PLAN, Manage Your Professional Development as a Graduate Student
Introduction
The information provided in this guide is intended to familiarize new international students and I-Connect volunteer mentors with some of the resources available at the University of Michigan, and in Ann Arbor more generally. It is designed solely to direct students towards the appropriate resources and offices, and should in no way be used as a substitute for consulting said offices themselves. I-Connect volunteers are not qualified to answer the legal and/or administrative questions of incoming students.
Getting to Ann Arbor
1. U.S. Immigration Visas
2. Bringing Money and Other Items to the U.S.
3. Airport Transportation
4. Mandatory Immigration Check-In
Settling In
5. Housing Arrangements
6. Mcard
7. Banking Information
8. Phone Calls and Communication
9. Transportation in and Around Ann Arbor
Campus Resources
10. International Center
11. Student Organizations and Associations
12. English Language Institute
13. The Career Center
14. Campus Information Centers (CIC)
15. Center for the Education of Women (CEW)
16. Spectrum Center
17. Services for Students with Disabilities (SSWD)
18. Gayle Morris Sweetland Writing Center
19. Center for Research on Learning & Teaching (CRLT)
20. U-M Libraries
21. Office of the Registrar
22. Office of Financial Aid
23. U-M Parking & Transportation Services (PTS)
24. Campus Safety
25. Health and Wellness
26. Class Registration and Academic Advising
27. Rackham Graduate School
Rules and Regulations
28. Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities
29. Rackham Graduate School Academic Policies
30. Academic Integrity in the Classroom
31. Health Insurance
32. Social Security
33. Driver’s License
34. On-Campus Employment
35. Guidelines and Laws about Alcohol in the U.S.
General Information
36. Maps
37. Directions
38. Ann Arbor Climate
39. University Facts
40. Temperature, Distance, and Other Conversion Units
41. International Grocery Stores in Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Area
1. U.S. Immigration Visas
Before making travel arrangements to come to the University of Michigan, you will need to obtain an appropriate U.S. visa. The following list provides resources to help you obtain a U.S. visa and enter the U.S. legally.
Obtaining a U.S. Immigration Visa (http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html)
U.S. Visa Wait Times (http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tempvisitors_wait.php)
U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee (http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm)
Arriving at a U.S. Port of Entry (http://www.ice.gov/sevis/factsheet/100104ent_stdnt_fs.htm)
For further information regarding visas and immigration, please visit the International Center’s website at http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu.
2. Bringing Money and Other Items to the U.S.
You may choose to bring large sums of money with you in the form of cash, money order, or traveler's checks when entering the U.S. You may bring as much money as you wish into the U.S., however, any amounts of money exceeding the allowed $10,000 (U.S. dollars) maximum must be declared in advance.
When you arrive in the U.S., you are required to declare all monies that you are bringing into the country. You will receive Form 6059B Customs Declaration, which must be filled in completely and truthfully. If you do not declare your money, the penalties for non-compliance can be severe. Your money might be taken away, you will be required to provide a written explanation of your failure to comply, your case will be evaluated, and you might have to pay a considerable fine.
For further information about what you can and cannot bring into the United States, refer to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency website at http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/home.xml. Also, consult the following publication by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency: http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/newsroom/publications/travel/welcome2us.ctt/welcome2us.pdf
3. Airport Transportation
You will most likely be flying into the Detroit Metropolitan International Airport (airport code: DTW). This airport is only 20 miles from Ann Arbor, about a 45 minute drive (at the most). There are two terminals: the MacNamara Terminal and the North Terminal. For more information about the airport itself (i.e., which airlines fly into which terminal), call 734 AIR–PORT(247–7678) or visit the airport website at http://www.metroairport.com.
There are a number of companies that offer transportation to and from Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The Ann Arbor Convention Visitor’s Bureau maintains a listing of airport shuttle options at: http://www.visitannarbor.org/index.php/plan_a_visit/search/airport_transportation1/
Many of these options are “shared ride,” which means that there may be more than one drop-off location between the airport and Ann Arbor. If you choose to use a shuttle company, be sure to make a reservation at least 24 hours prior to your trip.
You can also take a taxi from the airport to Ann Arbor. You do not need to make advanced reservations to take a taxi. The rate for a one-way trip to Ann Arbor is usually between $45-60, depending on which taxi company you take. Taxis will take you directly to your destination without making other stops.
