Navigating Guilford College: A Comprehensive Guide to Resources and Services

Guilford College offers a wide array of resources and services designed to support students' academic, personal, and professional growth. From financial aid and health services to safety measures and international student support, the college strives to create a safe and enriching environment for all members of its community. This article provides a detailed overview of these resources, aiming to enhance the student experience at Guilford College.

Financial Aid for Continuing Education (CE) Students

Guilford College provides financial assistance to qualified Continuing Education (CE) students through various avenues, including scholarships, loans, grants, and opportunities for part-time work. These funds are sourced from federal, state, and institutional sources. To ensure a smooth process, each CE student is assigned a dedicated financial aid counselor. Students are expected to meet with their counselor to complete all necessary financial aid paperwork.

Support for International Students

Guilford College is committed to supporting its international student population. International students should familiarize themselves with the information contained within the Guilford College Student Handbook, with a specific section dedicated to addressing their unique needs and concerns.

Maintaining F-1 Student Status

As an international student on an F-1 visa, it is crucial to maintain your student status throughout your studies in the United States. This includes adhering to the following regulations:

Full Course of Study: Enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester for undergraduate students and 9 credit hours per semester for graduate students.
Off-Campus Work Restrictions: Refrain from engaging in off-campus employment without obtaining prior authorization from both immigration authorities and the international student advisor.
Program Completion Timeline: Complete your degree program within the timeframe specified on your initial I-20 form.
Passport Validity: Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months into the future while you are enrolled as a student.
I-20 as Identification: Carry your I-20 form with you at all times, as it serves as your international student identification document while on the F-1 visa. Keep all copies of the I-20 issued to you.
Travel Endorsement: Before leaving the United States, obtain the international student advisor’s signature on page three of your I-20 to facilitate re-entry.

Visa and Entry

A student visa grants you permission to enter the United States for a specific purpose and duration. However, possessing a student visa does not guarantee entry into the USA. If you leave the USA and your visa has expired, you must obtain a new visa to re-enter the United States. Contact the international student advisor if your visa has expired and you plan to travel outside of the United States.

Read also: Explore Degree Options at GTCC

I-94 Record

The US Customs and Border Protection Agency has transitioned to an electronic I-94 document system. You may not receive a physical I-94 card upon arrival to the USA. However, should you receive a form I-94 card, it will be a paper card attached to your passport. The I-94 document officially determines how long you can remain in the United States. Most F-1 visa holders have their I-94 stamped "D/S" (Duration of Status), indicating that the student can remain to complete studies as long as they maintain student status with an active I-20.

Employment Opportunities

If you are in the United States on an F-1 visa, you are expected to have sufficient funds so that you will not have to work. With approval of the international student advisor, you may work on campus as long as it does not interfere with your academic work. You may not work more than 20 hours per week when College is in session. You can work full-time during holidays and summer vacation. You cannot work off-campus without permission from the Immigration Service and a recommendation from the international student advisor. Under extreme circumstances, you are eligible for employment based on economic hardship, which requires an application procedure.

Practical Training

You are eligible for up to 12 months of optional practical training (OPT) or critical practical training (CPT). Such training must be directly related to your College major. Training can be part-time (20 hours a week) if done prior to graduation (designated as curricular practical training and includes internships) or full-time during the summer and upon completion of your degree.

Vacation and Transfer

After completing your first academic year (two consecutive semesters), you are eligible to take vacation breaks while remaining in the United States. If you are an F-1 student and have maintained valid legal status and full-time study, you are eligible to transfer if you intend to pursue full-time study elsewhere and are financially able to attend the new College.

SEVIS Registration

The international student advisor is required to register all F-1 visa holding students in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) at the beginning of each semester. Students must report to the international student advisor at the beginning of each semester to confirm class registration and attendance at the College. SEVIS is a web-based system that the U.S. government uses to maintain updated biographical and programmatic information on F-1 students living in the United States. The system was mandated by the U.S. government in January of 2003.

Read also: Guilford College Affordability

Important Reminders

Residence halls are closed during the semester break December-January for all students.
Immigration regulations require the International Office to maintain records on all international students attending the College.

Counseling Services

The Counseling Center, located on the second floor of the Hege Academic Commons, offers support to students. The length of your particular counseling relationship will depend on many factors. When you meet with your therapist, you will decide together what makes sense for you, based on your needs and what we are able to offer. In the event of an after-hours emergency, please call Public Safety at 336.316.2909. Public Safety is able to contact the staff member on duty when necessary.

Accessibility Resources

Accessibility Resources (336.316.2837) consists of the Director and Assistant Director who facilitate disclosing disabilities and arranging reasonable ADA accommodations. In order to disclose, see the College’s disability policies and procedures at the following link: Americans with Disabilities Act: Disclosure and Request for Reasonable Accommodation(s).

Public Safety

The Public Safety office (336.316.2909) is located in the lower level of the Bauman Telecommunications Center. The department provides 24-hour service that safeguards the College's population, facilities and property. It is staffed by professional personnel. The College encourages the active involvement of all community members in keeping the campus a safe and secure environment for education. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.

Blue Light Telephone Network

The blue light telephone network exists for the purposes of the safety and convenience of the Guilford community. Phone locations are marked by a blue light above the phone. In an emergency, callers can press the red button to automatically dial the on-duty public safety officers. Once the button is pushed, the Public Safety officers will be able to communicate with the caller. Callers are asked to stay by the box and talk to officers unless their safety is at risk.

After-Hours Support

In addition to the 24-hour availability of Public Safety Office staff members, there is a Student Affairs staff person on call 24 hours a day. In a crisis, you may contact the Student Affairs staff person on call by calling Public Safety at 336.316.2909 to report a problem. For students living in residence halls, apartments, or houses on campus, RAs are on duty nightly in Bryan, Milner, the small halls and alternative houses, and the apartments.

Student Health Services

Eagle Physicians (5701 W Friendly Avenue, 336.851.1915 or 1210 New Garden Road, 336.294.6190) is the sole provider of the College’s student health services for students. Students may be seen at the Eagle Walk-In Clinic located across Friendly Avenue from the front entrance to the campus. Their by-appointment-only office is located adjacent to campus and easily accessible by way of the sidewalk along New Garden Road. Students may go to Eagle and be seen for many illnesses at no charge. Eagle will accept many insurance plans for treatment of more complicated issues and for medical tests not included in the list of covered services. Some of these services will require an appointment. Students going to be seen at Eagle will need to present their Guilford College ID and a copy of their insurance card at check-in. Traditional students will have ready access to board-certified physicians, as well as extended clinic hours. Eagle Physicians will provide services by appointment from 8am-5pm weekdays.

The College maintains a Student Health Services office located on campus in the Milner Student Health and Counseling Center. While no medical care is available there, this office maintains required immunization records and a staff member is available to assist students and parents with questions and support. The on-campus Student Health Services office also maintains immunization compliance for CE/adult students. After hours, contact your Residential Assistant (RA) or Public Safety for emergency procedures. There are two hospitals with emergency facilities available: Wesley Long Hospital (336.832.1000) and Moses Cone Hospital (336.832.7000).

The Guilford College Bookstore

The Guilford College Bookstore is a valuable resource for students, offering a variety of essential items.

Products and Services

The bookstore carries textbooks for purchase or rent, apparel, supplies, technology and gifts.

Location

The Guilford College Bookstore is located in Greensboro, North Carolina.

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