Pre-Arrival & Orientation
Have you notified your Enrollment Services Agent that you received your visa? It is extremely important that you do so. This is how we on campus know to expect you–by your student profile being correctly updated to “visa awarded” in a timely way.
To view our pre-arrival webinar dates and registration pages, please visit our homepage here: https://shorelight.com/events/ and filter to Cleveland State University.
**This is updated three weeks before the program move-in date.
As soon as your confirm your flight information and arrival/date to Cleveland, please complete this form in its entirety. Doing so helps the Global staff secure transportation and proper accommodation for you during the time frame of 8am to 7:00pm and ensures that we have enough supplies for our greeting day.
We’ve partnered with campusSIMS to help connect you with mobile phone service. Get your US phone number in your home country and have service that’s ready to use as soon as you land. Click here to get your free SIM card.
We will also give free PHYSICAL sim cards upon arrival. Please make sure your phone is UNLOCKED for this to work.
For more information, visit campussims.com.
Connect with Enrollment Services Advisor team at es-all@shorelight.com
Tuition and Fees
Please pay special attention to this section. It is extremely important that you follow directions with regard to the payment of your tuition and fees. Delays or problems in your tuition payment can cause delays to your course schedule. This cascades into problems with your visa compliance, SEVIS record, etc.
GRADUATE STUDENTS:
Your fee schedule is based on nine (9) credit hours. This is because all F1 graduate students must maintain a minimum of nine (9) credit hours to be considered full-time.
Graduate students whose academic programs have courses which are 4 credit hours rather than 3 will see an addendum to their tuition and fee statement for the credit hour overage. Students who elect to take a fourth class* will also see additional tuition and fees on their statements.
*It may not be advisable for Global graduate students to attempt a fourth class in any academic term. Decisions about your program completion and requirements should always be made in consultation with your Master’s program director and your advising team.*
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS:
Your fee schedule is based on a “tuition band” of 12-18 credit hours. All F1 undergraduate students are required to be registered for a minimum of twelve (12) credit hours to be considered full time. However, you may, in partnership with your academic advisor, register for more than 12 credit hours.* As long as you do not exceed 18 credit hours, your tuition will not change.
*It may not be advisable for every Global UG student to exceed 12 credit hours in any given semester. Decisions about course selection and adhering to your specific major program of student must be made every term in consultation with your advising team.*
Many courses in the University have “Miscellaneous Course Fees.” Course fees can include items such as lab maintenance fees, software license fees, eLearning fees (eLearning is the University department which supports Blackboard, our learning management system), etc. Course fees are part of your overall program costs. You cannot waive paying course fees. If a course in your schedule requires a course fee, you must pay it. Course fees are added ONLY after you have a confirmed and correct schedule.
Course fees are listed in your Campusnet student account. When you arrive on campus and have access to the Campusnet intranet, you will access these course fees by clicking the “Account” tab in your student profile. YOU WILL ONLY PAY COURSE FEES IN CAMPUSNET. Do not pay tuition through Campusnet for the duration of your Global program. https://campusnet.csuohio.edu/index.jsp
For your convenience, here are links for payment. Please note that all questions about Global tuition payment must be addressed to campusfinance@clevelandstateglobal.org.
To make a payment via Flywire/from within the United States or internationally:
Airport Transportation and Travel Information
- Prescription medication in their original bottles. If you will need to refill a prescription while in the US, please have the physician’s note for that as well.
- All originals of your consolidated mark sheets, transcripts, and certificates of graduation. When you arrive, the Global team will schedule a specific day where we will take receipt of your academic documents, scan them into your electronic academic record, and return the originals to you. However, it is your responsibility to get those originals to us in good condition.
- Passport, visa, driver’s license. Do not pack your official identification documents in checked luggage.
- Toothbrush, small toothpaste, hand sanitizer, extra masks.
- Power cords for your devices and plug adaptors if necessary. Please note that US is on 120V with 60 hz.
- Forex card with about $1000 US loaded–this will alleviate you having to worry about currency exchange. You will want quick access to funds for supplies once you arrive at your apartment.
- A light sweater, hoodie or cardigan–towards the end of summer in Ohio the evenings can get cool.
- Travel wipes/baby wipes for refreshing and sanitizing if you are on mutliple flights with no chance to wash properly during your trip.
- One change of clothes in case your checked luggage arrives after you do–this includes undergarments, a fresh shirt or blouse, joggers or other comfortable pants, and a change of socks and shoes. We recommend students pack one pair of walking shoes OTHER than flip-flops or sandals.
