International Students Other Information

We would like to welcome you, and your child, to The University of Akron!

Questions?

General information about the International Center can be found online. You may find the answers to many of your questions here.

If you have questions or concerns you want to speak with us about while your child is attending university here, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Regarding privacy and information, we must caution you:

• Due to U.S. privacy laws there may be some things that we are not able to discuss with you without your child’s consent. This applies even if you are paying their tuition!
• You can find more information related to these laws at the following sites:
  • FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) – In general terms, this applies to educational records, including grades, disciplinary records, class schedules and more.
  • HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) –In general terms, this applies to health related and medical issues.

Contact Information

Contact information for all the International Center staff

International Center Front Desk - Use this for general questions or for emergencies during office hours:

• Phone: 330-972-6349
• Fax: 330-972-8824
• Email: international@uakron.edu
• Office hours: Mon - Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (or 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the summer)

The University of Akron Police Department – Use this for true emergencies outside of office hours:

• The University of Akron Police Department
• Phone: 330-972-2911
• Available 24 hours/day

We can only accommodate rides from the airport for anyone who will be under 18 at the time of their arrival in Akron and who will be travelling alone or someone with a disclosed reason for assistance. We will provide more information and sign-up instructions when we have them available.

During your career at the University of Akron, there will be instances where university personnel will need to reach you. Up-to-date contact information ensures that we are able to get you the information you need in a timely fashion and updated emergency contact(s) ensure that in the event that you are involved in an emergency situation, we know who we should contact on your behalf.

• How to update your personal and emergency information
• we recommend that you list someone in the USA and in your home country, if possible.

It’s also important for UA personnel to know what information you have permitted to be shared, and with whom it can be shared (also known as FERPA release).

You will need to have signed paperwork on file to authorize treatment for a minor in a local medical facility. Having this completed before you arrive can help ensure you receive care quickly if necessary.

• University of Akron’s Student Health Services
• Akron Children’s Hospital
• Cleveland Clinic: Akron General

Please send ALL signed health care forms to University of Akron’s Health Services before you arrive or be sure to bring them with you to campus.

• You are required to live in the residence halls.
• The University of Akron requires a co-signer for housing contracts for all students under 18.
  • An online, virtual, co-signature is acceptable.
• You can access the housing contract and more information through your "My Akron" account (use your UAnet ID and password to log-in).
• You can request a waiver to live off campus using the link in your MyAkron account.

To open a bank account:

• You will need an adult co-signer present with you.
  • According to US law, you cannot open a bank account at any bank in the US if you are under 18 without an adult co-signer, physically present at the time account is opened.
• All international students (regardless of age) must present their passport and one other form of ID (acceptable secondary ID: visa, I-94, I-20, ESTA) in order to open a bank account.

If you do not have a co-signer:

• If you do not have someone who is willing to co-sign or able to be physically with you at the time the account is opened, you will not be able to open an account until you turn 18.
  • This means you will need to make ALTERNATIVE BANKING ARRANGEMENTS in order to have funds available (for tuition, living expenses, etc.) until you turn 18.
• PNC bank on campus can begin the process of opening a bank account for you beginning 3 weeks before your 18^th birthday without needing a co-signer.
  • This only begins the process and the paperwork, your account will not be completed until you turn 18.

Signed waiver:

The University of Akron’s Student Recreation and Wellness Center is committed to creating a safe environment, therefore, ALL participants in the various activities at the Rec Center must have signed a waiver prior to using the facilities.

• You must have your legal guardian sign a waiver for you before you come to Akron.
• You will find the waivers online, click on the “Minor forms" in the drop down boxes.
• Have your legal guardian sign the waiver.
• You bring your signed waiver to your first visit to the Rec Center.

In the US, all phone contract plans must be signed by someone at least 18 years old.

• If a parent or guardian travels with you to Akron, they can sign for you (and will be responsible for any charges/fees you incur).
• Alternative option: you can usually get a “pay as you go” phone without a co-signer, as no contract is required for these types of phones.

All international students can work ON campus without special approval from the International Center (approval is required for all off-campus employment, including internships).

• Due to University policy, the only on-campus jobs available to students who are under 18 are with Aramark (food services).
• You can find information about all on-campus positions on Handshake.
• Check the Career Services website for more information and links.