. Please note your exam time.

Where can I find the UNCP Catalog?
You may find the UNCP Catalog here. This will provide course descriptions.

Transcripts

There is a $5.00 fee per transcript request.

Technology

Should I bring my laptop?

You are welcome to bring your laptop to UNCP. For more information on UNCP technology, please review the DOIT Welcome Packet.

Cell Phones

Students are encouraged to use SKYPE or purchase a pre-paid cell phone that will provide a local number and texting options, and then you can add minutes as you go along.

Email Communication

When addressing an email please remember to put in the proper form. Please have an introduction, body, signature/name (with 84 student number). Professors will expect this from you and it is good professional practice. Emails that are not in this proper form to the IP office will be returned to students with a request to modify their email.

Housing Information

Global Learning Community. All new and returning international students will have the option to live in Courtyard University Housing and participate in cultural events and trips. Four students per apartment (single sex) will have a single bedroom, shared bathroom, and a common living space/kitchen/laundry.

Housing Contract

Students must be aware that by signing either an on-campus housing agreement or an off-campus lease that these are legal binding documents in the United States. Before moving either on or off-campus a student should speak to the appropriate person to make sure they can change their agreement and receive approval. If a student signs an on-campus agreement and then decides to move off-campus and signs a lease, you will be held responsible for both contracts and payment. The same is true if you sign an off-campus lease and then move on to campus.

What are my housing options at UNCP?

You have two options for housing at UNCP. (See below for more details).

1) You may live on-campus, or

2) You may life off-campus.

How can I apply for University on-campus housing?

If you decide not to live in the Global Learning Community, you may choose other on-campus options. You will need to complete the online Housing Form. Although there is not a space on the form, please indicate that you are an international student. The Housing Office is responsible for placement.
For Fall Entry Only. May 1 for Guaranteed On-Campus Housing. After this date the Housing Office will do its best to accommodate your request pending availability.

On-campus Placement

Student housing on-campus is limited. The first week on-campus you may have a temporary location before a permanent location opens up. Please be patient and flexible while Housing works with you. We appreciate that students want to be settled and unpacked the first few days, however, that may not be possible.

On-campus housing deposit.

You may pay your Housing deposit upon arrival at UNCP. The Housing deposit is refundable provided their is no damage to your room upon departure. Please remember that the Housing Office will process any Housing deposit refund at the end of your stay.

Do I have to live on-campus?

As of Fall 2011, all freshmen students are required to live on campus. Upper classman have the option to live on or off campus.

Please note: Some of the local apartment complexes will require a 1-year lease. If you will be studying at UNCP for one semester we recommend you stay on-campus. However, if you choose to live off-campus and sign a 1-year lease you will be responsible for finding a sub-lease for your apartment.

Can I have a single room on-campus?

A single room cannot be guaranteed on campus. There is high demand and limited availability. A request may be made but there is no guarantee.

What is my address on-campus?

You will receive your mailing address upon arrival on-campus.

Can I send/ship luggage before I arrive?

If you are living on-campus you may not ship luggage ahead of time. Due to liability the University on-campus housing is unable to accept students packages prior to arrival. In addition, we do not have a secure location to keep your items.

If you are living off-campus at an apartment complex you will need to contact the complex directly to see if they can accommodate your request.

How can I find off-campus housing?

There are a couple of local apartment complexes within walking distance to campus. For more specific information about apartment layout please visit each site. If you choose to live in one of this locations you will need to make your individual arrangements directly with the complex.

Pembroke Place Apartments-Please contact directly for lease options.

Pembroke Pointe Apartments (may offer a 6-month lease, and offer a private room/bath with a common suite area/kitchen). Please contact directly for confirmation of lease option.

Please note: It is recommended that when you contact the apartment complex that you inform them that you are an international student, how long you need a lease for, and can you make arrangements for deposit. Unfortunately, the IP Office is unable to assist in this arrangement as it is off-campus.

What should I do if I don't have housing when I arrive?

You should arrange housing before arriving at UNCP. Otherwise, expect to spend $50-80 per night at the local Holiday Inn Express.

Housing/Immigration

As a reminder. All international students are required to keep their address current with the International Programs Office. If you move, at any time, you must notify the IP Office within 3 days of your address change.

Physical Address/Mailing Address

The Department of Homeland Security requires the International Programs Office to maintain your physical address in SEVIS and on file in our office. However, if you are living on-campus your mailing address will be different. Upon arrival, please go to the campus post office to obtain your PO Box.

If you are living off-campus, please see the apartment complex for your mailing information.

Transportation

Pembroke does not offer mass transit. However, in order for students to travel in and around the area there is assistance:

South East Area Transit System ($2 per ride, subject to change)- South East Area Transit System (SEATS) is Robeson County’s Community Transportation Program. SEATS can take you to Lumberton where you can catch a Greyhound Bus.

