image
image


Click To ViewThe International Student Handbook

 

Table of Contents

I      About the University of Hartford

II     About the International Center

III    Academics

  • Course Registration

  • Tuition and Fee Assessment

  • University ID Card

  • Glossary of Academic Terms

  • Academic Honesty

  • Guidelines on Student Conduct

  • Methods of Instruction

  • University Grading System

IV   Housing Option

  • On-Campus Housing

  • Off-Campus Housing, Leasing and Resources

  • On-Campus Dining

V   Managing Your Money

  •  Managing Your Money

  •  Transferring Funds from Home

VI  Student Support Services

  • English Language Institute

  • Mortensen Library

  • The Center for Reading and Writing

  • The Learning-Language Laboratory

  • Tutoring Services

  • Computer Access

  • The Career Center

  • Student Association Lawyer

  • Ombudsmen

  • Mail Service

  • Sports Center

  • Public Safety

VII  Health and Wellness

  • University Health Services

  • Counseling and Personal Development

  • Accident and Sickness Insurance

  • U.S. Health Care System

VIII  Legal Concerns

  • Student and Exchange Visitor Information system (SEVIS)

  • Full-Time Student Requirement

  • U.S. Social Security Numbers

  • U.S. Income Tax Requirements

  • Change of Address Requirement

  • Government Offices

  • International Families and Public Assistance

  • Laws of Special Interest to Students

IX   Obtaining Your Connecticut Driver’s License

  • Connecticut Drivers License Rules and Regulations

X    Customs and Culture

  • Culture Shock

  • Customs and Culture

  • Friendship Patterns and Differences

  • Participating in Campus Life

  • Cultural Aspects of Sexual Harassment

  • Concepts of United States Law

XI   Living in Connecticut

  • A little About Connecticut

  • Transportation

  • Connecticut Weather

  • Places to Go

  • University Emergency Closing

  • University Telephone Numbers

  • Weights and Measures

  • Time Zones

  • Clothing Sizes

  • Local Hotel Listing

 

 

I  About the Unuiversity of Hartford

The University combines the vitality of youth with a rich heritage of the past. It was founded in 1877, when the first of its three original schools was established. The Hartford Art School (1877), Hillyer College (1879), and the Hartt School (1920), all well-recognized institutions of higher education, joined in 1957 to form the University of Hartford. The university is an independent, co-educational, nonsectarian institution. The variety of programs attracts a diverse student body from the urban and general metropolitan area, from about three-fourths of the states of the Union, and, currently from over 60 foreign countries.

With over 7,000 students, the campus is large enough to achieve the goals of a university without becoming a massive, impersonal institution. Many opportunities for career preparation can be realized within the 86 undergraduate majors and 32 graduate programs offered by the University. All degree programs of the University of Hartford carry regional and state accreditation or licensure.

At the University of Hartford we provide a learning environment in which students may transform themselves intellectually, personally, and socially. We provide students with distinctive educational experiences that blend the feel of a small residential college with an array of academic programs and opportunities characteristic of a large university. Through relationships with faculty and staff dedicated to teaching, scholarship, research, the arts, and civic engagement, every student may prepare for a lifetime of learning and for personal and professional success.

 

Some Facts and Figures about the University of Hartford

Founded: 1877

Chartered: 1957

Location: West Hartford, Hartford, and Bloomfield, CT

Type: Independent, Nonsectarian, Coeducational

Bloomfield Avenue Campus Size: 340 acres

Asylum Avenue Campus: 13 acres

Full-Time Undergraduates: 4657

Part-Time Undergraduates: 935

Graduate Students: 1668

Total Students: 7260

States Represented: 47

Foreign Countries Represented: 60

Undergraduate Majors: 86

Graduate Programs: 32

Full-Time Faculty: 325

Part-Time Faculty: 428

Ratio of Full-Time Students to Full-Time Faculty: 14:1

Full-Time Faculty Holding Terminal Degrees in their Field: 82%

Students Volunteering Annually: approximately 1,300

Community Agencies and Organizations Assisted: 211

 

 

 

 

Student Support Services

The University of Hartford has made extensive efforts to provide you with excellent academic and program support. This section will provide a summary of the many support functions available. This list is far from complete and as you continue to explore the University environment you will come across many others. The staff of the International Center and the Office of Student Services are knowledgeable of the many academic and administrative functions that go into making a University run smoothly. If you need help, advice, referral, or just a friendly person to talk to, please do not hesitate to stop into these offices.

