International Students Answer Frequently Asked Questions

Studying

+ Where can I look up the class schedule?

The online class schedule can be found at: http://www.denison.edu/offices/registrar/schedule/ Hard copies are available in the Registrar’s Office.

The Registrar’s Office is located on the 2nd floor of Doane Building. Lisa Ashton, Phone extension: 6296

http://www.denison.edu/offices/registrar/index.html

You can also look up your own class registration online at Self Service website: https://web4prod.denison.edu/pls/twbkwbis.P_WWWLogin

 After login, look under “Student Services” tab.

+ Where can I add, drop or change classes?

Any official changes will be made at the Registrar’s Office. The drop/add form must be filled out and submitted within the first TWO weeks of class (also known as the drop/add period). First Year students will have an extended drop period their first semester. Students will receive their midterm grades after which there will still be time to drop a class if you wish to do so – the deadline this year is Oct. 30, 2009. All F-1 visa students must be registered for a minimum of 12 hours. Students will also want to discuss schedule changes with your Academic Advisor. 

To check on class availability and eligibility, visit this link:https://web4prod.denison.edu/pls/web4prod/bwckschd.p_disp_dyn_sched Click on Fall Semester 2009 from the drop down list and click on ‘submit’. On the next page, click on ‘class search’ to bring up all courses or search via an area of study or by professor.

The Registrar’s Office is located on the 2nd floor of Doane Building. Phone extension: 6296  http://www.denison.edu/offices/registrar/index.html

+ I have transferred, IB or AP credits.

Sandra Cook in the Registrar’s will be happy to assist you with that. In some cases, you also have to talk with, or get approval from, the relevant academic departments as well.

The Registrar’s Office is located on the 2nd floor of Doane Building. Phone extension: 6296

http://www.denison.edu/offices/registrar/index.html

+ I’m having trouble on what classes to take.

Your Academic Advisor is assigned in particular to help you with course selection. Feedback from previous students also told us that consulting with upperclassmen especially within your intended major can sometimes be helpful.

+ How can I find a tutor to assist me with my course work?

You can request for your classes free tutors offered by the Academic Support and Enrichment Office.

Online requests can be made at http://www.denison.edu/requestatutor

Please go to Academic Support Office’s website; look for the ‘Tutoring’ tab on the left side of the page.

http://www.denison.edu/academics/support/index.html

+ I have special needs or learning disabilities. Can I get help somewhere from the University?

Academic Support and Enrichment Office would be the place to go.

Academic Support and Enrichment Office is located on the 1st floor of Doane Building. Jennifer Vestal, Director, Heather Johnston, Assistant Director.  Phone extension: 6666 http://www.denison.edu/academics/support/index.html

+ What is Writing Center?

The Writing Center offers free assistance with your essays and papers. It also helps you on other writing-related aspects such as brainstorming, academic writing styles, proper citation, etc. Students should make an appointment, online or by phone, before you go.

The Writing Center is located on the 4th floor of Barney-Davis Hall. Brenda Boyle, Director & Susan Kanter, Assistant Director, Extension 5771

http://www.denison.edu/academics/writingcenter/index.html

The Writing Center also offers walk-in (appointments-free) sessions in the lobby of the Library. See the website for its open hours.

+ Can I change my Academic Advisor?

Yes, in fact, a lot of students do after the 1st semester. Though technically any faculty member can be your advisor, most people would choose one within their major or minor. You can also have two advisors if it’s difficult for you to decide. It is up to the student to find a new advisor and the change must be reported to the Registrar’s Office. The new advisor will need to sign the change of advisor form.

Finances

+ I still need to pay my tuition.

The Student Accounts Office would be happy to take your payment. Your first payment to the university must be paid prior to the first day of classes. All subsequent payments must be paid by the due date unless prior arrangements have been made with the Student Accounts Office.

The Student Accounts Office is located on the 1st floor of Doane Building. Phone extension: 6274 (Cynthia Bowling)

http://www.denison.edu/offices/controller/studentaccounts/index.html

The Student Accounts Office also has a nice FAQ page: http://www.denison.edu/offices/controller/studentaccounts/faq.html

+ I went to the hospital and now have a medical bill. How can I use my insurance to pay for it?

International students often have Denison University Medical Insurance. Claim forms are available at the Cashier’s Office.

The Student Accounts Office is located on the 1st floor of Doane Building. Phone extension: 6447 (Beth Thorpe)

http://www.denison.edu/offices/controller/studentaccounts/index.html

+ I have questions about my scholarships and financial aid.

Finanical Aid Office is located on the 3rd floor of Beth Eden (the white little house next to Swasey Chapel). Phone extension: 6279

http://www.denison.edu/offices/financialaid/

+ Where are the banks and ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines)?

The only on-campus ATM is on the 2nd floor of Slayter Hall, right next to the Bookstore. It’s with Park National Bank. If you have an account with other banks and would like to use this ATM, an ATM fee would usually be applied.

The common banks among Denison students are Park National Bank and Chase Bank. Huntington Bank and First Federal Savings & Loan are also located in Granville. They are all within walking distance from each other on Broadway in Granville downtown.

