JUNE 2004 INFORMATION BULLETIN
For New Students and Their Families
MESSAGE FROM THE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
This is the first of two information bulletins you will receive this summer. The second will come in early August. I know you have many questions and I hope these bulletins answer all of them. If they don't, please feel free to contact the office numbers indicated under each topic. You may also call my Office. A staff member will be happy to answer your questions or refer you to those who can. And, don't forget to browse our Web site.
Please note that from August 30 - September 2, the Republican party will hold its national convention in New York City. This means that New York will be a very busy place. I urge you to make your travel plans as soon as possible.
Enjoy your summer!
Linda A. Reimer
Senior Vice President for Student Services
WELCOME WEEKEND
Welcome Weekend is a special orientation for First-time Freshmen and Freshmen Transfers. Welcome Weekend begins on Thursday, August 26th. If you plan to live in a Residence Hall, you will be able to check-in at that time as well. Specific check-in instructions will be mailed in mid-July. Welcome Weekend registration for residents and commuters will take place from 12 noon until 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 26th. Activities for Freshmen will begin on Thursday evening. The Parent/Family Program will take place on Friday. Please be sure to return the Welcome Weekend Response Card you received so we can properly plan for your arrival. Orientation schedules in Acrobat Reader can be downloaded from our Web site. Contact the Office of Student Development with questions or concerns at 212.229.8993 or email studev@newschool.edu.
Welcome Weekend is designed for students who have never been to college before and for those who may only have spent one or two semesters at college. University-wide Orientation is designed for all new students, freshmen, freshmen transfers, transfers and graduate students.
UNIVERSITY-WIDE ORIENTATION
University-wide Orientation follows Welcome Weekend.
All new students should attend the events and information sessions. The Parent/Family Program (for parents and family who did not attend the Welcome Weekend for First-Time Freshmen Parent/Family Program) will take place on Monday, August 29th. For those who plan to live in a Residence Hall, specific information on check-in will be sent in mid-July. The Orientation schedule can also be found online. Contact the Office of Student Development with questions or concerns 212.229.8993 or email studev@newschool.edu.
STUDENT DISABILITY SERVICES
You should have received a pamphlet in your acceptance materials about Student Disability Services. If applicable, return the self-identification form as indicated. If you have specific questions about accommodations and related services, please contact the Office of Student Disability Services at 212.229.5472 or email mcdonalt@newschool.edu.
>Office of Student Disability Services
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES
If you are an International Student, you should have received an I-20/DS-2019 Application Packet in your acceptance materials. If you have not yet received the packet, please contact your office of admissions immediately. If you have not yet completed the application and submitted it with corresponding financial documentation to International Student Services, you should do so as soon as possible. Please note that the visa application process varies at U.S. Consulates from country to country and can take anywhere from one day to many weeks for processing. If you have any questions about the I-20/DS-2019 application process, please contact International Student Services at 212.229.5592 or email iss@newschool.edu.
>International Student Services
HOUSING
If you have applied for a room in a Residence Hall, you will receive information on your building assignment in mid-July. If you have not yet applied for a room, please do so as soon as possible. The assignment process may be delayed if the application is received after July 1st. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of University Housing at 212.229.5459 or email universityhousing@newschool.edu.
>Office of University Housing
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES
You should have received information about immunization documentation in your acceptance materials along with information about Student Health Insurance. Please be sure to mail or fax the immunization form to Student Health Services. And, if you plan to waive the Health Insurance coverage, please be sure to complete the waiver process as soon as possible to avoid charges on your account. If you have special medical needs, please contact Student Health Services at 212.598.4796. For more information about Student Health Services and Student Health Insurance, please click the links below.
>Student Health Services
>Student Health Insurance
AN UPDATE ON THE MENINGITIS VACCINE
Each year about 100 cases of Meningococcal disease are reported on college campuses in the U.S. Although the number of cases is small, it is recommended that students consider a safe vaccine that can prevent about 70% of the cases seen among colleges. The vaccine can be obtained by your local physician before you come to school, or obtained at The New School in the fall at a cost of $85 a dose. While the disease is still uncommon, when it occurs, it is most often among first-year students and those in residence halls. Please call Student Health Service at 212.598.4796 with any questions.
EMERGENCY CONTACT FORM
Please complete the Emergency Contact Form included in the mailing you received. This information will only be used in the event of an emergency. Return the completed form to the Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Services.
MEAL PLAN
You should have received meal plan information in your admissions materials. In addition, information about the Meal Plan can be found online. If you have any questions, please contact Jenny Cho at 212.229.5161.
>Meal Plan
ALVIN AND EMAIL ACCOUNTS
You will receive a letter that includes your New School email account information as well as your password for ALVIN, our online services for students. We encourage you to start using your University email account and ALVIN. University email ensures that you receive important information from faculty and staff. Using ALVIN, you can access your financial aid, account summary, personal information, and transcripts.
>ALVIN
FINANCIAL AID AWARD LETTERS
If you applied for financial aid and have not received your award letter, please contact the Office of University Financial Aid at 212.229.8930 to be sure your file is complete.
>Office of Financial Aid
A WORD ABOUT BILLING, PAYMENT, & REFUNDS
Invoices for registered students are sent in July with a payment due date of August 10th. Most new students will register upon arrival at The New School and be expected to pay tuition, housing, meal plan, and fees at that time. To assist you in estimating your tuition, fees and housing charges, we have implemented a “pre-bill.” This bill will be mailed to all incoming students who are not required to register prior to the start of the term. Approved financial aid awards will be deducted from the total due. Students who are expecting a refund for living expenses, should arrive with spending money for the first two months of the fall semester to cover costs for books, supplies, entertainment, and food.
RECREATION AND FITNESS
The newly opened McBurney YMCA located at 125 West 14th Street offers New School students a group membership rate of $45 per month (20% rate reduction) as well as waiving the initiation fee ($125). Studies show that increasing physical activity levels and making exercising a part of our daily routine has positive effects, results in better stress management, and reduces health care costs. The McBurney Y offers a wide range of programs and activities including swimming, basketball, and modern training and cardiovascular centers as part of a YMCA adult or family membership. Please visit YMCA Web site for a virtual tour and information.
STUDENT DISCOUNTS FROM APPLE AND GATEWAY
During Welcome Weekend and University-wide New Student Orientation, representatives from Apple and Gateway will be on-campus offering our students special discounts off the purchase price of a new computer. Information about buying a computer will also be included in New Student orientation packets.
WHERE TO STAY
For parents and families who plan to stay overnight, please visit www.nycvisit.com. Click on the link for “Book Your Hotel.” Make your reservations early since August will be a busy time in New York City.
REMINDERS
Freshmen and Freshmen Transfers - Return your Welcome Weekend Response Card
Apply for Housing
Submit your immunization records, and Online Waiver Form
Call or email us if you have questions.
Visit our Web site
HAVE A GREAT SUMMER
We'll send another bulletin and additional information in August.
The New School
Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Services
66 West 12th Street
NY, NY 10011
Phone: 212.229.5350
Fax: 212.229.5330
