Welcome To the University of the Incarnate Word
A Short Guide to get you started at UIW
Office of International Student & Scholar Services, University of the Incarnate Word
4301 Broadway, Box 31, San Antonio, Texas 78209
Phone: (210) 805-5702, Fax: (210) 805-3021, e-mail: intl@uiwtx.edu
Welcome to the University of the Incarnate Word. The different departments you will be dealing with while attending our university have put this booklet together. We hope you will find it helpful to get started at Incarnate Word.
What to do when you first arrive
How to get to the campus
If you notify in advance the International Student Office (210-805-5705 or e-mail intl@uiwtx.edu) of your arrival (Name, date and time of arrival, airline and flight number) we will try to pick you up at the airport. However, if nobody is there to meet you, please see a transportation agent or airport security to assist you in finding a taxi or shuttle. The fare will be between $8.00 - $10.00. It is a 10 to 15 minutes drive to the University. The transportation agents are familiar with the University location. If you plan to arrive in San Antonio after office hours (9 A.M. – 5 P.M., Monday through Friday) or on the weekend, you must notify the International Student Office prior to your arrival so that housing arrangements can be made.
It is good to have a place to stay....
If you have not done so already, be prepared to sign a contract for your room. The contract is valid for the entire academic year, that is, the Fall and Spring semesters of the school year. Summer housing is available under a separate contract. Students who live on campus are required to purchase a meal plan.
If you did not arrange for campus housing prior to your arrival, stop by the Campus Life Office at the Student Center in Marian Hall to find out the availability of a room in the Residence Halls. The Residence Life Staff will make every effort to assign you to a room.
Food
Food in the U.S. is probably different from the food you are accustomed to eating in your country. In fact, each region of the U.S. has its own unique style and means of preparing food. We encourage you to try a variety of foods while you are here. Most large cities have restaurants that specialize in the cuisine of other countries or regions of the U.S. Even if you find a restaurant that specializes in food from your country, don’t be surprised if it does not taste exactly like the meals prepared in your home.
On campus, there are two dining locations. One is the Food Court located in the Student Center at Marian Hall, and the other is the Crusader Café located on the ground floor of the Administration Building. Your meal card (Student ID card) is valid at both locations.
Don’t be afraid to ask about the ingredients of foods you don’t recognize. Ask for a sample if you are not sure you will like it. If there is a food that you would to have prepared, ask the Food Service Director to assist you. He/she will do their best to accommodate your needs.
Students who live on campus are required to purchase a meal plan. If your religion, culture, or dietary requirements do not permit you to eat certain foods, please inform the Food Service Director so that he/she can assist you in selecting foods that satisfy your needs.
Exemptions or reductions to the required meal plan are authorized by the Dean of Campus Life for medical reasons only. They are only permitted if the Food Service Director is unable to prepare the foods required by the student’s physician or dietician. Such requests must be presented in writing with documentation from a licensed physician or dietician.
Personal Identification
Each student who comes to who comes to UIW is required to obtain and keep in their possession a University Identification Card (ID Card). Please visit our Campus Life Office to obtain the ID Card that will operate as your ID on campus, meal card, residence hall access card, and library card.
Orientation for International Students is a must!
Attend International Student Orientation. It is mandatory for all students (regardless of their status as undergraduate, graduate or doctoral students) to attend orientation. A hold will be put on the student’s records that do not attend orientation. You will not be able to register for classes. During Orientation, it will be necessary for you to bring your passport, visa, I-20 and I-94 to the Office of International Programs for us to make copies. We are required to keep these documents on file.
Language requirements
All students whose first language is not English need to present their TOEFL scores. If your score does not meet our university standards or you did not take the TOEFL test, you will be required to take our Language Assessment Test at the International Language Institute that is located on campus at the International Conference Center.
Academic Advising
As an undergraduate student you will make an appointment with the Academic Advising Office. It is located in the Administration Building. Graduate and Doctoral students will make arrangements directly with their respective advisors.
Register for classes and purchase textbooks
Registration procedures are discussed at the International Student Orientation. The Registrar’s office is located on the first floor in the Administration Building while the Bookstore you will find underneath the Main Cafeteria in the Student Center
Apply for Texas identification card or driving license
You should apply for a Texas identification card or driving license so that you can use that instead of carrying your passport around. Keep your passport in a safe place. Bring your passport and I-20 to the Texas Department of Transportation. Further information how to apply will be available at the Orientation.
Open a bank account
The nearest banks are Bank of America, Frost Bank, and Broadway National Bank. It will be very useful to have a bank account near the university.
Transportation
If you need to travel to or from another part of the city, consider using the bus system called VIA. You may purchase semester passes or pick up half price cards in the Campus Life Office by showing your UIW ID Card. This is much less expensive than taking a taxi, for example.
Your Religious Heritage is important
Although the University has a rich religious history and tradition in the Roman Catholic Church, we understand and welcome students, staff and faculty from other religious beliefs and customs. While we celebrate our Catholic faith, we want to assist you in your own spiritual needs while you are with us. Know that you are invited to join us at our services in Our Lady’s Chapel in the Administration Building anytime. However, if you would like assistance in finding a faith community in this area to pray in your own tradition, please contact the office of Campus Ministry in the Administration Building.
Counseling
Counseling is available to both domestic and international students. Professional counselors and interns are available to assist students with their adjustment to university life. Counselors help with problem-solving, coping with stress, emotional concerns, working out relationships and other issues that may require discussion and planning. Counseling is located in the Library and an appointment may be made by calling 829-3126. The services are provided by the University and are free to the students.
