General InformationGlossary Know the difference between an elective and a requirement? Can you calculate your GPA? Check this link to access a glossary of commonly used words.  The Instructional Palette
The Instructional Palette presents GCC students with an integrated suite of productivity tools and a wide range of network resources to promote expanded learning, critical thinking, personal development, and civic responsibility. These tools and resources are equally available to all students enrolled in credit classes regardless
of their academic preparation and career goals. Accounts are accessible at all times from a variety of locations on and off campus, and are designed to both span and connect courses, semesters, and disciplines. Safety and SecurityOne of the more infamous features of American society is crime. Perhaps no other negative stereotype of the United States has received such attention in the popular
media. As with many stereotypes, there is some basis for the notoriety of crime and violence in American culture. But with common sense and a little caution, international students can avoid dangerous situations. For example, when you are out in public, don't carry a lot of cash money, and don't wear expensive jewelry or clothing. Don't show anyone your money. Keep your wallet or purse in a safe place and don't leave your wallet or purse on a table or
counter in a shop or restaurant. Always be aware of your surroundings and the people nearby. Avoid dark places at night, deserted streets, convenience stores, fast food restaurants and drive-ins at night. Don't attract attention by being noisy or by talking loudly among your friends in your native language. Obey traffic signals and police officers if you are driving. Always have enough fuel (gasoline) in your car to
get to your destination and back. Avoid stopping for gas in unfamiliar areas or neighborhoods, especially at night. Most crimes happen at night. Be careful! Make sure you have your keys in a safe place at all times. Don't carry anything on your key chain that could identify you. Always lock your house, your car, your bicycle, your belongings, even if you leave them for only a few minutes. Don't leave anything valuable in your car. If you carry a book bag or a backpack, never leave it out of
your sight. Someone might steal it. On the GCC campus, you should report any loss or damage of property immediately to the security personnel on duty in the Student Union or call them on phone number 435-3535. You should also report any threats to your personal safety. If you think someone is following you, harassing you in any way, or posing a danger to you or others, report such behavior as soon as possible. This is an open campus with
hundreds of people coming and going every day. Not everyone who comes here is a student. TelephonesTelephones and telephone services in the United States are at the same time a fabulous feature of modern life and a source of problems and frustrations. You must take control over your phone or it will begin to control you! It is very easy to get your own phone in this country. Once you have a place to live,
all you need to do is buy a telephone instrument and plug it into the phone receptacle in your home. You can then call the phone company and order phone service. The telephone company here in Phoenix is called QWest. A customer, like you, subscribes to phone service with QWest for all local services. These services may include such things as "call waiting," "call forwarding," and many other options. You
can read about these services by looking at the beginning pages of the Phoenix phone book. You will also have the option of choosing a long distance company to handle your long distance and overseas calls. There are several companies that offer these services. Talk to the International Students Center about these services. As soon as you get a phone you will begin to get calls from people you don't know who are trying to sell you things. The best way to handle such annoying calls is to
say, "Sorry, I'm not interested. Goodbye." Then hang up. Don't feel bad about doing this. You are not the one being impolite! Phone CardsMany companies and stores sell phone cards that you can use to make long distance calls. These cards are a good idea if you don't have a contract for long distance phone service. Health and Health Care
Health care and medical treatment are excellent, but very expensive in the United States. You must have medical insurance to protect yourself from unexpected medical expenses. You may be in very good health, but accidents, injuries, or sudden conditions requiring medical attention could cost you more in one week than you budgeted for a whole year. Beginning with the fall 1998 semester, all MCCCD colleges, including Glendale
Community College require that international students purchase the MCCCD health insurance plan. The international student advisor has information about the mandatory insurance program. You must purchase medical insurance while you are in the United States. Banking and MoneyYou should open a bank account as soon as possible at one of the local banks. A
checking account is all you really need at first. Many banks will also supply a bankcard allowing you to get cash from a cash machine. If the cash machine is one that does not belong to the bank, there is usually an extra charge for this service. International students generally have a hard time getting a credit card in the United States. If you want to use a credit card, such as Visa or MasterCard, it would be
better to get it issued in your home country. Check with your parents about this, since they may have to apply for your card in their name. | 
