Welcome to the Leadership Development Institute!

Here are helpful resources for your reference during your time at the Paul Merage School of Business.

Introduction to Irvine and the Community

UC Irvine is located in one of the most beautiful, clean and safe cities within the United States - the city of Irvine. Located about 40 miles south of Los Angeles, about 60 miles north of San Diego and five miles from the Pacific Ocean, Irvine is perfectly situated so that it only takes a few minutes to drive to the beach by car or about an hour or so to drive to the nearby mountains, deserts, and wilderness areas. The year round climate is one of the best in the nation and you can expect sunshine all seasons of the year. With its mild “Mediterranean” climate, residents can go swimming, surfing, whale watching, fishing and boating during most of the year.

The entertainment choices are many; Orange County is home to Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts, to name a few. Live theater lectures and musical performances occur frequently on campus at UCI’s Barclay Theater, the Bren Events Center and other campus theaters. Off-campus, you can enjoy the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the South Coast Repertory, and two outdoor amphitheaters, Great Park Live and the Pacific Amphitheater, where popular musicians perform. In addition to the art gallery on campus, the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana and the Newport Art Museum are conveniently located only 15-20 minutes away.

UC Irvine

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) opened in 1965 with 116 faculty and 1,589 students. In the succeeding years, UCI has attained national and international distinction in its programs and faculty. The campus challenges its students both academically and personally and relies on the commitment, curiosity, imagination and judgment of its faculty and students to assure its continued intellectual and cultural vitality.

UCI’s location offers cultural and economic resources of an urban area along with access to the scenic, recreational areas of Southern California. The campus itself is a natural arboretum planted with trees and shrubs from all over the world along with native species. Adjacent to the campus lies the San Joaquin Freshwater Marsh Reserve, part of the University’s land preserve system, which is home to a wide variety of migratory and nonmigratory waterfowl and other wildlife.

Services

Tipping

Service charges, or tips, are usually not added to the bill in American hotels, restaurants, or hair shops, but they are expected and customary for good service. In restaurants, tip the waiter/waitress 15-20% of the check. The person who cuts your hair generally receives a 10% tip, while the assistant who delivers your bag to the hotel room is generally paid $1.00 per bag, depending on the type of hotel. Hotel housekeeping service is typically $2-3 per night up to $5 for high-end hotels. Leave this tip each night on your pillow or obvious place with a note that says thank you. While different than most of the rest of the world, US service workers are often dependent on tip income and generally grateful for tips, especially when good service has been provided.

Emergency: Dial 911

If calling from campus phone, you will be connected to UCI Campus Police.
If calling from a cell phone, you will be connected to California Highway Patrol; they will transfer to the UCI Campus Police.

The “911” emergency phone number can be called from ANY public or private phone. The call is free. DO NOT CALL “911” UNLESS IT IS A REAL EMERGENCY. Calling “911” without a real emergency is against the law.

Important Resources

General Safety Reminders

While Irvine is one of the safest and cleanest cities in the United States, always be careful with your personal safety and belongings.

1. NEVER CARRY LARGE AMOUNTS OF CASH WITH YOU.
2. IF YOU GO OUT AT NIGHT, try to take a friend with you. If you are using the bus, keep in mind the hour that it gets dark and depart in advance.
3. ALWAYS LOCK YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS.
4. WHEN SOMEONE KNOCKS ON YOUR DOOR, ALWAYS ASK, “WHO’S THERE?” If you do not know the person, ask “What do you want?” before opening the door. Any legitimate officer or service attendant will have and can provide picture identification. When in doubt, don’t open the door.
5. BE CAREFUL OF YOUR VALUABLES. Never leave your valuables unattended (jewelry, money, cameras, etc.). Do not leave your valuables on display through a window in your car or home.
6. ALWAYS KEEP EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS for the POLICE, FIRE DEPARTMENT, HOSPITAL, etc. next to your telephone AND in your purse or bag. Memorize important telephone numbers in case you need to make an emergency call.
7. THE VISA AND TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF THE U.S. The visa is a multicolored stamp in your passport that you secured in your home country to travel to the United States. It may be valid for up to five years and multiple entries into the U.S. may be possible, but individual visas may vary. The visa is used only to obtain entry to the U.S. and is not to be confused with the amount of time you are allowed to remain in the United States.
   