Another option is the airBus service run by the Michigan Student Assembly (MSA). Normally, the MSA airBus does not run at the beginning of the academic year (i.e., late August, early September); however, the International Student Affairs Commission of MSA is launching a new program for 2009-2010. In light of the fact that so many international students arrive in late August, the MSA plans to offer 12 airBus trips per day between August 25, 2009 and August 27, 2009. As this is a new initiative, there is no information about it yet on the MSA airBus website, but keep checking for updates at: http://www.msa.umich.edu/airbus/index.htm
During the academic year, the airBus service operates immediately before and after scheduled U-M holiday and study breaks. They pick up in 3 locations around campus and you can pay by cash, check, or charge it to your student account. Tickets are sold at MUTO, the Michigan Union Ticket Office. A reserved seat is $8 one-way or $13 round-trip. Non-reserved seats are sold on a first come, first serve basis and cost $10 each way.
Another option is the Michigan Flyer, motor coach bus service available between Ann Arbor and the airport seven days a week. Book in advance to receive the $15 one-way or $30 round-trip rate. There are eight departure times per day, but please note that the bus only drops passengers off at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Ann Arbor (http://www.fourpointsannarbor.com), where you can either get a taxi to your specific c Ann Arbor location or take the AATA #36 Bus (http://www.aata.org/rideguide.asp?route=36) to main campus. For more information, see the Michigan Flyer website at http://www.michiganflyer.com.
No endorsement or recommendation of any of the above companies is implied. They are provided merely as an information resource.
4. Mandatory Immigration Check-In
International students with F-1 or J-1 status must attend a mandatory immigration check-in at the U-M International Center by the starting date on their I-20 or within 5 business days of their arrival. The immigration check-in is required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Failure to attend the mandatory immigration check-in program within this time frame will cause your academic program to be terminated automatically and end your lawful immigration status.
Students should visit the International Center front desk receptionist to register in advance for a check-in session. Students must register at least 3 hours prior to the scheduled start time of the session.
Important Note: If you are a J-1 student and the form DS-2019 was issued by an organization other than the University of Michigan, please do not attend the International Center mandatory check-in. Please check line 2 (program sponsor) on your DS-2019.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the program beginning.
The check-in program will last two and a half hours, and you must attend the entire session. Before you enter the check-in program, an IC staff member will look at your immigration documents. If you do not have the required immigration documents, YOU WILL NOT BE ADMITTED to the session and you will have to reschedule your appointment.
Further information on the International check-in procedure can be found at the link below.
Mandatory Immigration Check-in for Students (fall term) (http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/events/orient-students.html)
5. Housing Arrangements
Ann Arbor has both on-campus and off-campus housing available for international students. Please check the links below to further explore your options.
Housing Information for International students (http://www.housing.umich.edu/international/index.html)
Graduate and Family Housing (http://www.housing.umich.edu/northwood/)
Off-Campus Housing Options (http://www.offcampus.housing.umich.edu/lt/)
You can also explore the listings of rentals and sublets posted on Ann Arbor’s craigslist at http://annarbor.craigslist.org/hhh/, keeping in mind that you should exercise reasonable caution when using any public listing website.
6. Mcard
The Mcard is the University of Michigan's single-card program that combines many features including photo identification, library borrowing privileges, building access, meal plans and Entrée Plus, and ATM/debit card access all on one card. All of the University community is required to have a valid Mcard. The eight digit UMID number printed on the front of each Mcard is the cardholder's University ID number. Further information on Mcard and how to get one when you arrive on campus is available at Mcard (http://www.mcard.umich.edu/overview.htm#)
There are added benefits to carrying around your Mcard with you such as discounts for students and non-students at many area merchants, companies and organizations. Students, faculty, and staff can ride any AATA fixed bus route by simply swiping their valid Mcard through the on-board card reader.
7. Banking Information
F and J-visa holders do not need a Social Security number to open a bank account or for most other financial transactions. Banks will ask you to fill out an Internal Revenue Service form W-8BEN to prove that you are exempt from the requirement of providing a Social Security number.
Warning: Only fill out W-8BEN forms that you receive from your bank or download from the Internal Revenue Service website. W-8BEN forms received in the mail are not valid.
