Campus Life

Current International Students Resources

The Ivanhoe International Center assists international students at the South Dakota Mines campus, sponsors multicultural events, and works to enrich the cultural experiences available to South Dakota Mines students. On this page you will find information and resources useful to our current international students. We're here to help, so please contact us if you have questions or need assistance.

Change of Address: F and J students must satisfy their obligation to notify DHS of an address change by informing their DSO of any change of name or address, within 10 days of the change. Update your address using this form: https://interact.sdsmt.edu/aes/changeaddress.htm

Find out more about:

What is your Status and how do you maintain your status?

F-1 Students

More Information

J-1 Students

More Information

Health

Getting Settled

South Dakota Mines ID Cards

Housing

Banking

Cell Phones

Driving and Licenses

Taxes for International Students

ALL nonresident aliens, in F or J status, are required to complete Form 8843 with the IRS regardless of whether they receive income. This also includes dependents in F-2 and J-2 status, regardless of age.

See Taxes for International Student webpage for more information.

Employment for International Students

Social Security

An international student in F-1 or J-1 status is only eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) if the student either is employed or has an offer of employment. Actively seeking employment does not qualify the student for the SSN.

When you receive a job offer, please visit the Ivanhoe International Center for more information. Here is a checklist of what you need to do.

You can find additional information on the Social Security Administration websites:

• http:www.ssa.gov/
• www.ssa.gov/immigration/#students

Employment Authorization

Safety and Security

Rapid City and the surrounding area is a relatively safe place; however, please take precautions.

Safety

• Don't walk alone at night!

◦ Walk with a friend when out late at night and walk on designated pathways and well-lit areas.
◦ Work with another student when working late at night in campus buildings.

• Save emergency numbers in your phone:

◦ Off-campus: call 9-1-1
◦ SD Mines Campus Safety: 605-394-6111

• Locking doors and other items

◦ Keep the door to your room and to your residence hall or your apartment/house locked both when you are home and away. Do not leave doors propped open.
◦ Know who is at the door before you open it.
◦ Be sure the exterior residence hall door locks behind you when you enter or leave the building to ensure the safety of others.
◦ Secure bicycles through the wheel and frame with a high-quality cable AND lock or other approved device. Register bicycles with the Rapid City Police Department.
◦ Car

> Lock your car doors anytime you leave the car.
> Don't leave obvious valuables in plain view in your car.
> Check the back seat of your car before you get in.

• When meeting strangers in person:

◦ Insist on a public meeting place like a cafe.
◦ Don't invite strangers into your home.
◦ Consider having a friend accompany you.
◦ Don't meet in a secluded place.
◦ Be especially careful when buying/selling high value items.
◦ Tell a friend or family member where you're going.
◦ Take your cell phone along if you have one.
◦ Trust your instincts.

Scams

Inviting Family to the U.S.

While at South Dakota Mines, a student or scholar may want to invite a family member to visit. The following provides some suggestions to help family obtain a visa to enter the U.S. Please click here for more information.

Other Useful Resources and Information

On-Campus Resources

• Academic Resources

◦ Student Success Center - Academic advising, study space, free tutoring, and much more
◦ Academic Departments
◦ Devereaux Library
◦ Exams and Testing
◦ Registrar's Office and Forms
◦ Student Resources Contact List

• Career Planning

◦ Visit the Career and Professional Development Center for information on resumes, interviews, career fairs, applying for jobs, etc.
◦ For more information on work authorization for international students, visit the Employment Authorization webpage

• Student Organizations

◦ Student Activities and Leadership Center (SALC)

> One stop for all your student activities and organizational needs

◦ Mines Link (Student Clubs & Organizations list and calendar of events)
◦ Mines Advantage - Co-Curricular Program designed for South Dakota Mines Students
◦ CAMP - Center of Excellence for Advanced Multidisciplinary Projects
◦ Esports

• Student Support

◦ Ivanhoe International Center
◦ Student Support (including counseling and disability services)
◦ Title IX (Sexual Misconduct)
◦ Information Technology Services (ITS)

Contact Us:

Ivanhoe International Center
SD School of Mines & Technology
501 E Saint Joseph Street
Rapid City, SD 57701-3995
Email: International@sdsmt.edu
Phone: 1.605.394.6884
FAX: 1.605.394.6883
Skype: sdsmt.international

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Campus will remain open over the holiday break. Face coverings continue to be required in all indoor spaces on campus. All COVID-related information. Register for Spring 2021 classes.