 

 

 

II  The International Center

The International Center has been established to assist all international students, exchange visitors, dependents, faculty, and guests of the University of Hartford community. The International Center's existence is indicative of the university's commitment to international education, exchange, and a multicultural campus environment. The mission of the International Center is to promote international education and understanding and to assist in the creation, maintenance, and enhancement of a diverse learning environment. We are committed to providing international dimensions to both the academic and personal aspects of the university experience.

Each year the International Center actively assists over 400 international students, scholars and guests from more than 60 countries. In addition, the Center's Study Abroad Office sends over 200 students each year to many of our more than 60 program offerings throughout the world. The Center actively supports the development of faculty and university exchange programs. It is through these endeavors that we hope to encourage and stimulate our campus community through the interaction between American students, faculty and staff and those of different cultures, histories, customs, and languages.

 

The International Center provides assistance in the following ways:

  • Personalized academic and non-academic counseling and referral services 

  • Liaison with the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service, the U.S. Department of State, embassies and consulates abroad, foreign governments, and international organizations

  • Current information regarding compliance with United States Department of Homeland Security requirements, including student and exchange visitor status, travel, employment regulations, and more

  • Study Abroad opportunities at over 60 universities, colleges and educational sites worldwide 

  • Orientation and departure programs for  international students and scholars and study abroad participants

  • Opportunities for student and exchange visitors to participate in a wide array of activities, including educational, cultural, social, and athletic

  • Creation, development and support for faculty and university exchange programs

 

The Mission of the International Center 

The mission of the International Center is to promote international education and understanding and to assist in the creation, maintenance, and enhancement of a diverse learning environment. We are committed to providing international dimensions to both the academic and personal aspects of the academic experience.

Our constituencies include

  • International students and exchange visitors
  • Students desiring an international experience
  •  Faculty and staff
  • The Greater Hartford community 

 

Visas and Immigration

The University has designated Mr. Richard Lazzerini, the Associate Director of the International Center and International Student Advisor as the University official responsible for communication with the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Naturalization (CIS), the U.S. State Department, the Department of Homeland Security and foreign embassies and consulates abroad on behalf of students and exchange visitors. He is also responsible for interpreting the immigration rules and regulations which are applicable to our international students and scholars.

 

Resources

The International Center has many useful resources which are available to international students and scholars, including information on Housing, travel, maintenance of student status, social security numbers, driver's license, purchasing automobiles, and on and off-campus employment options. In addition, the Center has gathered a great deal of information to help you in a variety of ways, including material on travel and recreation, insurance needs, where to eat, where to shop, and much more.

The Center also publishes a number of informational handbooks and brochures which include detailed information regarding F-1 and J-1 visa information and immigration regulations and requirements.

 

 Staff 

Catherine Stevenson, Director
Tel (860) 768 5100
E-Mail:
stevenson@hartford.edu

Richard Lazzerini, Associate Director & International Student Advisor
Tel: (860) 768-4873
E-Mail:
lazzerini@hartford.edu

Sarah Reuter, Study Abroad Administrator
Tel: (860) 768-4873
E-Mail:
reuter@hartford.edu

Hikmet Aslan, International Admissions Advisor
Tel: (860) 768-4872
E-Mail:
aslan@hartford.edu

Staff members are fluent in English, Turkish and Arabic

 

Location and Office hours

The International Center is located in the Gengras Student Union; room 327. The Center is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. International Center advisors are available to provide routine information to you on a walk-in basis. You may also make an appointment to speak with an advisor by either stopping by the Center's information desk or by calling (860) 768-4870.

You may also contact the International Center by fax at (860) 768-4726 or by E-mail:
lazzerini@hartford.edu

          Our mailing address is:

The University of Hartford
The International Center
Gengras Student Union, room 327
200 Bloomfield Ave.
West Hartford, CT 06117

 

 

 

III  Academics

 

Registration

To be officially enrolled in a program of study, a student must "register" for his or her coursework each semester. To register, a student must meet with a faculty advisor. Together, they will review the requirements of the student's program of study and select a course schedule for the semester.