The U-M Campus Information Center banking page maintains information about local banks including:
See their website at http://umich.edu/~info/moneyMatters.html#anchor_banks.
8. Phone Calls and Communication
The phone services available to you vary depending on where you live (in University Housing or off-campus), what kind of phone(s) you want to use (i.e., home phones or land lines, cell phones), and what kind of calls you plan to make (local and/or long distance). Detailed information about the various options can be found on the International Center website at
http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/life/telephone.html.
9. Transportation in and Around Ann Arbor
There are many options for getting around campus, around Ann Arbor, and into and out of Ann Arbor.
The Campus Information Center website provides information about your options, including the free U-M bus services, transportation options for late at night, city or AATA buses (which are free with your Mcard), taxis, and more. See their website at http://www.umich.edu/~info/transportation.html.
U-M students, faculty and staff can also register and pay to utilize the zipcar car sharing service with pick-up and drop-off points around Ann Arbor. See http://www.zipcar.com/umich for more details.
The U-M International Center is located on central campus at 603 E. Madison St., between the Michigan Union and the West Quad Residence Hall. It is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The offices are closed during official U-M holidays and season days (see Key Dates & Holidays), and from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month for staff meetings.
The U-M International Center provides a variety of services to assist international students, scholars, faculty and staff at the University of Michigan, as well as U-M American students seeking opportunities to study, work, or travel abroad.
The International Student and Scholar Services team serves as a key resource to the U-M community in the following ways:
International Center (http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/)
The International Center’s 2009 Summer Orientation will be held from August 17th through September 4th. Detailed program information will be posted on the International Center website as soon as it is available. If you would like to know what topics are generally covered during the Orientation, please review the workshop descriptions at http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/events/orientation_events.html.
Overall, it would be impossible to list all the extensive information and resources available on the International Center website, so make sure to explore it on your own at http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu.
11. Student Organizations and Associations
The over 1000 student organizations at the University Michigan provide an excellent way to meet people, find others with common interests, backgrounds and/or goals, and get involved in the U-M community.
The full listing of student organizations, can be found at http://uuis.umich.edu/maizepgs/.
For a listing of specifically international student organizations and associations, see the International Center’s website at http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/intlstudents/orgs.html.
Many international student organizations assist new international students with airport transportation, housing arrangements, regional food and grocery shopping tips, and other areas of specific cultural adjustment.
12. English Language Institute (ELI)
The English Language Institute (ELI) is an independent unit offering credit-bearing courses within the College of Literature, Science and the Arts.
The ELI offers a variety of courses in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) for nonnative speakers of English enrolled at and visiting the University of Michigan. The courses are designed to enable students to enhance their linguistic and communicative skills in order to become effective, fully participating members of the academic community both during their time on campus and beyond.
Approximately 80% of ELI’s students are graduate students, with the remainder comprised of undergraduates and visiting scholars. ELI courses are taken concurrently with other courses.
In addition to the EAP courses during the Fall and Winter semesters, the ELI features a number of special instructional programs. These include courses and workshops for graduate student instructors (GSIs) and three full-time summer intensive programs: English for Academic Purposes, English for Business Studies, and English for Legal Studies. Other special services include an ESL Speaking Clinic, ESL Writing Clinics, and ELI Conversation Circles Program.
For more information, see the ELI website at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/eli.
13. The Career Center
The Career Center is committed to preparing U-M students to be active, life-long learners in developing and implementing their career decisions. The Career Center facilitates clients' overall development and provides resources to help them explore and pursue their career and educational goals.
The Career Center (http://www.careercenter.umich.edu/)
14. Campus Information Centers (CIC)
There are two Campus Information Centers: one on Central Campus, located on the first floor of the Michigan Union, and on North Campus, located in the lobby of Pierpoint Commons.
During the academic year, the hours of operation are Monday – Saturday, 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.; Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m. During the Spring/Summer, the hours of operation are Monday – Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.; Friday – Saturday, 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m., and Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
In addition to the International Center website, the CIC website is one of the most extensive and valuable online sources of information about U-M and Ann Arbor: http://www.umich.edu/~info. Also, as their website puts it, “Sometimes it’s nice to talk to a human being,” so you can also call 734-764-INFO(4636) with questions.
15. Center for the Education of Women (CEW)
The Center for the Education of Women provides counseling and educational programs to women and men regarding academic, career and life issues; conducts social research on policy and gender issues; and advocates for improved policy and practice.
