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    • ISSO Newsletter: February 2006

    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
      Visas after Graduation Talk: Feb. 16th, 7-9pm
    2. Tax Information
    3. February ISSO Programs
    4. New Program: Get Walking with the ISSO!
    5. Student Organizations: Co Host an International Coffee Hour!
    6. Free Personal Safety Workshops Offered in February
    7. Free Money! Apply Now for the ISSO Spring 2006 Book Award
    8. Join Cornell's International Students Programming Board...Apply Now!
    9. Counseling Outreach Hours: Free and Confidential Counseling Across Campus (at ISSO Thursdays 3-6:00pm)
    10. Have Immigration Questions?: Come to ISSO Office Hours


    Immigration News


    Visas after Graduation Talk: Feb. 16th, 7-9pm
    Thursday, February 16th, 7-9pm, Hollis E. Cornell Auditorium
    Presented by Stephen Yale-Loehr, JD, and ISSO Staff

    Come find out everything you will need to know about staying in the U.S. after graduation. Stephen Yale-Loehr and ISSO staff will explain the procedures for working immediately after graduating, working long-term in the U.S. and eventually becoming a permanent resident (green card holder) if you so desire. This information is particularly crucial at the present time, given the H-1B cap and new backlogs with employment-based green cards.



    Tax Information

    Read the ISSO tax information here.

    Tax season is here! All foreign nationals are required to file some kind of paperwork with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), whether or not they were employed.

    Tax Software Free to Cornell Internationals
    The ISSO is providing access to federal tax form software for all internationals in the Cornell community filing as non-residents for tax purposes. This software is now available. The ISSO will also provide New York State tax forms and information. Please read the ISSO general tax information and access the software here.

    The deadline to file your tax return is April 17, 2006

    Update your mailing address:
    If you earned U.S. source income during the year 2005, please make sure that you have updated your mailing address in "Just the Facts" as well as with any other U.S. employer you may have had during the year. Cornell payroll uses the address provided in "Just the Facts" to send you the income tax statement you will need to complete your tax return. To avoid delays in receiving your statement, please use your local Ithaca area address, rather than your address in your home country.

    Fill out the Foreign Nationals Tax Questionnaire:
    Cornell's Tax Compliance Office requests that all non-residents fill out a "Foreign Nationals Tax Questionnaire." This questionnaire helps the Tax Office determine whether or not you are eligible for a tax treaty and (possibly) adjust your pay accordingly. The questionnaire is available online at http://www.payments.cornell.edu/Foreign_Nationals.cfm". Even if you have not completed a Foreign Nationals Tax Questionnaire, you may still be eligible to claim tax treaty benefits when filing your tax return.



    February ISSO Programs


    9th (Thursday), Valentine’s Day Celebration at Coffee Hour
    3:30-5:30pm, Big Red Barn
    Create traditional valentines for your friends, family, or sweetheart!


    18th (Saturday), Cornell Men’s Basketball vs. Penn
    6:00 pm, Newman Arena
    With ISSO Pre-Game Pizza Party! (Details to be announced soon.)


    25th (Saturday), Skiing/Tubing/Snowboarding at Greek Peak
    Sign-ups begin Feb. 14th, 9:00am at the ISSO


    Coming in March...a Spring Break Trip to Washington, DC! To learn about this and other Spring programs, visit www.isso.cornell.edu/programs/programs.php


    Plus, every Thursday while classes are in session: International Coffee Hour at the Big Red Barn, 3:30-5:30pm. Complimentary coffee, tea and light refreshments! All are welcome!



    New Program: Get Walking with the ISSO!


    Walking is a great form of exercise! Among other things, it helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, strengthens bones and muscles, increases flexibility and circulation, and contributes to good mental health.

    Join the ISSO’s new walking program and reap the benefits of this simple and beneficial physical activity! Participants will also receive a FREE GIFT!

    Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
    12:00-12:30 PM
    (Meet at the ISSO at B-50 Caldwell Hall)

    We have a few routes in mind but are open to suggestions, as long as the route stays within the half hour time slot!

    NO MATTER WHAT THE WEATHER IS, WE WILL BE WALKING!
    (If the weather does not cooperate, we will meet at ISSO and walk to Barton Hall’s indoor track.)

    Children of all ages are welcome to come along.

    If you have questions, contact Paula Senno at 255-5243 or at pr37cornell.edu

    Happy Walking!



    Student Organizations: Co Host an International Coffee Hour!


    The ISSO holds a weekly International Coffee Hour at the Big Red Barn, Thursdays from 3:30-5:30 pm, while classes are in session. Co-hosting an International Coffee Hour affords your international student organization the opportunity to present information about your country and culture to fellow international students and the Cornell community at large. Student organizations will be responsible for preparing or purchasing special food items, presenting cultural performances, and bringing necessary props, traditional dress, CDs, and decorative items. The ISSO will provide and serve additional basic snack items, as well as coffee, tea, and soda.

    If your student organization is interested in co-hosting an International Coffee Hour, please download and read the Guidelines and complete an Application. The ISSO will process applications on a first-come, first-serve basis. Only complete applications will be considered! If you have questions, please contact Mariah Sawyer via e-mail, or by calling the ISSO at 255-5243.



    Free Personal Safety Workshops Offered in February


    Take a study break and join us to learn more about personal safety and self-defense! You will learn how to:

    • minimize risk in your home and on the street
    • target the vulnerable points on your attacker
    • execute effective strikes and kicks
    • escape when you are grabbed
    • practice setting verbal boundaries

    The workshop will be taught by Shura Gat, a personal safety educator from Cornell University Police with a background in martial arts. During the class, we will be discussing verbal boundary setting and how to minimize risk when you are out and about and at home. The physical portion of the workshop will cover the vulnerable points on the human body, some effective hand strikes and kicks, and how to free yourself when you are grabbed. At the end of each class, we invite you to ask about situations you would particularly like to know how to defend against.