   

Some visas may only be valid for one time use. It is important to CHECK WITH THE UCI IMMIGRATION OFFICE IF YOU ARE PLANNING A TRIP OUTSIDE OF THE COUNTRY (for instance, to Mexico or Canada). TAKE YOUR PASSPORT AND I-20 with you to the office. It is best to go AT LEAST ONE TO TWO WEEKS before you plan to leave on your trip.

I-94 (ARRIVAL – DEPARTURE RECORD)
I-94 is the small white card given to all non-immigrant visitors to the United States. It indicates how long a visitor can remain in the U.S.

“Be Prepared For Anything”

In Case of a Fire

1. If you smell smoke, call “911” immediately. Then, sound the fire alarm (if you have one) or alert other family members immediately.
2. If you are in your bedroom when an alarm sounds…
   • Feel the closed door first; if it is hot, DO NOT OPEN it. If the door is not hot, open it slowly.
   • If smoke or heat fills the hallway, remain in the room. Close the door; put a towel under the door to block the smoke.
   • If you are on the second floor and cannot escape through the window, hang a sheet out the window to attract attention and yell for help. Wait for help to arrive.
3. If you can safely leave the room, take your keys and identification if possible. Close windows and doors on the way out. If heat and smoke hinder your exit, stay low to the floor.
4. DO NO RE-ENTER the building again until instructed by police or fire department representative.
   
   

Earthquake Safety Procedure

While earthquakes are a common occurrence in California, most earthquakes are so small they are unnoticed by the average person. Even with a larger earthquake, most people do not experience anything worse than a good shaking. The best you can do during an earthquake is to REMAIN CALM and follow the procedures below. Chances are you will never experience an earthquake while staying here at UCI, but it is wise to keep emergency supplies in the event that you have ANOTHER TYPE of emergency, such as a power shortage or car failure.

Before an Earthquake Even Happens You Should…

1. Fasten shelves, heavy picture frames, mirrors, etc. securely to walls.
2. Learn how to turn off gas, water, and electrical supplies.
3. Plan emergency procedures and keep basic emergency supplies in your garage and in your car.
   
   

Emergency Supplies

1. Basic first aid kit, including a first-aid handbook
2. Tools to shut off water and gas pipes
3. Fire extinguisher
4. Two flashlights, a battery-powered radio and a few batteries
5. A two-week supply of water, food and any needed medication
6. Matches and cooking supplies
7. Plastic garbage bags and paper goods such as disposable paper plates, cups, towels, etc.
8. Extra clothing, shoes and an emergency blanket
   
   

During an Earthquake

• STAY WHERE YOU ARE.
• Do not rush outdoors.
• Sit or stand against an inside wall or doorway or GET UNDER a DESK, TABLE, or BENCH.
• STAY AWAY from all glass surfaces.
• IF YOU ARE OUTDOORS, REMAIN THERE. Move into the open, away from buildings or electric power lines.
  
  

After an Earthquake

• AFTERSHOCKS (additional earthquakes following the first quake) may occur but are usually not as strong. Be prepared.
• MOVE CAUTIOUSLY and OBSERVE your surroundings for hazardous situations.
• DO NOT MAKE UNECESSARY CALLS TO FRIENDS. Only call if you have an emergency.
• If you detect gas or foreign odors, DO NOT USE MATCHES OR CANDLES. Open windows, shut off power, and LEAVE THE BUILDING IMMEDIATELY. Make sure you report the problem to authorities.
• If the building you are in has suffered damage, wait until the initial shake is over and then leave the building. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS.
• TUNE IN TO LOCAL RADIO STATIONS FOR INFORMATION
  
  

*** Above All, Remain Calm, Don't Panic ***

"Move Away From Glass…Get Under a Table!"

