Helpful Information for Our International Students

Adjusting to life on campus can be a difficult transition. For international students, the transition involves many layers including learning to navigate new cultural norms. The Department of Public Safety appreciates the opportunity to work with our international students to assist them in a successful transition to university life. In working with students, we have learned the following information has been useful. We also provide this information in a downloadable guide so it is printable and portable. Our officers are available to answer questions and offer assistance at any time. Add our phone number (937-229-2121) to your cell phone so you can quickly access it in case of an emergency. 

information to keep in mind

Your Rights

You have equal rights in the United States regardless of your gender. 

You may express your own opinion.

You may dress how you wish and go where you like without being harassed.

You have the right to practice your religion and worship as you wish.

Contact With the Police

If you are stopped by a police officer, keep your hands visible and avoid sudden movements. Sudden movements could be interpreted as an attempt to hide something or reach for a weapon. 

If you are stopped by an officer while in a vehicle, do not exit your vehicle unless the officer asks you to do so. 

If an officer stops you, wait for the officer to approach you and ask you for your driver's license or student ID. Do not run from the police or behave in an aggressive manner during a stop. Police officers do not accept bribes or collect money to pay any fines during a stop. 

It is culturally appropriate in the United States to make direct eye contact with others. Do not be fearful to make eye contact with an officer during a stop. 

Operating a Vehicle

You must be a licensed driver to drive a car or any other motor vehicle. You must have a valid driver's license issued by the State of Ohio. 

The driver and front-seat passenger in a vehicle are required to wear a seat belt. Anyone under 18 years old must wear a seat belt in a vehicle regardless of where they are sitting. 

Children under age four or weighing less than 40 pounds must be secured in a car seat.

A vehicle must display valid license plates that are issued to the vehicle on which they are displayed. 

All motor vehicles must be insured and you must have the insurance card with you as proof of this insurance. 

A motorcycle driver must obtain a special license in order to validly operate a motorcycle.

New motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear an approved helmet. 

Failure to have a valid driver's license and/or vehicle registration the vehicle may result in you being taken to jail. It could also cost hundreds of dollars to correct this error. 

Alcohol/Tobacco Use

It is against the law for anyone under 21 years old to purchase, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages (beer, wine and liquor).

Even if your home country allows you to consume alcohol before you turn 21, you cannot do so in the United States. 

It is illegal for anyone, regardless of age, to possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage in public, or inside a motor vehicle.

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase cigarettes, vapes, cigars and chewing tobacco. 

think safety

Any crime is a traumatic experience. The Department of Public Safety is willing to aid, support and advise you in any manner necessary. Even when you feel unsure, it is better to call us for assistance than to ignore a potentially dangerous situation. Our officers can provide you or your group with more information about these or other safety-related topics. For more information, please call Public Safety at 937-229-2121 or request training via our online form.