International Student
Pre-Arrival Guide
Office of Global Engagement
International Student Services
TR ANS FO RMIN G HEART S AND MINDS T O S ERVE THE WO RLD
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Table of Contents
Welcome Letter ....................................................................................................... 3
Where is Rivier University? .................................................................................... 4
Office of Global Engagement ................................................................................. 5
Staff and Location
.....................................................................................................5
Pre-Arrival Information ........................................................................................... 6
Pay for SEVIS I-901 Fee
...........................................................................................6
Applying for Your Visa
...............................................................................................6
Arrival to the United States
........................................................................................6
Housing/Accommodations
........................................................................................7
Health Insurance
.......................................................................................................8
Recommendations Before Leaving Your Country
......................................................9
Documents to Carry With You:
.................................................................................. 9
What to Pack
............................................................................................................ 9
Airport Pickup
........................................................................................................... 9
Upon Your Arrival ................................................................................................. 10
When you arrive to Nashua, New Hampshire
.......................................................... 10
Preparing for the Weather in New Hampshire
......................................................... 10
Orientation/Checking in
........................................................................................... 10
Getting started (Course registration, email account)
................................................ 10
Social / Cultural Norms
........................................................................................... 11
Banking
.................................................................................................................. 12
Cell Service/Electronics
.......................................................................................... 12
Public Transportation
.............................................................................................. 12
Driver’s License
...................................................................................................... 13
Shopping / Food / Entertainment
............................................................................. 14
Entertainment / Pleasures / Things to do
................................................................. 14
Student Services ................................................................................................... 15
At a Glance
............................................................................................................. 15
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Dear International Student,
Welcome to Rivier University!
Rivier University and particularly the team of Global Engagement,
congratulate you for being
accepted into one of our many great programs. We can’t wait to welcome
you!
You may feel overwhelmed and at times confused on what to do as soon as you receive your
acceptance
and I‐20 Packet. Fear not, this guide is designed to help you organize your priorities and to
get a sense
of what you need to do after receiving the I-20, and what to prepare a before leaving
your home country. It has in depth information such as, preparing for visa interview, fee structure,
health insurance, weather in New Hampshire, and many more information that will be helpful to you
personally, academically, socially and culturally. This guide is a quick reference of “What to
Do Next,”
and the “Pre‐Arrival Information,” documents have been prepared for your convenience.
Please take advantage of the materials sent to you. If you have any question, please feel free to
email globalengagement@rivier.edu. We are here to assist you!
Good luck on your visa application.
We will see you soon! Safe travels!
The Global Engagement Team
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Where is Rivier University?
Nashua and Rivier University
Nashua, New Hampshire, U.S.A.
Our town, described by the city’s website as: “Nashua, the Gate City,” is the
second largest city in New
Hampshire and is the center of a diverse and dynamic
region of more than 175,000 people. The
combination of an excellent quality of
life and proximity to the White Mountains, the seacoast, and
Boston makes
Nashua an attractive growth center for New England.
“We are committed to supporting a climate for families to thrive, children
to learn, businesses to
succeed, and visitors to stay.”
For more information about Nashua, NH please visit www.nashuanh.gov.
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Office of Global Engagement
Staff and Location
Located in Memorial Hall (Number 12 on map) Room 123
Contact Information:
(603) 897‐8782
globalengagement@river.edu
MEET THE OFFICE OF GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT TEAM
Dey Barriga
Director of International Student Services
International Student Advisor (also known as Isa RU on FB)
Principal Designated School Office, SEVIS
603‐897‐8781
[email protected]
Ann-Marie Landry
Administrative Assistant
603-897-8782
alandry@rivier.edu
Suzanne Bartlett
Coordinator for International Student Records
603‐897‐8782
sbartlett@rivier.edu
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Pre-Arrival Information
Pay for SEVIS I‐901 Fee
Now that you have been accepted and issued an I‐20, prepare to pay the SEVIS I‐901 fee.
Click here https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/desktop/index.jsp?view=desktop
Print your receipt and bring it at your visa interview at the nearest American Embassy in your country.
Applying for Your Visa
1.
