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    • ISSO Newsletter: April 2007

    The ISSO sends out a monthly web-based newsletter. As it contains the latest information about immigration and ISSO services, it is very important that you read it! We promise to try and keep it as short as possible. View the ISSO newsletter archive here.

    Newsletter Contents:

    1. Immigration News and Reminders
      H1B Quota for Non-Academics Reached April 2, 2007!
      Planning on working OFF-campus this summer?
      May Graduates: Discuss your Future Plans with ISSO!
      Check your Documents: Is anything expiring?
      Travel Reminders: Leaving the U.S. this Summer?
    2. Tax Information
    3. ISSO April Program Schedule
      Program Highlight: President's Reception
    4. New Electronic List: iPrograms-L
    5. Spring 2007 ISSO Book Award Winners
    6. August Orientation Coming Soon: We Need Your Help!
      Summer Job Opportunities at the ISSO
      Call for Orientation Volunteers
      International Student Organization Fair
    7. Announcements from Across Campus
      New Off Campus Housing Office (OCHO) Now Open!
      Summer Course: English for Int'l Students & Scholars
      From Gannett: 5 Quick and Easy Ways to Relax
    8. Let’s Talk: CAPS off-site counseling at ISSO
    9. Have Immigration Questions?: Come to ISSO Office Hours


    Immigration News


    H1B Quota for Non-Academics Reached April 2, 2007!
    Unfortunately, the news is true that the quota for H1B visas for NON-academic institutions was reached on the first day of filing this year -- April 2nd! Click here for further information.


    Planning to work OFF-campus this summer?
    F-1 Students: If you are planning to work OFF-campus this summer you MUST APPLY for work authorization through the ISSO. Read about F-1 work authorization here or come to one of our workshops on off-campus work authorization.

    J-1 students: If you are planning to work OFF-campus this summer you MUST APPLY for work authorization through the ISSO. If your DS-2019 form was issued by Cornell, you may read about J-1 student off-campus work authorization, known as "Academic Training," and download an application from our J-1 Academic Training web pages. If your DS-2019 is not issued by Cornell University, you must contact your sponsor (whoever issued your DS-2019) to discuss whether or not Academic Training is allowed.


    May Graduates: Discuss your Future Plans with ISSO!
    If you are graduating from Cornell this May 2007, and you plan to stay in the U.S. to either work or to pursue another degree, please come to the ISSO to discuss your plans. In order to maintain your valid immigration status in the U.S., there are specific procedures you will need to complete in order to do any of the following:

    Check with the ISSO advisor on duty about any of the above or any other plans you may have after you graduate.



    Check your Documents: Is anything expiring?
    Please take a moment to check your documents. If your I-20 or DS-2019 is about to expire and you know you will need more time to complete your academic, please come to the ISSO to complete an F-1 Program Extension or a J-1 Student Program Extension. It is very important that you do so before your current documents expire!! If your I-20 or DS-2019 is due to expire in May 2005 and you intend to remain at Cornell next semester, you should do an extension NOW. If you fail to complete an extension, you will be out of legal immigration status.

    If it also very important that you keep your passport current. If it will expire in the near future, make plans to extend or renew it. If you aren’t making a trip home soon, contact your country’s consulate here in the United States for instructions on extending your passport.


    Travel Reminders: Leaving the U.S. this Summer?
    Make sure you have the correct Re-Entry Documents!!! If you will be leaving and re-entering the U.S., PLEASE be sure that you have all the documents for re-entry as described on these web pages:



    Tax Information


    Read the ISSO tax information here.

    Read the tax frequently asked questions here.

    Tax season is here! The deadline to file your tax return is April 17, 2007

    If this will be your first time filing tax forms in the U.S., or if you are confused about the U.S. tax system, please click here and start by reading through our TAX FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) here.