Hopkins is the international servicer for the Northeastern Ohio regions. Its abbreviation is CLE https://www.clevelandairport.com/
Global Greeters at Hopkins International Airport:
When: August 15th and Saturday, August 16th
Time: 8 AM EST – 7:00 PM EST
Where: The Welcome Center
(by carousel 5 baggage claim)
Who: All Global students arriving on January 3rd from 8:00 AM EST-7:00 PM EST should look for our Global staff at the Welcome Center. Staff will be sitting at a desk with balloons and wearing a Cleveland State Global shirt. Global staff will arrange a Lyft to take you straight from the airport to Mather Mansion (2605 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44115) for check-in.
Global Emergency Number: (216) 409-9243
***Students who arrive outside of these dates or times are responsible for their own airport transportation**
***Due to staff capacity, early arrives will not be able to check-in at Mather Mansion or check-in for housing.***
There are multiple hotels of varying prices and ratings in downtown Cleveland. The Global team encourages you to plan ahead as sports events, theatre events, etc. can create high demand for hotel rooms, which can also increase rates for last-minute reservations.
Students may also try AirBnB or Vrbo as an alternative to a traditional hotel. These are local ways in which students can experience Cleveland and explore the city before Orientation. However, we encourage you to look for rentals only in the following zip codes:
- 44115
- 44113
- 44102
- 44114
These neighborhoods are either within Campus District, where the University is located, or a short walk or Uber ride away. Since you will be new to the city, we do not want you staying too far away from our campus.
However, please note that in all cases, students are responsible for their choices in pre-Orientation accomodations. The Global office is not liable for any loss or damage to a student’s belongings while that student is staying in a hotel, and the Global office is not responsible for reimbursing a student for hotel costs incurred.
Student Universe
Discounted Flights
Book flights through StudentUniverse and benefit from exclusive discounts for international students! Get the best deals when you need them and benefit from 24-hour risk-free cancellation.
Health and Wellness
In the United States, your health information is private. This means that your healthcare decisions and actions are not disclosable to others outside of you and your health team. The Global team does not have access to, nor will we request, your health information from Health and Wellness or any other provider. The only time we receive your information is when you waive your right to this privacy and allow a provider to communicate with a member of our team. You can be assured that discussions you have with your physician or health team remain confidential.
The Cleveland State University Safe Campus #SafeCampusCSU website is the main resource for all COVID-19 updates, safety protocols and requirements. The University follows the Cuyahoga County Health Dept. guidance as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention policies. All students, staff and faculty are expected to model appropriate masking, handwashing, and other personal behaviors in order for our community to maintain a low level of COVID-19 infections on campus. Links and resources for you include:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html
https://www.csuohio.edu/safe-campus/safe-campus
https://www.csuohio.edu/health/health
https://www.csuohio.edu/health/covid-vaccine-booster-testing
https://www.csuohio.edu/international/healthy-arrival-fall-2022
Please let the Global team know if you have any questions about accessing COVID-19 resources once you are on campus. We are happy to direct you to our colleagues and partners around the University who can assist you.
Please know that proof of vaccination is no longer required when travelling internationally. Please see the CDC website for more information
The Counseling Center is open for both telehealth and in-person services
The Counseling Center is open for in-person services at the Union Building Room 220, 1836 Euclid Ave (right above Rascal House, take stairs or elevator to the second floor).
- Group Counseling
- Individual Counseling
- Couples Counseling
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Case Management
Regular Office hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Urgent in-person or phone appointments: Monday – Friday, 1–3 p.m.
After-hours Crisis Counseling available 24/7: 216-687-2277
The CARE Team is a specialized service team within the University. The members of that team are charged with ensuring that all students have equal access to resources with directly impact their learning and development at the University. Students who need resources such as higher-level mental health care, food access, housing access, advocacy with faculty for health-related issues, etc. can work with a CARE manager.
https://www.csuohio.edu/care/what-care-management
Please note that HIPAA does not necessarily apply to CARE team management and the Global team can receive updates and information about Global students working with a CARE manager.
The Cleveland State University LGBTQ+ Student Services is a one-stop shop for students who want to connect with LGBTQ+ community on campus. They provide resources, information and programming throughout the academic year. We encourage any student in the LGBTQ+ Global community to visit the center in Berkman Hall 211 to meet new friends, connect with local supports and enjoy the comeraderie. The entire Global team has been Safe Space trained and we assure acceptance and inclusion for all Global students of all identities and gender presentations.
The Counseling and Academic Success Clinic (CASC) is an important partner to the Global program. CASC counseling interns meet with our UStart students once a week to offer academic guidance and support to students from all backgrounds and majors. Additionally, Global students can utilize CASC counseling support for issues in their personal or social lives which are having a detrimental impact on their academic performance. CASC counseling interns help Global students set meaningful growth goals and advise students on how to plan for success at home, in the classroom and in their careers.
https://cepa.csuohio.edu/casal/counseling-academic-success-clinic-1
The Mareyjoyce Green Women’s Center (MGWC) strives to remove barriers to gender equity and advocate for an inclusive educational working environment on campus for people of all genders. The Women’s Center offers a variety of resources such as multiple lactation spaces, a parent room, menstrual products, study spaces, computer lab, and group meeting area. For more information check out their website: https://www.csuohio.edu/womenscenter
Hours: Mon,-Fri: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: 2121 Euclid Avenue, Berkman hall 142
Housing and Dining
Frequently Asked Questions
Undergraduate Housing
FAQ
Are undergraduate students required to live on campus?