As soon as you receive your I‐20, you are eligible to apply for an F‐1 visa.
2.
Obtain a passport from the appropriate office of your government. During your stay in the
United States, your passport must remain valid at all time for at least 6 months into the future.
3.
Read all the information on the SEVIS Form I‐20 A‐B, especially page 3, where your legal
responsibilities as an F‐1 student in the United States are explained.
4.
Sign your SEVIS Form I‐20 A‐B on page 1. (Please review your I-20 information as soon as you
received it).
5. Take your passport, SEVIS Form I‐20 A‐B, and financial documentation to the nearest United
States Embassy or Consulate. The US Consular official will review your papers, and if all is in
order, issue you an F‐1 student visa which will permit you to enter the United States. Each visa
has an expiration date.
NOTE: You much check your visa’s expiration date before you depart for the U.S. If needed, you
HAVE to renew your visa as soon as you plan to travel.
TIPS IN OBTAINING A SUCCESSFUL F‐1 VISA
▪
You have the funds to cover all of your expenses for the duration of your stay in the United
States. If your support is from personal and/or family funds, be prepared to show bank
statements, letters of credit, and even proof of the annual salary and total available assets of
yourself and/or your family. You must at least demonstrate that you meet the financial
requirements indicated on your SEVIS Form I‐20 A‐B.
▪
You plan to return to your country after you complete your studies. To do this, you may have to
show that you have a good reason to return home. You should demonstrate that you have
strong ties (family, professional, financial, etc.) to your country and will return home.
NOTE: If you cannot prove these points to the US Embassy or Consular Officer, he/she may deny
the visa. You may have to prove these points at two different locations: once at the US Embassy
or Consular Office when you request your visa and then once again when you enter the United
States with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Arrival to the United States
1.
When you travel to the United States, make sure you carry your passport, SEVIS Form I‐20 A‐B,
and proof of financial support. Do not pack these documents into suitcases which are checked
into the baggage compartments – you may be required to show your documents before being
allowed to claim your bags.
2.
When you arrive in the United States, an Immigration Inspector will review your papers and may
interview you as described above. He/she will check that you have a valid F‐1 student visa in
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your passport, will look at your SEVIS Form I‐20 A‐B, and may ask to see your financial
documentation.
3.
Your passport will be stamped with F1/DS (Duration of Status) when you successfully entered
the
United States. Make sure you examine your passport before leaving the officer at the Port of
Entry.
4.
You will be instructed to print your I‐94 after your arrival. Please visit i94.cbp.dhs.gov to retrieve
your I‐94 number.
Housing/Accommodations
On‐campus Housing:
1.
Visit the Rivier University Student Life website at www.rivier.edu.
2.
Email Paula Randazza at prandazz[email protected] to reserve a room and inquire about the earliest
accommodation date.
Price Range: Rivier Housing Rates
Off‐campus Housing:
It is strongly recommended that you make your housing arrangements before you depart your
country. This is your responsibility. Below are resources for off‐campus housing. Please inquire and
apply online with Bay Ridge Apartments, Forest Ridge Apartments, or Royal Crest Apartments.
Apartments can be shared with friends.
Bay Ridge Apartments – www.thebayridgeapts.com
Apt #
# Bedrooms
Apt 12CHDI
2
Apt 22CHDI
2
Apt 34BAYG
2
Apt 08CHDF
2
Apt 32BAYL
2
*terms and conditions apply
Forest Ridge Apartments – www.movetoforestridge.com
One Bedroom ‐ $1,025.00
Two Bedrooms ‐ $1,160.00
Royal Crest Apartments – www.royalcrestnashua.com
Apt #
# Bedrooms
Apt 046‐02
1 bed
Apt 077‐08
1 bed
Apt 044‐05
1 bed
Apt 072‐11
2 bed
Apt 066‐07
2 bed
*terms and conditions apply
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NOTE: Off‐campus housing resources are NOT affiliated with Rivier University. It is your
responsibility to learn the terms and agreement of your lease.
Temporary Housing:
If you wish to stay in a temporary place, there are options discounted to Rivier students.