    U.S FEDERAL TAX forms:
    The ISSO has purchased web based software for all internationals in the Cornell Community to assist with filing U.S. Federal NON-RESIDENT Tax Forms. All internationals temporarily residing in the U.S. are required to file at least one U.S. Federal Tax Form (the 8843) even if you were not employed. The tax software will help you fill out that form and will determine if you need to fill out other forms as well. To determine if you are Non-Resident for tax purposes, click here.

    TO ACCESS THE SOFTWARE:
    You only need your net id and password to access the software. Click here to get to our tax information page and the software.

    NEW YORK STATE TAX forms:
    The software described above does NOT complete New York State tax forms. Click here for everything you need to file your New York State tax forms. (PLEASE NOTE: You must complete your federal tax form BEFORE you may complete your New York State tax form.)

    Questions about W-2s and 1042s's:
    Click here for any questions regarding W-2 and / or 1042s forms.



    ISSO April Program Schedule


    13th (Friday)
    New York State Tax Workshop for Internationals
    1:00 - 3:00pm
    100 Caldwell Hall
    ISSO staff will explain how to complete the New York State Tax Forms. You must bring all relevant tax documents (W-2 and/or 1042S AND your completed federal forms) with you to the session.

    20th (Friday)
    F-1 Student Off-Campus Work Authorization
    1:00 - 2:00pm
    100 Caldwell Hall
    ISSO Staff will explain how F-1 students may gain off campus work authorization.

    24th (Tuesday)
    President's Reception for Graduating International Students
    5:00 - 6:30 PM
    Memorial Room, Willard Straight Hall
    Undergrads and grads: Celebrate your graduation with your family, professors, and friends! More information is available below.

    Plus, every Thursday while classes are in session...
    International Coffee Hour
    3:30-5:30 PM, the Big Red Barn
    Make new friends or catch up with old ones as you enjoy coffee, tea, & light refreshments. This weekly event is free and all are welcome!

    Questions about these programs? Please contact Mary Schlarb, 255-5243, mhs13@cornell.edu

    .

    Program Highlight: President's Reception


    President's Reception for Graduating International Students
    Tuesday, April 24, 2007, 5:00 pm
    Willard Straight Hall, Memorial Room

    ARE YOU GRADUATING in MAY or AUGUST 2007, or DID YOU GRADUATE in DECEMBER 2006? If so, we cordially invite you to the annual President's Reception for Graduating International Students.

    This reception for graduates and undergraduates will honor the contributions and achievements of all international students at Cornell. Graduating students are welcome to invite spouses, partners, and a faculty guest. We provide a PDF invitation for you to give to your guest, if you wish.

    The Reception will take place on the evening of Tuesday, April 24th, 5:00 p.m. in the Willard Straight Hall Memorial Room. Honorees and their guests will enjoy some words of congratulation from Cornell Administration officials, delight in foods from around the world, and mingle with other international students about to embark on the next stage of their careers!

    If you can attend, please complete the online RSVP by April 20, 2007. We look forward to honoring and celebrating with you!



    New ISSO Electronic List: iPrograms-L


    The ISSO is pleased to launch iPrograms-L! Based on feedback from international students and staff, we have created this new electronic mailing list (e-list) for individuals interested in receiving announcements specifically about the ISSO's trips, programs, and non-immigration services.

    From this point forward, ISSO-NEWS-L, a restricted list required for all registered international students, will be reserved for the ISSOs monthly electronic newsletter, plus important updates and reminders regarding student immigration, tax, and other compliance issues. Program announcements will not be sent to ISSO-NEWS-L.

    We encourage all interested international students, academic staff, and family members to join iPrograms-L in order to receive updates on special ISSO programs! Subscription instructions are below.


    A summary of the ISSOs three e-lists and how to access them:

    ISSO-NEWS-L:
    This e-list is required for all currently registered international students. The ISSO uses this list to send students important immigration-related updates and reminders, as well as our monthly electronic newsletter. Students are automatically added (or removed) from the list each academic year, and only ISSO list administrators may post announcements. If you are a currently registered international student and think you are not receiving list postings, please contact isso@cornell.edu to request that we add you.

    iPrograms-L:
    Join this e-list if you are interested in receiving announcements about ISSO trips, programs, and non-immigration services. This list has open membership (meaning anyone is welcome to join), but only ISSO list administrators may post announcements.