Undergraduate students will be required to live in program-managed housing during their first year.
What housing options are available to undergraduate students
Domain and Reserve Square are the most common program managed housing options for undergraduate students. Final housing assignments are based on both preferences and availability.
To see more details about available housing options, visit the “Housing” tab on the Spark Pre-Arrival page or visit the microsite.
Do undergraduate students need to submit the housing preference form?
Yes – all students are required to submit the housing preference form prior to their I-20 being issued. We cannot guarantee that students will be provided their 1st choice, but will do our best to place them in their preferred option.
Can students apply for a housing waiver? What is considered a valid exemption for a housing waiver?
Students can apply for a housing waiver only if they meet one of the conditions listed below and have submitted proper associated documentation at least 30 days before the posted move in date. A waiver will not be considered/approved until these documents have been received and reviewed.
Housing Exceptions are limited to:
- Married and living with spouse (requires documentation of marriage, marriage certificate preferred, and proof of lease).
- Have children and living with children (requires documentation of relation, proof of lease, and proof of children’s visas/dependency in country)
- Immediate family member (Mother, Father, Brother, Sister) within short distance of campus. Documentation required to prove relationship, proof of lease. Students may be asked for daily travel plans dependent upon distance to campus from leased apartment. Extended family does not qualify for a housing waiver.
What is the turnaround time like for housing waiver approvals?
Turnaround time is generally two weeks.
When will students receive housing confirmation?
Students are pre-assigned to an available unit after payments have posted and they are confirmed as cleared to arrive/register for classes. Communications regarding assignments are dependent on when payments are reflected on their account. Preference form and roommate preferences are used as a guideline but are not guaranteed.
Can students send packages/belongings to their housing/campus prior to arrival? If so, what address should they send them to?
No.
If students want to change their housing preference after they have been assigned housing, can they do this?
Changes after assignment, or after arrival, are based upon availability of the preferred unit type. There is a 2-week black out period from final move-in day. Students will be offered the opportunity to make appointments to discuss roommate or unit changes after that 2-week period, but it is not guaranteed available.
Will students need to move at all?
Summer housing can change. Therefore, if students are on campus during the Summer semester, there may be a move depending situation.
Can students live with their friends?
Students are placed randomly within program managed housing buildings. Students can fill out the roommate preference form (created and sent out new each semester), but they are not guaranteed. As students are placed based on the time that they are cleared to register, all parties would have to be cleared to register to be assigned together. Any questions about this procress or availability should be directed to housing@clevelandstateglobal.org.
My student needs special accommodations due to his/her religion. How can we accommodate the needs of my student?
Special accommodations can be made due to religious needs. We are happy to connect students with religious resources on and/or around campus.
Undergraduate Dining
FAQ
Is a dining plan required for undergraduate students?
Yes, dining plans are mandatory for students during their assigned semesters of program managed housing.
What dining options are available for undergraduate students?
Students are automatically assigned the base plan, called the Weekly 5. Details on what is included and upgrades available post-arrival can be found here.
Can students amend their dining plan based on dietary restrictions?Can students apply for a dining waiver?
Cleveland State does not have an official ‘wavier process,’ however, students can request accommodation based on allergies or restrictions. Details on this process can be found here under “Dining and Meal Plan Accommodations.”
What provisions are there for halal/vegan/vegetarian (how much choice is available)?
CSU has vegetarian options around campus, and some halal options. There is also an off campus restaurant across the street from the university serving halal meals.
What are the summer dining plans/options?
Dining plans are not available during summer terms. They are not required for new students in the summer term. Dining halls are generally not open on Cleveland State Campus during the summer semester.
Graduate Housing
FAQ
Is housing required for graduate students?
Yes, graduate students are required to live in program managed housing for the first semester of their program
What housing options are available to graduate students?
Domain and Reserve Square are the most common program managed housing options for graduate students. Final housing assignments are based on both preferences and availability.
To see more details about available housing options, visit the “Housing” tab on the Spark Pre-Arrival page or visit the microsite.
How close is the program affiliated off-campus housing to the campus?
Reserve Square is about a block away from the West entrance to campus, at 13th and Chester. The Domain is just off the east side of campus, near the Wolstein Center, at 22nd and Prospect.
What transportation is available to get from off-campus housing to campus?