Laws of California and the United States

You and the Law

International students, and foreign visitors in the United States, must abide by the same laws as Americans. If you break the law, you will be treated as any American would. You will have the right to an attorney and a trial. If you are found guilty of a crime while in this country, you may go to jail and/or be deported (sent back to your country) and could lose your right to return to the United States.

Alcohol Laws

IN CALIFORNIA, YOU MUST BE 21 YEARS OLD TO DRINK ALCOHOL. If you are under 21 years of age, it is against the law for you to buy or drink alcohol of any kind.

Also remember you can get into serious trouble if you are arrested for being drunk either in public, including on the UCI campus, or while you are driving. THERE ARE NEW STRICT LAWS FORBIDDING DRIVING WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. You WILL be put in jail if you drink and drive and may have to pay an expensive fine and/or possibly lose your driver’s license. If you think you have had too much to drink – DON’T DRIVE!! You can call SAFE-RIDES at +1(949) 856-5223 if you have been drinking too much and they will send someone out to pick you up and drive you home safely.

In addition, you must not carry any open container of alcohol (even an open can of beer) in your car – nor can you allow passengers to carry open containers. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW!!

Drug Laws

POSSESSION, USE, SALE OR MANUFACTURE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS IS AGAINST THE LAW. This includes marijuana, cocaine, pills and any other drug that is not prescribed by a doctor or available at your local pharmacy (drug store).

PENALTIES FOR USING DRUGS CAN INCLUDE SIGNIFICANT TIME IN JAIL AND EXPULSION FROM UCI. Also, as visitors from other countries, you are subject to DEPORTATION (required by the Immigration Service to leave the country) and could lose your right to never return to the United States.

Jaywalking (Crossing the Street Outside of the Crosswalk)

In California, pedestrians (walking people) have the right of way. This means cars should stop if pedestrians are crossing the street. At most corners, lines are painted on the street to show where pedestrians should walk to cross the street safely. These lines are called “crosswalks.” Even if painted lines are not present, an “imaginary crosswalk” is said to exist. As a pedestrian, use the crosswalk at all times. You will be responsible for your own safety if crossing the street outside of the crosswalk.

Do Not Throw Trash or Other Objects on the Ground

It is against the law to throw trash on the ground. You will pay a fine if a police officer cites you. Throwing trash or cigarettes from a moving car can cost $500.00 in fines. Please, DO NOT THROW LITTER OF ANY KIND ON THE GROUND.

Smoking Regulations

Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the UCI campus.

UC Irvine endeavors to maintain a safe and healthy environment. As a leader in health-related research, teaching, and patient care, UC Irvine has a special institutional obligation to maintain such an environment. Consistent with this obligation and state law:

1. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, electronic smoking devices (e.g., e-cigarettes, vapor cigarette, personal vaporizer, or PV), and the use of nicotine products not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating nicotine or tobacco dependence, are prohibited on all UC Irvine controlled properties. This includes all indoor and outdoor spaces, including parking lots, in which the University has a 100% ownership interest or an exclusive lease interest.
2. Smoking is prohibited inside any vehicle owned, leased, or occupied by UC Irvine (regardless of where the vehicle is situated), and inside any vehicle parked at a location where smoking is prohibited.
3. Sale and advertising of tobacco, tobacco-related products, electronic smoking devices, and products related to electronic smoking devices are prohibited on all UC Irvine controlled properties, except for advertising in newspapers, magazines, or other written materials sold, bought, or distributed on UC property.
4. Research involving smoking, tobacco products, or tobacco use for educational or clinical purposes may be permitted as required in connection with research approved by the UC Irvine Institutional Review Board.
5. Smoking and tobacco use may be permitted for the traditional ceremonial activities of recognized cultural or religious groups.