Holiday Inn
www.holidayinn.com
9 Northeastern Blvd, Nashua
(603) 888‐1551
Cost: $89.00 daily plus taxes
Radisson Hotel
www.radisson.com
11 Tara Blvd, Nashua
(603) 888‐9970
Cost: $79.00 daily plus taxes
If checking into hotels for the first time, please secure your belongings (travel and financial
documents). Do not let any stranger in your room. In the case of an emergency, dial 911 and identify
yourself, your location and describe the situation calmly.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for all F1 students. You will be required to present proof of insurance at
the immigration check‐in with your ISA. Listed below are health insurance companies for you shop
around for the best rate, as long as you have appropriate medical coverage. You should contact them
directly to sign-up.
Examples of required coverage:
1.
Medical Coverage: This dollar amount sets the minimum limit of eligible medical expenses that your
insurance plan will pay. It can range anywhere from $50,000 worth of coverage to an unlimited amount.
2.
Repatriation of Remains, also known as the Return of Mortal Remains: Provides financial assistance
in the event of death while outside of your home country. This coverage will provide the proper
planning, logistics, and financial coverage for your family members.
3.
Emergency Medical Evacuation: Another important aspect of international student health insurance
is emergency medical evacuation. This type of coverage provides financial assistance in the event that
the local facilities in which you fall injured or ill do not have the capacity to give you proper care.
Source: www.International Student Insurance
Below are resources for health insurance:
Price range may vary.
Lewer Agency
[email protected]m
HTH
mbelko@hthworldwide.com
International Student Protection
http://www.intlstudentprotection.com/
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ISO Insurance
http://www.isoa.org/
The Harbor Group
http://www.hginsurance.com/plus_international_overview_13.asp
USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services
http://www.travelinsure.com/what/susahigh.asp
Recommendations before Leaving Your Country
You should meet with your local Physician to get the following medical test before your departure:
Meningitis vaccine, only one needed
Measles, mumps, rubella vaccine – series of two
Hepatitis B – series of three
Tuberculosis Screening and Mantoux (skin) test
Physical Exam
Dental
Vision (Extra Pair of Eye Glasses or Contact Lenses)
Any important Medication with Prescription
Documents to Carry With You:
Passport with F‐1 non‐immigrant visa
SEVIS I‐20
A copy of your SEVIS I‐901 Fee Receipt
Evidence of financial resources (financial support provided to the university for I‐20 issuance)
Rivier University Acceptance Letter
What to Pack
Because of the changing seasons, it is important to be prepared for all different types of weather. Warm
clothing for winter, light jackets for spring and fall, medications, and other personal items you wish to
bring with you. It is recommended to get your country traditional wear which can be worn in University
cultural events.
Airport Pickup
For international travel, your arrival airport is Boston Logan Airport.
For travel within the United States, your arrival airport will either be Manchester/Boston
Regional Airport (which is close to Nashua) or Boston Logan, whichever flights are less
expensive.
You can arrange an airport pick‐up directly with www.flightlineinc.com or call 800‐245‐2525 for pickup
at either Boston Logan Airport or Manchester Regional Airport. The cost will be approximately $50 per
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passenger, depending upon the amount of luggage you are traveling with. You must request pickup
within 7 days of arrival.
If you need assistance with airport pick‐up, please email globalengagement@rivier.edu 7 days prior to
arrival.
Upon your arrival
When you arrive to Nashua, New Hampshire
Schedule a time to meet with your International Student Advisor, Dey Barriga for mandatory visa check
in. She can be reached by phone at 603‐897‐8781, or by email at dbarriga@rivier.edu.
Check‐in is mandatory at least 7 days prior to Orientation and is located in Memorial Hall, Room 123.
Preparing for the Weather in New Hampshire
According to the U.S. Weather Bureau, the average monthly temperature in Concord, NH is:
January: 21 degrees F, ‐6 degrees C
February: 23 degrees F, ‐5 degrees C
March: 32 degrees F, 0 degrees C
April: 44 degrees F, 7 degrees C
May: 56 degrees F, 13 degrees C
June: 65 degrees F, 18 degrees C
July: 70 degrees F, 21 degrees C
August: 67 degrees F, 19 degrees C
September: 60 degrees F, 16 degrees C
October: 49 degrees F, 9 degrees C
November: 38 degrees F, 3 degrees C
December: 25 degrees F, ‐4 degrees C
Orientation/Checking in
Mandatory orientations are scheduled at least one week before the beginning of each term/session.
