YOUR SFUAD SEMESTER ABROAD
BEGINS HERE
International Student Arrival Guide
August 2016
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Table of Contents
ABOUT SANTA FE .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Altitude in Santa Fe ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Santa Fe Climate ........................................................................................................................................... 5
AIRPORT INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................... 5
(ABQ) Albuquerque International Sunport: .............................................................................................. 5
(SAF) Santa Fe Municipal Airport .............................................................................................................. 5
STUDENT EMAIL ADDRESS AND STUDENT PORTAL ...................................................................................... 5
YOUR FIRST WEEK AT SFUAD: WHAT TO EXPECT ......................................................................................... 6
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT REGISTRATION ................................................................................................... 6
ON-CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION ................................................................................................................. 6
STUDENT ID CARD: ........................................................................................................................................ 7
COURSES AND CLASS SCHEDULE .................................................................................................................. 7
GRADING ....................................................................................................................................................... 8
2016 ACADEMIC CALENDAR ......................................................................................................................... 8
MAINTAINING LEGAL STUDENT STATUS IN THE UNITED STATES/ F1 VISA .................................................. 9
SFUAD-SPONSORED ACTIVITIES .................................................................................................................... 9
WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY ............................................................................................................... 10
CAMPUS CAFETERIA.................................................................................................................................... 10
COMPUTER LABS AND INTERNET ON CAMPUS .......................................................................................... 10
ELECTRICAL CURRENT/VOLTAGE ................................................................................................................ 11
HOW TO ARRANGE A PAYMENT TO SFUAD? .............................................................................................. 11
BANK SERVICES IN SANTA FE ..................................................................................................................... 11
Located in the Southwestern United States, Santa Fe University of Art and Design is a
home to close to 900 students. Programs at the university combine practical experience
with core theory, empowering students to develop a thorough understanding of their
professional aspirations in contemporary music, creative writing, theatre, art, graphic
design, film, photography, digital arts, and arts management. Santa Fe University of Art
and Design is a subsidiary of Laureate International Universities, a global network of
more than 70 accredited campus-based and online universities offering undergraduate
and graduate degree programs to more than 1 million students in over 25 countries.
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ABOUT SANTA FE
Historically rich, culturally vibrant, and naturally beautiful, Santa Fe is the perfect place to live and learn.
Often called the most interesting 50-square miles in America, this region of colorful contrasts offers
equal opportunities for hikers and historians, skiers and art lovers, anglers, and opera buffs.
Founded in 1607, Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the nation and the cultural center of the
Southwest. The history, political activity of state government, and melding of three cultures—Native
American, Hispanic, and Anglo—have attracted artists of all kinds for hundreds of years. Their works
can be seen in any of over 200 galleries and a dozen museums as well as local craft shops and cafés.
Santa Fe is also known for its proximity to 1.5 million acres of forests and natural attractions, ranging
from the Glorieta Mesa in the southwest, to the high peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, to the
Jemez Mountains in the west. Wilderness areas in the Santa Fe National Forest include the Dome
Wilderness, the San Pedro Parks, the Chama River Canyon, and the Pecos Wilderness.
Altitude in Santa Fe
Santa Fe is the highest capital city in the U.S. at 7000 ft (2300+ m) above sea level. Upon arrival, some
people experience Altitude Sickness. Symptoms of Altitude Sickness are: tiredness, headaches, and
dehydration. To prevent Altitude Sickness, drink a lot of water, avoid alcohol, and get plenty of
rest/sleep the first several days.
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Santa Fe Climate
Santa Fe is a “high desert” location with a yearly average of 325 days of sunshine and blues
skies! With four distinct seasons, be prepared for warm days in the Fall as well as snow showers in the
winter. In the month of the January, the daily temperatures may vary between 6C and -8C. Please
remember to bring warm clothes with you. You may check the average monthly temperatures online:
http://www.weather.com/weather/monthly/l/USNM0292:1:US
While many people enjoy the weather here, please keep in mind that the sun is very intense at this
altitude. Remember to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and appropriate clothing, especially for
outdoor excursions such as hiking and other outdoor activities.
