Additional Campus Resources
IEC wants you to know you can always talk to us or use the other resources on campus. Here are a few we recommend:
Transfer season is here!
The fall semester is an exciting but sometimes stressful period for students who are ready to apply to transfer. Fortunately, SMC offers vast information and an array of transfer services to assist you. We recommend you first refer to the Transfer Center website and take advantage of events to guide you through the transfer process. The Transfer Center offers application workshops for UC, CSU, and private universities, writing tips for the UC personal insight questions, links to videos and PowerPoints, virtual visits from university representatives, and many other useful resources.
Deadlines to apply vary with schools, especially private institutions. The UC application is available now for the fall 2021 term; the submission period is November 1 to November 30. The priority application filing period for the CSU system is October 1-December 4.
*If you have transfer questions, please make sure you meet with an international counselor, not a Transfer Center counselor. We are ready to assist you with the transfer process.
Our counselors have been very busy this semester. We have been able to assist you through various contact options and wanted to update you on the upcoming changes in our services for the remainder of the fall 2020 semester. Zoom Express Drop-in has been a favorable option for the majority of our students. As we head toward the busiest period of the year, we felt our Zoom Express Drop-in service would be the best and most convenient way to contact an international counselor. As of Monday, November 16th, we will place focus on Zoom Express Drop-in counseling. You will be able to meet with a counselor for 10-15 minutes. We will also continue to respond to your e-mails via AskIECC; this service is excellent for students who are unable to Zoom, need forms, and/or a written response.
Please visit our International Counseling page to access our services.
Tips and Strategies for Enrollment
Enrollment for winter and spring has started! Go to Corsair Connect to check your enrollment date and time so that you are well-prepared to enroll in your courses. Certain sections are popular and may close quickly but we have tips and strategies on how to try to enroll in your course selection.
| Strategies | Description |
|---|---|
| Check class schedule | The schedule is dynamic with changes updated frequently. |
| Open Seat Notification List | If someone drops a section on this list, you will be notified but you need to move quickly as all students on this list are also notified. |
| Wait lists (opens two weeks before the start of a term) | The Open Seat Notification feature will turn into a waiting list and students will have an actual number on this list. |
| “CRASH” | Email instructors asking for permission to get into their section (Use campus directory to find e-mails). The instructor will make a decision based on many factors, but it’s worth a try. |
| “Request a Class” | If enough students request the same section, the department may consider opening a new course. |
| Students dropped for non-payment |
Deadline for payment is December 16 at 7 p.m. for winter and January 20 at 7 p.m. for spring. Check immediately after these deadlines for available seats as many students will be dropped for non-payment. |
Scholarships
Current SMC students who meet the minimum academic criteria can apply for 2021-2022 SMC Foundation scholarships starting November 1, 2020.
The academic criteria are as follows:
- Minimum overall GPA at SMC of 2.5
- Complete at least six SMC units by the SMC scholarship deadline of February 28, 2021
- Enroll in at least six SMC units for Fall 2020 and at least six SMC units for Spring 2021
Click How to Apply for more information
Important reminders for new and continuing students:
- Check your SMC email daily
- Join IEC and other campus virtual meetings. It is a great way to connect with friends and get your questions answered.
Tuition payment deadlines
Winter: Wednesday, December 16 at 7 p.m.
Spring: Wednesday, January 20 at 7 p.m.
Traveling?
Planning to travel outside of the United Stated for winter break? First, please reconsider your plans. Circumstances are changing constantly, and there is no guarantee that you will be able to return to the U.S. after your break. If you do decide to travel, remember to request a new travel signature each time you re-enter the U.S. All requests must be submitted to Intled@smc.edu at least 2 weeks prior to your travel date.
Is Fall your last semester?
If you plan to return to your home country and not maintain your F-1 status, remember to submit your Withdrawal Form to Intled@smc.edu.
If you are transferring to another school, submit your Transfer Out Form to Intled@smc.edu.
OPT
Fall graduates - apply for OPT NOW through February 20: the earlier the better! You can begin the process by contacting a counselor to request an 'OPT request form'.
Winter graduates - apply for OPT between November 13, 2020 – April 12, 2021: the earlier the better! You can begin the process by contacting a counselor to request an 'OPT request form'.
Health Insurance
A referral is not required for fall 2020, winter 2021, or spring 2021 semesters.
Get your new insurance ID card at The Wellfleet Student website
Find an In-network provider at the Cigna website
New Dial Care Service
DialCare Physician Access connects you with state-licensed, fully credentialed doctors, via phone and video chat, to provide treatment and advice for common ailments. No referral or co-payment required. DialCare Mental Wellness connects you with a mental health professional. It is safe, secure, and confidential.Learn more about DialCare.
Vaccines
Flu shots and many of the other vaccines required for transfer are offered at the Student Health Center at NO COST! (by appointment only).
Call Student Health Center at 310-434-4262 to make an appointment.
Let's Be Social!
Weekly Mingle
Fridays, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. PST
Join the IEC Team for a social hour of games, conversation and fun. Connect with IEC Peer Mentors, SMC students and staff to explore different themes. Check your SMC email for the weekly zoom link.
IEC Peer Mentor Open House
Tuesdays, 11:15 a.m. PST
Take a break and connect! IEC Peer Mentor Open House is a great opportunity to hang out, reach out, or just chill out with IEC Peer Mentors. Share what’s on your mind, gripe about homework, ask questions, or meet new friends. Check your SMC email for the weekly zoom link.
ISF Club
A club that promotes relationship building between both domestic and international students at Santa Monica College, encourages student involvement and leadership, and emphasizes the importance of cultural exchange and enrichment.
Who can join: Anyone! International AND domestic students are welcome and invited to join!
When are the meetings? We will be hosting meetings 2x a month on Tuesdays at 11:15-12:35pm
Where? Zoom, Meeting ID: 924 2877 9325
Follow on Instagram: @smc.isf for more information about the club and club meetings.
Contact:
Email International Student Forum
Instagram: @smc.isf
