USF 1996-97 Undergraduate Catalog - Page 27

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

The University welcomes qualified students from other countries to the campus community. This international exchange leads to the enrichment of life, intellectual development, research and understanding, and exposes students, faculty and staff to cultural and national differences in outlook, experience, and ideas.

ISSS at USF (located in the Phyllis Marshall Center) is the main administrative and counseling office for approximately 1100 international students at the university. The ISSS has four main functions; 1) Administrative: the ISSS has many administrative duties including the issuance and maintenance of visa documentation for internationals on campus; 2) Counseling: the staff of the ISSS is trained and experienced in cross-cultural counseling and is able to advise students in the areas of immigration, adjustment to life in the U.S., as well as personal and academic issues; 3) Programming: the ISSS develops and implements programs designed to assist international students in their adjustment to life at USF, and these programs include orientation, tax seminars, immigration workshops, and cultural programs; and 4) Community Service: the ISSS is the focal point of community service activity related to assisting international students and scholars, for example the Conversational English Program and the American Friends Program.

ISSS services also include letters of enrollment and expenses, insurance advising, and numerous social activities (parties, cultural events, International Festival). The ISSS has written information concerning Tampa area activities, transportation and housing, tourist attractions, and Florida driver's licenses.

SUS Health Insurance Requirement for International Students

The Board of Regents of the State University System in Florida requires that all international students have medical insurance in order to register for classes at USF. The Florida State University Systems International Student Health Insurance Requirement is as follows:

As of Fall, 1992, no foreign student in F-1, F-2, J-1, or J-2 non-immigrant status shall be permitted to register, or to continue enrollment without demonstrating that (s)he has adequate medical coverage for illness or accidental injury. An appropriate health insurance policy must have the following elements present:

1. 52 weeks continuous coverage
2. Basic benefits: room, board, hospital services, physician fees, surgeon fees, ambulance, out-patient services and out-patient fees paid at 80% of usual, customary, and reasonable (UCR) charge after deductible is met.
3. In-patient mental health care: 50% of UCR charges with a thirty (30) day cap.
4. Out-patient mental health care: 50% of UCR charges with a $100.00 cap
5. Maternity benefits: treated as any other medical condition
6. In-patient/Out-patient prescription medication
7. Repatriation: $7,500.00 coverage to return remains to the home country in the event of death.
8. Medical evacuation: $10,000.00 coverage to permit patient to be returned to home country for medical treatment.
9. Exclusion period for preexisting conditions: six months.
10. Deductible: $50.00 per illness/accident if treatment is given at USF Student Health Services; $100.00 per illness/accident if treatment is given elsewhere.
11. Aggregate cap: $200,000.00 per illness/accident.
12. A claims agent based in the United States.
13. Coverage must be paid in U.S. dollars.

Send comments to:
Karen M. Hall - webCat@ugs.usf.edu
Effective Date: Semester I, 1996