AIRPORT INFORMATION
The nearby airports are:
(ABQ) Albuquerque International Sunport: http://www.cabq.gov/airport/
Please make arrangements with Sandia Shuttle: www.sandiashuttle.com. The cost from (ABQ) to t h e
S F U A D campus is $28 one way, per person (price is subject to change). This service is not included
in the program fee. Note - Albuquerque is too far from Santa Fe to take a taxi and the taxi is very
expensive (close to $200).
(SAF) Santa Fe Municipal Airport: http://www.santafenm.gov/?nid=171
Arriving at Santa Fe airport? You may use Capital City Cab (www.capitalcitycab.com). It takes about 30
min depending on traffic.
Luggage You will need to carry your luggage from the taxi to your room so keep that in mind when you
plan for your trip. You can buy essentials at local stores near campus upon arrival. If your luggage has
been delayed you can provide our main SFUAD office phone number.
STUDENT EMAIL ADDRESS AND STUDENT PORTAL
Once you are admitted to the university, you will be assigned a student email address. Please remember
this student address will allow you to access your student account online. To do that, open SFUAD
website, click mySF link or go to my.santafeuniversity.edu. Enter username
([email protected]) and the password you have selected during the
application process.
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YOUR FIRST WEEK AT SFUAD: WHAT TO EXPECT
We would like to welcome you at Santa Fe University of Art & Design before the semester start. During
the first week we have designed orientation activities that are will give you the information you need to
start the academic experience successfully. Arriving early on Move-in Day will help you adjust, meet
other students and practice your English, if this is not your native language. Class changes are best made
prior to semester start. If you need to audition for a class or obtain special instructor approval the week
before the semester starts is the best time to do that. Find a complete guide to Orientation on our
website, or click here.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT REGISTRATION
Once you have arrived on campus you need to register with SFUAD’s Admission and International Office.
Please bring the following documents with you during orientation:




Original passport
F1 student’s visa
I-20
Health Insurance
The International Office will confirm your status with the US Department of Homeland Security.
ON-CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION
As an international student at Santa Fe University of Art and Design, you’ll live on campus in a friendly,
safe, and enriching environment. Each room is furnished, and residence halls are fully equipped. All
international exchange students and freshman are required to live on campus.
All residence halls are non-smoking and alcohol is prohibited. You will be sharing a room with
roommate(s). There are laundry rooms in the residence halls and you will be able to wash your clothes
on campus at no charge (laundry detergent and softener are not included). Laundry detergent will be
available for purchase at the campus store or the local supermarket.
Please remember to fill out a housing application online via the student portal prior to arrival. You can
request a roommate through the housing application. Your roommate should have requested you as
well. You can view your room assignment online via the student portal/ housing application section.
All international exchange students are assigned to triple rooms. Please check with the Housing team
during the Orientation Fair if single accommodations are available. Please note that we have a very
limited number of single rooms and additional fees for the upgrade apply.
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Please remember to bring bed sheets (extra-long twin sheets), towel, pillow and a blanket. SFUAD does
not provide any bedding. You may purchase bedding at the nearby K-Mart store (walking distance) or at
Walmart (store shuttle may be available during orientation). For directions to K-Mart you may ask your
Resident Assistant or returning students who are familiar with the area around the university.
STUDENT ID CARD:
During orientation you will receive a student ID. Your picture will be taken and the ID will be ready
within minutes. The ID card will allow you to enter the residence hall and access the cafeteria. If you lose
your ID, a replacement fee applies. Please contact Student Life for an ID replacement. It is
recommended to check with the Security team if the ID has been found before requesting a
replacement.
COURSES AND CLASS SCHEDULE
All courses are conducted in English. A course catalogue lists all courses offered throughout the year.
Please note that not all courses are offered every semester. Latest catalogue can be found online at
http://santafeuniversity.edu/about/academic-calendar/academic-catalogs/
International Exchange students: Please check with the International Office on the latest course
schedule. The Spring Semester schedule becomes available in October/ November and the Fall semester
schedule - in March/April. International exchange students may take courses in any department as long
as their home institution has approved. The majority of the SFUAD courses are 4 credits. Some courses
are 2 credits.
All international students are expected to maintain at least 12 credit hours for the duration of the
program to maintain legal student status as required under the F1 visa.
