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    • ISSO Newsletter: December 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. ISSO Hours for December and January
    2. Immigration News and Reminders
      Travel Reminders: Leaving the U.S. at Winter Break?
      Graduating in January? Apply EARLY for F-1 OPT!
      Graduating this semester? Discuss Future Plans with ISSO!
    3. Leaving Town Over Break? Police can provide security check
    4. ISSO Spring Program Preview
    5. Tip: Surviving Winter Weather and Driving Safely
    6. Community News, Announcements & Information
      Gannett's Hours for December and January
      Staying in Ithaca Over Break? Activities to Explore
      English for International Students and Scholars
    7. Let's Talk: CAPS off-site counseling (December/January Hours)
    8. Have Immigration Questions?: Come to ISSO Office Hours


    ISSO Hours for December and January

    Special hours on Wednesday, 12/19: The ISSO will be open the morning of Wednesday, December 19th, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. We will then close for the rest of the day for a staff function.

    Holiday Hours: The ISSO will remain open for normal business hours through Friday, December 21nd. We will be closed Monday, December 24th, through Tuesday, January 1st, and will reopen for normal business hours at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, January 2nd, remaining open for the duration of the Winter Session. We here at the ISSO hope you have a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable winter break!



    Immigration News




    Travel Reminders: Leaving the U.S. at Winter Break?
    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:

    Graduating in January? Apply EARLY for F-1 OPT!
    If you are graduating this fall semester, and you want to work on F-1 OPT after graduating, APPLY EARLY for your F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization. The application does go to the immigration service centers and these applications have slowed down a great deal in the last 5 months. It has been taking close to 4 months for most people to receive their OPT work cards. You may start applying NOW if you will graduate after this Fall semester. Please read about OPT, download an application from our OPT web pages.



    December/January Graduates: Discuss your Future Plans with ISSO!
    If you are graduating from Cornell this December (degree conferral date is actually January 16, 2008) 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.



    Leaving Town Over Break? Police can provide security check

    The Ithaca Police would like off-campus students who leave town for any length of time to let them know if they'd like their house/apartment building checked in their absence. A substantial number of burglaries take place over the breaks. Download the application form here.



    ISSO Spring Programs Preview

    A note about trips: Dates and times are subject to change. Prices and other details will be announced via e-mail on the iPrograms-L and International-L e-lists. Unless otherwise indicated, trip sign ups will take place on the date specified at 9:00 AM at the ISSO (B-50 Caldwell).


    January

    16 Wednesday
    International Student Orientation
    9:30 AM-2:30 PM, International Lounge, Willard Straight Hall
    For all incoming undergraduate and graduate students.

    22 Tuesday
    Job/Internship Interview Program for International Students, with Donna Ramil from Cornell Career Services
    5:00 PM-6:30 PM, RSVP required, Location TBA,

    24 Thursday
    First International Coffee Hour of the year!
    3:30-5:30 PM, Location TBA



    February

    8 Friday
    Men’s Basketball Game, Cornell Big Red vs. Princeton
    Come to the ISSO Pre-game Pizza Party,
    5:30 PM, Kaplan Room in Bartels Field House

    14 Thursday
    Valentine's Day Celebration at Coffee Hour
    3:30 PM-5:30 PM, Location TBA

    23 Saturday
    Sking/Tubing Snowboarding at Greek Peak
    Sign-ups at the ISSO starting 9:00 AM, Tuesday, February 5



    March

    16-19 Sunday-Wednesday
    Spring Break Trip to Washington D.C.
    Sign-ups at the ISSO starting 9:00 AM, Tuesday, February 12

    29 Saturday
    Trip to Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY
    Sign-ups at the ISSO starting 9:00 AM, Monday, March 10



    April

    21 Monday
    University Reception for Graduating International Students
    5:00 PM-6:30 PM, Memorial Room, Willard Straight Hall



    Plus every Thursday while classes are in session, join us for International Coffee Hour from 3:30-5:30 PM in the Big Red Barn. Meet new friends over light refreshments and world music. All are welcome!



    Those who are interested in going on an ISSO-organized trip must sign up beforehand. In most cases, minimal fees will apply. Spaces are generally limited and participants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. You may sign up for yourself and up to two friends or family members. The ISSO accepts cash or checks made out to Cornell University. The ISSO cannot accept credit cards or bursar charges.



    Tip: Surviving Winter Weather and Driving Safely

    Winter is here, which requires all Ithacans to take a few precautions to survive and thrive outside in the cold and on our hilly streets. Please take a few moments to review ISSO's tips on staying warm and happy during our cold, snowy, and less sunny days.

    You can dramatically increase your safety while driving with a few techniques presented on a number of state and federal web sites:

    For information on Cornell overnight parking during winter snow storms, please visit Cornell Transportation's web site.

    While on campus, if your car ever gets stuck in the snow or your battery won't start, call the Motorist Assistance Program (MAP) for free assistance.



    Community News, Announcements & Information


    Gannett's Hours for December and January

    Best wishes for a relaxing and enjoyable break!