    To join iPrograms-L:
    1. Send an email to: lyris@cornell.edu
    2. In the body of the email type: join iPrograms-L "firstname lastname"
    (type your own first and last name & be sure to include quote marks!)


    International-L:
    We will also continue to maintain International-L, an e-list that serves as a communication channel for those who wish to share information and ideas related to international affairs, cultural exchange opportunities, and settling in Ithaca. This list has open membership (anyone can join), but only list members may post announcements.

    To subscribe to International-L:
    1. Send an email to: lyris@cornell.edu
    2. In the body of the email type: join International-L "firstname lastname"
    (type your own first and last name & be sure to include quote marks!)

    For general information about electronic mailing lists at Cornell, visit CIT's web site.



    Spring 2007 ISSO Book Award Winners


    The ISSO Book Award was established in 2001 to recognize the vast contributions that the international student population adds to Cornell. It is awarded each semester to international students who have made significant contributions, through extracurricular and academic pursuits, to the international community at Cornell, and have promoted international education and communication on campus, in the Ithaca community, and beyond.

    We are delighted to announce the winners of the Spring 2007 ISSO Book Award... Congratulations to our undergraduate winner Elise Gonzales, and our graduate student winner Luke Goh. Below is a brief sampling of their individual contributions and achievements:

    Elise Gonzales is a sophomore in the College of Arts & Sciences and hails from the Philippines. She serves as the Publicity Officer on the executive board of the Cornell Filipino Association, is a member of the International Students Program Board, writes for Parallax, an on-campus Asian American socio-political magazine, and works at Mann Library.

    Luke Goh, from Singapore, completed his Bachelor’s degree at Cornell in 2005 and is now working on a Master of Engineering degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Luke has been an active member of the Singapore Students Association since first coming to Cornell and is currently the philanthropy chair on the SSA executive council. In that position he has been responsible for coordinating community service projects such as the Cascadilla Creek cleanup (in preparation for the annual 4-H Duck Race) and an Into the Streets flood relief project to help restore homes in Binghamton.



    August Orientation Coming Soon: We Need Your Help!

    Summer Job Opportunities at the ISSO


    The ISSO is looking to hire two undergraduate students to assist with the PREPARE 2007 International Undergraduate Orientation program. A brief description of each available position is provided below, along with the required dates and hours of employment, and the application deadline. Applications for either position should be sent to:

    PREPARE Student Positions
    Attn: Adriana Rovers
    International Students and Scholars Office
    B-50 Caldwell Hall
    Ithaca, NY 14853

    Questions should be directed to Adriana Rovers at apr6@cornell.edu.

    PREPARE Student Coordinator (EXTENDED DEADLINE!):

    Application Procedure: Please submit a hard copy of your resume and cover letter, indicating your interests and qualifications related to the Student Coordinator position, by 4:30 PM on Friday, April 20, 2007.

    General Goals: The central responsibility of the Student Coordinator of the PREPARE international pre-orientation program is to ensure that the program runs smoothly and effectively, ultimately fulfilling its stated purpose of easing the participants' adjustment to Cornell. The Student Coordinator works under the supervision of the Program Coordinator in the ISSO.

    Hours:

    • June 11 through July 27: 20-30 hrs/wk, July 30 through August 12: 40 hrs/wk
    • During PREPARE, August 13-16: 7 - 8 am until the end of daily scheduled events, including clean up.
    • Post-PREPARE: approx. 15 hours of follow-up work, including writing a final report.