Plan to arrive before the orientation. You need to contact your International Student Advisor before you
make travel plans.
Getting started (Course registration, email account)
Things to be done as a priority after your Visa:
• Set up your email account. You’ll receive a communication from University after your visa, with a
Welcome letter and instructions to set up your email account. Keep responding to the emails.
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• Make an appointment for the course registration. Courses are shown in
http://www.rivier.edu/registrar/schedules.aspx. Check the availability of subjects you are
interested in and meet the academic advisor for course registration.
• Get knowledge of how to use CANVAS. More details will be provided on Orientation day.
Social / Cultural Norms
Timeliness & Punctuality: Americans are time‐driven. It is common to see them frequently checking the
time and making specific appointments. Especially in New England, people go at a faster pace and are
very concerned with being on time. It is a sign of respect to be somewhere exactly when you say that
you will, or even a few minutes earlier. It is seen as rude and impolite to be late. If being late occurs, it is
important to inform the person you are meeting that you will be late. Students are expected to be on
time for class and for appointments. Your grade may be affected negatively if you are late multiple
times
.
Greeting & Smiling: In the United States, it is not uncommon to smile at strangers and even say “hello,
how are you?” It may seem superficial, but it is normal and friendly. Sometimes this may lead to a
conversation, but most of the time it is just something that people do in passing. Smiling or a “hello”
does not mean that a person is flirting, requesting an advance towards them, or even considering you a
friend. If someone looks directly at an American and smiles, they will very likely return the glance and
smile back. When meeting someone new, it is polite to shake their hand and make eye contact or nod
your head.
Small Talk: Small talk is talk about simple, everyday topics. Americans may do this while waiting at a bus
stop with strangers, with others in their classroom, or even with friends. There are both appropriate and
inappropriate topics to discuss.
Topics that are often safe to discuss: The weather, one's commuting experience and cars, classes and
jobs, sports, music, movies, fashion, shopping, and clothes
Topics that are considered rude: Money, how much one earns, family, religion, weight, age (if a person is
older than 30)
Eating: Most foods are not eaten with the hands; utensils are used. There are some exceptions such as
hamburgers, hot dogs, and French fries. It is polite to chew with your mouth closed; we do not show the
food we are chewing or talk with food in our mouths.
Personal Space: This is a very important social norm. Unlike countries with a higher population density,
Americans feel the need for personal space. We think of it as having our own bubble surrounding us.
When you are speaking to a person, it is a good general rule to be about an arm’s length away, or 18
inches. If people feel that their personal space is being violated, they may feel uncomfortable or even
threatened.
Eye Contact: It is polite to make eye contact when you are speaking with someone. If you do not, the
person may think that you are uninterested. However, it is important not to stare. Staring is considered
incredibly rude. When a person holds their gaze on a stranger for longer than a few seconds, the person
may feel uncomfortable; this is not considered polite and some people may even react negatively.
Bodily Functions: One should not pick their nose in public or scratch at their private parts. These
behaviors may be greeted with looks because it is not socially acceptable. Also, when sneezing, it is
important to sneeze into your elbow, a tissue, or your sleeve. It is also not polite to pass gas in public or
to spit in front of others.
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Courtesy: In the U.S., we frequently use the words “please” and “thank you.” It is kind and often, but
not always the way that you treat a stranger determines the way that they treat you.
More Etiquette Resources: http://www.etiquettescholar.com/index.html
Banking
While in the United States, you will need to manage your finances, and a bank checking account helps
you do that. Many banks will provide special services or accounts for students. There are various banks
in the Nashua area. A checking account in the U.S. enables you to have a place where you can deposit
money that you receive which may be paid to you by check or deposited directly into your checking
account. It enables you to spend money too—by writing checks, using a check card or going online to
pay bills or to make purchases. A checking account will also provide you with an accurate, monthly
record of your finances—what was deposited and what was spent or withdrawn. Plus, it is safer than
carrying cash and more efficient than purchasing money orders.
