February 6, 2007
Santa Monica College is a two-year community college, founded in 1929. The college is supported by the state of California and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Santa Monica College offers courses in over sixty academic disciplines of study. Students who complete their first two years of undergraduate requirements may receive an Associate in Arts degree before transferring to a four-year college or university to complete their Bachelor’s degree. Certificates are also granted in certain occupational and vocational programs. International students from more than 105 countries represent nearly ten percent of the 26,000 undergraduate student body.
As a starting point for higher education, Santa Monica College has been recognized as the leading community college in California . The quality of education provided by SMC is comparable to that of the first two years in a small, scholastically rigorous liberal arts college. As a result, SMC’s reputation as a transfer institution attracts many American and international students. Santa Monica College transfers the most students to the University of California system; the first two years at SMC prepare you to transfer to UCLA, USC, and other prestigious California and American public and private institutions.
Santa Monica College offers students the opportunity to take the same general education courses they would take at a four-year college or university at a lower cost. In addition, SMC offers an accessible and supportive learning environment. Classes are smaller and professors are devoted entirely to teaching.
I hope you, your family and/or friends will take this opportunity to learn more about Santa Monica College . It’s a place where students can grow and reach your dreams. Our representatives are looking forward to seeing you at the fairs. Please come and visit our booth! Santa Monica College is the place to be!
Sincerely,
Darryl-Keith Ogata
Director of International Programs
Attention All F-1 Students:
Dear Students:
I hope this letter finds you in good health and studying hard this semester. Remember, you can do it (but you've got to study harder!). I would like to remind you of two important events that need your full attention, cooperation and participation. They are as follows:
1. IMPORTANT DEADLINE: Optional Post-Completion Practical Training (OPT)
Please contact the International Education Center for deadline at 310-434-4217
Applicaton Procedures for OPT:
- Turn in a letter requesting Post-Completion Practical Training to Pat Preston, Immigration Coordinator.
- State you major field of study, the type of degree or certificate you will receive and the date of completion.
- Your application for Post-Competion Practical Training must be received at least 2 weeks prior to the end of you last semester or session.
- An Employment Autherization Document (EAD) card is required to work and may take up to 3-4 months to receive.
- Upon receipt of the EAD card you may begin working full-time for a designated period of time.
2. If you plan on traveling at any time during the fall semester or in the winter, you will need a valid signature and date. The signature is valid for one year from the date on your SEVIS I-20. You will have to complete a blue form and you will need to leave your I-20 at the International Education Office with a copy of your F-l visa stamp from your passport. Your I-20 will be available for pick-up within 5 working days.
If you do not have a valid F-l visa stamp in your passport, you will need to apply for a renewal of your F-l visa at an American Embassy or Consulate. In order to apply for the renewal, you will need the following:
| 1) New I-20 form |
2) Current financial guarantee statement showing proof of
your ability or sponsor's ability to pay the full tuition
and living expenses for one year. The college estimates this
cost to be $17,000 per year. |
| 3) Transcript of grades. |
| 4) Verification letter of your attendance at Santa Monica College. |
Please note students who are not enrolled as full-time status during the Spring 2006 semester will not have their I-20s signed. Students who are considered out-of-status will need to be reinstated at the Department of Immigration and Naturalization Service.
Sincerley,
International Education Center
In case of an emergency you may contact Campus Police by calling (310) 434-4608.