Michaels University (Jenna DiCicco I-Plan)

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Dear Future Mountain Lion,

As the President of Michaels University, I am proud and overjoyed to congratulate you on your acceptance to this outstanding institution. The journey you are about to embark on as a new Mountain Lion will positively change your life and help you reach your full potential as a scholar, a citizen, and a successful member of society. I sincerely hope that you choose to attend Michaels University and join our community of curious scholars, global citizens, and healthy individuals. As a student at Michaels University, it is my ultimate goal to help YOU reach YOUR life goals. I pledge to you that you will find the opportunities, assistance, resources, and educational experiences here that will help you become the best version of yourself. Our University is committed is to your success. You will soon realize that MU is not just a place; it is a state of mind and an unbreakable spirit. I truly believe there is no other place on earth like MU. The endless opportunities and variety of experiences you will engage in at MU will make sure that you are forever a Mountain Lion. This First-Year Student Handbook is your personal, comprehensive, step-by-step guide to everything you need to know or do before arriving on campus in the fall. Please use this as a resource for answering your questions and handling business items as a new student at MU. Go Mountain Lions!

Jillian Michaels President and Founder, Michaels University

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What It Means to Be a Mountain Lion Mission Statement………………………………………………………………………………4 Learning Outcomes……………………………………………………………………………..5 Academics Choosing a Major……………………………………………………………………………….6 List of Majors……………………………………………………………………………………..7 Liberal Curriculum & General Education Curriculum ………………………….8 Academic Advising Preparation Sheet………………………………………………..9 Office of First Year Programs About OFYP……………………………………………………………….………………………11 New Student Orientation…………………………………………………………………..12 NSO Sample Schedule……………………………………………………………………....14 International Student Experience………………………………………………………16 First Year Experience…………………………………………………………………………18 Residence Life About Residence Life………………………………………………………………………..20 On-Campus Living Options………………..……………………………………………..21 Campus Dining About Campus Dining……………………………………………………………………….22 Where to Eat On Campus…………………………………………………………………23 More About MU Top 5 Reasons You Should Be a Mountain Lion………………………………..24 FAQ’s……………………………………………………………………………………………….25 First-Year Student Checklist……………………………………………………………..26

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MISSION STATEMENT

Michaels University is a private, four-year baccalaureate institution committed to an educational philosophy of transformative learning, liberal education, and continuous development of the mind and body. We strive to uphold a passion for lifelong learning, service to benefit others, and an unshaken focus on building a community of curious scholars, global citizens, and healthy individuals who spread their knowledge and excellence to the world around them.

THE MOUNTAIN LION WAY

A Michaels University student… o Explores the possibilities o Serves others o Is a responsible and active member of the community o Is dedicated to living a healthy, balanced life o Engages in new opportunities for the sake of curiosity and growth o Is driven, creative, and active o Spreads his or her passion for wellness to the world o Pursues and produces excellence o Continues the quest for learning throughout his or her lifetime

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Social Responsibility

Identity and Self-Awareness

Application of the Creative and Innovative Mind2

Intellectual Development

Be a responsible and active

member of the community.

Understand, cooperate

with, accept, and

respect diverse others.

Understand the relationships and

connections of the world.

Learn and share the knowledge of

the world.

Develop a commitment to

lifelong learning.

Achieve self-discovery.

Explore and/or discover life aspirations.

Value and practice healthy behaviors for optimum

personal health and wellness.

Think rationally and

critically by integrating knowledge

from different sources.

Appreciate creative and symbolic expression.

Apply learning to real life issues.

The MU experience is focused on educational outcomes, meaning all elements of an MU education contribute to the achievement of our liberal learning outcomes. Every piece of the

student experience is an exercise in understanding and applying how your coursework applies to the real world and your future career.

It is great to be book smart, but we want our graduates to be real-world smart. MU’s learning outcomes give students the foundation to think, act, and respond to situations responsibly.1

As a graduate of Michaels University, you will possess the passion, knowledge, and ability to cultivate:

A sense of Social Responsibility

Your personal Identity and Self-Awareness

Intellectual Development of the mind and spirit

Skills in Applying Your Creative and Innovative Mind

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For some students, choosing a major is simple. Since they got their first microscope, they knew they were more interested in science. That’s not true for everybody, and that’s okay. About one-third of all first-year students are undecided when they show up on campus. Plenty of successful and happy graduates had no idea what they wanted to do when they began their first semester. Choosing your major is important though, and MU requires you to choose one by the beginning of your fourth semester. Some majors specify that you begin required course work as early as the second semester of your first year. If you wait too long, you may need more than four years to graduate. Choosing a major We want to help you make a thoughtful decision about a major and that’s why we’ve lined up so many resources for you in this book and on our website, www.michaels.edu/academics. What if I already know my major? Great. Now take some time to reflect on how you decided on your major. Use the resources here and on the MU website to confirm your choice. What if I don’t know which major to select? That’s okay! Use the resources here and on the Web to jump-start your thinking. In the meantime you can select Undecided until you make a choice. However, you must begin some majors in your first year if you plan to graduate in four years. Here’s how to begin thinking about majors: 1. Consider the following questions:

• What interests you? • What are your values? • What have you always aspired to do? • What are you good at doing? • What topics do you like and not like? • What volunteer work have you enjoyed? • What careers have caught your attention?

