INTRODUCTION

Wherever you come from you'll find that all new students share a common ground, and virtually everyone asks the same questions about life on campus. This guide does not promise to have all the answers, but it should help you to get off to a good start.

Student Affairs

The Department of Student Affairs comprises the Offices of the Dean of Students, Residence Life, Student Activities, Counseling, Health Education, Career Development and Sports and Recreation.

The department exists to improve the quality of student life at ELC affiliated to BIU University and through programs such as Orientation ensures that new students are welcomed and involved in the university credits-system from the day of their arrival. Each office supervises the co-ordination of student-run programs, activities and organizations. They plan, promote and implement many of the university's co-curricular programs and activities and work with students to ensure that they have the opportunity to develop personal and practical skills.

Orientation

Orientation is a time prior to the start of classes when you check-in with the university system, get settled into accommodation, carry out various tasks leading to advisement and registration for courses, meet faculty and administration and, best of all, make new friends from all over the world. The system study believes it is crucial for all students new to ELC affiliated to BIU university to attend Orientation.

Academic Orientation

Academic Orientation meetings will explain everything you need to know about your course. New freshman and transfer students meet in small groups with the school of each department.

You then take placement tests in math and English. These "tests" are not really exams that you pass or fail. You can't study for them - just take them and do your best. They are designed to tell us in which level of math's and English class you should be placed. Math's and English are both part of ELC-BIU's General Education Requirement and the tests are compulsory for all students.

The results of these tests will be given to you along with the name of your Academic Advisor. This is the school member who will see you through your academic experiences; and also the person you should go to when you choose courses, need advice or want to discuss your progress, doubts, fears, successes and future plans. During Orientation your Academic Advisor will answer any questions you may have and help you choose courses.

The Social Side of Orientation

Take a look at the Orientation Program and you'll see that we give you some time to relax and to meet new people. Join in. Being part of an international community and enjoying everything Beirut has to offer is an important part of your university system experience. These tours and events will help you get to know ELC affiliated to BIU, show you something of Beirut and perhaps most importantly give you a chance to meet other students.

The Practicalities

Orientation also deals with all the essential practicalities of living on campus and in Lebanon. Registering to use the Computer labs and library, paying your fees, getting your student ID, registering with master or doctor distance learning, opening a bank account. You really can't afford to miss it!

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Student Affairs: Counseling

The Counseling Service offers members of the University community a place to consider personal issues and any effects they may have on academic performance. Confidential counseling (individual and couple counseling) and help with skill-based topics, for example, decision-making strategies, self-motivation and time management, are available.

Student Affairs: Orientation

We arrange a variety of sessions to help you get ready for academic life here at BIU and others to get to know the area and Beirut. A day-by-day program with full details is available on this site about a month before Orientation begins and one will also be posted to you at home. Here are some of the sessions you can expect:

Computer and Library Orientation
How to access and use BIU's Information Resources, including Information Technology and Libraries. How to get onto the computer network; use your email and much more.

Paying Your Bills and Managing Your Money
Meet members of the accounts office, and ask questions about your account and any general financial matters

Campus Tours
Get to know the insides and outsides of our campus and meet key staff members.

Group Meeting
Orientation Leaders will help you get started with meeting your fellow classmates, review the week's Orientation schedule and answer any questions you have about Orientation and BIU student life

Class Photo
A souvenir of your first day at ELC-BIU!

Introduction to Academic Life
Faculty explain essential academic issues such as registration, English and math placement testing, choice of majors, and the advising system.

Transfer Student Question and Answer
For transfer students only. Faculty will be available to answer any questions you have as a transfer student

Math Placement Test
All new students, including transfer students, must sit this test.

English Placement Test
All new students, including transfer students, must sit this test.

Off Campus Housing Session
Student Affairs meet all students living off campus to explain the services they offer and provide assistance to anyone who is still in search of a flat, roommates, etc.

Residence Life Floor Meetings
Meet your neighbors and the Residence Life Staff member in charge of your living area! Ask questions, collect helpful information and meet students living in your area.

Rights Choices and Values: First Lecture of General Education 100
Your academic program begins during orientation with this required lecture for all new students. Be sure to bring a notebook!

New Student Survey
A survey that will help the University plan its programs and services for your benefit.

Academic Fair
Meet informally with faculty and learn about the various courses of study and classes.

Safety in the City
Personal safety and the law in Lebanon.

Financial Aid and Student Employment
For students receiving Financial Aid and/or university employment or anyone interested in working part-time in Lebanon

Modern Language Test
If you would like to take a high level language class or test out of the language requirement, you will need to meet with the language section for a one-on-one oral evaluation

Student Success Workshop
A look at student life including socializing, going out, homesickness, getting involved, who to go to for help, study skills and much more.

Academic Advising & Registration
Check the notice boards for the name of your adviser and office location.

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