Once a student's schedule has been authorized by an academic advisor, he or she will proceed to the Registrar's Office to complete the next step in the registration process (CC217). A Registrar's Office representative will enter your course selection to the University's student information system. You will receive a copy of your registration. You will then proceed to the Bursar's Office where you will make final arrangements for payment.

Students (those holding an F-1 visa) are advised that they must be registered on a full-time basis. Exchange Visitors (those holding a J-1 visa) must be enrolled in accordance with the program description on their DSP 2019 form.

 

Early Registration

Midway through each fall and spring semester, the University allows current students to register for the next semester before allowing new students to register. You should watch for Advance Registration information and follow those directions if you wish to register early for the next semester.

Of particular importance is the requirement that you consult with your academic advisor before each registration, to review your progress and make certain that the courses you wish to take meet the distribution requirements of your program and permit you to complete your studies without unnecessary delay. 

The Registrar's Office may permit students to register using a touch tone telephone. Using this method may reduce your need to wait in line at the Registrar's service counter. Consult the Schedule of Classes booklet for instructions and restrictions on the use of phone registration.

If you have any questions about the registration process, consult with your academic advisor and/or the Registrar's Office staff before advanced or final registration begins. The Schedule of Classes provides a concise description of the registration process and procedures.

 

Proof of Immunization  

The University of Hartford requires proof of all students' Measles, Mumps, and Rubella immunizations (MMR). If you have not already submitted these records to our Health Services Department located at the Sports Center, you must do so.  You may not attend classes until your records have been received and you have been cleared for attendance by Health Services.

If you cannot produce your health records verifying that you have the required immunizations, then you will be required to have them taken here in the U.S. either at our Health Services or an independent medical facility.

 

Tuition and Fee Assessment

After registering for classes each semester, you should go to the Bursar's Office and present your completed registration form to them. You should arrange for the payment of your tuition and fees and any other charges which may be applicable (i.e. housing or meals). You should also obtain your identification card validation sticker.

You are expected to have funds available to pay your bill when you are registering for classes. International "VISA," "Discover" and "MasterCard" (bank cards) are accepted by the University for payment of University charges (depending on normal authorization through the bank card system). Remember, payment of University tuition and fees is your responsibility. If you do not receive a bill, that is not a valid reason for not paying the charges. Late charges may be assessed, and cancellation of class registration is possible if the bill is not paid on time. Students can avoid extra costs and troubles by making certain that payment is received on time by the Bursar's Office. Be certain that you remember the final date by which all payments are required to be made to avoid being canceled from your classes or having a default charge added to your total bill.

If for any reason the bill cannot be paid promptly, you must request additional time from the Bursar's Office to make your payment. Depending on the circumstances, a new payment schedule can be arranged by the Bursar. If the funds have not arrived by the new payment date, you must return to the Bursar's Office to request more time to inquire of the authorities in your country concerning the delay. Default charges will be added to your total billing charge during the time the bill remains unpaid.

Many international students are privately sponsored by family and friends. Many are sponsored by other sources which may include their home government, an international agency, or a private scholarship foundation. It is the responsibility of the student to observe all the rules regarding any agreement that he or she has made concerning the payment of funds to the University (correct major, full-time enrollment, maintaining grades, sending appropriate reports, etc.). The University of Hartford has agreed to respect the agreement between the student and the sponsor by allowing the student to register for classes and having the charges (tuition, fees, housing, etc.), as stated in the authorization letter, sent to the sponsor.

In most cases, the University will receive payment from the sponsor within a short period. On occasion however, the University experiences unacceptable delays in receiving payment from a sponsor. Should such a delay require that the University restrict further registration, release of transcripts, or release of diploma, efforts will be made to inform the student of the restriction in advance. In the case of graduation, the diploma will not be released until all tuition, fees and any other financial obligations to the University have been paid by either the student or the student's sponsor. The agreement is between the student and the sponsor. The student has received the benefit of the education. Therefore, the student is ultimately responsible for making payment of any financial obligation which the sponsor fails to make.