What will my major prepare me to do? Check out the list of majors on the next page of this book. Visit the MU website and you’ll find a plethora of major and career information. Does it matter what major I choose? Yes. Your academic advisor will be assigned to you according to the major you select for New Student Orientation and, in some cases, you will be pre-registered for one or two classes based on that choice. What if I can’t choose? Select Undecided, and you will be assigned to an academic advisor who is trained to help students with the decision-making process. You have until the spring of your sophomore year to choose a major. What are progression standards and which majors have them? Students may take lower-level courses in many majors, but may need to meet additional standards before being fully admitted to the major. See the “Academic Qualifications” section of the academic majors website to find out if the major(s) you are interested in has additional requirements. When and where do I declare my major? When you make your reservation for New Student Orientation you will select your major (and pre-professional program, if necessary). Is there help along the way? You will meet with your academic advisor at New Student Orientation. He or she will guide you as you finalize your fall course schedule. Your advisor will also help you with any academic

problems that come up during your time at MU. 3

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College of Business Accounting Business Administration Finance Sports Administration College of Arts & Sciences Art Art History Anthropology Biology

Pre-Professional Chemistry

Pre-Professional Chemistry–Biology Dual Major Communications

Public Relations/Media Writing Computer Information Systems Earth Science Education

Biology Certification Elementary Certification English Certification General Science Certification Physical Education, Health & Wellness Certification Social Studies Certification

English History Interior Design Mathematics Political Science (including Pre-Law) Psychology Public Policy

College of Health Sciences Athletic Training Dietetics Gerontology Health Sciences Nursing Nutrition Kinesiology Pre-Physician Assistant Pre-Physical Therapy Pre-Pharmacy (Biology/Chemistry) Radiologic Science Other Programs Global Citizenship Certification Program Historic Preservation Certificate Individualized Major Undecided Major — Discovery Program Military Science Program (ROTC) Music

Band Choir

Minors Art Applied Leadership Studies Biology Business (Business Administration) Communications Chemistry English Music Psychology Sports Administration 4

Now that you have been accepted to MU, it is time to select an academic program of study. With over 40 majors and specializations, you are guaranteed to find a topic that interests you. For more information and detailed descriptions of each major, please visit www.michaels.edu/academics.

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Language: The Crucial Connection 6 courses

Foreign Language (3) English writing (2) English Literature (1)

Science: The Natural World 8 courses

Must complete 3 classes from these choices:

o Biology o Chemistry o Astronomy o Physics o Geology o Scientific

Technology Health, nutrition, food

science, or kinesiology (3)

Math (2)

Art: The Aesthetic Dimension 2 courses

Art (1) Music, Media, or Film

(1)

Heritage: The Living Past 3 courses

American history (1) History of other

nations or cultures (1)

History of a specific era or event (1)

Identity: The Search for Meaning 5 courses

Philosophy (1) Ethics (1) Physical Education (3

courses, 1 credit hour each)

Institutions: The Social Web 3 courses

US Government (1) Sociology or

Psychology (1) Religious, cultural, or

geography studies (1)

Work: The Value of Vocation At least 45 credit

hours must be from your chosen major

For-credit internship experience can count for up to 10 credit hours

MU students benefit from a nationally recognized, well-rounded liberal education. One component of the liberal education is the General Education Curriculum (GEC), adapted from Boyer’s Integrated Core approach to General Education.

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credit hours (27 individual courses) spread across six discipline themes. MU’s liberal education also includes 45 credit hours of coursework in the student’s major. The wide array of coursework and exposure to a variety of educational topics produces MU graduates who are active citizens and apply their knowledge and experience to real world problems throughout their entire lifetime.

All first-year students are automatically enrolled in a First-Year Survey course in their first semester. The course fulfills a one-credit hour requirement for graduation, and it is facilitated by each student’s academic advisor. Students in the survey course will experience a smooth transition to the University through exploring their academic degree requirements, career options, and campus resources in a small, interactive class environment.

The table below breaks down the seven themes in MU’s liberal education. For a complete list of course offerings and detailed descriptions of courses, please visit www.michaels.edu/gec. Use the chart below and course descriptions on the MU website to select some possible courses before you attend New Student Orientation.

HIST 217: History of the American Diet

Courses available in painting, sculpting, and graphic design, and more!

PSYC 350: Intersections of Mental and Physical Health

HLTH 305: Contemporary Issues in American Health

CULT 115: Intro to the Buddhist Lifestyle

CULT 250: Issues in International Hunger

Courses available in evolution, ecology, microbiology, and more!

NUTR 260: Nutrition Across the Lifespan

FOOD 204: Food Science Seminar: Building Environmentally Sustainable Meals

More than 30 courses available in flag football, rock climbing, soccer, badminton, jogging, sports for students with disabilities, swimming, social dance, weight lifting, yoga, archery, and many more!

ETHC 351: Contemporary Ethical Issues

Check out some of MU’s most unique courses in the bubbles below!

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In order to prepare for your advising meeting at New Student Orientation, please respond to the following questions as

honestly as possible. This will inform your conversation with the advisor who will assist you with the class scheduling process. This is your first “homework” assignment of the semester. Please tear out and COMPLETE this form

and BRING IT WITH YOU to New Student Orientation. 6

NAME: _____________________________ Student ID#: ____________________ CELL PHONE #: _______________________ (be sure to enter your cell number in your online Student Center)

Specialized Activities? (check all that apply) The following organizations require their students to enroll in special classes reserved for the

members of that community or organization.

Athletics (NCAA/Varsity/Club sports team)

Band or Orchestra or Choir

Living-Learning Community: [insert program name here:

ROTC

Other specialized program: [insert name here:

Do you intend to work while in school? YES NO UNSURE If yes, how many hours per week? ________ There are studies showing that students who work no more than 10 hours per week get better grades than those who don’t work at all.