Students will be able to walk to campus from the Langston apartments and Reserve Square, which are both less than 1 km from most university buildings.
There is also a free Trolley/Bus that runs up and down Euclid Street, between campus and Downtown Cleveland. It runs every ten minutes.
Additionally, all CSU students are enrolled in the U-Pass program. U-Pass allows all main campus students to ride free of charge on all Greater Cleveland RTA buses and rapid trains during each academic semester.
Uber and Lyft are also operating in Cleveland.
Can students apply for a housing waiver? What is considered a valid exemption for a housing waiver?
Students can apply for a housing waiver only if they meet one of the conditions listed below and have submitted proper associated documentation at least 30 days before the posted move in date. A waiver will not be considered/approved until these documents have been received and reviewed.
Housing Exceptions are limited to:
- Married and living with spouse (requires documentation of marriage, marriage certificate preferred, and proof of lease).
- Have children and living with children (requires documentation of relation, proof of lease, and proof of children’s visas/dependency in country)
- Immediate family member (Mother, Father, Brother, Sister) within short distance of campus. Documentation required to prove relationship, proof of lease. Students may be asked for daily travel plans dependent upon distance to campus from leased apartment. Extended family does not qualify for a housing waiver.
When will students receive housing confirmation?
Students are pre-assigned to an available unit after payments have posted and they are confirmed as cleared to arrive/register for classes. Communications regarding assignments are dependent on when payments are reflected on their account. Preference form and roommate preferences are used as a guideline but are not guaranteed.
Can students send packages/belongings to their housing/campus prior to arrival? If so, what address should they send them to?
No, students should not send mail prior to their arrival.
If students want to change their housing preference after they have been assigned housing, can they do this?
Changes after assignment, or after arrival, are based upon availability of the preferred unit type. There is a 2-week black out period from final move-in day. Students will be offered the opportunity to make appointments to discuss roommate or unit changes after that 2-week period, but it is not guaranteed available.
Will students need to move at all?
Depending on what students indicated in their housing preference form, students may need to move out of their housing during breaks. They may indicate on their preference form that they prefer to stay throughout breaks, which has an associated cost.
Can students live with their friends?
Students are placed randomly within program managed housing buildings. Students can fill out the roommate preference form (created and sent out new each semester), but they are not guaranteed. As students are placed based on the time that they are cleared to register, all parties would have to be cleared to register to be assigned together. Any questions about this procress or availability should be directed to housing@clevelandstateglobal.org.
My student needs special accommodations due to his/her religion. How can we accommodate the needs of my student?
Special accommodations can be made due to religious needs. We are happy to connect students with religious resources on and/or around campus.
Graduate Dining
FAQ
Is a dining plan required for graduate students?
Yes, dining plans are mandatory for students during their assigned semesters of program managed housing
What dining options are available for graduate students?
Graduate students are enrolled in the Dining Dollar Debit for their first semester. For the cost of $1,000.00 USD, students receive $1,050.00 to spend at 11 locations across campus. This declining balance can be used to enter the dining hall, for on-campus restaurants, and grocery/convenience stores on campus. Details about what locations are available, including menus and hours, can be found here.
Can students amend their dining plan based on dietary restrictions?
Cleveland State does not have an official ‘wavier process,’ however, students can request accommodation based on allergies or restrictions. Details on this process can be found here under “Dining and Meal Plan Accommodations.”
What provisions are there for halal/vegan/vegetarian (how much choice is available)?
CSU has vegetarian options around campus, and some halal options. There is also an off campus restaurant across the street from the university serving halal meals.
What are the summer dining plans/options?
Dining plans are not available during summer terms. They are not required for new students in the summer term. Dining halls are generally not open on Cleveland State Campus during the summer semester.
Undergraduate Global Student: Undergraduate students will be required to live in program-managed housing during their first year.
Graduate Global Housing: Graduate students are required to live in program managed housing for the first semester of their program.
If you have questions about housing please contact our team here.
Meal plans are mandatory for all students, expect during the summer semester. The meal plan will automatically be added to your statement of fees. There are several restaurants on-campus that are included in the meal plan and a variety of food options that you can check out here.
If you have questions about the meal plan please contact our housing and dining team here.
Center for Academic Success
A website with access to virtual tutors, career advisors, and online resources to help you throughout your university studies
Do you need help adjusting to your new life or just have a question about the courses you are enrolled in? Maybe you need to improve your academic skills or study habits or need help preparing for an exam or presentation? Perhaps you are you confused about CPT/OPT options or are confused about your major or career field?
Shorelight’s Center for Academic Success (CAS) has many free resources for you! For example, you can use the Live Chat button to reach one of our highly-trained support staff, or you can schedule a Zoom session with one of our friendly Student Success Coaches, Professional Tutors, or Career Services staff—all of whom are experts at helping international students with anything from pre-arrival support and campus life to academic subject areas and career guidance.