For more information, visit their website at http://www.umich.edu/~cew/index.htm
16. Spectrum Center
The University of Michigan Spectrum Center provides a comprehensive range of education, information and advocacy services working to create and maintain an open, safe and inclusive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and similarly-identified students, faculty, and staff, their families and friends, and the campus community at large.
For more information, visit their website at http://spectrumcenter.umich.edu/
17. Services for Students with Disabilities (SSWD)
The University of Michigan takes great pride in the academic and personal achievements of its many students with disabilities. The University is committed to providing equal and integrated access for students with disabilities. At the SSWD website, you can:
SSWD services students with both mental and physical health conditions. See their website at http://www.umich.edu/~sswd/.
18. Gayle Morris Sweetland Writing Center
The Sweetland Writing Center offers a variety of writing courses and support for graduate students. Among their services and courses, Sweetland faculty offer skillful, supportive advice to graduate students as they draft their course papers, projects, and theses. They act as an interested outside audience, direct students to resources, and give specific suggestions about organization, disciplinary modes, evidence, clarity, grammar, and style.
For more information, visit the Sweetland website at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/swc.
19. Center for Research on Learning & Teaching (CRLT)
CRLT partners with U-M faculty, graduate students, and administrators to promote a university culture that values and rewards teaching, respects and supports individual differences among learners, and encourages the creation of learning environments in which diverse students can learn and excel.
If an appointment as a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) will be part of your graduate program, or if you are just interested in learning more about the process of pedagogy, the CRLT is a valuable resource, offering various courses and workshops, and maintaining a library of materials available to the public.
See their website at http://www.crlt.umich.edu/.
20. U-M Libraries
The University of Michigan Library is actually comprised of 20 libraries, each with unique collections and materials. For example, the Hatcher Graduate Library contains humanities and social sciences collections, as well as government documents and maps collections. Other important libraries to graduate students include the Art, Architecture & Engineering Library, the Taubman Medical Library, the Fine Arts Library, the Public Health Library & Informatics, the Shapiro Science Library, the Social Work Library, and the administratively separate Law Library and Kresge Business Library.
For more information about Library services available for graduate students, see http://www.lib.umich.edu/services-undergraduate-students/library-services-graduate-students
The University Library collections are represented in the library catalog, Mirlyn. Graduate students are eligible to borrow materials from all U-M libraries; they can also utilize the Inter-Library Loan (ILL) service to obtain materials held by other lending institutions, and the 7-Fast document delivery service to have materials delivered (for free!) to their department mailbox or electronically as PDF files. To learn more about the ILL and 7-Fast services, see http://www.lib.umich.edu/ill/.
21. Office of the Registrar
Located in the LS&A Building on Central Campus, the Registrar’s Office is a key administrative hub and the first place to go for information about the academic calendar, registration and enrollment, exam schedules, transcripts, residency requirements, student rights and records, tuition fees, etc. Before going to the actual office, check out the Office of the Registrar website:
https://umich-regoff.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/umich_regoff.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php
22. U-M Office of Financial Aid
Financial assistance for graduate students is somewhat limited – and assistance for international graduate students even more so – compared to assistance available to undergraduate students. Private or alternative loan sources are available, but students must apply for these programs separately. For scholarship, grant, and fellowship programs, please contact the academic department or professional school in which you are enrolled or plan to enroll.
The Graduate Student Financial Aid Information page explains how to apply for aid, what aid programs are available to graduate students, etc: http://www.finaid.umich.edu/Apply_and_Receive_Aid/Applying_for_Aid/Graduate_Students/grads.asp
23. U-M Parking & Transportation Services
Whether your interest lies in bus options, vanpooling, parking permits, visitor parking, patient parking, or University vehicle leasing, the U-M Parking & Transportation Service web page is full of useful information. You’ll find maps, bus routes, schedules, parking permit and vehicle lease options; as well as brief construction updates that may affect your commute to the U-M.
See http://pts.umich.edu.
25. Health and Wellness
Staying healthy is an important part of life. Ann Arbor has many resources and services to keep you going strong.
Rackham maintains a website on health and wellness, which links to many organizations and resources on campus (http://www.rackham.umich.edu/student_life/advice_support/health_wellness/).