All students should consult with the Bursar's Office regarding bills that are sent to their sponsors. The Bursar's Coordinator for Special Billing can be your ally in communicating to your sponsor. If there is an understandable delay in receiving payment, the coordinator may be able to release a Bursar's "hold" which restricts your registration for the next term. Consult with the coordinator each semester to avoid any surprise restrictions. To avoid complications visit the coordinator prior to Advance Registration, so that there will be enough time for any corrections to be made. Do not wait until the day of final registration to learn if your bill has been paid for the prior term! It is recommended that sponsored students consult with the coordinator prior to the beginning of each academic term to learn if the University has received payment from their sponsor and, if not, what special arrangements can be made to permit registration for the next term. To avoid the rush, do not wait until the beginning of Advance Registration or Final Registration to contact the coordinator.

 

University Identification Card (the HawkCard)

The Hawk Card is your University identification card.  It's your access to Residential Halls, the Library, the Sports Center and more. It's a way to pay for everything you need, on and off campus.  

As a form of payment, you can use the HawkCard to buy books and school supplies at the Campus Bookstore, at vending machines, copiers and to pay for laundry in the residence halls as well as at the E&R Laundry located in the Hog River Trading Post. The HawkCard, through its HawkCash account, is also accepted at the area's most popular off-campus businesses.

To receive your ID card you must be registered for your courses.  Following registration you should go to the HAWK ID Office located on the bottom floor of the Gengras Student Union.  Present your copy of your course registration with your university ID number.  A staff member will take your photo and prepare the ID card for you.  If your ID card is lost or stolen please report this to the Public Safety Office.  You may apply for a replacement ID card through the ID Office.

 

Glossary of Academic Terms

This page provides a list of commonly used academic terms found in this calendar. The definitions provided are intended to help readers understand the outlines of academic regulations and programs which follow.

 Academic Probation: Permission to continue registration, subject to meeting the terms required for returning to Good Standing.

Academic Semester: One of the two main enrollment periods in an academic year. At the University of Hartford, the academic year generally consists of a fourteen-week fall semester, a fourteen-week spring semester, and two six-week summer sessions.

Academic Suspension: Denial of all registration privileges for a specified period of time because of failure to meet academic standards.

Academic Year: The academic session that lasts from September through May.

Audit: Registration status of a student who attends class(s) with written permission of the course instructor. Students auditing a course will not write final examinations or receive a grade for the course.  Audit courses are not counted toward the full-time student status requirement for  international students.

CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average): An average calculated by dividing the total number of grade points obtained (credit hours x grade points) by the number of credit hours attempted during all academic sessions.

Corequisite: A course which must be taken at the same time as another course. 

Credit: The weight value assigned to a course. For example, a course that normally meets for 3 hours each week in one semester is worth 3 credits. Other courses may typically be worth between 1 and 4 credits and meet accordingly.

Drop/add, course: The process of adjusting a student's schedule by dropping or adding courses after initial registration. The deadlines for dropping or adding a course can be found in the academic course booklet.

CGPA: (Cumulative Grade Point Average): An average calculated by dividing the total number of grade points obtained (credit hours x grade points) by the number of credit hours attempted during all academic sessions.

Holds: (on student registration and records): Actions taken by University offices to restrict a student's registration ability or prevent the student from receiving a transcript or a diploma. Holds are usually placed for academic, financial, health, or conduct reasons.

Elective: A credit course which is outside of the specialization component of a program. 

Major: The discipline(s) or area of specialization selected to fulfill part of the requirements for all Arts and Science degrees.

Minor: A secondary discipline(s) or area of specialization selected to fulfill part of the requirements for most Arts, Commerce or Science degrees.

Prerequisite: A course or courses that must be completed before registration in another course is permitted. Note: Students must obtain a grade of at least C- in all courses used to fulfill prerequisite requirements. Otherwise written permission of the appropriate Department or Program Coordinator must be obtained.

Registration: The process of choosing, enrolling in and paying fees for courses taken in an academic session.

Transcript: An official document that lists the entire academic record of a student at an educational institution.

Transfer Credit: Credit granted to a degree and/or certificate program for work completed at another recognized institution. Transfer credits are not used in calculation of any Grade Point Average.

