Admissions
International Students
Different Worlds Come Together
Denison welcomes and celebrates its multicultural
diversity. Our strong academic reputation attracts talented students from
around the world. Within our close-knit community of students
representing 48 states and about as many countries, you'll interact with people of many
different faiths and cultural backgrounds.
Multicultural Activities
Besides interacting with classmates from various backgrounds,
we also have organizations
with a multicultural focus, where you can embrace your
individuality and get to know other students with similar interests.
Throughout the year, we also offer numerous lectures, concerts, and events
that introduce our community to new art forms, cultures, and ways
of life.
Students in front of Beth Eden
Academic Diversity and Support
We
have a number of academic programs
that focus on multicultural areas of study, study abroad opportunities,
and faculty and staff who will work closely with you to help you
achieve your ambitions. In addition, we offer a variety of need and merit-based awards
that can help you pursue your future endeavors.
International students applying to Denison
Denison prides itself in offering a culturally diverse environment
for
its students. Besides interacting with classmates from various
backgrounds,
international students are given the opportunity to work closely
with
faculty and staff, in many instances forming long-lasting and very
meaningful
relationships.
At Denison, the faculty and staff recognize the needs of international
students and are supportive of their academic and social endeavors.
Non-US students comprise approximately 4% of the student body.
Denison understands that diplomas attained through certain
educational
systems represent work done beyond the American high school level.
Students
presenting these diplomas may receive up to one year of college credit
as determined by the Registrar and the appropriate academic faculty,
which
is in accordance with the recommendations supplemented by the National
Association for Foreign Student Affairs (NAFSA) and the American
Association
of Collegiate Registrar's and Admissions Officers (AACRAO). To receive
further information regarding these issues, please contact our
Office of Admissions.
How to Apply
Denison uses the Common Application, www.commonapp.org. There is no application fee for students applying online or from overseas. Also see the Financial Aid Application and Certificate of Finances (required).
Testing and Requirements
Admission to Denison is competitive. Candidates should demonstrate B
work or better, or the foreign equivalent. For international students
whose
first language is not English, a 550 TOEFL (213 computer based or 80 internet based) score is
acceptable in lieu of SAT or ACT scores.
International Student Orientation
The International Student Orientation Program takes place each
August. This three day program is designed to enable new students to
begin their
careers at Denison with a firm grounding in academic, social, and
extracurricular
activities. During this program, students will have the opportunity to
meet the Director of International Student Services, take a campus tour, go on
shopping
trips to nearby cities, and enjoy picnics and dinners at local
restaurants.
Students will also meet with the Vice President of Student Affairs, the
Registrar and other faculty and staff who can help to address students'
concerns
and ease cross-cultural transitions.
During the orientation, students are informed of the resources,
services
and opportunities available on campus. They are also made
aware of the rights and responsibilities which they bear as members of
the Denison community as well as ambassadors of their own country.
Immigration and Employment Concerns
Requirements for Maintenance of Student Visa Status
F-1 students admitted to the U.S. for "duration of status" indicated
as D/S on their I-94 and Form I-201D must:
- Have a valid passport unless exempt from the passport requirement;
- Attend the school they are authorized to attend;
- Be enrolled in a full course of study: undergraduates - 12 credit hours;
- Comply with extension of program procedures;
- Comply with school transfer procedures;
- Engage only in authorized employment;
Authorized employment for F-1 students usually entails on-campus
employment
- maximum of 20 hours per week when school is in session and a 40
hour week for the summer and during holiday break.
There is an opportunity to work off-campus through Optional Practical
Training. This is a program which enables students to gain actual
employment
in their chosen profession for a total of 12 months. Students wanting to
use this opportunity as a post-graduation practical training should
apply
for an Employment Authorization Document through INS 90 days before
graduation
or 30 days after graduation. This document may take up to 90 days to be
processed.
* Remember that F-1 students are considered to be in legal status as
long as they are considered to be in good standing with Denison and the
community. If students fail to follow the appropriate school procedures
and meet the necessary requirements, they have 60 days to transfer to
another
institution, change to another visa status, begin a new degree
program OR prepare to depart the U.S.
Host Families
Denison sponsors a Host Family Program that brings
international students
together with local families. This program is designed to help
international
students adjust to the new environment as well as provide the host
families
with an opportunity to expand their own horizons through friendship with
an individual from another country.
Local families who are part of this program offer their hospitality
to a student when s/he arrives and occasionally throughout his/her time
at Denison. While there are different levels of involvement that are
agreed
upon between students and host families, most host families meet the
student
when they arrive
and make a commitment to spend some time with them during the academic
year. Host families do not, however, take on the responsibilities of
parents;
that is, they are not obligated to have students stay with them for
extended
periods of time, nor do they provide financial support. For
international
students the program is voluntary, so students requesting host families
are genuinely interested in learning more about family life in the U.S.
and developing personal relationships beyond the college campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Denison offer financial aid to international students?
Yes, Denison offers financial aid scholarships to academically
talented
international students. However, full financial support is not
available.
Funds for assisting international
students
are limited to partial tuition scholarships, book grants and work
awards.
Each student is required to contribute a minimum of $18,000 per year towards
the total cost of attendance at Denison.
Must international students submit a
different application than the regular first year student application or
the Common Application?
Denison accepts the Common Application (www.commonapp.org there is no application fee for international applicants)
Parents are required to submit a Declaration of Finances. International student requesting financial aid from Denison,
must submit "International Student Financial Aid Application" to the
Admissions Office.
What documents do I need to obtain for immigration purposes before
leaving for Denison?
Once you are accepted and choose to attend Denison, you will receive
the I-20AB Form needed to obtain your F-1 VISA. Please read the
information
on the form carefully. A reminder:
DO
NOT OBTAIN A VISITORS VISA. Along with your passport, the VISA is
needed
to avoid immigration problems during your stay in the United States. For
additional information of Immigration concerns, please see the above
section, Immigration and Employment Concerns.
Is there any
organization on campus
designed specifically to assist international students on campus?
Yes we have the Denison International Students Association (DISA).
This very active group is student run. The association frequently holds
meetings to discuss general student
concerns and to plan upcoming events such as holiday celebrations,
retreats,
International Week, and debates on international issues.
How diverse is
the student body at Denison?
Our student body comes from various backgrounds. 63% of Denison
students are from outside Ohio, with over 48 states and
about as many countries represented. 15% are multicultural.
If you have any questions, or for more information, contact:
Sarah H. Leavell
Coordinator of International Admissions
Office of Admissions
P.O. Box 740
Denison University, Granville, Ohio 43023-0740
Phone: (740) 587-6789
Fax: (740) 587-6306
Email: leavell@denison.edu