Greyhound Bus- From Lumberton you can catch a bus to a variety of North Carolina Cities (Raleigh, Charlotte, etc). Upon arrival at the bus stations you can take a cab to airports, etc.

BoltBus- Provides limited NorthEast Service between Washington D.C., and New York City.

Amtrak- Passenger train service provided from Fayetteville or Southern Pines to a variety of U.S. locations.

University Dining

Meal Plans

For students who will be living on campus you may select from a variety of meal plan options. Upon arrival, you may add this to your student account through your online Braveweb account.

For students who will be living off campus you may select from a variety of meal plan options. Upon arrival, you may add this to your student account through your online Braveweb account.

Please review University Dining Menu options and Dining Calendar to learn more about what is available for students. In addition, individual meals can be purchased by students when this wish to dine in the University Center.

For more information on costs associated with UNCP meal plans, please visit the Controllers Office (scroll to bottom of page).

Banking/Money Matters

When should I pay my tuition, fees, room, and board?

You may pay your tuition, fees, room, and board upon arrival at UNCP. If you prefer to pay it beforehand you will need to have your Bravemail account set-up. Your Brave Web online account center will accept Visa, MasterCard and Electronic Check (ACH).

How can I open a bank account in Pembroke?

Opening a bank account is fairly easy. Banking is one of many topics that will be covered during the New International Student Orientation.

Can I open a bank account online?

No. As an international student you are required to show a letter of support from the International Programs Office and a copy of your passport in order to open an account. This must be done in person.

Should I carry cash with me to pay my expenses at UNCP?

We recommend that you not carry large sums of cash with you when you travel. Traveler’s checks are a secure way of transporting money. Remember, if you carry more than $10,000 worth of money, you will be required to declare at customs upon entry to the U.S.

Is there an ATM on campus?

We suggest you obtain money from an ATM at the airport. However, if needed, there is an ATM behind the University Center for your convenience until you can get your local bank account open.

Health Insurance/Student Health Services

North Carolina has a very strict medical insurance requirement for international students (F-1 or J-1). As of August 1, 2013, we have a new policy with Blue Cross Blue Shield. International students are not eligible for the waiver. You may purchase additional insurance (at your own expense), but you will be required to have the UNCP policy.

How do I pay for the Health Insurance?

International students are automatically billed when they register for classes. You may pay your balance upon arrival at UNCP.

What are the dates for coverage?

Fall Semester (August 1-December 31)

Spring Semester (January 1-July 31)

Health Forms and PPD Test (Tuberculosis).

All international students are required to complete the Student Health Services forms. You may bring them with to campus and turn them in upon arrival. All international students are required to have their PPD (Tuberculosis) test in the United States. If you take a PPD test prior to arrival, you will have to have another one. This is North Carolina state law. The cost for this test is $7.00.

Student Health Forms

You should make sure your student health forms is completed prior to arrival at UNCP. In the event you are missing documented immunizations, students will need to make an appointment at a local office below to obtain the necessary vaccines:

Robeson County Health Dept. 671-3200 (MMR, Tdap and PPD)
Pembroke Pediatrics 521-0201 (MMR, Tdap and PPD)
West Primary Urgent Care 522-8888 (PPD and Tdap )
Julian T. Pierce 521-2816 (PPD and Tdap)
Trinity Urgent Care 775-9027 (PPD and Tdap)

Medical Care

Student Health Services (SHS) is committed to providing quality, cost effective health care and health educational services that will assist students in maintaining an optimal state of health.

Students are required to be compliant with North Carolina law in relation to immunizations. In your acceptance packet you were provided a Health Form, and this is a required document that you must complete. More information on being compliant will be provided at the New Student Orientation.

North Carolina

What is the weather like in North Carolina?

For a breakdown of temperature high and lows please visit www.weather.com and select the month.

What should I bring with me?

Here is a suggested check list of things to bring with you to UNCP.

Weekly WalMart run.

During the semester, Student Services will provide weekly WalMart runs for students who need to shop. A schedule is posted by the University Center.

Activities

During the semester the Global Learning Community will coordinate various events for students to participate. These activities may include trips to D.C. or New York, Halloween party, FireAntz game, NFL game, NBA game, NHL game, Easter egg hunt, etc. Events are subject to change based on demand, interest, and cost.

Students are also encouraged to join campus clubs and organizations and participate in campus organized events.

Facebook

If you do not already have a Facebook account, we encourage you to join. This is a great way to learn about what is happening on the UNCP campus and to join other UNCP pages.

Updated: Wednesday, March 20, 2013

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