 

Plagiarism and Academic Honesty  

Plagiarism is the use of another's words or ideas without acknowledgment of their source. Although in some cultures incorporating the words of revered scholars is an important part of the style of academic writing, it is not acceptable in the United States; indeed, it is considered a serious offense. The consequences of proven or even suspected plagiarism can be severe (for example, a failing grade or expulsion from class or the university). Borrowed words and ideas must always be clearly documented. If you expect to experience writing difficulties, you should get help as soon as possible.

An important distinction exists between group work and individual work. In general, papers, homework assignments, quizzes, and tests should be done individually, and evidence (or even suspicion) of collaboration can result in a failing grade for the work or expulsion from the class or institution. Studying with others is a good idea, but before you collaborate with others on homework, papers, or tests, make sure the professor has specifically authorized such collaboration.

All students are expected to observe generally accepted principles of scholarly writing in all examinations, compositions, papers, essays, tests, quizzes, reports and dissertations whether written in the classroom or outside.  Sources of information used by a student in the preparation of work submitted as a basis for credit, or for a grade, or to satisfy graduate or undergraduate thesis requirements shall be clearly indicated in some conventional manner, such as by the use of quotation marks, footnotes, and bibliography.

Students are forbidden to submit as their own any project, paper, or creative work which is in whole or part the work of another.

The use of a term paper writing service, such services being prohibited by Connecticut law, is academically dishonest and violates rules of scholarship.

All examinations and quizzes are to be completed without reference to books or notes, except when the instructor of a course shall have given explicit authorization for an "open-book examination" or some other specified sort of assistance.  Except as authorized by the instructor, no student is to give or receive assistance in the completion of an examination or a quiz.

The Academic Honesty Statement, The “Source” and “Manual of Academic Policies and Procedures,” University of Hartford

 

Guidelines on Student Conduct  

In an effort to create an environment that is conducive to learning, the following guidelines are presented to make explicit expectations for students in its classes. 

 Classroom Conduct

Students are expected to:

1.   Follow the Academic Honesty Policy without fail.

2.   Respect differing views on campus and to engage in responsible discussion with others with whom you do not agree.

3.   Regularly attend classes and submit assignments on or before specified deadlines.

4.   Prepare for each class by completing reading assignments, homework and/or case preparation.

5.   Do not bring food and drink into the classroom unless instructor approval is given.

6.   Raise a hand if you wish to speak or be excused from the classroom.  Students are not permitted to get up and leave at will.

7.   Act in a reasonable manner in the classroom and halls so as not to disrupt others.

8.  Dispose of gum, trash and paper in designated receptacles.  Do not leave trash in the stairwells, classrooms, desktops or any other non-designated receptacle.

9.  See professors during their regularly scheduled office hours or by appointment.  Office hours are posted on each professor’s door.

10. Take exams when they are scheduled unless you have been excused on official university business, such as participation in athletic events, or medical emergency (notifying your professor prior to the exam).

11.  Immediately contact professors if you will miss or have missed a class or exam and also to make up what you have missed.

 

Student Misconduct

The Source also specifies the following acts as punishable misconduct and subject to Judicial Review.

1.     Damage, destruction or theft of University property

2.     Deliberate interference with any class or University function

3.     Refusal to vacate a building

4.     Tampering with fire alarms or fire-fighting equipment

5.     Possession or use of a dangerous article

6.     Illegal or unauthorized entry or presence in a facility

7.     Alcohol – no possession or use in class

8.     Noise and general disorderliness

9.     Providing false information to a University office

10.    Acting with violence

11.    Failure to respond to a reasonable request and to produce identification

12.    Possession, use or storage of drugs and drug paraphernalia

13.    Abuse of computer access – including copying software

   Visitors – you are responsible for the actions of your visitors

 

Methods of Instruction 

For each class you will likely be required to buy at least one textbook from which regularly assigned readings are given. Graduate classes often require several books. The instructor may also assign readings from other books in the library. Lectures will usually supplement these readings.

It is important to read all assigned materials and take careful notes on the lectures because examinations will be based on both. You are expected to attend all classes and laboratory sessions. Be sure that you are aware of the specific expectations for each of your classes.

 Most instruction is organized and conducted in one of three ways: lecture, laboratory, or seminar.  

  • Lecture: The lecture class is most frequently used at the undergraduate level, particularly for the first two years of study. Lectures are sometimes large and make discussion difficult. For this reason, a large lecture will often be supplemented with a recitation or laboratory period to permit discussion and/or scientific experimentation.