Maybe you would also enjoy completing a short eLearning course at your own pace? Those are available, too, on topics ranging from Citation Basics to Preparing for an Interview—and everything in between! If you’re short on time, try one of our live or recorded academic, social, or career skills webinars.
Give your learning journey the support it needs by activating your free CAS account today!
How to register:
- Click here or scan the QR code to find our Home page.
- Click the orange “Sign up now” button to request access.
- On the signup form, type your given name and family name as you are registered at your university.
- Type any email address that your university has on file for you (it can be a personal or university email).
- Create a password with at least one special character and 6-50 characters total.
- Type your password again. Write it down or save it in your browser.
- Type the full name of your university, not the abbreviation. Your status must be checked.
- Check the first box to accept the Terms & Conditions (feel free to read those first).
- Check the last box if you wish to receive emails from us.
- Click the large orange button that says, “Start your learning journey.”
After you register:
- After self-registering, you’ll receive an email within two business days to let you know that your account is approved (or if not, how to fix the problem). Just follow the link to log in!
- Check your spam folder if you don’t see our email within two days—or just return to the Home page linked above to try logging in with your email and password. If you encounter any trouble, just use the Live Chat button at the bottom of our Home page.
If you were pre-registered:
- Some students may be admin-registered at the request of their university to save you the trouble of signing up.
- If you get an email from Shorelight’s Center for Academic Success saying that your account has been created, just follow the link to complete your registration. You only need to create your password and check the boxes (Steps 5-10 above).
- If you are told that you were admin-registered, but you can’t find our welcome email, just go to our Home page, click “Sign up now” and complete Steps 3-10. If you can’t guess the right email or how your name was entered, use our LiveChat to get help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Don’t see your question answered here? Email it with your name and CSU ID number to studentservices@clevelandstateglobal.org and we will research your query.
Our Vikingcard office, Berkman Hall 112, runs on an appointment basis. You must order your Vikingcard online and schedule an appointment to pick up your ID. https://www.csuohio.edu/vikingcard/my-photo-viking-card-0.
You must be scheduled for courses in order to be eligible for your Vikingcard.
Your Vikingcard will be used for your UPass (bus pass) as well as access to certain labs and the library. The UPass allows you unlimited rides on Cleveland’s public transportation, RTA.
Your first Vikingcard is free, but if you lose or damage it, there may be a fee to replace it of $20. There is also a $50 fee to replace your UPass sticker.
Ohio state IDs are not driver’s licenses, but they are state-issued IDs and can be used for all purposes, including banking, traveling, etc. Information about Ohio state IDs is here. Again, a state ID is NOT a driver’s license. Students who drive without a legal Ohio driver’s license assume the risk and liability of doing so. Please do not do this.
For daily purposes on campus, your Vikingcard is appropriate ID. However, it may a good idea to get an Ohio state ID, especially so you don’t have to carry your passport.
There are several banks within walking distance of campus. The Global team encourages you to research each one and decide which will serve your needs.
All students who work on campus must have either an Social Security Number or a Taxpayer ID. If it is your intention to find an on-campus job, you should plan on applying for an Taxpayer ID well before you apply for positions because it can take up to 4 weeks for your number to be issued. You cannot work without documentation.
You must start your process at the CISP office, Berkman Hall 412. The Global office does not handle Taxpayer ID processing.
Newman Catholic Campus Ministry
Guru Gobind Singh Sikh Society of Cleveland
Additionally, we invite any student who requires a private prayer space during a school day to come to Mather Mansion and speak to a team member. We can assist you in finding a room on campus which will meet your needs.
Weather in Cleveland can be severe. We strongly encourage students to plan ahead for weather changes that happen during September and October. The weather could be cold and rainy one day and mild and sunny the next.
African
- Kabas African Market (4098 Lee Road)
Asian
- Asian Town Center (3820 Superior Ave. East; Main Entrance on E. 38th St. between Superior and Payne Avenues)
- Kim’s Oriental Food (3700 Superior Ave.)
- Nipa Hut (6775 W. 130th St.)
- Park to Shop Grocery Store (Asia Plaza: 1580 E 30th St.)
- Tink Holl (Tink Holl Plaza: 1735 E. 36th St.)
German
- Hansa Import Haus (2701 Lorain Ave)
Latino
- La Borincana (2127 Fulton Road)
- La Plaza Supermarket (13609 Lakewood Heights Blvd.)
Italian
- Gust Gallucci’s Italian Foods & Market (6610 Euclid Ave.)
International
- West Side Market (1979 W. 25th St.)
Middle Eastern/Mediterranean/Halal
- Rumi’s Market (Halal) (8225 Carnegie Ave.)
