ISSO Newsletter: November 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:
- ISSO Thanksgiving Holiday Hours and Staff News
- Immigration News and Reminders
Green Card Lottery: Apply by December 2, 2007!!!
Graduating in January? Apply EARLY for F-1 OPT!
Graduating this semester? Discuss Future Plans with ISSO!
Travel Reminders: Leaving the U.S. at Winter Break? - Leaving Town Over Break? Police can provide security check
- ISSO November Program Highlights
- Volunteers Needed for January 16th Orientation
- Congratulations to our Fall 2007 ISSO Book Award Winners
- Community News, Announcements & Information
Making a Medical Appointment at Gannett
Volunteers Needed for Cornell Assoc. of Class Officers Mid-Winter Meeting - Let's Talk: CAPS off-site counseling at ISSO
- Have Immigration Questions?: Come to ISSO Office Hours
ISSO Thanksgiving Holiday Hours and Staff News
Staff News
The ISSO is pleased to welcome new Immigration and Accounts Assistant Scott Beemer. Scott has been working at Cornell for over two and a half
years. A Cornell graduate from the Class of 2003, Scott majored in government and history. He traveled to Japan after graduation and worked as
an English teacher in two high schools through the JET Program. He worked at the Johnson School's Career Management Center from his return to
the United States in 2005 until he joined the ISSO. Scott enjoys working both with people and with data and has a particular interest in meeting
and helping international students and scholars, so he is excited to be on board at the ISSO. Outside of work, Scott enjoys travel, creative
writing, and photography. He and his wife have three pet ferrets and are expecting their first child in March.
In other news, we are very proud to announce that Associate Director Laura Taylor was doubly honored at the recent NAFSA Region X conference.
NAFSA: Association of International Educators is an association of nearly 9,000 individuals from all 50 states plus 78 countries who work, in fields such as International Student and Scholar
Services, Education Abroad, and Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, to advance international education and exchange worldwide. Laura has been elected as Chair of NAFSA’s Region X,
which encompasses the states of New York and New Jersey. Laura was also the recipient of the prestigious James O’Driscoll Distinguished
Service Award, which recognizes outstanding service in the field of international education. Congratulations Laura!
Thanksgiving Holiday Hours
In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, the ISSO will be closed on Thursday, November 22nd, and
Friday, November 23rd. To assist holiday travelers, we will, however, be open all day Wednesday, November 21st. We will resume
our normal business hours on Monday, November 26th.
Immigration News
The 2009 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV-2009) has begun! The deadline is December 2, 2007!!! Complete information can be found on the DV 2009 web page.
The annual Diversity Visa program makes 50,000 permanent residence visas available to persons from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States who meet the simple, but strict, eligibility requirements. Applicants for Diversity Visas are chosen by a computer-generated random lottery drawing. Go to the DV 2009 web page for all the details and how to apply.
Please Note: A few internationals have received spam emails from a group pretending to be the Diversity Lottery Office, supposedly notifying recipients that they have won the diversity lottery. These emails are definitely fake! If you are selected for a green card by the diversity lottery, the diversity lottery office will notify you by regular mail NOT by email.
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, and come to one of our F-1 work authorization workshops (the next one is November 15th).
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:
- 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.
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:
- 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.
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 November Program Highlights
20th Annual Traditional American Thanksgiving Feast
You are cordially invited to join other members of the Cornell community for a traditional American Thanksgiving Feast!!
Thursday, November 22nd, 12:00-3:00 PM
(with seatings at Noon and 1:30)
Robert Purcell Marketplace
$10 Adults, $8 Children 6-12 years old
Children 5 & younger eat for FREE!
TICKETS ARE LIMITED AND WILL NOT BE SOLD AT THE DOOR!
What's on the Menu?
Roast turkey with giblet gravy, poached salmon with a citrus hollandaise, baked marinated tofu, mashed potatoes, vegetarian chestnut
stuffing, sausage stuffing, candied yams, rice pilaf, green bean casserole, fresh herbed carrots, New England clam chowder, salad bar, fruit
salad, fresh baked breads, a decadent dessert display, assorted beverages and some surprises from the chef!
TICKETS ARE ON SALE November 13th- 21st (while supplies last) and can be purchased at the following locations:
- Hasbrouck, Maplewood, and Schuyler House Service Centers
- Holland International Living Center
- Dean of Students Office (401 WSH)
- International Students and Scholars Office (B50 Caldwell Hall)
~With~
Alumni Affairs; AAP Multicultural Affairs; CALS Intl Programs; College of Arts & Sciences; College of Human Ecology; The Campus Club; CURW; Govt & Community Relations; ISPB; JGSM; Law School; Office of the Vice President for Human Resources; Plant Breeding & Genetics; Public Service Center; Residential Programs; The Graduate School; The Mario Einaudi Center for Intl Studies
If you have questions contact Mariah Sawyer at mjs51@cornell.edu or 255-5243.
"Winter Road Safety and Obtaining a New York State License"
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
4:30PM
G85 Myron Taylor Hall (Law School)
Open to the public. Light refreshments provided.
A must for all drivers new to driving in snowy, icy conditions! Cornell Police Officer George Sutfin will present tips on driving safely in winter on Ithaca's hilly streets. Afterwards, international and non-New York State drivers can learn how to obtain a New York State Drivers license.
Sponsored by:
Cornell Law School Graduate Legal Studies Program
Cornell Police Department
International Students & Scholars Office
Questions? Please contact Adriana Rovers, 255-5243 or apr6@cornell.edu.