+ Where can I work on campus? How do I look for jobs?

There is not a designated office for assigning students jobs. You will need to ask individual offices to see if they would hire student workers. You probably don’t want to wait long to start looking for jobs: spots get filled up fast.

One place that will get you started is the job listing in MyDenison website. After login, look under the ‘Student’ tab.

Students work in administrative and departmental offices, Mitchell Sports Center, the Library, Computing Services, in labs, as tutors, in the dining halls, etc. It is often best to apply in person though some offices have online applications. There is much competition for campus jobs ~ try not to get discouraged, just keep asking!  

Living

+ Have a roommate issue? Not satisfied with your room arrangement?

Always try to work it out with your roommate in person or talk to your Resident Assistant (RA) first. If you still believe only changing the room could solve the issue, you’ll have to go to the Residential Life Office and do it with proper paper work. It typically depends on the availability of vacant rooms. At the beginning of the semester, there is a two week room freeze after which you can change locations depending on availability. There are very few single rooms and there is an extra charge.

Residential Life Office is located on the 1st floor of Doane Building. Phone extension: 6271

http://www.denison.edu/offices/residentiallife/

+ Something’s wrong with my room, i.e. the light bulb went out, the door knob doesn’t work, or my ceiling leaks, yuck!

The Physical Plant takes care of problems with your room. Give them a call or send them an email (physplant@denison.edu ) describing what’s wrong with your room. It may take a few days for them to send someone over, unless it is an emergency.

It’s kind of far to walk there. FYI, it’s on the way to Homestead and the Biological Reserve. Phone extension: 6264 (Lynn McIlyar)
http://www.denison.edu/offices/facilities/index.html

+ I don’t need a comprehensive meal plan, can I pay less expensive?

Yes, various meal plans range from the comprehensive one (unlimited access) to 10 meals per week. In general, the less money you pay, the fewer meals you get for a week. A detailed list of meal plans can be found at Dining Services page: http://www.denison.edu/offices/dining/meal_plans_general.html

When making a change, you have to fill out a form in the Residential Life Office. Note that any change of meal plans has to be made in the first two weeks of the semester.

Residential Life Office is located on the 1st floor of Doane Building. Phone extension: 6271

http://www.denison.edu/offices/residentiallife/

+ What’s the menu and hours of the dining halls?

The menu changes from day to day. For detailed info on the menu and hours, please go to the Dining Services page. On the left look under “Locations and Menus” http://www.denison.edu/offices/dining/index.html

+ I’m finally sick. I need a doctor!

If the school is in session, Whisler, the health center is probably the most convenient place. You might need to make an appointment to see the doctor. Emergency is available 24 hours a day.

Whisler is located in a separate building behind Huffman Dining Hall. Phone extension: 6200

http://www.denison.edu/offices/counseling/index.html

Others

+ Important dates during school year:

Please link to 2009-2010 Academic Calendar http://www.denison.edu/offices/provost/academic_calendar_2009_10.html

Kim Hitchcock in the Student Activity Office (SAO) sends out weekly emails with listing of campus events and activities. 

+ Legal issues regarding visas, immigration, working authorizations.

Marilyn Andrew keeps record of your legal status and would be the ideal person to for consultation. For finding an on-campus job, see above “Where can I work on campus? How do I look for jobs?” For off-campus internships, visit Career Services, Burton Morgan, Room 306, Phone extension: 6656

+ I have other questions about campus life. Who can I ask?

Please direct your questions to our PISA’s (Peer International Student Advisors) and International Pre-O staff.: http://www.denison.edu/offices/international/pre-o_staff_bio.html

+ How can I send and receive mails and packages in Denison?

To send mail and packages, the most convenient way would be through the University Mailroom, which is located in the basement of Doane Building. Carriers of USPS (US Postal Services), Fedex and UPS are offered. Stamps can be purchased either in the University Mailroom or in the bookstore, 2nd floor of Slayter Hall.

Incoming mail and packages would usually be delivered your Slayter Box on the 2nd floor of Slayter Hall. You would also be notified by your Denison email for packages.
You can also go to the Granville Post Office. It’s located in the downtown area, right across CVS on Broadway.

+ Where can I use the Internet/computers on campus?

Curtis Service Center (West Quad) and Huffman Service Center (East Quad) have computer labs open 24 hours. There are also computer labs located on the 1st floor of Fellows Hall (currently under renovation), lobby in the Library (office hours only during the summer and breaks).

+ Where can I use wireless? I'm having trouble using the Internet.

Wireless is available over all the campus, indoors and outdoors.

The help line for ITS (Information Technology Services) is extension 6395 or via helpdesk@denison.edu by email. Their website is http://www.denison.edu/offices/computing/index.html

Here’s a link of FAQ’s from Computing Services:

http://www.denison.edu/offices/computing/visitors/prospective_student_faqs.html

+ I want to exercise, lift weights, play squash, basketball, etc. Where should I go?

The Mitchell Recreation Center on the north side of campus is open free of charge for students. There is a weight room and two aerobics rooms. There are also treadmills in a number of residence halls. The schedule for Mitchell is online: http://www.denison.edu/campuslife/recreation/index.html

Updated August 2009