You can view your schedule online via the student portal. Once you log into your student account , go
to registration, click “Student Detail Schedule”, select the upcoming term (for example, 2016 Spring),
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your class schedule will display with location, meeting days/times, instructor name and email icon by the
instructor’s names which allows you to email them directly. A list of required class materials are
available online for some classes. The student is responsible for purchasing the class materials listed as
these are not included in the tuition cost.
GRADING
The instructors evaluate student work with letter marks. These grades are computed to determine a
student’s Grade Point Average (G.P.A.). Commonly the following four-point grading scale is used
A
+
10097
969293
90
Excellent
4 Points
B
+
89868287
83
80
Above Average
3 points
C
+
7977
767273
70
Satisfactory
2 points
D
+
69666267
63
60
Below Average
1 point
F
Below 60 percent
Failure
0 points
Please note that an instructor may establish a system that differs from the table above. Please refer to
the class syllabus for the grading system used in a specific class.
Courses that are not included in the GPA calculation but may be included in the calculation of credits are
considered pass/ fail courses (“P” and “F” respectively)
2016 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
August 23
August 24
August 29
August 29
September 5
September 6
October 17-21
October 26
November 11
November 23
November 24-25
Residence halls open; move-in day for both new and returning students
New student orientation begins
Fall semester and fall mini-term I begins; add/drop period begins
Payment or payment arrangement due for fall (includes full 16-week semester
and fall mini-term I and fall mini-term II)
Labor Day; university closed; no classes
Last day to add courses for fall semester and fall mini-term I; last day to drop
courses for fall semester and fall mini-term I and avoid courses appearing on
transcript
Fall semester midterm exams
Midterm grades due
Last day to withdraw with “W” on transcripts for fall semester
Thanksgiving Eve Day; no classes
Thanksgiving holiday; university closed; no classes
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December 12-16
December 16
December 17
Final exams
Fall semester ends
Residence halls close at noon
MAINTAINING LEGAL STUDENT STATUS IN THE UNITED STATES/ F1
VISA
It is the student’s responsibility to understand and comply with the terms of your immigration status
during your stay in the United States.
F-1 status relates to the period when you are a full-time registered student making normal progress
toward your degree (or enrolled in an exchange program). You have a 60-days "grace period" after you
graduate or your exchange program ends to depart the U.S. or change to another status. The F-1 visa is
specifically for entry into the U.S. The F-1 visa might expire while you are in the US.
Issued by SFUAD, the I-20 allows you to apply for an F-1 visa if you are outside the U.S, enter and reenter
the U.S. in F-1 status. The I-20 indicates the institution in which you are permitted to study, your
program of study, and the dates of eligibility. The I-20 must remain valid at all times. Allowing the I-20
to expire before you complete your academic program is a violation of F-1 status.
A violation of the immigration regulations (for example, failure to maintain a full-time credit load or
unauthorized employment) could jeopardize your F-1 status and legal stay in the U.S.
SFUAD-SPONSORED ACTIVITIES
The Driscoll Fitness Center organizes student activities on Sundays. Please check with DFC for upcoming
trips, including hikes, skiing, rock climbing, etc.
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WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
If you need medical assistance for you or your friend:
1. Immediately dial 911
2. If possible, alert the SFUAD Security team, so they can direct the ambulance to you
3. Santa Fe University provides 24 hour 7 days a week. Your well-being is our priority. If you
require assistance please dial 505-424-500 or ask your Resident Assistant for help if you don’t
have access to US phone.
CAMPUS CAFETERIA
The Campus View Café will be your home for breakfast, lunch, and dinner when you live in the campus
dormitories. The Campus View Café is committed to local, sustainable, and other green practices and
offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. The Café is attached to St Michael’s Hall, and
overlooks the Quad – there’s even outdoor seating on warm spring and fall days. All campus residents
are required to be on the meal plan.
COMPUTER LABS AND INTERNET ON CAMPUS
SFUAD has public computers available in the library for email/internet use. WIFI (wireless internet) is
available throughout campus and instructions will be provided in your welcome folder. If you are
experiencing issues with the internet connection (or your student email) please contact
[email protected]
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ELECTRICAL CURRENT/VOLTAGE
The U.S. uses 110 voltages. Small appliances such as hairdryers, laptop computers, MP3 players, cell
phone chargers, etc. must use 110VAC or be dual voltage. Adapters can be purchased locally at an
electronics store or online.
