GENERAL REMINDERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

08 January 2007

Reduced Courseload?:  All F-1 and J-1 visa holders taking a reduced courseload (less than 9 credits for all graduate students, 12 credits for undergraduates) will need to submit an RCL form before the end of course registration.  Be sure you get an e-mail verification from our office stating that your form has been approved; this e-mail should be printed and kept with your other important immigration papers.    

I-9 Employment Paperwork:  There has been a small change in the I-9 processing hours in ISSS.  Remember that all students who are not U.S. citizens and not green card holders must fill out their employment paperwork in ISSS, not in the employing department.

Optional Practical Training (OPT):  Are you an F-1 visa holder who will graduate in May or a graduate student finished with coursework with only your project or dissertation remaining?  You may be eligible for OPT; to find out if you are, please sign up for a workshop to learn about the application process.  The application deadline for May graduates is 27 April.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT):  If you are an F-1 visa holder and are interested in an off-campus internship for experience in your field, please read the CPT requirements to see if you are eligible.  If so, you can sign up for a workshop to learn more about this immigration benefit.

Shopping Trips:  New students (and current students, if space is available) are welcome to participate in shopping trips to Wal-Mart through 15 January 2007.  Sign-up sheets are in Dragas.  Preference is given to new students who have not yet gone on a trip.  The list for each trip is closed at 12 noon the day before the trip; if space is available, current students and new ones who have already gone shopping will be contacted. 

HAVE A GREAT SEMESTER!