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On behalf of Richard Howarth, Mayor of Oxford, Dr. Robert Khayat, Chancellor, Thomas Wallace, Vice Chancellor of Student Life, and the Office of International Programs staff, I would like to welcome all international students and scholars to the University of Mississippi. We thank the mayor, chancellor and vice chancellor for their participatioin in our international student orientation, and hope it was a helpful beginning to your University career. We are very pleased to have many new students joining us from all over the world this fall.
The University of Mississippi has a long tradition of academic excellence dating back nearly 153 years. We are looking forward to a year which will see each of you succeed in your academic goals and participate in culturally enriching activities. Please check our electronic student and scholar newsletter regularly for information about upcoming events of interest to all international students and scholars. Please check out all the great campus activities and upcoming events listed in this newsletter. We are looking forward to seeing all of you there!
Best wishes,
Michael Johansson, Director
Friday, August 17
5:00pm Join the Office of International Programs
in the GROVE for free pizza and fun!
Saturday, August 18
7:30pm "Welcoming you Ole Miss Style"…a FREE Picnic and Music
with The Jack Straw Band - sponsored by the SPB(Student Programming Board)
and the Department of Student Life and Housing
Monday, August 20
1:00pm - 5:00pm Turner Center Open House
4:00pm - 5:15pm & "Master Classes" - Attend FREE
5:30pm - 6:45pm Aerobics Classes
Turner Center 305
9:00pm Rich Ames - Comedy and Hypnosis
Performer - FREE PIZZA
Martin/Stockard Lobby
Tuesday, August 21
5:00pm-9:00pm Catch the sights of Ole Miss and Oxford on the REBEL RIDE Leaving
from the Lyceum
9:00pm Discount Movie Night at Cine' 4 - $4.00 with Ole Miss Student I.D.
Wednesday, August 22
7:30pm FREE PICNIC - Join the Office of International Programs in the Grove
for free food and fun before the New Student Convocation.
8:30pm New Student Convocation in the Grove-All new students are invited to attend (not just for undergraduates!) You are requested to wear the clothing of your country or region for this wonderful new Ole Miss event.
Thursday, August 23
4:00pm-10:00pm Fun Flicks - Totally Interactive Video "Make Your Own
FREE MTV style music video" In the New Union Gameroom
Friday, August 24
6:00pm - 9:00pm WELCOME BACK LUAU in the GROVE
Free Food; Great Island Music; Give-aways; Volleyball; Meet the Ole Miss Cheerleaders
and Colonel Reb
Saturday, August 25
RUMBLE IN THE GROVE
2:00pm - midnight
Live Music, Food from Abbeville Catfish (Interational Picnic at 5:30).
Planet Partners
(continual program throughout the year)
This program seeks to introduce Ole Miss international students to life in the U.S. and to acquaint Oxford area residents with other cultures through personal interaction in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
Orientation
(August 15, 2001)
Orientation is designed to introduce new international students and scholars to the Ole Miss campus. It also offers the new students and scholars a chance to learn about the many services offered on this campus for students.
WhereFair
(November 13, 2001)
The purpose of this event is to bring about an awareness of International Education Week with the main event being a campus- wide GeoQuiz including teams of faculty, administration, U.S. and international students, and middle school students from the Oxford Community. Events include an international craft and food fair, orienteering training games, and speakers.
WorldFest
(April 9, 2002)
This is a campus-wide event providing a unique opportunity for Ole Miss U.S. and international students to interact in a spirit of international friendship and cross- cultural understanding. The event is comprised of WorldGames and WorldStage. WorldGames is an afternoon event held in the Grove and includes a wide variety of sports and games from around the world. WorldStage is held in the evening and offers a variety of performances and cultural programs presented by Ole Miss international and U.S. students.
If you are interested in participating in any of these events, please contact:
Susanne Young
International Student Advisor
How do I contact the Social Security Administration?
Representatives from the Social Security Office will be in the Office of International Programs, 331 Martindale, on Thursday, August 23rd.
Social Security representatives will be in Oxford at the Oxford City Hall on the following Thursdays from 9:00am to 11:00am:
Fall 2001/ Spring 2002 Schedule
| Fall 2001 | Spring 2002 |
| January 10 & 24 | |
| September 13 & 27 | February 14 & 28 |
| October 11 & 25 | March 14 & 28 |
| November 8 & 22 | April 11 & 25 |
| December 13 & 27 | May 9 & 23 |
Where is the Social Security Office located in Oxford?
Social Security sign-up takes place on the 2nd floor of the Oxford City Hall. Take University Avenue from campus to the Oxford Square. City Hall is located across the street from the Lafayette County Courthouse and to the left of Neilson's Department Store.
What do I need to bring to Social Security?