- Aladdin’s Baking Company (1301 Carnegie Ave.)
- Assad’s Bakery (2719 Lorain Ave.)
- Al Manar Market (3279 W. 117th St.)
- Almadina Imports (11550 Lorain Ave.)
- Sahara Supermarket (3353 W. 117th St.)
- Holy Lands Imports (11717 Lorain Ave.)
Indian:
India Grocers
*** must uber to this location
6855 W 130th St, Cleveland, OH 44130
Patel Brothers Indian Groceries
*** must uber to this location (close to India Grocers)
6876 Pearl Rd, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
Of the 2 Indian grocery stores – India Grocers has a larger selection and more prepared food options. Across the street from India Grocers is more shopping that includes Marc’s, Marshalls etc.
General full-service grocery stores via RTA:
Dave’s Market – *** accessible by RTA
Nearest 2 locations:
OHIO CITY – near Westside Market
2700 Carroll Avenue, Cleveland, 44113
Phone (216) 274-2940
Hours:
MIDTOWN – (Click here for directions)
1929 East 61st Street, Cleveland, 44103
Important information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how it applies to you as an international student
In the United States, we have a federal (national) law that protects people who have disabilities as they use public services, including educational settings. It is important that you know that this law exists and that even as an F1 student, you are protected by it. Your home country may not have a similar law. However, while in the US, you have the right to be protected by our law. This guide will help you understand how, if necessary, you can be protected by this law.
The language of the law that applies to us at the higher education level:
No qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any such entity. ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-325)
- What is a “disability”?
For the purposes of the ADA, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual. This means that if you have any type of physical or mental health issue which prevents you from participating fully, without obstacles, in your life, you can be protected by this law.
- What are examples of “major life activities” or mental or physical impairments?
Examples are: caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working. This can also include the operation of a major bodily function, including but not limited to, functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions.
- Will the Global team ask if a student has a disability?
No. No one in Global or at the University should ever ask or assume that a student has a disability. This is a student privacy issue. If you believe you fall into the category of “student with a disability,” you must communicate that to us. Once you do, we will not disclose this information to anyone without your permission. We strongly recommend that if you are a student with a disability, you let us know right away so we can help you plan.
- What happens when a student communicates to a Global team member that he or she has a disability?
Once a student communicates to any Global member that he or she has a disability, we have a duty to assist the student organize services. The following policy applies:
- We will communicate to the Office of Disability Services that the student has offered information about his/her disability status. We will not disclose the nature of the disability, only that the student has disclosed. Their email is ods@csuohio.edu.
- With the student’s permission, we will also communicate with CISP and/or the student’s program as applicable. This is only if the student has a specific issue about which CISP or the department must know.
- The student should use the following link to begin the process of working with ODS. https://www.csuohio.edu/disability/register
- The student will need to provide documentation about his/her disability. The forms that need to be verified by a documenting physician are here: https://www.csuohio.edu/disability/node/6630 All questions about this part of the process should be addressed to ODS, not Global.
- Once the Office of Disability Services is aware that a student needs an intake and interview, that office will partner directly with the student to create a plan. Again, to respect student privacy, the Global office will not insert itself into that process. However, the student retains the right to follow up with the Global team to let us know what the plan is and how we can advocate for the student as necessary. Our role is to support the plan that ODS and the student create.
- What we want to communicate from our office is that your educational success is comprised of a lot of factors. Whether you have a disability should not be one of them. The goal of the ADA and its enforcement at the University is to eliminate obstacles people with disabilities encounter in meeting their educational and professional goals. We are here to support whatever plan is best for each student.
Thank you, as always, for working with us and allowing us to serve you.
Tom Kelley
Academic Operations Director
Global Ambassadors are our on-campus “influencers.” They are here to provide perspective, support, resources, and represent CSU Global! Reach out anytime to see what their experience is like on-campus. If you have a question regarding life at Cleveland State University please contact our Global Ambassadors at, csuambassadors@clevelandstateglobal.org.
We are located in Mather Mansion on the east end of campus and a 15 minute walk from Reserve Square. Check out this video to learn more about where we work!
- CISP handles your SEVIS, I20, and other essential factors relating to your status as an F1 student. They are our essential partners in ensuring your status is in compliance with federal rules which impact international students.
- They run a check-in program called Vikes International Check In (VIC). You must complete VIC as soon as possible after arrival in the US. For more information about VIC check in and dates, click here.
- Failure to complete VIC will keep a “GQA” hold on your student account indefinitely. The only way to remove this hold is to complete the VIC in a timely way.
Transfer Students
Please check out CSU Global Transfer Direct
How to prepare for arrival as a transfer student:
- Submit your official transcripts as part of your application no later than six weeks prior to arrival for final and official review of your transfer credits. Importantly, you should submit official transcripts as early as possible to ensure your final transfer credits are posted prior to arrival.
