Student Resources

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) places responsibility on the student to understand and comply with immigration law. You are responsible for following the rules to maintain your F-1 or J-1 visa. We review many of the key responsibilities during our new student orientation.

If you ever have any questions about what you can and can’t do as an F-1 or J-1 visa holder, come and talk to OIP. If students do not fulfill any one of these responsibilities, they may jeopardize their eligibility for immigration benefits, including employment on or off campus. Failure to comply also may result in the loss of your F-1 or J-1 status.

A basic guide is outlined below, and specific details are available for your review.

• Register for and successfully complete a full course of study each semester.
• Obtain U.S. immigration service approval before changing schools or academic programs.
• Complete your program before your I-20 or DS-2019 expires (or get a program extension).
• Always obtain employment authorization before you begin working.
• Keep your passport valid at all times.
• Notify the U.S. immigration service and OIP of any address change.
• Leave the U.S. within 60 days after completing your program.

SFA's Student Business Services is the place to go for information on financial matters related to your student account. This office posts payments to student accounts, helps you understand your e-Bill, cashes checks up to $50, initiates refunds and cash advances through BankMobile®, and most importantly is there to answer questions.

The Center for Career and Professional Development helps students develop a positive self-image, discover career goals, develop a sense of self-direction and prepare for careers in their chosen fields.

Free to students and alumni, the CCPD provides services that include:

• career exploration
• finding internships and a job
• and help with networking, interviews and résumés.

Whether you're looking for a quick bite on or off campus, you're never far from delicious food!

On-campus dining

Off-campus dining

University of Texas System Police Department at SFA

In case of an emergency, you may reach the UTS-SFA police department by dialing 911.

The UTS-SFA police department provides crime prevention and control, criminal investigations, traffic and parking supervision, emergency services, patrol and other related services, including:

• escorts and evening shuttle bus service
• vehicle assists
• emergency call boxes
• crime prevention programs

There is an officer on duty 24 hours a day.

Health Services

SFA's Health Services offers a full range of medical services, from checkups and preventive care to immunizations. The experienced staff consists of a licensed physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner and certified lab technicians - all of whom are ready to help ensure that your time at SFA is happy and healthy.

Appointments are required for most visits and usually available on the same day if you call early! Urgent walk-in appointments are available for minor injuries and asthmatic or allergic reactions.

Counseling Services

Free, confidential counseling services are available to all SFA students. Programs provided by Counseling Services include outreach programs, self-help resources, suicide prevention and safe space ally training.

Living on campus is one of the best ways to get the full “Lumberjack experience,” from forming lifelong friendships to participating in on-campus social activities and learning opportunities.

The Residence Hall Association serves as the "voice of the residents." This organization promotes a positive on-campus living experience through programming, legislation, biweekly meetings and community outreach. Each residence hall has a Hall Council that hold an election for their executive board and committee representatives at the beginning of the semester. As a member of a Hall Council, you can assist in planning programs within your hall, suggest improvements for dining services, and represent your hall at RHA meetings and events. If you are interested in these great opportunities, speak with your front desk assistant, community assistant or hall director.

The Student Activities Association provides an educational and recreational experience outside the classroom through programs that culturally enlighten, intellectually stimulate and entertain the university community. It is just one of the many student engagement programs available on campus.

A great way to see how you can get involved on campus is through the Involvement Center. They connect Lumberjack students to campus organizations through one-on-one advising.

Your professors are your No. 1 resource for any academic questions or needs.

Your No. 2 resource is the Academic Assistance and Resource Center, known as on campus as the AARC. Located in Steen Library, the AARC is an award-winning program that provides free peer tutoring for many entry-level courses.

The AARC transforms the way students learn through online resources, on-call tutoring at walk-in tables, one-on-one appointments, and supplemental instruction groups, all led by students who have successfully completed the course.