HOW TO ARRANGE A PAYMENT TO SFUAD?
You may pay online via credit card, a wire transfer, or in person at the SFUAD Bursar Office located at
Mouton Hall.
Please contact the International Office or the Bursar Office for detailed instructions on how to wire a
payment from outside of the United States.
Mouton Hall is the home of Student Support Services at SFUAD
BANK SERVICES IN SANTA FE
If you’d like to open a bank account with a US bank, below are a few options that might be helpful.
Please note that there are a number of banks that might serve your needs well.
Wells Fargo
To open “everyday Checking” account you need the following documents: ID/Passport (Identification
with picture), Debit or Credit card or other identification with your name on it, $50 Deposit. Monthly
fees may apply (must maintain a number of debit card purchases to avoid fees)
Closest Location
770 Saint Michaels Dr, Santa Fe, NM, 87505
Phone: 505-474-8926
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Directions:
https://www.wellsfargo.com/locator/directions/?stAddr=colleague+of+santa+fe&mlflg=Y&slIndex=3
&sgIndex=1&exUrl=N
Bank of America
To open a checking account with debit card access you must personally go to the Bank of America
branch with IDs, including your passport. Maintenance fee may apply unless you generate monthly
activity. Ask about maintenance waiver during your appointment.
Closest Location
1203 Saint Michael’s Dr, Santa Fe, NM, 87505
How to arrive: Exit the main entrance of SFUAD. Then turn right and continue on Saint Michael’s Drive.
After you pass the first light you will reach the Bank of America at the Warner Ave crossing.
CELL PHONE USE WHILE IN THE UNITED STATES
You may use your own cell phone in the United Sates (barred any band issues) after you purchase a SIM
Card (your phone must not be locked). Popular US cell service providers are.
-
T-MOBILE
AT&T
VERIZON
Nearest Locations to purchase a SIM card are:
T-MOBILE
4056 Cerrilos Rd Ste E-2, Santa Fe, NM 87505
This store is located on the Bus line #2 route. The bus stops near the Santa Fe Buffalo Wild Wings (same
mall as the T-Mobile store)
Phone: 505- 471- 0385
AT&T
3494 Zafarano Dr Suite D, Santa Fe, NM 87507
This store is located on the Bus line #2 route. The bus stops near the Santa Fe Buffalo Wild Wings (same
mall as the AT&T store)
Phone: 505- 424- 1638
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WHERE TO GET GROCERIES
Smiths Grocery & Drug Store
2308 Cerrillos Rd
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Store phone: 505 – 471-9024
Directions: The store is located within walking distance. Upon exiting the main entrance turn left.
Walmart
Santa Fe Store #829
3251 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507
Store phone: 505 – 474 - 4727
Directions: Take Bus line #2 (outbound) to the Walmart store. Open 24 hours
SANTA FE CITY ATTRACTIONS
Downtown Santa Fe:
Canyon Road: Nestled into the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Canyon Road is a magical
half-mile in the Historic District of Santa Fe. Stroll this picturesque trail to experience fine art, great
shopping, and exquisite dining any day of the week or make plans to attend one of our very special
annual events.
Directions to Canyon Road: Take the bus line #2 (inbound) to the last stop Old Town. From there you can
walk to Canyon Road.
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Natural Parks Nearby:
These parks are located with the Santa Fe city limits:
-
Ashbaugh Park: 1703 Cerrillos Rd.
Railyard Park: 600 S. Guadalupe
Torreon Park: 1515 W. Alameda
Peralta Park: 323 Grant Avenue
SHOPPING IN SANTA FE
Santa Fe Place:
4250 Cerrillos Road
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Santa Fe place is a shopping mall located on Cerrillos Road. Various clothing stores along with food court
available. Located on the last stop of Bus line #2 (outbound) Phone: 505- 473- 4253
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Santa Fe Fashion Outlets
8380 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507, Phone: 505- 474-4000
The fashion outlets are located at the entrance of Santa Fe. Various clothing store available from well
known brands to affordable fashion.
Directions: Take bus route number two to the outbound till the last stop and then take the bus to the
outlets.
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