- Collect course descriptions and/or course syllabi. These are required in evaluating international transfer credit course equivalencies.
- Confirm that all official transcripts have been received by the Cleveland State Global prior to arrival. Allow for ample delivery time for mailed transcripts.
- Once completed, your final transfer credit articulation will be visible on your CSU Campusnet.
- Register for classes! With your transfer credits in mind, meet with your First Year Advisor team at Cleveland State. They will offer support in course selection to ensure accurate coursework planning.
- Follow up and ensure all materials have been received. Official transcripts are required to register for a future term and for accurate coursework planning.
Student Health Insurance
For information about your plan and instructions to access your DIGITAL ONLY ID Card please visit this site: https://www.universityhealthplans.com/letters/letter.cgi?group_id=431
The above website has information about benefits, coverage details, the student health center, dental information and more!! This website it very important to keep handy.
For enrollment and/or benefit-related questions: contact 800-437-6448 or info@univhealthplans.com.
For specific benefit-related questions or questions about claims: Wellfleet can be reached at 877-657-5030. When calling or emailing, please be sure to advise that you are a Cleveland State Global student.
Take care and use your insurance!! It is important and you paid for it!
Virtual Internships + Professional Certificates
Master the in-demand skills global employers seek that you won’t learn in the classroom. Boost your portfolio — and save money — with certifications and projects that demonstrate your new qualifications and make you a competitive candidate in today’s job market.
Enroll today for an incredible value: Many bootcamps and courses can range up to $14,000 per course* — but with CSU Global you can upskill in as many available courses as you like during your studies, all included in your enrollment fee!
Professional Certificates
Designed for computer science, engineering, and business students, each certificate program was inspired by elite university preparatory programs tailored for growing careers. Student internship projects have included software development, website design, virtual reality, digital content creation, project management, AI, and more at leading employers.
Certification 1 : Design Thinking – develop effective approaches to problem-solving
Designed for business/MBA, computer science, data science, engineering, information systems, and marketing majors
Certification 2 : Global Citizenship** – thrive in diverse environments
Designed for business/MBA, computer science, engineering, finance, and international business majors
Completed internships include
Credentials + certification prep offered include
- Agile
- Scrum
- PMP
- Java, Python, PHP, C++ , Ruby
- AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure
- DP-203 Microsoft Exam dp-203
- Site Reliability Engineering
- Security Operations
- Reverse, Social, Chaos and Network Engineering
- Consulting
- Project Management
- Marketing
- Software Developer
- UX Designer
- Mobile App Developer
- Information Security Analyst
- Systems Architect
- Video Game Developer
- AI Engineer
- Engineering Manager
- Product Engineer
- Data Engineering
- Mechanical Engineer
- Civil Engineer
*Stanford Executive Education Design Thinking Bootcamp
**Endorsed by the University of Peace – UN Charter
Graduate Pre-Requisites
FAQs
FAQ
How do I know if I need to take a pre-requisite course?
When you receive your Conditional Offer letter, we will provide an estimate of how many pre-requisites we believe you will need. You can also review the tables for pre-requisite calculation here to see the chart provided by the faculty of your major. This is meant to be a guide and is not comprehensive. Once you have submitted a deposit, the faculty will do a more detailed review of your transcript to determine what pre-requisite courses you need. The list of confirmed pre-requisite courses will appear on your Final Offer Letter. Please note while pre-requisite courses may feel unnecessary, it is important that you have the fundamental knowledge to be successful in your degree. These courses are assigned to ensure your success.
When can I register for my classes?
Graduate courses registration varies by department; however, most departments will select your full-semester courses on your behalf, and these cannot be adjusted. This applies to Computer Science, Information Systems, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Software Engineering. Remaining programs will allow you to self-register upon arrival to campus. You will only be able to register for courses once you have paid your required Global fees.
How many credits per semester does my tuition pay for?
For graduate students, the tuition rate shown on your Statement of Fees includes 9 credits per semester. If you choose to – or are required to – take additional credits, they will be at an additional cost. This cost varies by program but is shown in the program guides linked in this page. Please check those carefully, as the cost of graduate tuition changes with each credit taken. It is strongly advised that most students take only 9 or maximum 10 credits in your first semester. Anything above 11 credits would be considered a very heavy load for graduate students. Note that the cost in your Statement of Fees (for your first two semesters, the time you are in the Global program) Your Statement of Fees covers all Tuition, Global Fees, Housing, Insurance (Medical, Dental, & Vision), and Meal Plan- there may be additional charges that occur on Campus Net, your University Financial Account – these fees will be paid directly to Cleveland State. Once you finish the Global program, you will be charged tuition and fees separately.