  • Laboratory: Often the lab is conducted by a TA who is a graduate student in the particular discipline. Students are encouraged and expected to ask questions either during the lecture period or during the recitation or laboratory period. If you wish to speak during the question period, feel free to raise your hand.

  • Seminar: This is the most common form of instruction at the graduate level. These classes are generally smaller, permitting opportunities for direct student participation and closer interaction with professors.

  • Exams: Exams usually fall into three categories: quizzes, midterms and finals. Most professors will announce the format of the exams and the material it is to cover during the first class meeting.

  • Quizzes: These are short tests covering the material currently being studied. The instructor may or may not notify you in advance. Midterm Exams: These are exams given approximately midway through the course of a class.

  • Final Exams: "Finals" are given at the end of the semester and may cover all the materials studied during the semester or only those covered since the midterm. The requirements for each class vary.

 

The University Grading System

Grade

Grade Points/Description

A

4.00

A-

3.67

B+

3.33

B

3.00

B-

2.67

C+

2.33

C

2.00

C-

1.67

D+

1.33

D

1.00

D-

0.67

F

0.00

P

Pass

NP

No Pass

NG

No Grade Issued

I

Incomplete

W

Withdrawal

NR

No Report from Instructor

V

Intra-University Transfer (course exempted from grade point average computation, regardless of grade assigned)

*

Repeat Course Indicator

 

The following numbers represent credits successfully completed and are inclusive (Ward requirements not included):

Freshmen:

0-23 credits

Sophmores:

24-53 credits

Juniors:

54-86 credits

Seniors:

87+ credits

 

 

 

IV  Housing Options

 

On-Campus Housing and Resources

International students coming to the University of Hartford have numerous options regarding their living accommodations. You may choose to live on campus in our residential housing, off-campus in an apartment, in a private home, or boarding room.  On-campus housing is available only to undergraduate students.  Housing is not available to graduate students and the University does not provide "family" housing.  

          On-Campus Residential Life

The residential living areas provide students with the opportunity to develop skill they can use throughout their lives, including the ability to resolve conflicts, make compromises, understand another person's point of view, take responsibility for community activities, and develop a community that is safe and secure for all its members. By living and working together, the residents give their living area a distinct personality through the activities they plan and the friendships they develop.

The complexes are made up of individual houses and are the University's most traditional style residence halls. Regents Park is a suite-style living facility. Each suite includes a living room and snack/dining area. The Village Apartments and Park River Apartments have been designed to provide campus housing for upper-class students who want the additional privacy and independence of apartment living and are willing to accept the responsibility of cooperative housekeeping.

Residential living is a major responsibility. For most students, sharing a room, suite, or apartment means sharing a living space with two to seven other people. Give yourself time to adapt to this new living arrangement. Room/suite/apartment mates must be willing to make compromises in order to live in a cooperative and courteous atmosphere. Residents should be accommodating and should respect the needs of others, yet be willing to stand up for their rights if any situation becomes intolerable.

 Housing Contracts

International students are strongly urged to read and understand the "Application for University Housing" and the "Housing contract." The contract is legally binding and ensures the rights and responsibilities of the student as well as the University. If you do not understand something in the agreement, refer your questions to a Residential Life staff member before it becomes a problem.

Housing during University Vacations

For certain periods, some on-campus housing units are closed. If you live on campus, ask your Resident Director, Resident Assistant, or other Residential Life staff person if such a closing will affect your unit. If the answer is "yes," you cannot live in your assigned space during this time. If you plan to be here during the closure time, you can ask friends who live in areas that will be open if you can stay with them (or use their space if they plan to be gone). On campus, the Village Apartments usually remain open. You can also ask friends living off campus. If you need help because none of your friends are able to invite you to stay in their place, or you cannot find alternative accommodations, inform the International Center of this situation as early as possible.

 Reserving Housing Assignments for the Next Year

Special attention should be given to notices posted during the year about the process and dates for reapplying for University housing for the next semester/year. This information is usually available during the Spring semester for the following Fall semester.

General Information About Phone Services and Features

 Campus telephone service is included at no additional cost in all UofH student residences. In each bedroom, there is one active telephone jack.      Each jack has its own number and may be called direct from anywhere.