At this time, what majors or subjects at MU interest you? Nationally, approximately 60% of college students will change their major at least once. Take a look at ALL of our degree programs at www.michaels.edu/academics. List the majors or subjects that interest you the most:

Please check any of the following concerns you might have about coming to college: Your advisor can help identify resources that

might help you with these “transition” issues.

Getting Good Grades Getting Along With My Roommate

Staying Healthy Finding Tutoring Services

Managing My Time Well Safety Issues

Deciding on a Major Working While in School

Making New Friends Homesickness

Getting Involved on Campus Other:

Foreign Language: Did you complete at least two years of one foreign language in high school? YES NO

Language taken: _________________________ # of Years ____

Advanced Placement (AP): Did you take any advanced placement tests?

YES NO Subjects: _________________________

Credit for college courses:

Do you have credit for college courses from any college?

YES NO If yes, subjects/classes taken: ________________________________________________ If you have taken college-level classes, please be sure to have an OFFICIAL transcript sent to MU directly from that college.

COURSE SELECTION Information about academic policies, majors, and course descriptions can be found in the online Catalog – www.michaels.edu/policy

General English Writing Course: Based on your placement test score, you will either take English 100 (5 credit hours) or English

110 (3 credit hours) in the fall term. If you placed into English 111, you will take that in SPRING semester. If you have completed the placement exam, you will receive the placement score at your advising session.

DO YOU HAVE A LAPTOP? YES NO (many sections of English courses require students to bring a laptop to class)

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Math Course: Students will be placed into math courses based on ACT scores and high school grades. Advisors will use this

information to recommend appropriate math courses.

General Education Courses: Typically, the first semester is a combination of General Education Curriculum (GEC) courses, one

or two introductory courses for the major, plus English composition and/or math. During New Student Orientation, students will be

given information about these requirements, but students are encouraged to review the material (www.michaels.edu/academics) prior

to their orientation visit.

List on the chart below various courses that sound interesting to you, or that you believe you may need to take based on majors (if

any) you are considering. A typical first semester is 14-16 credit hours.

Language: The Crucial Connection Art: The Aesthetic Dimension Heritage: The Living Past

Institutions: The Social Web Science: The Natural World Identity: The Search for Meaning

CIRCLE TWO OR THREE OF THE COURSES ABOVE THAT MOST INTEREST YOU

Which First Year Experience option would you like to complete? (See page 18-19 of the First-Year Student Handbook or visit www.michaels.edu/fye for more information.)

List below any questions you would like to have addressed during your advising appointment. Reminder: Family members do not attend the academic advising and class registration sessions during the NSO Program.

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It’s all about the first year.

This is our belief in the Office of First Year Programs. MU places special emphasis on your first year on campus. Through research and our own experience, we know that foundations built during this year are the key to your success. First year programs are designed to help you get comfortable on campus, connect with

the university, and start to think of Michaels University as home.

Here at MU, the first-year student experience includes three vital steps: New Student Orientation, First Year Experience, and Second Year Skills. The next few pages of this handbook will introduce these experiences so

you can properly plan out your first year at MU!

Take a look around. Get involved. Ask questions. And have a great first year! 7

New Student Orientation (NSO) This is the first step of your experience as a first-year Mountain Lion. At NSO, you will spend two days on campus to meet current and incoming students, learn the specifics of your academic degree program, register for your first semester of courses, learn to navigate campus, be introduced to MU staff, faculty, and resources, and start to feel at home at MU.

NSO takes place in July or August before your first year. Registration is currently open for 2013 dates. Please see page 12 of this handbook or visit www.michaels.edu/nso for registration information.

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First Year Survey course (FYS) All first-year students are automatically enrolled in a First-Year Survey course in their first semester. The course fulfills a one-credit hour requirement for graduation, and it is facilitated by each student’s academic advisor. Students in the survey course will experience a smooth transition to the University by exploring their academic degree requirements, career options, and campus resources in a

small, interactive class environment. 18

First Year Experience (FYE) This is the second step of your first-year at MU. FYE is a required experience for all first-year Mountain Lions, and you have many options of educational and rewarding experiences to choose from. You will receive three credit-hours toward graduation

requirements at completion of the FYE program. 18

Your FYE options include:

Living-Learning Community

First-Year Seminar Course

Service-Learning Course

Mountain Lion Camp

Joey Clark III Diversity Scholarship Program See pages 18-19 of this handbook or visit www.michaels/edu/fye for more details.

Second Year Skills (SYS) This is the third and final step of your first-year student experience. The SYS is a strongly encouraged experience for all rising second-year students. You will have the opportunity to pursue a more advanced role with any of the FYE options for your second year, including but not limited to:

Living-Learning Community Leader

Peer Mentor in your academic college

Advanced Service-Learning Course

Mountain Lion Camp Facilitator

Student Coordinator in the Joey Clark III Diversity Scholarship Program

First-Year Student Mentoring Program

Sophomore Class Honorary

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The dates marked on the calendars above are the available dates for NSO 2013. Please note that NSO is a 2-day experience. Please plan accordingly to stay for the entirety of your NSO program.

Dates marked in green are for students in Living-Learning Communities only. If you are in a Living-Learning Community you must choose one of these dates to attend NSO.

Dates marked in yellow are open to any incoming students.

Please visit www.michaels.edu/nso for more details and to register for your NSO date!

New Student Orientation is designed to introduce new Michaels University students to the academic and co-curricular resources, services and programs vital to their successful transition to the campus community. In collaboration with many campus offices, the NSO program strives to provide a structured and holistic introduction to the collegiate environment for both students and their families. Through programs offered, new students and their families will be informed about educational and

experiential opportunities and responsibilities in and outside of the classroom.8

NSO Goals: Acquaint new students and their families with the mission, programs and

services of the University.