    Hasbrouck Sessions on Mondays, 7:30 - 9:30 pm
    Session I: February 6
    Session II: February 13
    Session III: February 27

    Maplewood Sessions on Thursdays, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
    Session I: February 9
    Session II: February 16

    Please feel free to attend one, some, or all of the above sessions, as your schedule allows!

    Here's what you'll learn at each session:
    Session I –
    Skills: Using your voice as a weapon, strikes with palm, elbow and knee. Escape from wrist grabs.

    Session II-
    Skills: Review, kicks, defending yourself from the ground, escape from grabs.

    Session III –
    Skills: Review, defenses against chokes, and if you are pinned against the ground or the wall.

    RSVP Requested: If you plan to participate, please send an RSVP to Shura Gat at adg23@cornell.edu at least one day prior to the session(s) you would like to attend. Walk-ins, however, are welcome!



    Free Money! Apply Now for the ISSO Spring 2006 Book Award


    Each semester, the ISSO awards two Book Awards of $500 each to two international students to help defray the costs of books and supplies needed for classes. This award was established in 2001 to recognize the vast contributions that the international student population adds to Cornell.

    Deadline: Friday, February 24, 2006
    Students must submit a hard copy of their application in person or by mail to B-50 Caldwell Hall.

    Qualifications
    To be eligible for the ISSO Book Award, the student must meet the following criteria:

    • Has completed at least one semester of study at Cornell University and is currently registered as a full-time student
    • Entered the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa and currently holds valid non-immigrant status (i.e. F-1, J-1)
    • Is not currently receiving scholarship money from the ISSO
    • Has contributed to the international community on campus
    • Has not previously received the ISSO Book Award

    Application Process
    On a separate piece of paper, please provide the following information and return to the ISSO at B-50 Caldwell Hall. All of the information you submit will be considered during the decision process:

    1) Biographical Information:

    • Name
    • Local Address and phone number
    • Email
    • Country of citizenship
    • College (Undergraduates) or field (Graduates)
    • Current non-immigrant status (F-1/J-1) & degree sought (Bachelor/Master/PhD)
    • Copy of most recent Transcript from University Registrar (available at Registrar's Office in Day Hall, or on-line at www.transcript.cornell.edu ).

    2) Please provide answers to the following questions:

    a) How have you contributed to international life at Cornell University (i.e. participation in orientation, student organizations, etc.)? How have these experiences enhanced your life at Cornell and the life of your peers?

    b) What has been your greatest accomplishment (personal, academic, research, etc.) since coming to Cornell University?

    c) Describe your financial needs and circumstances. How will this award assist you in meeting your needs?

    DEADLINE Please provide your application in hard copy by Friday, February 24th, 2006 to:

    International Students and Scholars Office
    Book Award
    B50 Caldwell Hall
    Ithaca, NY 14853



    Join Cornell's International Students Programming Board...Apply Now!

    • Do you want to get involved in international life?
    • Are you looking to meet people from different backgrounds?
    • Have you wanted to help organize international events?
    • Do you want to assist in funding various student groups?

    ISPB IS FOR YOU!

    The International Students Programming Board (ISPB) serves as an umbrella group for 3200 international students and 200 plus clubs and organizations, providing them with funding and assistance throughout the year. The ISPB also holds its international festival annually in the spring, consisting of events from world-renowned speakers to food events. For more info on ISPB check out our website.

    Apply today! Request an application from Ji at jg349@cornell.edu
    Applications accepted and considered on a rolling basis throughout February.

    American/International, Undergrad/Graduate...all students are welcome to apply!



    Counseling Outreach Hours: Free and Confidential Counseling Across Campus (at ISSO Thursdays 3-6:00pm)


    Many of you know that counselor Mahnaz Mousavi provides free and confidential counseling at the ISSO every Thursday from 3-6pm. International students, staff, faculty, or family members are always welcome. But did you know that Mahnaz and other counselors are available at other times and locations, too? No appointment is necessary. Just drop in. For a complete schedule and more information, please visit www.gannett.cornell.edu/CAPS/offsiteSupport.html

    Hours and locations:

    • Caldwell Hall (Room 384), Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 am with Sharon Mier, PsyD.
    • Computing and Communications Center (CCC), Wednesdays, 1:00-2:30 pm with Laure Conklin Kamp, M.S.
    • Carol Tatkon Center, Mondays 3:00–5:00 pm in 3335 Balch Hall, with Matt Boone, LMSW. Print a Talk It Out! poster.
    • International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO), Thursdays 3:00–6:00 pm in Caldwell B50, with Mahnaz Mousavi, MS.
    • Latino Studies Program (Rockefeller Room 433), Fridays 1:45-5 pm, with a CAPS counselor TBD.
    • Law School, Wednesdays 1:00-5:00 pm in Room 252 Hughes Hall, with Mahnaz Mousavi, MS.
    • Olin Hall (Room 115), Tuesdays 2:30-4:30 pm, with Wai Wong, PhD.
    • Ujamaa Main Lounge, Fridays 3:00-5:00 pm, with Maurice Haltom, MSW.

    You also might benefit from talking to other students with similar concerns in a confidential setting. Feel free to check out these CAPS discussion groups.



    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 12-1pm 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.