Further information on health, wellness and fitness resources can be found at the links below.
Physical Health
University Health Service (UHS) (http://www.uhs.umich.edu/)
The University Health Service is committed to promoting and protecting the health of students and other members of the University community so that they may achieve their educational and personal goals.
Students pay a health service fee as part of tuition. This fee covers most services at UHS. Therefore students have few expenses at UHS. Students pay no additional fees for:
Please note: Only currently enrolled U-M students can use UHS, which means students who are currently taking regular classes on the Ann Arbor campus.)
Psychological Well Being
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) (http://www.umich.edu/~caps/)
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers a variety of services aimed at helping students resolve personal difficulties and acquire the skills, attitudes, and knowledge that will enable them to take full advantage of their experiences at the University of Michigan.
CAPS services are free, confidential, and available to currently enrolled students. Services include: brief counseling for individuals, couples and groups; consultation to students, faculty, staff, and parents; assistance with referrals to community resources; and crisis interventions.
Fitness & Recreation
University of Michigan Department of Recreational Sports
Currently enrolled U-M students have access to all of Recreational Sports facilities (Central Campus Recreational Building (CCRB), North Campus Recreational Building (NCRB), and the Intramural Sports Building (IMSB)) when they pay their student activity fee each semester. A U-M student not enrolled for the current semester, but enrolled in the previous term or upcoming semester or who has a letter of acceptance for the upcoming semester, is eligible to purchase a Continuing Student membership.
(http://www.recsports.umich.edu/)
Spiritual Resources
26. Class Registration and Academic Advising
The University of Michigan’s web-based class registration process (Wolverine Access) gives you the ability to search for the classes you want (http://wolverineaccess.umich.edu/). For specific information on class registration procedures, check Wolverine Access Online Help or the Registrar’s Office website at https://umich-regoff.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/umich_regoff.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php.
To register for classes, you need a University uniqname and password. You will also need an appointment. You will receive an e-mail notification for your appointment time on Wolverine Access.
Academic advising for graduate students varies widely from school to school and from program to program. You usually see an advisor in your program or department to discuss course elections and progress towards a degree, and are usually expected to consult with your advisor before each term’s registration. Make certain you find out what kind of academic advising is available to you.
For more information on class registration and academic advising please check the link below and scroll down to the relevant sections. Information on Registering for Classes (http://www.rackham.umich.edu/student_life/publications/guide/welcome/#reg)
27. Rackham Graduate School
Rackham Graduate School is the most important resource on campus for graduate students. Rackham works with faculty, students and staff across the University of Michigan to promote excellence in graduate education for over 7,000 students in 104 doctoral and 90 master’s programs. The offices of Graduate Student Affairs and Graduate Student Success coordinate numerous programs, events and workshops designed specifically for graduate students. The Graduate Fellowships Office provides prospective and current graduate students and programs with information about fellowship opportunities and other available funding. Also, Rackham provides a welcome orientation and resource fair for new graduate students at the beginning of each Fall and Winter semester.
Specifically for international graduate students, the Graduate Student Affairs division of Rackham coordinates not only the I-Connect program, but also the Cross-Cultural Adjustment Series of workshops for international graduate students and their family members, and various other internationally-themed social events throughout the year.
Make sure to explore all the information available through the Rackham website, particularly the New Student section, with web videos covering such as topics as “Transitioning to Graduate School,” “Where to Live in Ann Arbor,” “Your Advisors and Mentors” and “Keeping a Work/Life Balance.”
http://www.rackham.umich.edu
28. Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities
When students choose to accept admission to the University, they accept the rights and responsibilities of membership in the University's academic and social community. As members of the University community, students are expected to uphold its previously stated values by maintaining a high standard of conduct. Because the University establishes high standards for membership, its standards of conduct, while falling within the limits of the law, may exceed federal, state, or local requirements.
Within the University, entities (such as schools and colleges; campus, professional, and student organizations) have developed policies that outline standards of conduct governing their constituents and that sometimes provide procedures for sanctioning violations of those standards. This Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities (the Statement) does not replace those standards; nor does it constrain the procedures or sanctions provided by those policies. This Statement describes possible behaviors which are inconsistent with the values of the University community; it outlines procedures to respond to such behaviors; and it suggests possible sanctions which are intended to educate and to safeguard members of the University community.
The Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities (http://www.oscr.umich.edu/statement/)
29. Rackham Graduate School Academic Policies
Academic and Professional Integrity and Procedures for Investigating Allegations of Academic & Professional Misconduct (http://www.rackham.umich.edu/policies/gsh/appb/)
This policy statement has been written to affirm and clarify the general obligation of all Rackham students to maintain high standards of academic and professional integrity. It defines some of the serious offenses of academic misconduct and outlines, in general terms, the standards to which Rackham students are held relative to professional conduct.
Rackham's Academic Dispute Resolution Policy and Procedures (http://www.rackham.umich.edu/policies/resolution/)
This document describes the procedures provided by the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies for resolving academically related complaints or grievances. Included is information concerning the applicability of the Rackham Dispute Resolution Policy and Procedures, an overview of the grievance process, and detailed sections on each of the stages in the process.
Rackham Graduate School Academic Policies (http://www.rackham.umich.edu/policies/gsh/)
30. Academic Integrity in the Classroom
The Center for Research on Learning and Teaching and the University Library have created website to increase understanding of what academic integrity is in practice and in the breach. The website includes guidance for using digital resources responsibly in the research process.
Academic Integrity Resources (http://www.lib.umich.edu/acadintegrity/)
31. Health Insurance
If you are an F-1 or J-1 international student or a J-1 visiting scholar whose Form I-20 or DS-2019 was issued by the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), you are required to have health insurance coverage for yourself and any F-2 or J-2 dependents while at the University of Michigan. Health insurance coverage is coordinated through the U-M International Center. For contact information and office hours, see U-M Health Insurance Office Hours and Location. (http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/healthins/hours.html)
For more detailed information on health insurance requirements and procedures, check the link below.
Health Insurance (http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/healthins/)
32. Social Security
A Social Security number (SSN) is used to report your wages to the U.S. government and to determine eligibility for Social Security benefits. Social Security numbers can be assigned to foreign workers who are authorized to work in the United States.
For more information on when a social security number is required, eligibility for a social security number and applying for a social security number and card, please check the link below:
Social Security (http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/taxes/taxssnabout.html#cards)
33. Driver’s License and Michigan Personal Identification Card
In order to get a Michigan driver's license, you must pass a written test, a road sign test, a vision test, and a driving test.
If you do not need a driver's license, but do need extra identification, you can get a State of Michigan Personal Identification card at any Michigan Secretary of State office for $10. The identification requirements are the same as the identification requirements for a driver's license as described above. However, the Secretary of State office will not issue you an ID card if you have a Michigan driver's license, a driver's license from another state, or a driver's license from another country.
Driver’s License Information (http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/life/license.html)
34. On-Campus Employment
F-1 and J-1 students are eligible to work on-campus while attending classes. The work does not need to be related to your field of study. You must maintain legal F-1 or J-1 status while engaging in on-campus employment. J-1 students sponsored by the University of Michigan should complete the on-campus employment authorization form to obtain written approval from the International Center.
On-Campus Employment (http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/immig/fvisa/fj_emplcampus.html)
The Graduate Employees Organization is the union that represents approximately 1,600 Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) and Graduate Student Staff Assistants (GSSAs) at the University of Michigan. It is one of 13 graduate employee unions in the United States and the second oldest in the country.
For more information, see http://www.umgeo.org.
35. Guidelines and Laws about Alcohol in the U.S.
Consumption of alcohol in public:
Consuming alcohol on any public property, including but not limited to streets, sidewalks and public buildings, is prohibited.
Open intoxicant:
You are prohibited from possessing, in a public place such as a street or sidewalk, a container of alcohol which is open, uncapped, or has a broken seal.
Consumption or possession by a minor:
The state and city laws prohibit minors (an individual under the legal drinking age of 21 years of age) from possessing or consuming any intoxicating liquors. Fines, potential jail time and suspension of driver's license may result.
Serving alcohol to a minor:
If as a host you knowingly allow a minor to consume or possess alcohol at a social gathering, or you don't make a serious inquiry into the age of the person drinking, you may be liable for 30 days of jail time and/or a $1,000 fine.
Urinating in public:
You are prohibited from urinating or defecating where someone else can see you, or on any public property, including alleys behind bars.
Fraudulent identification:
Possession or use of a fake ID exposes you to suspension of your driver's license for 90 days as well as other criminal penalties.