Familiarize students and their families with academic, co-curricular and experiential learning opportunities.

Provide students and their families the opportunity to interact with other students, faculty and staff.

Enhance students’ understanding of strategies for success and begin to understand their own potential and challenges.

Inform students about the importance of being actively engaged on campus.

Learning Outcomes for Students: It is our hope that after participating in our New Student Orientation program, new students will: Gain insight and appreciation of:

Differences between high school and college academic learning

Campus resources, services and programs available to support student success Transitional and acclimation issues students may encounter and how to employ

strategies to manage these transitions Successfully complete:

Academic advising and course registration

Obtain Student ID Card Begin to understand:

Liberal Education and curriculum

Terminology and language used at Michaels University

The importance of managing and living a well-balanced academic and personal lifestyle

Learning Outcomes for Families: It is our hope that after participating in our New Student Orientation program, new families and guests will: Gain insight and appreciation of:

Differences between high school and college academic learning for their student

Campus resources, services and programs available to support student success

Transitional and acclimation issues new students may encounter and how families can be supportive

Various campus offices and departments

Financial Literacy

Begin to understand:

New ways to communicate with their student

Explore the transitions the family structure will experience by having a student in college

The changing dynamic of the “parental” role related to student independence

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“I had a phenomenal experience at NSO. All the students, staff, and faculty were friendly and very proactive about helping me and answering my questions. I enjoyed making new friends and learning my way around campus!” -Mike Aquaman Junior, Athletic Training major Orientation Leader

“NSO was a great first step in my transition to MU. I learned a lot about my academic major, collegiate expectations, and I became more confident to succeed here at MU. NSO made a huge difference for me and my family, and this is why I became an Orientation Leader—to help others feel the same way!” -Jessica Squarepants Senior, Anthropology major Orientation Leader

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DAY ONE

Time Session Location 7:30am-8:30am

Check In – This is where your MU experience begins! Receive vital information, materials, and your meal tickets for your NSO experience.

Display booths– Various campus offices will staff displays providing information about their services.

Craven Hall Lobby

8:45am-9:45am

Welcome Session—New Student Orientation begins with an introduction to the first year experience and details about the NSO program.

Craven Hall, room 115

10:00am-11:00am

Students Mountain Lion Business –Learn about using your online Student Center to conduct business at MU, including registering for classes, paying fees, and completing waiver forms. We’ll also discuss the Student ID Card, dining, and housing options.

Families College Transitions: Family Matters – Members of the university community talk about the transition to college, academic support services, and ways family members and the university support new students.

Students: Carter Building, room 150 Families: Craven Hall, room 115

11:00am- 12:30am

Students Orientation Leader (OL) student groups – Activities include interactions with new students and OLs, a picnic lunch (remember to bring your meal ticket!), and small group photos.

Families Family Luncheon – An opportunity for families to meet other orientation families and learn more about programs and services available through Parent, Family, and Alumni Relations.

Students: Departing from Carter Building to the Quad Families: DiCicco Dining Hall

12:45pm- 2:00pm

Students Viewpoints discussion & tour – led by OLs, this session will help to acquaint you with the resources and locations that will be important in your first few weeks on campus.

Families Mountain Lion Business – Despite the many papers we distributed at check‐in this morning, much of MU is paperless! Students won’t receive a tuition bill in the mail, and grades aren’t sent home either. We’ll explain how business is transacted as part of a student’s MU experience.

Students: Various Locations Families: McGraw Hall, room 104

2:00pm- 3:30pm

Academic meeting and scheduling preparation – Academic advisors will share information about your area of study. This is the only opportunity for family members to ask questions of their students’ academic advisors since Day Two advising will be for students only. You should attend an overview based on your college/unit of enrollment.

Various locations

3:45pm- 6:00pm

Afternoon opportunities – use this time to complete various tasks and/or learn more about campus resources.

Campus resource tours—Residence Halls, Gustafson Library and academic resources, Student Center, Recreation Center. [Tours depart from Student Center.]

Office Open Houses – Come and go as you please!

Office of Diversity and Inclusion Office of Financial Aid, Office of the Bursar

Pre-professional program information sessions

MU Errands—Use this time to check some things off your to-do list!

Student ID Card [Student Center, room 208]—you will receive your ID at the Check Out session on Day Two

Dinner and snacks available at DiCicco Dining Hall, Cain Cafeteria, and Bonobo Coffee Hut English and Foreign Language placement testing [Student Center Computer Lab]

Various Locations, TBA

6:00pm- 7:00pm

Students “Get Involved” session – This interactive session presented by the Office of Student Activities and student leaders is a preview of some of the amazing opportunities available to you at MU and how to get in the game.

Families We encourage family members to allow students to experience the evening independently in order to connect and engage with their new college peers in a relaxed, social environment.

Student Center, room 101

7:30pm- 9:00pm

Evening activities – explore opportunities and resources available through Recreational Sports while participating in social activities! Rock climbing, basketball, badminton, volleyball, board games, and other activities will be available!

Recreation Center

9:15pm- 10:00pm

Moonlight tour– This 45‐minute walking tour reveals the traditions and lore that make MU a place where anyone can catch the Mountain Lion spirit!

Departs from Recreation Center

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DAY TWO

Time Session Location 7:00am- 8:45am

Breakfast available—Remember to bring your meal tickets! Cain Cafeteria, Bonobo Coffee Hut

9:00am-10:00am

First Year Experience (FYE) Program Meetings—Attend the meeting for the FYE option you have chosen to complete in your first year. Get to know your program advisor(s), meet fellow students in the program, learn about the program components, and get a jump start on YOUR First Year Experience!