Bring a completed "Social Security Administration: Application for a Social Security Card", your I-20 or IAP-66, and your passport. You may obtain a "Social Security Administration: Application for a Social Security Card" from the Office of International Programs.
What should I do if I receive my card and there is an error on it or I never receive my card?
You may contact the Social Security Office directly or ask the Office of International Programs for assistance.
How do I contact the Social Security Administration?
You may reach the Social Security Administration by mail or visiting 500 West Main Street; Room 100; P.O. Box 680; Tupelo, Ms 38802.
What is "Culture Shock"?
- Culture Shock refers to the anxiety experienced by an individual when changes occur in his/her environment. These changes include the absence of familiar surroundings, family, and support systems. - Culture Shock may be experienced by any person who spends an extended period of time in a new or different culture. The new culture's signs, symbols, and social cues can produce frustration and anxiety. - The shock of adjustment is normal and perhaps universal.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Culture Shock:
- Anxiety, sadness, depression
- Frustration, despair, and disorganization
- Anger, confusion, loneliness
- Lack of energy
- Loss of enjoyment in daily activities
- Withdrawal from others
- Headaches, stomach pains
- Loss of appetite, changes in sleep patterns, tearfulness Campus Resources
for Addressing Culture Shock
Honeymoon Stage:
This stage is characterized by exhilaration, discovery and anticipation. Perceptions are positive. Emotions include excitement and euphoria.
Disintegration Stage:
The novelty wears off and host culture begins to intrude on the visitor's life. This stage is characterized by confusion, self-blame, tension, frustration, loss, depression and withdrawal. Physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach pains may occur.
Reintegration:
The individual is likely to disregard both the similarities and the differences between the host culture and the home culture. This stage is characterized by hostility, defensive behavior, feelings of vulnerability, rebellion, blame, and rejection of all that the host culture represents.
Autonomy:
This is the hopeful stage. The person begins to establish an objective, balanced and impartial view of the situation and experience. There is a new sensitivity to the host culture and greater awareness of self and others. The person is less dependent on others and is more relaxed.
Interdependence:
This stage aims at the goal of a bi-cultural or multicultural identity. This stage is characterized by a sense of belonging, trust, and sensitivity to the host culture.Pederson, Paul (1995). The Five Stages of Culture Shock, Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.
Counseling Center
Marc Showalter
V.B. Harrison, 2nd floor
915-3784
Student Health Services
Barbara Collier, Director
V.B. Harrison, 1st floor
915-7275
Student Activities and Campus Programming
Jennifer Jones, Director
419 Union
915-0144
Office of International Programs
Susanne Young, International Student Advisor
915-7404
sbyoung1@olemiss.edu
How to Cope With "Culture Shock"
- Know that your reactions are normal- Speak with your International Student
Advisor- See professional help if needed- Participate in adjustment programs
like Planet Partners- Seek students from your own cultural background who
have adjusted to the experience- Seek other new international students for
support- Seek American students who can help you learn more about this culture-
Join student organizations- Participate in recreational activities- Join a
study group- Talk to your advisor and professors about expectations and academic
goals- Keep a sense of humor
*International Student Organization (ISO)
Nilesh Dosooye
234-2128
iso@olemiss.edu
Chinese Christian Fellowship
Xing-Cong Li
915-6742
Chinese Student Association
Melodie Lee
234-5673
Friendship Association of Chinese Students
Shou-wen Pan
281-3323
India Association
Frank Mathew
236-2968
Malaysian Student Organization
Yee Cheng
236-4048
Muslim Students Association
Abdullah Almulhim
Each year, the Diversity Visa Lottery Program allows people who
come from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. to apply for an
immigrant visa. There are 55,000 available each year. Applicants are selected
at random and those selected as well as the spouse and unmarried children under
age 21, may obtain the ability to live and work permanently in the U.S. Persons
from all countries except the following are eligible to participate: Canada,
China (mainland born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, India,
Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom (except
Northern Ireland) and its independent territories, and Vietnam. Persons born
in Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and Taiwan are eligible. Applications must be received
between October 1, 2001 and October 31, 2001. Entries received before or after
these dates will be discarded. For complete instructions and application materials,
visit the following web site:
http://www.ins.gov/graphics/services/residency/divvisa.htm
Priority Registration ends.
November 13..................................................................Tuesday
WHEREFAIR
November 19-23...............................................Monday
- Friday
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS. Administrative offices will be closed Thursday and
Friday.
November 26..................................................................Monday
Classes resume at 8:00am.
December 10..................................................................Monday
Classes end.
Commencement.
Ole Miss Calendar Link: http://www.olemiss.edu/calendar/
HAVE A GREAT YEAR AT OLE MISS!!!