    During Cornell’s December Holiday: December 22 through January 1
    We want you to know that, though Gannett’s building will be closed, a Gannett health care provider is available by phone any time, day or night. Call 607.255.5155. Gannett’s answering service will ask for your name, student ID number, and the phone number at which the on-call health care provider can reach you. Your call should be returned within 15 minutes, so stay by your phone. If you don't receive a call, please call the answering service again, as it is possible (on rare occasions) for phone number mix-ups to occur.

    We can provide consultation and advice for all Cornell students (or for their concerned friends and family members). We can help you determine what might be going on for you, whether and what care you might need, and how and when to get it. Cayuga Medical Center’s Convenient Care Center (607.274.4150) and Emergency Department (607.274.4411) are open during the holidays. For more information on “care outside Gannett,” search the Gannett website.

    During Winter Session: January 2 through January 13
    Gannett will be open Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. Regular hours will resume on January 14, 2008. For more information on hours and services, visit www.gannett.cornell.edu.

    Again, if you have an urgent health problem whenever Gannett is closed, don’t hesitate to call 607.255.5155 for assistance.



    Staying in Ithaca Over Break? Activities to Explore

    • Ice Skate at Cass Park Rink, 701 Taughannock Blvd. Call 273-9211 for hours and skate rental fees.
    • Visit interesting museums in the area:
      Johnson Art Museum on campus (255-6464 for hours)
      History Center of Tompkins County (401 E. State St, 273-8284)
      Museum of the Earth (1259 Trumansburg Rd, 273-6623)
      Sciencenter (601 First St, 272-0600)
      Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, N.Y. (www.cmog.org, 800-732-6845)
    • Attend Cornell’s Varsity Athletic games or meets held on campus. For information and schedules visit the Cornell Big Red website. Winter sports include: Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey, Men’s and Women’s Track & Wrestling.
    • Learn more about birds at Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Monday night seminars (254-BIRD, or check out their website).
    • Experience a 3-D visualization at the Theory Center (call Ken Ridley at 351-6209 or e-mail kdr1@cornell.edu for a weekday appointment).
    • Visit the Brain Collection (2nd floor of Uris Hall) and Insect Collection (1st floor of Comstock Hall).
    • See a play at Ithaca’s Kitchen Theatre (273-4497 for tickets).
    • Try cross country skiing on the Cornell Golf Course (rent equipment from Cornell Outdoor Education).
    • Contact the Cornell Outing Club to learn about winter trips you could join. Contact Lindsay Watkins at 717-329-3073 or law35@cornell.edu or Simeon Warner at 254-8605 or simeon@cs.cornell.edu.
    • Go down hill skiing at Greek Peak.
    • View the stars on Friday nights at Fuertes Observatory. Visit their website to check their hours.
    • Learn more about Cornell by taking a campus tour, offered every weekday at 1:00 PM from Day Hall Lobby
    • Learn to climb on the Lindseth Climbing Wall. Call 254-8255 for hours and fees.
    • Bring a group of friends to experience the new Indoor Challenge Course. Call Amy at 254-7474 to schedule a program (fee charged).
    • Check out more events at www.cornell.edu/events, www.IthacaEvents.com, or pick up an Ithaca Times free weekly newspaper for movies, music, plays, etc.

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



    English for International Students and Scholars

    Greetings!

    Cornell University is offering two English for International Students and Scholars (EISS) programs that may be of interest to you or someone you know.

    The Spring Semester EISS program, which will run from January 24-May 1, is a non-credit, part-time course for individuals interested in improving their basic English-language skills. The course emphasizes proficiency in spoken English and includes conversational activities, reading and grammar skills workshops, and field trips. Classes are held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday nights.

    The Summer Session EISS program, which will run from June 23-August 1, provides full-time intensive English instruction and cultural orientation for those interested in working and studying in an academic environment in the U.S. or in using English professionally. It may be taken for credit or not and offers instruction at all levels, from low intermediate through very high advanced. The program features small class sizes to enhance students' ability to learn English and to enable instructors to provide personal attention and encouragement. Core classes are scheduled from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. weekdays, with additional afternoon electives and evening events.

    Summer EISS is designed specifically to help participants:

    • improve their ability to speak and write accurately in English;
    • communicate in culturally appropriate ways;
    • prepare for studying or working at a U.S. university;
    • develop the language skills required to achieve their professional, academic, and personal goals;
    • practice academic reading, note-taking, and listening to lectures; and
    • use English in daily communication.

    Summer EISS participants are eligible to use the Language Resource Center, the Cornell libraries, sports facilities, and on-campus computer labs. In addition, students are invited to participate in field trips sponsored by the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) and to attend the Summer Session concert and lecture series.

    Summer EISS participants are eligible to receive a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant [F-1] Student Status). Interested students should apply before May 1 to allow time for visa processing.

    For more information and to register, please visit the program web site, or contact Mary Adie at mea36@cornell.edu or by calling 607.255.7259.



    Let's Talk: CAPS off-site counseling (December/January hours)


    NOTE: There will be no "Let's Talk: CAPS Off-Site Counselling" available at the ISSO during the Winter Session. "Let's Talk" hours will resume January 24, 2008.

    Starting January 24, each Thursday from 2:30-4:30 PM counselor Meera Murthi, Ph.D. from Gannett Health Services 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 him 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
    Remember! We will be closing at 3:30 P.M. on Fridays, from June 2nd-August 14th!

    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.