Living-Learning Communities—McGraw Hall First-Year Seminar Course—Craven Hall

Service-Learning Course—Walker House

Mountain Lion Camp—Recreation Center Lounge

Joey Clark III Diversity Scholarship Program—Ebony Smith Building

Various locations, TBA

10:15am-11:15am

Life Outside the Classroom—The Department of Student Life presents an overview of college life and resources available to help students succeed at MU.

Craven Hall, room 115

11:30am-12:30pm

Student discussion groups

Residence Life discussion– An interaction session for students who will be living in the residence halls this fall. Meet with residence hall directors and your OL to learn what it’s like to live in the residence halls.

Commuting student discussion– An interactive session for students who will be commuting to campus this fall. Meet with staff from the office of Off‐Campus and Commuter Student Engagement to get advice and learn about services to help you have a great commuter experience.

Family discussion groups – Explore family responses to students’ experiences at the university through discussions led by staff from the Department of Student Life. Choose to attend the specialized group with which your student most closely identifies:

Commuting student Culturally diverse student

First generation student

Out‐of‐state student

Residential student

Various locations, see your OL for direction

12:30pm- 3:30pm 1:30pm- 2:15pm and 2:45pm-3:30pm

Students Academic advising appointments [see advisor on Day One for time and location] – These appointments are for students only. Meet one-on-one with your academic advisor to select and register for your first semester of courses.

Program Information Sessions—Attend these sessions to learn more about the vast opportunities at MU! Each session will begin at 1:30 and 2:45 [locations TBA].

Recreation Opportunities Varsity and Club Athletics

Career Exploration

Campus Employment

Fraternity and Sorority Life

Families Family lounge [Gustafson Library] – We recommend that families use the Gustafson Library as their home base for the reminder of Day Two. The library offers seating to provide a quiet, relaxing environment, information about library resources, friendly staff, and food and drink at the Bonobo Coffee Hut. The Gustafson Library is also centrally located near any Day Two information sessions you choose to attend.

Various locations, some TBA

1:30pm-4:00pm

Check-Out and Evaluation—Students will meet with Orientation Leaders to wrap up their Day Two. Complete your required New Student Orientation Program Evaluation to provide feedback on your NSO experience, ask any last questions, and receive your Student ID Card!

Closing Reception [Carter Lawn]—Before you leave campus, stop by the Closing Reception to enjoy an ice cream treat, grab a drink, and say your final goodbyes to fellow students and Orientation Leaders!

Carter Hall and Carter Lawn

Before you leave campus, make sure you have completed these steps: Classes scheduled for autumn semester 2013 Submit NSO Program Evaluation Receive Student ID card Check out of your residence hall Pick up your copy of the Summer Reading book Receive answers to financial aid, academic, residence life, and other questions

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Michaels University is proud to welcome more than 400 international students from more than 30 different countries. We are committed to ensuring you have an educational, rewarding, and positive experience at MU and in the United States. As a graduate from MU, you will benefit from a global perspective, increased critical thinking ability, and cultural understanding that are necessary in today’s increasingly diverse world. As a first-year international student, your MU journey begins with a three-step transition program. This program should facilitate a smooth transition to your MU experience and introduce you to helpful resources along the way.

Step 2: International Student Orientation This is the second step of your experience as a first-year Mountain Lion. ISO will provide you with a comprehensive, structured introduction to Michaels University. The four-day, on-campus program will introduce university expectations and campus culture, provide you with opportunities to develop relationships with incoming and current students, discuss transitions and changes of coming to college abroad, identify useful resources and services available to MU students, provide opportunities to learn your way around campus, and allow you to register for your first semester of courses. ISO is a vital step in your transition to MU. For more information about ISO and to preview the schedule of sessions, please visit www.michaels.edu/iso.

Step 1: Online Orientation This is the first step of your experience as a first-year Mountain Lion. The University will primarily communicate with you through email until you are on campus in the fall. Please complete the following steps BEFORE arriving on campus in August:

Submit TOEFL scores to ISO office Register for ISO Read the monthly e-newsletters from your International Student Orientation advisor. These e-newsletters will contain

important university updates, helpful information about preparing to move to MU, tips for success, and more! Watch the ISO Videos. Short videos will be posted to the ISO website once a week, and they will contain important

reminders, step-by-step instructions for submitting proper paperwork and information, a look at the MU student experience, basic information about American culture and education, and an introduction to the International Student Orientation Leaders.

Complete other business items, including submitting your Residence Life Contract (see page 26 of this handbook for complete student checklist).

Step 3: First Year Experience This is the third step of your first-year at MU. FYE is a strongly encouraged experience for all first-year international Mountain Lions, and you have many options of educational and rewarding experiences to choose from. You will receive three credit hours at the completion of the FYE program.

Your FYE options include:

Living-Learning Community

First-Year Seminar Course

Service-Learning Course

Mountain Lion Camp

Leon Wong Scholarship Program

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International Student Orientation is designed to introduce new international students to Michaels University. Through a series of workshops, meetings, small group activities, and interaction with other students, ISO will bridge the gap between your past experiences and your future at MU.

ISO Goals:

Acquaint new international students with the mission, programs and services of the university.

Familiarize students with the campus culture, along with academic, co-curricular and experiential learning opportunities.

Provide students the opportunity to interact with other students, faculty and staff.

Enhance students’ understanding of strategies for success and begin to understand their own potential and challenges.

Inform students about the importance of being actively engaged on

campus. 8

Why does ISO last for four days? The ISO program strives to provide a structured and holistic introduction to the collegiate environment for new international students. Because you are new to both Michaels University AND to the country, we believe it will take more time and energy to make this the smoothest transition possible for you. We want to ensure you have the information, resources, contacts, and answers to start a successful year at MU. For a complete schedule of ISO, please visit www.michaels.edu/iso.