Assault, battery, criminal sexual conduct:
Irresponsible use of alcohol often results in violent or aggressive behavior. Offensive or hurtful conduct may result in a misdemeanor or even felony charge of assault and battery or rape.
Noise violations:
The City of Ann Arbor has very strict and pervasive noise regulations. Generally, any noises which are out of the ordinary, which bother or annoy anyone outside of your leased space, including those in another apartment in the building, and which are made between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. may expose you to criminal penalties.
Littering violations: Under the city code, a person in control of residential property may be fined if they do not keep the property free from litter. Under State law, it is a misdemeanor to litter on either public or private property. Individuals frequently receive citations for littering when they throw or place an alcoholic beverage on the ground in an attempt to avoid an alcohol citation.
(http://www.studentlegalservices.dsa.umich.edu/docs/partymanual.pdf)
37. Directions
Check out the Campus Information Center Direction Finder at http://uuis.umich.edu/cic/directions/index.cfm to find how to get to common destinations in and around Ann Arbor, like nearby grocery stores, by car and by bus. And if you’re looking to head out of town, you can get help on how to get to downtown Detroit and many other places.
For more resources on maps and directions, please check the link below.
Maps and Directions (http://www.umich.edu/~info/mapsAndDirections.html)
38. Ann Arbor Climate
The link below gives you an idea of typical average temperatures to expect during different parts of the year. However, when it comes to weather in Ann Arbor, it is more typical to expect the unexpected!
Average Weather for Ann Arbor (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USMI0028?from=36hr_bottomnav_undeclared)
39. University Facts
Below is a list of some interesting facts and figures about U-M.
U-M Facts and Figures (http://www.umich.edu/~info/pdf/FactSheet2007.pdf)
40. Temperature, Distance, and Other Conversion Units
For, easy online conversions of temperature between Fahrenheit and Celsius, distance between miles and kilometers, weight between pounds and kilograms and a lot more, please click on the link below.
Online Units Converter (http://www.convert-me.com/en/)
41. International Grocery Stores in Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Area
South Asian:
Bombay Grocery
3022 Packard
734-971-7707
Foods of India
1143 Broadway
734-332-0500
East Asian:
Dong-Yu China Market
2765 Plymouth Rd
734-669-8821
Great Land Supermarket
4177 Carpenter Rd
734-677-8288
Hua Xing Market
2867 Washtenaw Avenue
734-528-3355
Lucky Heng Market
2239 W. Liberty
734-222-8421
Tsai Grocery
3115 Oak Valley Drive
734-995-0422
Manna International Market
1156 Broadway
734-663-6868
Korean Market
412 W. Michigan Ave
734-487-9898
Lucky Market
1665 Plymouth Rd
734-769-1688
Middle Eastern:
Aladdin’s Market
304 S. Ashley
734-864-5236
Jerusalem International Market
1713 Plymouth
734-668-7773
Mediterranean Market
4019 Stone School Rd
734-477-8023
European :
Ahmos
341 E. Huron
734-662-4445
Chez Pierre
480 Briarwood Circle
734-994-8870
European Market
3108 Packard St.
734-975-4326
Morgan & York Specialty Store
1928 Packard Rd.
734-662-0798
Zingerman’s Delicatessen
422 Detroit St
734-663-3354
South American:
Brazamerica
619 S. Main St
734-996-0123
Organic Foods Markets:
Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market
315 Detroit St. (Kerrytown)
734-994-3276
All Year, Saturdays 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Spring – Christmas, Wednesdays 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Arbor Farms Market
2103 W. Stadium Blvd
734-996-8111
People’s Food Co-Op
216 N. 4th Ave
734-994-9174
Produce Station
1629 S. State St
734-663-7848
Plum Market
375 N. Maple
734-827-5000
Whole Foods Market
3135 Washtenaw Ave
734-975-4500
Whole Foods Market
990 W. Eisenhower Pkwy
734-997-7500
To learn more about living in the Ann Arbor area (i.e., libraries, entertainment, dining, shopping, family activities, community services), see the ArborWeb site at http://www.arborweb.com/.
Graduate Student Affairs
1530 Rackham Building
915 E. Washington St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1070
Phone: (734) 647-7548
Fax: (734) 936-2848
E-mail: gradstudentlife@umich.edu
