Parents

Dear Parent,

Greetings from DePauw University!  Your daughter or son is about to embark on a life-changing experience.  We know that this is a time of excitement and anticipation for not only your student but also for you.  International students have a unique set of needs.  The Office of International Education & Off-Campus Study is here to not only welcome international students but also to provide the special assistance that they require.

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL & EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION (CIEE)
The Center for International & Experiential Education facilitates, supports, and encourages the internationalization of the DePauw community.  All students have an extraordinary array of choices for off-campus study and are provided with individualized off-campus study-advising.  International students, faculty and staff receive support and guidance in immigration issues, academic, personal and cultural adjustment to the United States and DePauw.  Some of the programs that are available for international students include an American Thanksgiving dinner, tax preparation assistance, job search workshop and more.  The DePauw and Greencastle communities benefit by receiving cultural programming.

HEALTH CONCERNS
DePauw University seeks to encourage and sustain an academic environment that both respects individual freedom and promotes the health, safety and welfare of all members of the community.  Through the Wellness Center, students have access to health and mental health services.  Health Services provides routine check-ups, some laboratory work and medical testing.  Counseling Services provides assistance with issues such as stress, anxiety, culture shock, and relationship issues.  Because students pay the health services fee each semester, routine services are provided free of charge.  For more information, please visit the Wellness Center website

STUDENT FEES
Deadlines
School fees are due by September 1 for Fall semester and February 1 for Spring semester. Please remember that DePauw University does not accept credit cards for payment of fees.

It is very important that your student brings sufficient funds to cover the cost of his/her stay in the United States.  Unless arrangements are made in advance through the Financial Aid Office, the entire balance is due at these times.  All remaining balances will be assessed a one percent deferred payment charge.

DePauw Deferred Payment Plan
If you wish to pay your student’s balance for the semester over four payments instead of one lump sum, please contact Cash Receipts Office (cashreceipts@depauw.edu) to learn more about this option.  You must register for this option prior to July 31.

Nonresident Alien Taxes
All scholarships above tuition and fees are taxable by the U.S. government at 14 percent.  If your student has an applicable scholarship, he or she will receive tax charges on their student account each semester.  Many international students need to file an income tax return to reclaim some of this tax from scholarships and/or on-campus employment.  Regardless of employment or applicable scholarship, all international students are required to file an annual U.S. tax return.  The Office of International Education & Off-Campus Study provides an annual workshop to assist international students with this sometimes complicated matter. 

INSURANCE
Health Insurance
DePauw operates a Wellness Center which provides routine physical and mental healthcare and information to students.  The treatment available at the Wellness Center is limited and the cost of treatment for any major injury or illness must be paid by the student; therefore medical insurance is required by DePauw.

Medical costs in the U.S. are high and continue to rise.  DePauw provides coverage for international students that protects them anywhere in the world except in their home countries; it also provides prescription reimbursement and maternity coverage. This policy is through the Lewer Agency, Inc and meets the J-1 insurance requirements.  Insurance will be automatically charged to your student’s account at the beginning of each semester.  The approximate cost is $1002 for the entire year.

This coverage includes: 

  • Is valid in the United States
  • Is in effect throughout the entire year
  • Has a minimum dollar coverage of $50,000 per illness or injury
  • Includes maternity
  • Includes hospitalization
  • Includes outpatient care (doctor visit, outpatient surgery, etc.)
  • Unlimited benefit through Assist America, and $25,000 under terms of Policy for repatriation of remains
  • Unlimited benefit through Assist America, and $50,000 under terms of Policy for medical evacuation to home country
  • Includes a deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
  • Indicates covered services as well as excluded services
  • Provides information on how to reach the insurance company in case of emergency (address and telephone number)

Students are highly encouraged to participate in the University-provided insurance policy.  However, if your student has his/her own medical coverage that meets the University’s requirements, a copy of this policy must be submitted, in English, by July 1 st.  No alternative policies will be accepted after this date. 

Personal Property
The University will not be liable for loss or damage to personal property of students. Students are urged to secure insurance for such property. This may be covered under a parent or guardian's homeowners’ insurance plan but this depends on your home country’s insurance policies.  Please check with your insurance company regarding coverage.  National Student Services, Inc. and other companies specialize in student property insurance in the United States.

OFFICIAL LETTERS
Visa Applications
If you will be visiting your son or daughter at DePauw and you need a letter of support for the visa application, please ask your student to contact the international student adviser and provide the following information:  parent’s dates of visit, name as it appears on the passport, date of birth, place of birth, passport number and country of citizenship.  Please also provide information as to how this trip will be funded.

Verifications
For insurance, taxes, loans, and other reasons, many parents need verification letters, confirming their student’s enrollment at DePauw.  We are happy to provide verification letters.  Please ask your student to contact us and provide us with any specific details that must be included.  This letter will be released to your student so that they can send it to you in the most appropriate manner. 

EMERGENCIES
If there is an emergency at home and you cannot reach your son or daughter, please contact the staff at the Office of International Education & Off-Campus Study for assistance at 1-765-438-4355.  If you cannot reach a staff member at this number or if it is outside of normal business hours, please contact the Office of Public Safety at 1-765-658-4261.  The Office of Public Safety can contact the appropriate individual to assist with the emergency.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR
All academic calendars can be found on the Registrar's website.

VISITING CAMPUS
We hope that you will have the opportunity to visit campus sometime during your son or daughter’s academic experience at DePauw.  Please visit our office if you are on campus; we would like to meet you!
Here is some useful information that can help you plan your visit:

  • The closest airport is the Indianapolis International Airport (IND).
  • The Greyhound Bus stops in Crawfordsville and Indianapolis.
  • Amtrak services Indianapolis and Crawfordsville.
  • Castle Cab is located in Greencastle.  Its number is 1.765.653.8294.  A taxi ride to and from the Indianapolis International Airport is approximately $80.  These prices do not include tip.  Advance reservations are required.
  • There are two hotels located on or very near campus.  For information on these and other housing options, please visit DePauw’s local lodging information page.

CULTURAL ISSUES
Cultural Adjustment
During your student’s first few weeks much will be happening to and around your son or daughter as he/she adjusts and acclimates himself/ herself to the activities, customs, food, language, and climate of DePauw University and the United States.  Most people experience some sort of “culture shock” when they enter a new society.  This is normal, but it is important to understand the process that your son or daughter will go through as he/she adjusts to life at DePauw.  Many students develop feelings of homesickness and depression, especially at the beginning of school, breaks and holidays.  You may receive more phone calls, emails or letters during these times.  Some students begin to feel negative and disheartened during these times; remember that this is normal.  Do not be discouraged.  Encourage your student to be patient and flexible.  If the period of discontentment lingers, however, please ask your student to talk with a staff member at the Office of International Education & Off-Campus Study or Counseling Services.

There is detailed information about cultural adjustment in the International Student Handbook that your student received; this handbook is also downloadable from this website.  The more you and your student are prepared for the changes and the challenges ahead, the less severe the “shocks” will be for both of you.

DePauw University's Relationship with your Student
Because of federal privacy laws (FERPA) and the philosophy that the student is now an adult, there is very limited that can be released to parents. We cannot release information about grades, relationship issues or other personal issues. This may be a great change as you have been actively involved in your student's life for many years.

The DePauw University Parent Handbook, FERPA for Parents, and other useful information is provided on the University's parent webpage. Please take some time to read through this important information.