Students wishing to use the telephone service need simply plug any standard "touch-tone" phone into the jack in the room. Be sure the phone is set for TONE because PULSE dialing is not supported.

 

1.  Off-campus service: Students who want to place local and toll-free calls to off-campus numbers can dial 9 plus the local or toll-free number. Long distance (toll) calls require the use of a calling or credit card. No billing service for direct-dialed toll calls is provided by the University.

  2. Collect and 900 Calls: Because of the uncertainties involved in charging the appropriate individual for collect calls in shared residences, collect calls to student phones are not allowed. Although most long-distance carriers participate in an arrangement that blocks such calls, a few carriers still send collect calls through. When this occurs, the University is billed for the call and then attempts to identify the student who accepted the call. An additional fee may be charged to the student. We strongly urge students not to accept any collect calls. Calls to 900 numbers are not permitted.

 3.  Advanced Features: Telephone features including speed dialing, on-campus call-forwarding, conference calling and call-waiting are available at no additional charge to all students who wish to learn how to use them and are willing to accept financial responsibility for unintended toll charges that can result when they put a long-distance call "on hold."

 4.  Caller ID: This service is not available on the UofH telephone system. In addition, outbound calls are identified with a generic University trunk number - not the originating extension number - on recipients' Caller ID displays and on collect call bills.

 5.  Answering Machines: Many answering machines are fully compatible with the UofH phone system. Some are not. We urge anyone buying a machine for use here to be sure that it can be returned if it proves incompatible.

 6.  Customer Service: The University's Telecommunications unit is on campus at extension 7999 and can be called from off-campus at (860)768-7999.

  

Computer Support and Services

Located in the Computer Center Building, room CC113, the Computer Support Center (CSC) is a free source for computer help provided by Information Technology Services (ITS), available to all currently registered students as well as faculty and staff.  Its intent is to be used as a resource to help those who wish to connect and use the University’s network and email system either from on campus or off.  Here, one can obtain E-mail Accounts, report problems with the university network, and have computer related questions answered. Students can call, email, or show up in person to make use of the services offered.  Some services require “in person” visits only.

Specifically, the CSC is available for helping those trying to connect to the University’s network from either on-campus or off-campus.  The CSC will also help with problems using, receiving, or sending University email, how to get a web site posted to the server, and help using the scanners provided in the CSC (at no cost). Laser and color printing are available for a fee.

Currently the CSC does not perform hardware repairs, hardware installations or upgrades, or install software programs. The CSC will assist students on network related issues. 

There is NO on-site service provided at any time from the staff at the CSC. The CSC staff uses phone, email, and personnel support from within their department. Students with network problems that cannot be resolved with a phone call may be asked to make an appointment to bring in their computer

In addition, color scanning and laser printing are available for student, faculty and staff use. Scanning is free though there is a charge for laser printing.

You may contact ITS at ITS@hartford.edu

 

Off-Campus Housing, Leases and Resources  

The decision on where you will live is yours.  Arrangements for either on or off-campus housing are your responsibility. If you wish to live off-campus, please be sure that you have the necessary financial funds available to cover your initial expenses which typically will be: 2 months advance rent, telephone installation charges, cable TV hookup, electricity hookup, cooking utensils, bed, and other personal items. 

Considering your housing needs

Careful evaluation of your housing needs and options is a vital part of the housing search process. Choosing the right option to meet your financial, geographic, and personal needs can lead to a rewarding experience. However, overlooking even one detail in your search can result in a lease-long inconvenience or uncomfortable personality conflicts. Nobody wants to make the mistake of spending a lot of money in vain. It is helpful to start with some initial guidelines; however, be prepared to reevaluate your choices as you encounter the housing market. Consider the following choices in your initial evaluation:

1.    What rental price range fits your current and future budget? Have you considered the cost of utilities in your estimate?

2.    How close do you prefer to live to school/job? Have you considered a location close to public transportation?

3.    Have you considered transportation costs in your initial budget?

4.    Is privacy a primary concern or do you prefer to share a living arrangement and costs?

5.    What are your working habits and class schedule? Late? Early?

6.    Do you want access to a kitchen? Is there a washer and dryer available to you?

7.    Do you prefer a furnished arrangement?

8.    How important is security to you?

9.    Are amenities such as a swimming pool, tennis courts, exercise facilities, or balconies important to you?

10.  What type of accommodation best suits your needs? A room in a private home, one-bedroom apartment or a shared apartment?