All paperwork and registration materials must be submitted online through the ISO website by Friday, August 9, 2013. All international students will move into the Residence Halls on or before Saturday, August 11, 2013. All international students must attend International Student Orientation (ISO) on August 13-16, 2013. Please visit www.michaels.edu/iso for more details and to register for ISO!

“ISO was very helpful to me. I learned a lot about MU and made some good friends. My advisor was very patient with me and helped me through many challenges. My advice for incoming students would be to come prepared with questions about classes and the culture. And don’t miss out on the social events in the evenings at ISO! --Su Ying Sophomore, Accounting major International Orientation Leader

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The Office of First Year Programs is committed to providing students with a variety of educational, beneficial opportunities that will help them grow as a student, a leader, and a

person as they transition to collegiate life. As a graduation requirement, all domestic* students must choose to complete one of the options below in their first year at MU.

Academic research has continually shown the positive impacts of college experiences like our FYE program. The key to student success is being engaged and involved in your college

experience, and FYE is just the start of it!

*All international students are strongly encouraged to participate in an FYE program.

First-Year Seminar Course Approximately 29% of students choose to enroll in a first-year seminar course. The first-year seminar is a one-semester curricular opportunity that facilitates the college transition while in the classroom by exploring unique academic topics. All seminar classes have fewer than 20 students and are taught by MU’s most distinguished faculty. In Fall 2013, there will be 17 courses offered in a variety of topics, including but not limited to:

History of Screen Writing

Poverty in America Today

Values: Yours, Mine, and Ours

The Physics of Daily Life

Inspiration & Motivation for Physical Activity

“So, You Call That Art?”

The Seven Levels of “Community”

Political and Civic Involvement: What You Can Do Today

Evolution Versus Creationism: Exploration of Both Views

Reality Check: What Are You Really Eating?

Living-Learning Community More than 38% of students choose to join a Living-Learning Community (LLC). MU’s LLC programs give students a unique, inclusive residential learning experience that connects classroom or co-curricular learning with residence life. Students enjoy all the usual advantages of living on campus in a residence hall, with the added benefit of living among a group that shares academic goals and interests.

Through student, faculty and staff partnerships, and educational and cultural programs, active involvement in a Living-Learning community allows you to broaden your perspectives and understanding of the world around you. This holistic approach complements classroom experiences and lays the foundation for you to become better prepared to succeed in life beyond college. 10

At MU, we have the following LLCs:

Global Village 19

Substance-Free Environment

Sustainable Living

Science, Technology, and Math Enthusiasts

Servant Leadership Society

Fitness and Wellness Interest Group

Future Teachers of the World

Community of the Arts

Spanish House 19

Chinese House 19

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Joey Clark III Diversity Scholarship Program Nearly 5% of students are accepted into the Joey Clark III Diversity Scholarship Program (referred to as JC3). The JC3 is a four-year leadership development program that engages scholars in classes, workshops, experiential learning, and community service activities. The curriculum focuses on specific outcomes, with each year's experience building on those of the previous year. The JC3 program:

Prepares students to lead with integrity at MU and beyond Provides an environment with both academic and co-curricular components challenging students

to think critically and reason insightfully Encourages passionate and talented servant leadership Creates a network of people from diverse corporate, government, and nonprofit organizations to

promote leadership education Provides a four-year scholarship up to cost of tuition Directed leadership development Understanding and appreciation for diversity 12

Applications for the JC3 are due on June 1, 2013. Visit www.michaels.edu/fye/jc3 for more information.

Service-Learning Course Approximately 12% of new students choose to enroll in a Service-Learning course. Service-learning is a form of experiential education in which students engage in organized activities that address human and community needs together with structured opportunities intentionally designed to promote student learning and development. The experiential component is linked with academic course content to enhance your understanding of civic responsibility. 11 MU currently offers 8 service-learning courses in a variety of topics. Visit www.michaels.edu/fye/service to see all your options!

Mountain Lion Camp 13% of students choose to attend Mountain Lion Camp in the summer before their first-year at MU. Mountain Lion Camp includes a 5-day outdoor adventure trip at Bruggeman Hills Campground in Northern California. At camp you will form relationships with 15-20 other new students and 3-4 student facilitators, discuss college transitions, and participate in outdoor activities such as rock climbing, hiking, and white water rafting. Through teambuilding exercises and traditional camping experiences, you will also acquire outdoor survival skills, learn how to prepare raw and natural meals, experiment with sustainable living tactics, and spend each night in a tent-cabin. By attending Mountain Lion Camp, you will get a head start to your MU experience with new friends, unforgettable experiences, and lessons that will last a lifetime! Register at www.michaels.edu/fye/camp.

*Evaluation: All FYE components are assessed through online questionnaires that all students are required to submit at the completion of the program or course.

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Some key features of Residence Life at MU: The Numbers

There are 8 residence halls and 4 Greek housing units that currently house 2,500 students on campus. All first- and second-year students are required to live on campus in the residence halls or Greek housing units (first-year students not eligible for Greek housing). About 67% of third-years and 40% of fourth-year students live on campus.

Room style All first-year students will live in traditional 2-person or 4-person residence hall rooms. Layouts are pictured below.

Furniture Rooms come furnished with the furniture pictured below. For more details on room and furniture dimensions, visit www.michaels.edu/reslife.

Resources All residence halls are complete with quiet study space on every floor, common areas and lounges, game rooms and recreation equipment (varies by hall), a computer lab, and laundry rooms. Each residence hall has a front desk that is staffed 24 hours a day. The front desk is a great resource for all residents, where students can rent board games, recreation equipment, movies, cooking supplies, study resources, and more.