    Qualifications:

    • Status as a student with significant overseas or cross-cultural experience.
    • Strong communication skills, both verbal and writing, and good command of the English language.
    • Familiarity with Windows computer programs, preferably Microsoft Word, Pagemaker, Filemaker and Adobe Creative Suite.
    • Openness, motivation, and a desire to help others.
    • Experience as a PREPARE participant and/or volunteer preferred.

    Responsibilities:

    • Volunteer Coordination
    • Event Planning
    • Correspondence with incoming Participants
    • Design and produce of publication materials
    • Publicity of events
    • Work with ISSO and Student Coordinators to design and facilitate Volunteer Training activities
    • Planning and Coordinating Participant Arrivals and Move-ins
    • Direct van drivers to appropriate locations
    • Serve as point of contact for arriving participants, airport shuttle company, Housing Office staff, van drivers, volunteers, etc.
    • Full Participation in the Program (Attend all events during the program.)
    • Compile a detailed report about the program.



    PREPARE Student Logistics Coordinator

    Application Procedure: Please submit a hard copy of your resume and cover letter indicating your interests and qualifications related to the Student Logistics Coordinator position by 4:30 PM on Friday, May 4, 2007.

    General Goals: The central responsibility of the Logistics Coordinator of the PREPARE International pre-orientation program is to ensure that the new student arrival and room check-in runs smoothly and effectively, ultimately fulfilling its stated purpose of easing the participants' adjustment to Cornell. The Logistics Coordinator works under the supervision of the Program Coordinator in the ISSO, collaborates closely with the Student Coordinator to plan the first day of PREPARE, and supervises the van drivers and volunteer move-in assistants and greeters.

    Hours:

    • July 30 through August 10: 30-40 hrs/wk.
    • Help facilitate Volunteer Training, August 11-12.
    • During PREPARE Check-in Day, August 13: 7 AM until arrival of final participant.
    • August 14-16: 30-40 hours.
    • Post-PREPARE: approx. 5hours of follow-up work, including writing a final report.

    Qualifications:

    • Status as a student with significant overseas or cross-cultural experience.
    • Strong communication skills, both verbal and writing, and good command of the English language.
    • Very strong organizational skills. Experience coordinating event logistics preferred.
    • Familiarity with Macintosh and Windows computer programs, preferably Microsoft Word, Pagemaker, and Filemaker.
    • Openness, motivation, and a desire to help others.
    • Experience as a PREPARE participant and/or volunteer preferred.

    Responsibilities:
    Volunteer Coordination

    • Coordinate volunteers and van drivers responsible for greeting, checking in, and moving in PREPARE participants on check-in day, August 13.
    • Work with ISSO and Student Coordinators to design and facilitate Volunteer Training activities.

    Planning and Coordinating Participant Arrivals and Move-ins

    • Pick-ups and Check-ins: Work with student coordinator to arrange for transportation needs of all participants from airport/bus station, etc.; create an arrival schedule;
    • Direct van drivers to appropriate locations.
    • Make arrangements for picking up late arrivals.
    • Serve as point of contact for arriving participants, airport shuttle company, housing office staff, van drivers, volunteers, etc.

    General Preparations

    • Stay in contact with Student Coordinator throughout summer.
    • Work with Student Coordinator to organize travel schedules.
    • Organize move-in schedules.

    Additional Duties

    • As assigned by the Program Coordinator

    Full Participation in the Program

    • Back up ISSO and Student Coordinators for some events during the program.

    Post-PREPARE

    • Compile a detailed report about check-in day



    Call for Orientation Volunteers


    The ISSO depends on the enthusiasm and expertise of continuing international student volunteers to make our orientation programs a success. We need volunteers to assist with the PREPARE Undergraduate Orientation Program, and with the International Graduate and Professional Student Program. Details are below.


    PREPARE International Undergraduate Orientation program

    Information Meeting to be held
    Date: Monday, April 16, 2007
    Place: International Students and Scholars Office
    Time: 5-6:00 PM

    Attention undergraduate students...Are you an international student who would like to welcome new international undergraduates to Cornell? Or are you an American student who has had experience living in another culture and knows how it feels to dive into something so different? Then use your experience to help welcome new international students to Cornell!

