This guide has been prepared to assist postdoctoral fellows navigate Wayne State University (WSU) and provides general information on services available. You will soon be able to download a pdf file to save or print for easy reference. The guide is intended to serve as a check-list prior to arrival and a resource during your stay at Wayne State. A useful resource to get you started is the WSU campus map which will help you find your way around campus.
BEFORE ARRIVING AT WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
Visas
Postdoctoral visas are handled first by the department and then by the Office of International Students and Scholars. If you are an international postdoctoral fellow, and need to apply for or renew your visa discuss your visa options with your Principal Investigator (PI) and provide him/her with all necessary documentation required for the departmental administrator to begin the visa process. Please note, it might be important to know of any tax treaties that the US has with your home country prior to accepting your appointment and applying for a visa.
Checklist for New International Postdoctoral Trainees
The Office of International Students and Scholars is responsible for providing assistance on immigration matters and for acting as a link with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and the Department of State. Their website also lists a number of resources and especially useful may be comparative charts of different visa types and a guide for hiring staff on different visas. Additionally, the paperwork associated with visas varies and so it is a good idea to check with the international office on current processing time for visa applications or renewals for a specific visa type from your country.
If you are planning to travel overseas for a conference or vacation, please check with these offices prior to leaving to check what paperwork you might need in order to re-enter the United States.
The OISS website also provides a useful section on Adjusting to life in the US.
Detroit is in the northern hemisphere and has 4 distinct seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. So once you know your arrival date, check the local weather conditions before you arrive. Detroit winters are quite cold and it often snows during winter (~November-March). You will require a warm coat or jacket, gloves, scarf, and it is helpful to have a sturdy pair of walking shoes; spring (~March to May) and fall (September-November) are cool and will require some warm sweaters and a light jacket; summers (~June- September) are quite warm and humid.
Currency
Be realistic in determining how much money you will need to bring with you for living expenses while you are waiting to receive your first paycheck, which could take approximately 4-5 weeks. You will need cash for food, housing, and basic necessities. You may also need to factor in car/transport fare and entertainment and have to place deposits for housing and utilities.
Sending packages ahead of arrival
Contact the department you are planning to join to use their mailing address for any letter or packages you might like to send ahead of arrival. Be sure to have them addressed to your name!
Transport
The Airport is located in Romulus, Michigan, about 22 miles (35km) south-west of Detroit.
Check with your PI to see if someone is picking you up at the airport; remember to give the name of your airline/train/bus, its number, time and place of arrival. If no one is meeting you take a look at DTW transportation services to arrange your own transport. On average the cost of a taxi/cab fare is $40.
Housing
You will need to make housing arrangement prior to arrival.
WSU Graduate or Faculty housing may be able to assist you. You may request that your PI have someone pick up the keys and have them available for you.
Other resources to search for apartments include forrent.com, rent.com, apartmentsearch.com and detroitrent.com, or for houses for rent rentindetroit.com.
Local Detroit, MI Apartments for Rent
Craigslist – a useful source for apartments and houses for rent, as well as second hand items such as furniture for sale by locals.
Childcare
There are many places to look for assistance in finding childcare. However, most centers run pretty full and you might find it advantageous to place your name on a waiting list prior to arrival. Check with the center directly via email or ask your prospective department or PI for assistance in contacting the center.
Nearby Shopping
Detroit’s Historic Eastern Market
Public Transportation
On Campus
Wayne State University currently offers two complimentary campus shuttles that allow you to get from one side of campus to the other by simply flashing your OneCard. Shuttles, 15-passenger vans, run from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and signs are posted at each stop. Service runs continuously in approximately 15-minute intervals and is labeled “Main Campus Shuttle.” Click here for a map of main campus shuttle route.
The DMC provides a Continuous Central Campus Loop Shuttle transporting to Central Campus hospitals (South of Warren). The Shuttle Service operates 5am – 9pm Monday through Friday.
Off Campus
SMARTbus provides regular transport
Parking
Access to parking on the campus of Wayne State University is provided through the Parking and Transportation Services, which manages and operates a number of visitor and permit parking facilities .
Public Safety
WSU Police emergency number from campus is 313-577-2222
Recreation/Entertainment
WSU Recreation and Fitness Center
Matthaei Athletic Field – Wayne State Warriors
AFTER ARRIVING AT WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
Meet your Departments Administrative Assistant: The Department you are joining will provide you with all the paperwork necessary to get into the University system especially for payroll, benefits etc.
Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA): Contact the OPA as soon as you arrive at the University. OPAs function is to help all postdoctoral appointees at Wayne State. The office is located in Scott Hall. Tel: (313) 577-1455 or Email: postdocs@med.wayne.edu.
For International Postdocs you will need to report to the Office of International Students and Scholars
New Postdoc Orientation: This a resource for all new postdocs organized by the PDA. It will typically be held twice a year and provides in-depth information about all the resources available at Wayne State University
Other useful information to get started
OneCard: OneCard is the official Wayne State University identification card for students, faculty, staff, and other members of the University community. You can use your OneCard to access or pay for services at Wayne State. The OneCard Center is located at The Welcome Center, 42 West Warren. Tel: 313-577-CARD. Your OneCard is also useful in getting discounts at a number of places in and around Detroit.
Building Access: Entry to most Research Buildings in the School of Medicine requires activation of your OneCard. Access Card Application form must be completed and signed by the appropriate people in your department
Training modules: Most departments in the School of Medicine require mandatory completion of Radiation Safety, Bioethics, Animal Handling, Health and Lab Safety Training programs offered by the University. Additional information can be found at the AIC and OEHS websites.
Contact us:
If you have any questions, suggestions or recommendations on any issues affecting Postdocs at Wayne State University please contact the council at postdocs@med.wayne.edu