11.  Is the option to have pets important to you?

12.  How long do you need housing? What do you know about a lease?

 

Inspecting a Potential Property

After visiting a number of properties, you will find that the details can become a blur; however, these details can be very important in making your decision. Write down distinctive features that will help you recall a particular property. Pay particular attention to safety and maintenance features. The following list includes some features you might want to consider in your inspection of the properties:

 

1.  Is the area safe? Visit the neighborhood with a friend at night to get a feel for the area. Check for security features such as a dead-bolt lock, locking windows, and sliding glass doors. Check for fire safety features such as accessible exits, fire escapes, and working smoke detectors.

2.  If renting a house or townhouse, check the basement for water damage. Notice the heating/air-conditioning unit and the size of the hot water tank (especially when sharing the property with others. Cold showers are unpleasant in the winter!).

3.  Check the plumbing - run the water in the sinks, tubs, and showers while observing the flow of the drainage. Notice any faucet drips and leaking pipes. Run the garbage disposal.

4.  Make sure appliances are in good working order and that they have the necessary accessories such as a broiler pan for the oven. Turn on all stove burners and the oven. Check the refrigerator and make sure it is cold.

5.   How thin or thick are the walls? Can you hear the neighbors? Can they hear you?

6.   Observe electrical fixtures and receptacles. Also check for visible loose or frayed wires.

7.   Do you observe any bug or rodent infestations? Check the cabinets, under the sinks, and in closets.

8.   Look at how the premises have been kept up thus far. This can be an indicator of what to expect for the future.

9.   Talk to neighbors or other tenants and ask them their opinion of the neighborhood, property, and landlord.

10.  Does the property have its own washer and dryer in the unit or on the premises? If not, how far away is the nearest laundry facility?

  

Deposits and Utilities

Deposits and utilities are factors sometimes overlooked by the first time housing shopper and can put a dent in your budget for the first few months. When working with an apartment complex, realtor, or even a private landlord, you may be required to leave a security deposit of no more than two-months rent, and/or a cleaning fee. This deposit plus interest will be returned to you upon completion of the lease agreements. Be aware that the landlord can deduct money from the return deposit based on the damage to the property and/or unreasonable wear and tear. In addition to the rental security deposit, you may be required to pay a deposit on your utility services. These deposits are usually returned with interest after one full year of good credit with the utility company.

Utilities are something to always keep in mind when selecting a living arrangement. Certain apartment complexes and landlords will include the cost of all utilities in the rent. Some apartment complexes will include charges for gas, water, and trash pickup in the rent and leave electricity and telephone expenses to you. Be sure to clarify these items before signing a lease agreement.

If you have no previous credit with local water, telephone, electricity, and waste management companies, you can expect to pay at least $300 or more for initial deposits and service fees per apartment, house, or townhouse. These fees combined with rental deposits can add up to a hefty sum and should be calculated into your initial budget.

You should consult the apartment complex, realtor, landlord, or utility company about the average cost of utilities for your new home. Take this information into consideration when choosing the right option for you.

Clauses to Look for in a Lease Agreement: the following are suggested items to look for when reading through a lease. Remember, a rental agreement lease is legally binding!

     1.   Specific dates of occupancy.

2.   Amount of monthly rent and date it is due each month.

3.   Amount of security deposit.

4.   Responsibility of payment of utilities.

5.   Responsibility for general maintenance and repairs.

6.   Sublease: If you sign a 12-month lease but think you may need the dwelling for a shorter period of time, make certain the lease allows you to  sublease (rent your dwelling to another person who will assume the remainder of your lease).

7.   Whether or not pets are allowed.

8.   Automatic renewal of your lease agreement.

  

All the above matters should be discussed in advance.  Be sure to get professional advice or advice from friends who may have familiarity with leases and contracts.   Once the contract is signed, it becomes binding.  It cannot be canceled and the terms cannot be changed without great legal difficulty.  Furthermore, you'll have no opportunity for further negotiation. Please remember, the International Cent