Student Services
Immigration Services Issues related to compliance with U.S. Immigration laws for F-1 International Students and his or her dependents are being undertaken by the Immigration Services of the Office of the Registrar. For Immigration Services assistance, please contact (562) 777-4007. International Student Services The department of International Student Services (ISS) exists to serve, educate and empower global students toward whole-person, cross-cultural development. Our enduring vision is to see global students thrive in a globally-minded community at Biola University. Over 380 students (~7% of the Biola student population) do not speak English as their first language and are citizens of countries other than the United States. These students come here to study from over 40 different countries, and each one is a distinct and valuable gift to our community. The diversity that comes from their experiences enhances our environment of faith and learning. Their presence and scholarly contribution will assist the University in attaining its pursuit of becoming a recognized global center for Christian thought. Our department works in partnership with other departments and volunteers from the surrounding community to offer the following primary services for our international students: • Cultural adjustment, transition, and acclimatization • Immigration and employment compliance • Financial counseling • Academic advice and referrals to appropriate departments • Counseling on international student challenges We have the following programs in place to accomplish our service objectives: • International Student Association/International Graduate Student Association • Prayer and fellowship community • Cultural friendship partners and host homes • 4-day New International Student Orientation – Fall Semester • University-wide training in intercultural issues • Council retreats, association retreats, outreach retreats • Tax workshops/counseling • Holiday celebrations and home-stays • International student mentor groups • Global leadership development, community development, social justice, and ministry • Co-curricular cultural exchanges and education • Advocacy and representation for student issues The ISS Department works with international/ global students to provide a rich, diverse array of life experiences and co-curricular education for the Biola international student and community. We seek to partner closely with many of the departments/ divisions on campus, as well as churches, organizations,
Health Center’s services. Insurance fees for spouses and children are also available online. Health Requirements Undergraduates: An entrance physical exam is required for all undergraduate students who enroll in seven credits or more, or if living arrangements are in housing with a residence life program. The physical exam must be completed by a physician, N.P. or P.A. using the standardized Student Health Center physical exam form. Submit the completed form to the Health Center. Non-Resident Graduates: A completed Student Health History, immunization record and current TB test (within one year), are required for all non-resident graduate students who enroll for seven or more credits. Submit the completed forms to the Health Center. Resident Graduates: A physical exam using the standardized Student Health Center form is required for all resident graduate students with living arrangements in housing with a residence life program. Submit the completed form to the Health Center. Any of the above forms are available through the Admissions Department, the Student Health Center or download from the Health Center website: biola.edu/ healthcenter. Completed forms may be faxed to the Health Center at (562) 906-4512. Please check with the Health Center staff for assistance or other specific information (562) 903-4841. Campus Safety Campus Safety is responsible for law enforcement, public safety, and emergency response at Biola University. Trained officers are on duty 24 hours a day. The Campus Safety Department offers many services to promote safety and security such as a safety escorts; rape and aggression prevention training; bicycle registration; vehicle registration for on campus parking; traffic control; building security; lost and found services; and assistance in medical emergencies. The University has a robust disaster preparedness plan. The department operates gatehouses at the La Mirada Boulevard and Biola Avenue entrances to campus that provide one day permits, maps, and driving directions, as well as controlling nighttime access to campus. The University switchboard is run by the department’s Communications Center which operates 24 hours a day, and also coordinates the University’s mass notification system (Everbridge). Recognizing that a Christian university is not exempt from crime, students are asked to use common sense and caution in every aspect of their activities. The University’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (which includes crime statistics for the previous three years for all of Biola’s campuses) is available on the Campus Safety website, or will be provided upon request at the Campus Safety office. Please refer to the Campus Safety website: biola.edu/ campus_safety for further information or call the Campus Safety Administrative Office at (562) 903-4877.
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