ISSO Newsletter: March 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:
- Immigration News and Reminders
Travel Reminders: Leaving the U.S. at Spring Break?
Planning on working OFF-campus this summer?
May Graduates: Discuss your Future Plans with ISSO! - Tax Information
- March ISSO Programs
- Wednesday (3/8): Celebrate International Women's Day!
- Thursday (3/9): International Flag Painting at Coffee Hour!
- Three Opportunities to Walk and Talk with the ISSO
International Student & Scholar Discussion Group
Friends of International Students and Scholars
Get Walking with the ISSO! - Want to Work for the ISSO this summer? Deadline to apply for PREPARE Coordinator Position is March 15th
- Student Organizations: Co Host an International Coffee Hour
- Counseling Outreach Hours: Free and Confidential Counseling Across Campus (at ISSO Thursdays 3-6:00pm)
- Have Immigration Questions?: Come to ISSO Office Hours
Immigration News
Travel Reminders: Leaving the U.S. at Spring 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:
- Documents you need to have to re-enter the U.S.
- If you need to apply for a new visa stamp, please read this web page.
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 2006, 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:
- to work while in F-1 status after you graduate
- to work while in J-1 student status after you graduate
- to go on to another degree at a Cornell
- to go on to another degree at a different school
Check with the ISSO advisor on duty about any of the above or any other plans you may have after you graduate.
Tax Information
Tax season is here! If you are a foreign national, you are required to file some kind of paperwork with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), whether or not you 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.
March ISSO Programs
2nd (Thursday): International Student Discussion Group at Int'l Coffee Hour
3:30-5:30 p.m., Big Red Barn
7th (Tuesday): F-1 & J-1 Student Employment Authorization Workshop
1:00 - 2:00 p.m., Room 100 Caldwell Hall
19th-22nd (Sunday-Wednesday): Spring Break Trip to Washington DC
THIS TRIP IS ALREADY FULL!
Coming in April...The President’s Reception for Graduating International Students! 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, 3:30-5:30 p.m.. Complimentary coffee, tea and light refreshments! All are welcome!
Wednesday (3/8): Celebrate International Women's Day!
Wednesday, March 8th, 5:00 p.m.
G-10 Biotechnology Building
All are welcome!
The Women's Resource Center and the International Students and Scholars Office cordially invite members of the Cornell and Ithaca community to celebrate International Women's Day and the contributions of local leaders in the advancement of women and girls locally and globally.
- This Celebration will include:
- Introductory remarks by Josephine Allen, Assoc. Professor, Policy Analysis and Management
- Special performances by members of the Cornell Chorus, Chinese Folk Dance Troupe, Impact Dance Troupe, Sitara, and Blue Canary
- Recognition of local honorees who have addressed international and local women's issues
- A reception by Cornell Catering
Free and open to the public. No tickets required.
Thursday (3/9): International Flag Painting at Coffee Hour!
Join ISPB* and ISSO for a special International Coffee Hour...
ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FLAG PAINTING
Come represent your home country and help kick off CORNELL WORLD’S FAIR by painting your country's flag on a huge banner which will be displayed for the rest of the year at other ISPB* events.
Where: International Coffee Hour @ the Big Red Barn
When: Thursday, March 9th, 2006
Time: 3:30-5:30 p.m. (please come early to get a space on the canvas for your flag!!!)
Painting equipment will be supplied and FREE refreshments will be served!
*For more information about the International Student Programming Board, or its annual international festival, visit their web site.
Three Opportunities to Walk and Talk with the ISSO
You have three new opportunities to gather with your peers and discuss issues of concern to international students, scholars, their families, and others interested in fostering cross-cultural understanding. Each of these events are open to everyone; international and U.S. students, staff, faculty, and family members are welcome. No need to RSVP!
International Student & Scholar Discussion Group
International Student & Scholar Discussion Group
First Thursday of each month (March 2, April 6, May 4)
3:30 - 5:00 p.m., Big Red Barn (during International Coffee Hour)
This monthly International Student & Scholar Discussion group provides a forum for international students and scholars to meet in an informal and relaxed setting and talk about the joys and challenges of living and studying in the U.S. Sponsored by your international student peers, the Office of Student of Support, RealLife@Cornell, and the International Students and Scholars Office.
Friends of International Students and Scholars
Friends of International Students and Scholars
Every other Thursday (March dates are 3/16 and 3/30)
6:00 p.m., International Lounge in Williard Straight Hall, 1st Floor.
Friends of International Students and Scholars (FISS) is a peer-run group that provides a forum for casual discussion of cultural issues, developing new friendships, and sharing information and resources to help make Ithaca your home. For more information, contact Amy at alp35@cornell.edu.
Get Walking with the ISSO!
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
12:00-12:30 p.m. (Meet at the ISSO at B-50 Caldwell Hall)
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!
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 like, 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 pr37@cornell.edu. Happy Walking!
Want to Work for the ISSO this summer?
Deadline to apply for PREPARE Coordinator Position is March
15th
UNDERGRADS: The ISSO is searching for a Student Coordinator to help plan and run the PREPARE 2006 International undergraduate orientation. A brief description of the position is provided below. Please contact Adriana Rovers at apr6@cornell.edu if you would like to see the full job description. Please note the required dates and hours of employment. The Student Coordinator will work throughout the summer.
To apply for this position, please submit a hard copy of your resume and cover letter, indicating
your interests and qualifications related to the Student Coordinator position, by Wednesday, March
15, 2006 to:
PREPARE Student Positions
International Students and Scholars Office
B-50 Caldwell Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
Position Description:
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.
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.
Hours:
- June 12 through July 31: 20-30 hrs/wk, August 1 through August 13: 40 hrs/wk
- During PREPARE, August 14-17: 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.
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.
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.