At MU, we believe that your residence hall is much more than just a place to sleep. Where you live on campus instantly becomes your new home—the place where you

socialize, study, play, sleep, eat, and relax. The hall is a great place to join friends for a community event, to take time alone to unwind after class, to meet new neighbors, or to

find resources and academic assistance. The opportunities are endless.

Join us, be our neighbor!

First-Year Room Layouts:

2-Person Room 4-Person Room

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First-year students have the option to live in any of these five residence halls:

Halls with 4-Person Rooms

Halls with 2-Person Rooms

August Abode Delaney Dwelling Holmes Hall

Are you thinking about where you would like to request to live on campus? Here are some questions to consider in making your decision:

Do you want to participate in a Living-Learning Community? o Each Living-Learning Community has a designated residence hall, so by joining an LLC, you are

automatically placed into the hall where that LLC resides.

Which room setup is the best fit for you? o Will you be most comfortable in a room with three roommates or only one roommate? o Do you like to have more alone time and quiet space? Or do you prefer to have more social

interaction at home?

Which hall environment is the best fit for you? o Would you prefer a small building with 50-100 residents? Or do you want to be in a large

community of 400+ residents? Your first step in securing a residence hall room on campus is to submit your Residence Life Contract (RLC) by Friday, July 12, 2013. Your RLC is a document that asks about your lifestyle, living preferences, personality, interests, study habits, and roommate interests. After submitting your RLC, you will be placed into a residence hall and paired with a roommate(s) based on your characteristics and living preferences. You will receive an email containing your living arrangements and roommate(s) contact information during the beginning of August 2013. Check your MU email daily to receive this information and any other important updates! Visit www.michaels.edu/reslife/contract to complete your electronic contract.

Savarese House Myers Village

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Special Features of MU Campus Dining: o We have a variety of eateries—including a community cafeteria, coffee shops, sandwich cafes, a

snack shop, and a traditional sit-down restaurant o All dining facilities serve food grown and/or produced locally in California o All facilities have vegan and vegetarian options o All dining facilities are located near the center of campus, either as independent buildings or

housed with the Gustafson Library, Recreation Center, or Student Center o Each facility has its own weekly special, including “Vegan Lunch Wednesday,” “Vegetarian

Monday,” and “Sustainable Sunday” o All dining facilities feature “a la carte” purchasing, where our students practice healthy portion

control, as opposed to all-you-can-eat cafeterias

o Cain Cafeteria

Located inside the Student Center in central campus, the Cain Cafeteria is the largest place to eat on campus. Join your friends to sit down for a relaxed meal. Choose from the create-your-own salad bar, fruit and vegetable display, grill and pasta options, Asian cuisine, and more.

o DiCicco Dining This is a traditional sit-down restaurant with a menu that changes every month. Known for both its Italian specials and Vegetarian options, this is voted the “Best Place to Take a Date” on campus!

o Bonobo Coffee Hut Need some caffeine to help yourself through some study time? Stop by the Bonobo Coffee Hut on the first floor of the Gustafson Library for a pick-me-up or a light snack.

o Cole Coffee House This quaint place in the corner of the Student Center serves caffeinated beverages, healthy snacks, and breakfast pastries. A great location for meetings, coffee dates, and studying!

o Elk Snack Shoppe When our Mountain Lions are hungry, they stop by to feed on some Elk! This facility is named after the Elk, the main prey of mountain lions and the mascot of our rival university. Located in the Student Center, this is where MU Mountain Lions come to indulge in their favorite light snacks, including fruit, granola bars, soft drinks, candy, and more.

o Fahad’s Sandwiches This casual sandwich café located in the Recreation Center is convenient for grabbing your after-workout meal! Fahad’s also offers fruit smoothies, whole grain options, low-calorie foods, and high-protein items.

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How the Dining Plan Works Each time you visit a dining hall, campus restaurant, or on-campus convenience store, you can use your Student ID Card to purchase a meal, snack, or beverage. Designed for students living on campus Six levels to choose from Cash free purchases with your Student ID Card Great value at residential retail foroff-campus students who eat more than 14 meals a week on campus Five Steps

Choose a level that is best for you. Visit www.michaels.edu/dining to purchase a campus meal plan. It will be charged to your student bursar account. Funds will be put into your account. Use your Student ID Card to make on-campus purchases. After making a purchase, funds will be deducted from your account and the remaining balance will be displayed on the register's screen.

Level Options How many meals will you eat on campus each week? How many meals will be in the dining commons? How many meals will be in the retail locations? (i.e. snack shop, coffee shops etc) If you have a Dining Plan Contract, use our Meal Plan Calculator to help figure out the best meal plan level for you. Undergraduate students living in the residence halls must purchase a meal plan for each semester (fall and spring) as part of your residential agreement. 13

2013-2014 Dining Plan Rates Level Dining Dollars Base Cost Total Cost

1 $620 $1,275 $1,895

2 $705 $1,275 $1,980

3 $765 $1,275 $2,040

4 $870 $1,275 $2,145

5 $950 $1,275 $2,225

6 $1,115 $1,275 $2,390

Once you have decided on a Dining Plan, visit www.michaels.edu/dining to submit your Dining Plan Contract. Your Dining Contract is due by August 10, 2013.