Visit banks in person carrying your passport and student ID. Compare the services and costs of several
banks before choosing one.
Local banks:
Bank of America
Multiple Locations in Nashua:
157 Main St Nashua, NH – 1 (800) 432‐1000
310 Daniel Webster Hwy, Nashua, NH
370 Amherst St, Nashua NH
Santander Bank
223 Main St, Nashua, NH – (603) 579‐0901
Citizens Bank
238 Main St. Nashua, NH – (603) 594‐7700
St. Mary’s
14 Spruce St Nashua, NH – (603) 669‐4600
Cell Service/Electronics
Cell Service: While some students may come to the U.S. with a cell phone from their home country,
many students elect to switch to a U.S. carrier since it will be more affordable and convenient. There are
a number of providers in the area (Metro PCS, Verizon, T‐Mobile, AT&T, and Sprint) that provide cellular
phone service.
Electronics: If you plan on bringing any electrical appliances or computer equipment, please remember
that the electrical requirements in the USA are 110V and require two flat‐pronged plugs. Adapters can
be found in local stores. However, appliances such as hair dryers, alarm clock, etc. can be purchased
locally for not much more than the cost of the required adapters.
Public Transportation
GETTING TO CAMPUS
U‐PASS: Rivier University students, staff, and faculty can use Nashua Transit busses for free! Simply
present your Rivier ID card to the transit driver when you board the bus. The pass is valid to use at all
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times the bus is running and is available to take you to any of the stops in Nashua. There's a stop
conveniently located in front of the Regina Library.
Contact Nashua Transit at (603) 880‐0100 for times and details of transit service.
Nashua Transit Station (NTS) HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday ‐ Friday 6:00am ‐ 10:45pm
Saturday 9:00am ‐ 10:45pm
TRANSIT CENTER
Monday ‐ Friday 8:00am ‐ 5:00pm
Explore Boston via the Boston Express:
http://www.bostonexpressbus.com/
Driver’s License
Driver License Application Requirements:
•
F1 Visa
•
Valid I‐20 form
•
Valid Passport
•
Valid I‐94 form
•
Valid home country driver license with “LMV” License of Motor Vehicles
•
No objection letter from Home country License office
•
Letter from International Student Advisor
•
SSN card or denial letter
If you do not have proof of previous vehicle operation, a valid home country driver license or valid U.S.
driver license, you will be required to complete approved driver education course.
•
You must first submit all required documents to the Non‐U.S. Citizen Driver License Officer
•
Upon the approval of the documents go to the Bureau of Driver Licensing to apply for a driver
license
F‐1’s CAN ONLY APPLY FOR A DRIVER’S LICENSE AT THE CONCORD, NH OFFICE
You must bring the required documents to:
Department of Safety
Division of Motor Vehicles at 23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305
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Shopping / Food / Entertainment
Food
Cafe India Restaurant and Bar
Food and Fashion of India
India Palace Restaurant
Kashmir Indian Cuisine
Kurry Masala Express
Priya Indian Cuisine
Udupi Indian Restaurant
Entertainment / Pleasures / Things to do
Movies:
AMC Tyngsboro 12
Chunky's Cinema Pub
Red Box
Hospitals/Urgent Care:
Southern New Hampshire Medical Center at 603‐577‐2000
St. Joseph Hospital
Immediate Care of Southern NH
Health Stop
*If you need to see a doctor, please contact your ISA for assistance. In case of medical emergency, dial
911. State your name, location, and speak slowly while describing your emergency.
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Student Services
At a Glance
Office
Services
Location & Hours
Contact
Academic
Advising
Help students plan their course of
study.
Help evaluate core requirements.
Choose courses based on major
programs of study.
Assist with any scheduling or
coursework issues.