    The ISSO is looking for motivated and enthusiastic undergraduate volunteers for PREPARE 2007 in August!

    PREPARE is a four-day, intensive pre-orientation program for new international undergraduates, where participants and volunteers have the opportunity to meet one another and help each other acclimate to life at Cornell. Over 150 new students, plus 40 volunteers will participate in PREPARE. Volunteers are crucially important, and are expected to attend all events throughout the program. They may not be OCs in the university orientation, as conflicts of time and commitment often arise.

    PREPARE will run from August 13-16, with a mandatory training session on August 11-12. Volunteers who have on-campus assignments for the fall will be allowed to move into their rooms beginning on August 10.

    We will be holding an informational meeting for all those interested in becoming a PREPARE volunteer on Monday, April 16th at the ISSO from 5-6 PM. Students who want to volunteer for PREPARE will be required to sign up online and will be able to do this sometime after April 27.

    Get involved! Help new international students! Have fun! Sign on to the PREPARE Team!

    Questions? Please contact Adriana Rovers at apr6@cornell.edu



    International Graduate and Professional Student Orientation
    This program will be held on Saturday, August 19th, 2007 from 3-7:00 PM in Statler Hall. Graduate student volunteers are needed to help set up for the event, welcome new students, and generally be on hand to answer questions and share your experiences as a continuing student. If you are interested in helping out with this event or with the Graduate School’s ongoing orientation activities, please send your name and e-mail address to Mariah Sawyer at mjs51@cornell.edu. There will be a volunteer information meeting in mid-August. More details will be provided during the summer.



    International Student Organization Fair


    Held in conjunction with the International Graduate and Professional Student Orientation, this event will showcase the variety of International Student Organizations available on campus. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 19th from 5:30-7:00 PM in the Park Atrium of Statler Hall’s Beck Center. Welcome new graduate students and recruit new members! If your organization is interested in participating, send summer contact information (name and e-mail) to Mariah Sawyer at mjs51@cornell.edu.



    Announcements From Across Campus

    New Off Campus Housing Office (OCHO) Now Open!


    The Off Campus Housing Office has reopened and is now being managed through the Dean of Students Office in Willard Straight Hall under the capable leadership of Kimberly Fezza. The office will focus on the needs of both students, and property owners and managers and assist all parties involved in the off campus housing relationship. Keep an eye out for ongoing improvements in this exciting new resource!

    For information or assistance, contact:
    Kimberly Fezza, Coordinator
    Off Campus Housing Office
    401 Willard Straight Hall
    Ithaca, NY 14853
    kl93@cornell.edu
    t. 607-254-8718
    f. 607-255-8082



    Summer Course: English for International Students and Scholars


    Cornell's summer English for International Students and Scholars (EISS) is a program for native speakers of languages other than English. It provides full-time intensive English instruction as well as academic, social, and cultural orientation to the United States and its institutions. It is designed to prepare students and scholars for working and studying in the academic environment of a university in the United States or to use English professionally. Program dates: June 25 - August 3, 2007.

    The program features small class size to enhance students' ability to learn English and to enable instructors to provide personal attention and encouragement. In addition to daily classes designed to improve listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar skills. Program instructors offer elective afternoon courses such as TOEFL preparation, pronunciation, US culture through film and literature, idioms, and academic presentations.

    The program attracts participants from many different countries. For example, during the past two years participants have come from countries such as Thailand, France, Austria, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Korea, China, Brazil, Taiwan, Mauritania, Colombia, Turkey and Japan. These students greatly valued not only the academics but also the opportunities for social interaction outside of class.

    For more information and to register visit the website!

