Do I need health insurance?

The University is required to guarantee medical insurance to all international students on the F-1 and J-1 Visas. Students MUST purchase university insurance while enrolled at Missouri Western through LewerMark student insurance . All new students will receive information during the new student orientation, including an insurance and health workshop. The cost of insurance is added to the student account or bill during the first month of semester enrollment. https://intranet.missouriwestern.edu/international/insurance-and-healthcare/

Personal integrity, civility, freedom of expression, and respect are the main values of Missouri Western State University. Our school is committed to providing an environment that promotes such values. Sex discrimination and sexual harassment are examples of violation of this policy. Sex discrimination includes discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, gender identity, and failure to conform to stereotypical notions of femininity and masculinity. Sexual harassment, instead, is any verbal, physical, or visual contact that is based on sex. Title IX is a federal civil rights law that protects people from discrimination. Every individual attending Missouri Western State University, or anyone working at the institution has to complete the Title IX training. It is made to instruct people on how to handle specific situations, how to report, help, and act in cases of violation of this policy. Title IX

What should I do when I feel sick? Where and how do I receive medicine?

Missouri Western offers a health clinic for all students. You can refer to the student health center website for all questions.

What are the legal requirements to drive?

To legally drive in the state of Missouri, you need to have passed a written and practical drivers test. These can both be done at the Driver’s Examination Department right here in Saint Joseph.

What is the legal age to drink alcohol? What do I need to enter the bar or buy a beer?

The legal age to purchase and consume alcohol in the United States is 21. Possession or use of alcohol is prohibited at Missouri Western and will not be allowed on campus. To purchase alcohol at a store or bar off-campus, you will need proper identification.

What is the legal age to smoke? Where can I smoke on campus?

The legal age to purchase and use tobacco products in the United States is 21. However, possession or use of tobacco is prohibited at Missouri Western and will not be allowed on campus.

Can I get a Social Security Number?

International students will be assigned a Social Security Number if they are approved for a job on campus.

How do I apply for jobs on campus?

All on-campus and off-campus student employment positions are managed by the Handshake system. Both on-campus and off-campus employment opportunities are posted to the site. Many of the on-campus positions require that students have Federal Work Study as part of their financial aid package. You can access the Handshake system through your Goldlink student portal.

What types of jobs are available on-campus?

There are a variety of on-campus jobs. You can work in the library, fitness center, dining hall, food court, recreation services or one of the computer labs (just to name a few). If office work is more your style, almost every office on campus hires student workers, including some professors and even the President.

Am I allowed to work off-campus?

International students are not allowed to work off-campus under a J or F class visa. The university does offer opportunities for training and internships at off-campus organizations, but must first be approved by your academic advisor and the International Center office.

What should I do if I ever feel in danger?

If you feel in danger at any point, you should contact local authorities or any employees at the university. Missouri Western has university police department that can be reached 24 hour/7 day a week by calling (816) 271-4438 or you can contact St. Joseph local police by calling 9-1-1 in case of emergency. All students are strongly urged to sign up to the campus wide Griffon Alert system to enhance and improve communication during crisis.

What is the best/smartest way to have a functioning phone in the US?

Because you are international, a phone on contract would probably not be the option for you due to high rates from not having credit. If you own a phone that is already unlocked, you could purchase a sim card from a phone company of your choice and go on with a prepaid phone plan with them. You could also purchase a cheap phone for the purpose of only making calls, texting and contacting your family overseas, and solely rely on wifi for your smartphone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I live while studying at MWSU?2024-08-28T16:02:50-05:00

Where can I live while studying at MWSU?

Generally, new students are highly recommended to live on campus until they are comfortable with the city and the surrounding area.

Freshman and exchange students are REQUIRED to live on-campus during their first year. Normally, international students prefer to live in either Vaselakos, Leaverton or Vartabedian Hall. For more information about residential life on campus, please review this website.

Graduate and transfer students normally live off-campus, though many choose to live on-campus. If a student chooses to live off-campus, he/she is responsible for finding housing accommodations on their own.

Can I transfer credits from my previous post-secondary institution(s)?2024-08-28T16:07:33-05:00

Can I transfer credits from my previous post-secondary institution(s)?

We will review your official transcript evaluation and give you credit for any qualifying courses.

My class starts 9:30 am. What time should I be there?2024-08-28T16:26:07-05:00

My class starts 9:30 am. What time should I be there?

It is recommended that you are in the classroom between five and ten minutes before the class begins.

How should I address my professors?2020-04-23T09:57:58-05:00

How should I address my professors?

Professors in the United States are both friendly and professional. The professors at Missouri Western often invite students to come visit in their office hours when they need help. It is most appropriate to address your professors as Doctor, followed by their last name (Dr. Smith, for example).

How will I receive important information from the university?Creative Services2023-02-17T09:31:06-06:00

How will I receive important information from the university?

As a student of Missouri Western, you will be given a Missouri Western email address. You will receive much of your important information from the university and from The Office of Global Engagement on that account. It is recommended that you check your Missouri Western email at least once every day.

What is International Student Orientation?2024-08-26T10:42:02-05:00

What is International Student Orientation?

International Student Orientation (ISO) is an event that helps incoming international students adjust to life in the United States and at Missouri Western. It is required for all first-time students. ISO will include seminars on insurance, banking, campus resources, and more.

How do I register for classes?Creative Services2023-02-17T09:31:38-06:00