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Traditions From the Welcome Week Walk, to singing the Alma Mater during Sunday sunsets, to the strong alumni connections you will find across the globe, there is no doubt that the tradition of the Mountain Lion community is as strong and enduring as ever. Become a part of the legacy this fall! 16

Location MU’s campus is located in Huntington Beach, California, a suburb just 45 minutes outside of downtown Los Angeles. Students benefit from the plentiful opportunities in the city while living in the comfort of a secluded campus environment. There are plenty of mountains and terrain for outdoor adventure within a one-hour drive of campus, and the beach is a five-minute drive from campus. The opportunities and resources around MU will make your college experience like no other. 14

Alumni Connections Once a Mountain Lion, always a Mountain Lion. Our alumni connections span far and wide around the globe, and our graduates are constantly making new innovations and strong impacts with all whom they come into contact. The alumni community continues to stand strong in all corners of the world. As an alumnus you are bound to cross paths with other MU grads throughout your lifetime, and you will instantly feel the sense of MU community, connection, and friendship rush back to you!

Recreation MU’s commitment to health and wellness is evident in our endless opportunities and nationally recognized programs for recreation. Visit our Recreation Center with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, enroll in some physical education courses, join a club sport, go hiking or skiing in the nearby mountains, go sailing in the Pacific Ocean, or participate in one of the frequent community 5k races. You can be sure that once you arrive on campus, you won’t stop moving! 15

Community There is no place on earth like the Michaels University campus. Upon moving to campus, you will instantly be a valued member of our circle of connections that will last throughout your lifetime. You will constantly be reminded of the generosity, inclusiveness, and friendly demeanor of the MU students, faculty, and staff throughout your time as a Mountain Lion student.

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Where did the name Michaels University come from? Jillian Michaels is a fitness expert, personal trainer, life coach, author, and creator of exercise videos. You may know her from TV's The Doctors and The Biggest Loser. Michaels University is named in her honor for her profound contributions to the world of self improvement, fitness, and health. The MU community is dedicated to living as healthy, balanced, and motivated citizens who spread their passion for wellness to the world around them. Just as “Jillian's ultimate goal is to help you reach all YOUR life goals,” Michaels University

is committed to helping YOU reach your life goals and be the best you can be. 17

Why does MU subscribe to the liberal education curriculum?

A liberal education has the primary goal of producing well-rounded, knowledgeable, critical thinkers who can apply their learning from multiple sources to real world situations. A liberal education includes a comprehensive curriculum that teaches wide-ranging and cross-disciplinary knowledge, higher-level skills, personal and social responsibility, and the ability to apply knowledge to complex problems. By receiving an education in a variety of disciplines and courses, our students are prepared to be successful and informed citizens of the world. MU graduates become responsible citizens, active thinkers, problem solvers, and

adaptable human beings. 2

Why is the First Year Experience component required for students? What are the benefits of this program?

Our First Year Experience programs focus on improving and enlightening the experience of first-year students and aim to promote success, engagement, and smooth transitions for all students. While the focus of program participation is solely on students’ first year of college, research continues to show the lasting impact of first year programs on student learning outcomes throughout the college experience. Research shows how students who engage in first-year student programming similar to our FYE programs are more successful in college. They are more likely to have a smooth transition to college, have a smooth social adjustment to their new environment, and to be involved in extracurricular activities. First-year program participants also tend to be more integrated into their academic experience, have higher GPAs, are more likely to continue attending their college or university each year, and have higher graduation rates. By requiring our first-year students to participate in FYE, we are contributing to your success as a student and future graduate

of MU. 18

Why are there no dining halls connected to or contained inside the residence halls?

At MU, we believe in convening with each other as a community to break bread. By locating our dining spaces in the center of campus, students are more likely to cross paths and/or join one another for or between meals. Plus, there is no harm in taking a few extra steps across campus before ingesting your energy source for the

day! 14 MU by the numbers:

3,500 Undergraduate students 71% Students live on campus 27% Students are from outside of California 11% International students from more than 30 countries

70% of international students are from China 94% First-year retention rate 90% Students were ranked in the top 15% of their high school class 38% Students of color 88% Full-time students

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The First-Year Student Checklist

Use the resources and information in this handbook and on the MU website to complete these

necessary steps to become a Mountain Lion in the fall. You can also find an interactive version of this checklist on your online Student Center at www.michaels.edu/studentcenter. Start checking things

off today!

Done Important Steps: Complete by: Where to find it:

Complete FAFSA application February 2013 http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

Activate your MU email account and check it regularly

ASAP www.michaels.edu/email

“Like” the MU Class of 2017 Facebook Page ASAP Find a link to the page at www.michaels.edu/admissions

Attend a campus visit program for admitted students such as Go-M-U!, President’s Visit Days, or Michaels Overnight Visit Experience (MOVE)

January-April 2013 www.michaels.edu/admissions

Apply for MU scholarships April 1, 2013 www.michaels.edu/scholarships

Commit to attending MU for Fall 2013 May 1, 2013 www.michaels.edu/admissions

Select your major Before NSO www.michaels.edu/academics

Choose your FYE option Before NSO www.michaels.edu/fye

Complete your Academic Advising Preparation Sheet

Before NSO Page 9-10 in this handbook

Register for New Student Orientation (NSO)

Register by July 1; Attend NSO in July or August

www.michaels.edu/nso

Submit your Residence Life Contract For commuters: Confirm Commuter Status

July 12, 2013 www.michaels.edu/reslife www.michaels.edu/offcampus

Submit your Dining Plan Contract August 10, 2013 www.michaels.edu/dining

Ensure your finances are in order and pay student Bursar bill

August 11, 2013 www.michaels.edu/finaid www.michaels.edu/bursar

Send final official transcripts to MU Registrar’s Office

August 12, 2013 www.michaels.edu/registrar

Waive or enroll in student health insurance plan

August 12, 2013 www.michaels.edu/insur

Move-In Day! August 18, 2013 www.michaels.edu/reslife