GENERAL UPDATES & REMINDERS

1 September 2007

University Closed:  The University will be closed on Monday, 3 September in observance of Labor Day.  Enjoy the three-day weekend!

Deadline for Reduced Courseload Requests (RCLs):  This item pertains to F-1 and J-1 visa holders only.  If you have one of these statuses, you must have 9 credits as a graduate student and 12 credits as an undergraduate student.  If you are taking less than that--FOR ANY REASON, you need to submit a Reduced Courseload Request form (RCL) to ISSS by 12 noon on Tuesday, 4 September.

No I-9 Hours Next Week:  From 4 September to 7 September, there will be no I-9 Hours.  You may still drop off any requested documentation.  There will be extended I-9 Hours from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Monday, 10 September. 

FREE Spouse English Class-Fall 2007:  It's time for the Spouse English Class to begin again.  This semester's classes will be on Wednesdays from 12 until 2:30 in Education 154.  See the flyer for more information.

Monarch QuickFit:  For new and returning students alike...often, compromises have to be made with regard to your daily eating habits.  If you are interested in keeping or improving your health, take advantage of the Monarch QuickFit program, a free 8-week program that gets participants on track with regular exercise habits.   To register, send an e-mail to lgraves@odu.edu or nblac006@odu.edu.  They will set up an initial assessment, give you materials and go over the program.  Please note that, in accordance with Fitness Center rules, you MUST have your student ID and you MUST have a 12" (30.5 cm) x 18" (45.5 cm) towel when you go for your consultation and all workout sessions.

Social Security Office Is Moving:   Effective 10 September, the Social Security Administration's new address is 5850 Lake Herbert Drive, Norfolk, VA 23502.  This is a new street, so Mapquest, etc. is not an option.  The new building is located in the area across from the IHOP Restaurant on Military Highway near Northampton Boulevard.

Like To Play SOCCER & Other Sports?:   The Intramural League is a great way to get involved in campus life and meet fellow sports lovers.  Other available sports include golf, table tennis, football, sand volleyball, basketball, dodgeball and tennis.  Like to watch games, but don't like to play...cheer on a friend's team!  (If an international students would like to advertise their upcoming games, let us know and we would be happy to post time and location info.) 

Orientation Presentations Online:  Presentations from International Student Orientation Fall 2007 are posted on our site for your reference.  To find them, go to the ISSS web site and click on the link in the Announcements box.

FREE Household & Miscellaneous Items in ISSS:  The following household items are available in Dragas on a first-come, first serve basis to new students:  set of twin sheets, a comforter, a thermal blanket and four pillows.  Another set of miscellaneous items is available--one per person only:  soccer ball, back pack with a handle and wheels and a mixed bag of toiletries. 

Practical Training Workshops:  If you are an F-1 student attending a CPT or OPT workshop, be sure to allot 1.5 to 2 hours for the session.  Also, you are encouraged to come prepared with questions to ensure you have no problems as you complete the required paperwork.  Remember that ISSS staff cannot check over your actual practical training applications as you submit them...another good reason to be sure you are as prepared as possible by lining up questions beforehand.  You must be present for the ENTIRE workshop to receive credit; unfortunately, no exceptions can be made.

Attention Women Students:  Now is the time to sign up for the Women's Institute for Leadership Development, a good addition to any résumé and a great way to meet fellow female students while learning leadership skills that will help you in your personal and professional lives.

Out & About--Things To Do This Weekend:  Here are some activities going on this coming weekend:

Friday, 31 August
7:00 p.m.:  "Labor Day Classic Battle of the Bands" at Norfolk State University (700 Park Avenue in Downtown Norfolk)

Saturday, 1 September
4:00 p.m.:  ODU Cookout on Whitehurst Beach
All Day:  Labor Day Sidewalk Sale in Downtown Portsmouth (accessible via ferry from Waterside; $1 each way)

Tuesday, 4 September
7:30 p.m.:  Spanish Poetry in 20th Century Song, Chandler Recital Hall in Diehn Hall (corner of Elkhorn Avenue & 49th Street)

ISSS Office Move Coming Soon:  A specific date has not been set, but it is likely that our office will be moved towards the middle/end of September.  The new location is in Powhatan Village, former "home" of the Student Housing Office.  We'll keep you posted on dates, closures, etc.