For undergraduate students, you are able to take a range of credits with no additional cost. We recommend that students take no more than 15-16 credits per semester, and if English is not your native language, you may want to take a lighter load your first semester to ensure you are comfortable and can be successful.
Where can I find degree-specific information?
Visit the Graduate Admissions tab ( https://global.csuohio.edu/graduate-admissions/) and navigate to the school your degree is in. Select your degree from the drop-down menu, and you will see a detailed table with more information. You can also go to the major page on the CSU website to get additional information. If you want details on courses and overall requirements, you may find the catalog helpful. It can be found here.
How should I calculate the overall cost of attending Cleveland State Global to earn my degree?
The cost of your program depends on how many credits are required for your degree and how you choose to take those credits. For graduate students, the program guides will give you a better sense of how many credits are required for each major (typically 30-33 graduate credits). If you have to take pre-requisite courses, those will not typically count towards the final degree credits. Each graduate credit will have a cost, and some majors have additional fees (for example, credits are slightly more expensive in the Business School, and credits in Engineering have an additional fee added). For undergraduate students, most degrees will require a minimum of 120 credits which usually equates to 4 years of full-time study, with 30 credits per year taken. Undergraduates are able to take a range of credits each semester at the same cost, though it is not advisable to take more than 18 credits per semester, and 12 credits is still considered a full-time load.
What costs are not included in the tuition/fees that will add to the cost of my study?
In the Global First Year program, you are required to live in program-managed housing for one (graduate students) or two (undergraduate) semesters. You may also be required to take a meal plan. Those requirements are designed to support you in your academic success; studies consistently show that students who live in university or nearby housing have better outcomes. The meal plan requirement is very minimal; however, we want to be sure that you have access to healthy food at least once per day. Once you finish the global program, you will need to determine where you want to live. We encourage you to stay close to campus and to ensure that you have a private space to do your work. You are also required to have insurance that meets the university standards. Shorelight’s insurance is required for the first year of your studies and is available to you also for future years, including during OPT. It’s a low-cost comprehensive insurance plan that include health, dental and vision, in addition to property insurance.
Ms. Megan Huggins, MCS Coordinator/Advisor
m.huggins31@csuohio.edu
Mr. John Learned, MIS Recruiter/Advisor
All MCS and MIS students should work very closely with their respective departmental advisors in order to ensure the following:
- That your schedule is complete. This means that as an F1 graduate student, you must have a minimum of 9 credit hours in order to be in compliance with your visa status.
- That you are enrolled in the correct courses for your level. This means that if you are required to take pre-requisites for your graduate program, you will be enrolled in them and you will complete them in your first term(s) at the University.
- That you understand the rules and policies of your department. The Global team can also assist with this information.
IF YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE PREREQUISITE COURSES, YOU WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY ENROLLED FOR THEM. PLEASE DO NOT ASK FOR A WAIVER. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE ONE.
Undergraduate Program Guide
FAQs
FAQ
I'm a Global undergraduate student. Where can I find my major program of study?
At Cleveland State, we use a tool called “degree maps” to teach students about their major. Links to all UG degree maps is here. Additionally, students will be assigned an academic advisor in the First Year Advising office, where they will meet with advisors to schedule classes, as well as talk about majors and coursework.
When can I register for my classes?
As an undergraduate student, you will meet with a first-year advisor upon arrival on campus. Your first-year advisor will assist you in selecting courses for your first semester. You will only be able to schedule courses with your advisor after you have paid your required Global fees.
Academic Information- All Programs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Michael Schwartz Library is the academic hub of our campus. This library is a full service library which serves students from undergraduate to doctoral level as well as all staff and faculty.
Every librarian in the Library is a teaching librarian, that is, all librarians have office hours where they can meet with students to teach a variety of information literacy skills. To make an appointment with a librarian, click here.
The Global team strongly encourages all students to attend seminars and other events that we plan with our library partners.
CSU Global’s Academic team will reach out to you directly regarding the time to collect transcripts. This process does not happen until around a month after arrival.
For information about your ESL program, you can contact Dr. Michele Bowman, Director of the English as a Second Language Program at m.s.bowman@csuohio.edu. Dr. Bowman and her coordinator, Alevtyna Kolomiyets (a.kolomiyets@csuohio.edu) share the 2nd floor of Mather Mansion with the Global program and their services are essential to the success of every Global student.
Important dates for students in ESL:
Tuesday, May 21st
- 1:30pm: ESL Placement Testing and Program Information, SC 313.
- 2:30pm: ESL Placement test in Testing Services, SC 313.
Wednesday, May 22nd
- 9am to 12pm: ESL Writing Sample and Speaking Test, Mather Mansion, 105.
Thursday, May 23rd
- 10:00 am: VIC Session and Placement and Registration info, BH 201.
***If you arrive early, please communicate with Dr. Bowman about the opportunity to test early.