GENERAL UPDATES & REMINDERS
6 November 2007
LOTS to read in this issue...feel free to let us know if you have any questions!
Attention F-1s Graduating in December 2007: Don't forget that, if you want to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), you must attend a workshop. Also, please keep in mind that the absolute deadline for applications from students graduating in December is Tuesday, 27 November at 4 p.m.; this is necessary because your application must reach Immigration before the last day of exams. There is only one more OPT workshop this semester.
Is Your I-20 or DS-2019 Expiring Soon?: 'Tis the time for extension requests! Keep in mind that it takes 12 business days to process complete requests. You only need to submit three things for your request: I-20/DS-2019 Request Form, Advisor Extension Recommendation Form (read instructions about who can sign the form) and original financial documentation less than one year old. If you have an assistantship and you submitted a letter earlier this semester, please note that in the box on the request form so we can retreive it from your file (unless your assistantship has changed since August). It is not necessary to submit your current I-20 for this process.
If You Are On F or J Status: Addresses continue to be a source of confusion and we are working as hard as possible to send out e-mails when we can to remind students when updates are needed. However, remember that you are responsible for keeping your information current. Please visit our 14 September U & R issue for a review of address requirements. Feel free to ask us any questions that may come up.
Time to Check Holds: Registration for spring classes is upon us. To save yourself from unnecessary stress, check your holds now and get them resolved BEFORE you try to get classes.
Graduating in December?: ISSS has prepared a list of reminders for students who are graduating. Take a minute to view this page and make sure you don't miss anything. It is also in the RESOURCES section at the bottom right of our main web page.
Health Insurance: For many of you in F or J status, it is now time to renew your health insurance. Before purchasing a policy from a new company, be sure the company can answer 'yes' to all questions on the Insurance Compliance Form. (The form has been changed to remove some of the requirements.) You must have insurance THROUGH 31 May 2008--not 20 May or even 26 May. Also, keep in mind that, as stated on our new processing times, it takes three business days for insurance hold removals.
University Closed: The University will be closing at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, 21 November, and it will re-open on Monday, 26 November. With winter here, ISSS' FAQs have been updated with details about how to stay informed of a weather-related closing. (NOTE: If you have any other questions you feel should be added to the FAQ page, we'd be happy to add it.)
A Holiday Greeting: The Office of University Events is looking for four international students to participate in the 7th annual Illumination Ceremony. Traditional dress is preferred but not required. Basically, you will give a holiday greeting in your native language and then its translation in English...it can be a greeting for any holiday in your culture that celebrates community and/or family. You can also give a short description of the holiday--no more than one or maximum two minutes total. The ceremony will be on Wednesday, 5 December and your presence would be needed from 4:45 p.m. until about 6 p.m. If you'd like to participate, please let us know ASAP so we can inform University Events.
We Need YOU!: Actually, the new students need you! We are looking for Monarch Mentors to be a resource and friend to new students in Spring 2008. Mentors must have been at ODU for a minimum of two semesters by the time they will mentor. You will need to be in Norfolk on Wednesday, 9 January to assist with orientation and that following Saturday (12 January) for an activity. FMI, visit the Monarch Mentors site. We hope you will participate in welcoming these students to the ODU family!
Visits from Family & Friends: We have recently received several questions from students whose family or friends will be coming to graduation. Information about how they can make the visa application is found on our FAQ page. Please note that neither ISSS nor the University should write the letter of invitation--that must come from you. The only letter we can issue is a letter verifying that you are enrolled, which can also be proven by a LeoOnline transcript print-out and, if graduating, a copy of your graduation application submitted to the Registrar.
Cultural Explosion!: Be sure you mark your calendar for this Friday, 9 November at 7 p.m. to attend this year's Cultural Explosion, which will be held in The Ted (Constant Convocation Center). Food will be served at 6 p.m. This awesome event is always a great time and gives each of the multitude of cultures at ODU a chance to shine!
ODU Thanksgiving Dinner: OSAL will host a traditional Thanksgiving dinner (vegetarian options will be available) for current University students on Wednesday, 14 November at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are required; sign up as soon as possible because space is limited! Contact OSAL for more information.
Invitation from ODU's Baptist Campus Ministry: The ODU Baptist Campus Ministry will have a dinner for international students on Friday, 16 November at 6 p.m. in their center on 49th Street and Elkhorn. Dr. Caleb Oladipo will speak and there will be entertainment. If you would like to perform and/or bring a dish, it would be appreciated. FMI, they can be reached by e-mail or by phone at 757.489.7962.
Invitation from Community & Global Student Friendship: An invitation for a Thanksgiving meal has been extended to ODU's international students. Attendees are welcomed to wear traditional clothing to share their culture, as well as to taste many different dishes (vegetarian options available). There will also be performers and a door prize. The event will be held in The Atrium of Tabernacle Church of Norfolk on Saturday, 17 November. FMI, to register and/or to request a ride, e-mail your name to Global Student Friendship.
Almost Time to Renew Tax Forms: If you currently have a job at ODU or the Research Foundation and you will continue with an on-campus job in 2008, you must fill out new tax forms.. New forms are a requirement for ALL nonimmigrant visa holders (e.g. F-1, J, H-1B, O-1, NATO, etc.) who work here. This year, these special days will be held on Thursday, 29 November and Friday, 30 November from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. in ODU Research Foundation (Monarch Way & 43rd). FMI: see flyer or e-mail us.
Traveling Home for Break?: If you are an F or a J visa holder leaving the U.S. for either of the upcoming breaks and you wish to re-enter to continue your studies, you must get a re-entry signature on your I-20 or DS-2019. Travel signatures should be less than six months old upon re-entry into the U.S. As in past semesters, we will hold special travel signature days. This year, they will be held on Thursday, 29 November and Friday, 30 November from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. in ODU Research Foundation (Monarch Way & 43rd). FMI: see flyer or e-mail us.
Festival of Trees & Traditions: Take part in creating a new ODU tradition, and share your culture at the same time! Participants can choose to decorate a tree, a wreath or a desginated space in Webb. Registration is required and must be done by 27 November; decoration will take place on Sunday, 2 December.
Spring 2008 Orientation: Some of you will find a hold for orientation when you log into LeoOnline, indicating that you either did not attend orientation at all, or that you were not there for the entire program. Please note that orientation will be held on Wednesday, 9 January (NOT 8 January, as stated on some students' records). So that you can register for classes, please e-mail us to let us know on which date you will register. The hold will be moved to allow registration on that date, and the hold will become active again at 12 a.m. the next day.