Sylvia Trotter Hall
By appointment
Business
Dr. Amir Toosi
(603) 897-8490
Computer Science
Dr. Vladimir Riabov
(603) 897-8613
Business Office
Online payments available from
Checking or Savings
Mail check payments to Rivier
University, Attn: Business Office, 420
South Main Street, Nashua, NH 03060
Pay in person at the Business Office or
by phone in a credit card payment
Adrienne Hall
1st Floor
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mon – Fri
Last name begins with A-G:
(603 )897-8214
Last name begins with H-R:
(603) 897-8675
Last name begins with S-Z:
(603 )897-8488
Campus
Ministry
Serves the spiritual, social and
personal needs of the campus
community, providing opportunities
where values are challenged and faith
is affirmed
Dion Center
1st Floor
8:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monday – Friday
For more information,
please call or email Kristin
Nelson.
(603) 897-8577
[email protected]
Career
Development
Center
Individual assistance with career or
major planning internship options, job
search information, etc.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday – Friday
Call or e-mail to schedule an
appointment
(603) 897-8246
Counseling
Center
Counseling and support to students
facing a range of issues and challenges
Individual and group counseling
sessions
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday – Friday
Call or Drop-in to schedule
an appointment
(603) 897-8251
Disability
Services
Help students with documented
disabilities secure the
accommodations they need to succeed
academically
Sylvia Trottier Hall,
Room 310
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday – Friday
Darcy Murphy
(603) 897-8650
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Office
Services
Location & Hours
Contact
Health &
Fitness Center
Provide fitness room orientations to
new students, faculty and staff
Mendel Hall. Molloy
Hall. Muldoon Fitness
Centre. Open during
the academic year
from Monday through
Friday.
Information
Technology
Obtain Rivier e-mail account
General Computing Lab
Network Connection in Residence Halls
Emergency Notification System
Online Training Center to support
Office 2007 & 2010, Microsoft Word,
Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, and
Internet Explorer 7
Sylvia Trottier Hall
Hotline (603) 897-8469
Multi-Cultural
Affairs
Providing a supportive network for
minority students on campus as well as
the minority citizens in the southern
New Hampshire area
Dion Center
1
st
Floor
8:30-5:00
Monday- Friday
(603) 897-8676
Public Safety
Issue Parking Permits
Issue University ID’s
Motor Vehicle Lockouts
Motor Vehicle Jumpstarts
Missing Property
Emergency Medical Assistance
Escort Service
Lost & Found
Reporting a crime
Dion Center
1st floor
Officer on duty:
24 hours a day/7 days
a week
(603) 897-8888
(603) 888-1666
24 hour monitored phone
line
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Office
Services
Location & Hours
Contact
Regina Library
Circulation/Checkout Services
Online Library Tutorials
Research Services
Interlibrary Loan
Group Study Rooms
Quiet study spaces
Computers and printers available for
patron use
IT/Computer tutorial online
Drop-in Library Instruction Sessions
Cho Educational Resource Center (ERC)
in the
Benoit Education Center (2nd floor)
2 Clement Street
Regina Library Hours:
Mon – Thurs: 8:00 a.m.
– Midnight
Friday: 8:00 a.m. –
8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. –
6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. –
11:00 p.m.
Call: (603) 897-8256
Text: (603) 244-3167
Chat or e-mail with a
Librarian through the library
website – click on the
“Need Help?” button
Registrar’s
Office
Official Transcripts
FERPA Student Consent Forms
Enrollment Verifications
Final Exam Schedules
Graduation (Commencement)
Information
Adrienne Hall
Room 213
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday- Friday
(603) 897-8213
Writing and
Resource
Center
Provides professional and peer
tutoring assistance to students
Provides academic support for
students working on writing tasks in
courses across the curriculum writing
Drop-in hours:
Monday: 9-10, 5-7
Tuesdays: 9-11, 1:30-
2:30, 5-7
Wednesday: 9-10, 5-7
Thursday: 9-10, 5-7
Friday: 9-11, 1-2
(603) 897-8580
(603) 897-8581
Do not hesitate to contact the Office of Global Engagement at 603‐897‐8782 or email
globalengagement@rivier.edu.
Good luck on your visa interview and your journey to the United States of America!