    For questions about academic courses:
    Mary K. Redmond, Director
    423A Morrill Hall
    Ithaca, NY 14853, U.S.A.
    mkr4@cornell.edu
    telehone: 607 254-6502


    For questions about administrative issues:
    Mary Adie
    Special Programs
    B20 Day Hall
    Ithaca, NY 14853-2801, U.S.A.
    mea36@cornell.edu
    telephone: 607 255-7259



    From Gannett: 5 Quick and Easy Ways to Relax


    As the spring temperature climbs in Ithaca, so does our anticipation for the end of the semester. These final weeks of classes bring with them a frenzy of activity. There may be times when you find yourself racing the clock to complete projects and assignments, or studying long hours for exams, and possibly making plans for the summer months or after graduation. Some things you probably don’t think you’ll have time for are having down time for yourself, time to be with others, and time to relax. But making time for these three things is essential to your success and can often be enhanced when combined together. Many students find that by taking relaxation breaks (10-15 minutes) during their day they can actually increase their energy level, ability to concentrate, and enhance their mood. By planning some of these breaks with other people, you can maximize your time and the benefits experienced later.

    Here are some free, quick and easy ways to relax your body and refocus your mind:

    Exercise: Exercise provides an outlet for frustration, and releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancers. Any type of body movement is beneficial to your health, such as taking the stairs, walking/ running, ping pong, soccer, badminton, working out at the gym, playing a quick game of pick-up basketball, doing yoga, dancing, etc. Many of these activities can be even more enjoyable when done with a friend.

    Laugh: Laughter - whether it’s a chuckle, a giggle, a cackle, or a full body laugh - is a terrific stress buster. This form of light exercise releases hormones and chemicals which in turn reduce stress, anxiety and blood pressure; boost the immune system, increase respiration and circulation; improve overall mental functioning (i.e., memory and alertness); and enhance spiritual wellbeing. The effects of laughter are even experienced when it’s a fake laugh. But why settle for that when there are so many things to really make you giggle. Practice with people who share your sense of humor.

    Focus on Your Breathing: Deep breathing empties your mind of anxiety and refocuses your attention on the present moment. Take a deep breath in through the nose for three seconds; hold for two seconds; breathe out through the mouth for six seconds. Repeat this several times while concentrating only on your breathing.

    Relax Your Body: Muscle relaxation relieves tension and helps you feel more relaxed in just minutes. No special equipment or training is needed to learn this technique. Start with your toes, tighten and release muscle groups, working progressively up your body to you head. This technique can also help you prepare your body for sleep.

    Listen to Music: Music can energize or relax you. Some studies show it can lower blood pressure and respiration, creating a calming effect. Choose music based on whether you want to enhance the mood you’re in or to shift how you’re feeling. Musical preferences are personal—some may prefer actually singing (karaoke or a cappella) over listening to hip hop, metal or dance music. Find what works best for you.

    Submitted by:
    Janis Talbot (jit1@cornell.edu) 255-4782
    Health Educator, International Student Health Advocate http://www.gannett.cornell.edu



    Let's Talk: CAPS off-site counseling at ISSO


    Each Thursday from 1:30-4:30 pm, Wai-Kwong Wong will be available at the ISSO for free and confidential counselling and consultation. No appointment is necessary! Graduate students, undergraduate students, and family members are welcome to come talk to Wai about:

    • personal growth and challenges
    • depression, anxiety and stress
    • relationship issues
    • family issues
    • cultural, racial and ethnic issues
    • sexual health concerns
    • negotiating academic environment
    • any other issues of concern
    • referral and information

    For more information about Counselling and Psychological Services and a schedule of available times for off-site, walk-in consultations visit: http://www.gannett.cornell.edu/CAPS/offsiteSupport.html.



    Have Immigration Questions?
    Come to ISSO Office Hours


    ISSO Advising Hours:
    Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 9-12:00; 1:00-4:30
    Wednesday 1:00-4:30

    Advisors are available on a walk-in basis except from 12-1 P.M. daily, or by appointment. You may stop by to see us during office hours, check out our website, email us at isso@cornell.edu, or call us at 255-5243.