ISSO's weekly International Coffee Hour is over for the fall semester. It will resume next semester starting Thursday, January 24th at 3:30 PM at the Big Red Barn.
Volunteers Needed for January 16th Orientation
Do you remember your first days as a new international student at Cornell or in another country? What do you know now that you wish you had known when you first arrived? Here is your opportunity to spread your wisdom to new international students and welcome them to Cornell!
We're looking for 10-15 student volunteers to assist with January's New International Student Orientation program which will be held:
Wednesday, January 16th, 2008
9:30 AM - 2:30 PM
International Lounge, Willard Straight Hall.
This orientation program is small, with an anticipated 30 to 50 participants in attendance. The majority of these new students will be studying at the graduate level, but there will be several undergraduates as well. Volunteers will be asked to assist with sessions by handing out information, discussing their own experiences, and making the new students feel welcome. Breakfast snacks and lunch will be served.
If you are interested in volunteering, send Adriana Rovers an e-mail containing your name, degree program and country of citizenship, and whether or not you will be able to come to the planning meeting. If you have questions, call Adriana at 255-5243.
Congratulations to our Fall 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 Fall 2007 ISSO Book Award... Congratulations to our undergraduate winner Joyce Zhu, and our graduate student winner Ashima Krishna. Below is a brief sampling of their individual contributions and achievements:
Joyce Zhu, of Canada, is a Junior in the College of Arts and Sciences, double majoring in Philosophy, and Biology & Society. She is a 2nd-year Resident Advisor in Balch Hall where she oversees 30 women and engages them in programs and activities that generate awareness about social justice, diversity, and health issues. Joyce is also a research assistant in two labs and is a member of the mental health awareness group Cornell Minds Matter.
Ashima Krishna, of India, is pursuing a Masters in Historic Preservation Planning in the Department of City and Regional Planning. As a Board Member of the Cornell India Association, Ashima has helped welcome and ease the transition of incoming students. She is also the Vice-President of the Preservation Studies Student Organization, and the Treasurer of the Women’s Planning Forum.
Community News, Announcements & Information
Making a Medical Appointment at Gannett
Even when you know you need health care, it can be daunting (even anxiety-provoking) to make a first appointment for care in a new community. The process may be even harder when you are still in the process of adapting to a new culture and getting to know the community. You may be unfamiliar with the way the health care system works in the United States. You may also have concerns about establishing a relationship with a new health care provider.
The staff of Gannett understands these common reactions and would like to make your first step to getting health care a little easier by sharing information about how our system works, and giving you a better idea of what to expect when you call us to make an appointment.
Why are appointments required for most services?
Calling for an appointment will allow you to set a convenient time for a visit that will work with your other commitments.
The nature of your health problem or illness will determine how quickly your appointment will be scheduled, the length of time you will
spend with a health care provider, and the type of care or treatment you will receive. If you are experiencing an urgent health problem,
we recommend calling early in the morning to broaden your choices for a same-day appointment. Whether you need medical care for a non-urgent
health concern (such as allergies, immunizations, headache, back pain, physical exam, etc.) or for a more urgent health concern (such as a
sudden debilitating illness or injury), your first step is to call Gannett Health Services at 255-5155 to make an appointment when we are open:
Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 5 and Saturday from 10 to 4.
Anyone with an urgent problem that needs prompt attention will talk with a nurse who can advise and/or schedule him/her for a same- or next-day appointment. Those who call with a non-urgent health concern will be given an appointment to be seen within the next 7 to 10 days.
In most cases, it will take about one to one and a half hours from the time you check in until you will be ready to leave your appointment. Be sure to call Gannett if you are unable to keep an appointment. A fee is charged for missed appointments that are not canceled twenty-four hours in advance.
Things to Consider Before You Call:
- Gannett staff will need to ask you a variety of questions about the nature and complexity of your health concern. You’ll feel more comfortable if you find a private location from where you can call us, and not have your conversation overheard by others. Remember, from your first contact with us to schedule an appointment, your health information is protected according to Gannett's privacy policy. We need your permission to share information about your health care at Gannett with someone else.
- Have your schedule or daily planner open so that you can see when you are available for an appointment.
- If you think you have a fever (body temperature over 100° F or 32° C) and you have a home thermometer, take your temperature and share that information during the call.
- When you call Gannett, you will be directed to press number 2 on your phone if you are sick or injured or wish to speak with a nurse to make a medical appointment. You also can press number 3, to make all other medical appointments (for example, an immunization, gynecological, nutrition, or travel service appointment). You can press number 1 to talk with our counseling department (CAPS).
Things to tell us when you call:
- When you call, a Gannett staff member will ask, “How can we help you today?” Be as specific as you can be. For example, you might say you need to make an appointment because you have a stomach ache, have an injured hand, or are in need of an annual gynecological exam.
- Next you will be asked to provide your student identification number; and to confirm your name, address, phone number, and insurance coverage.
- The staff member will then ask you a number of questions about your specific health concern so that the right type of appointment and length of time can be scheduled for you. Here are some of the questions Gannett (and other health care providers) routinely ask to obtain information needed to diagnose and treat your health concern:
- What symptoms have you had, and how long you have experienced them?
- Have the symptoms changed over time? These questions are not meant to be invasive, but will help us to determine the severity of your health concern.
- Do you think you have a fever? (It’s very helpful to be able to report your temperature.)
- If you have never seen a clinician at Gannett before, you will be assigned to one of Gannett’s physicians or nurse practitioners who will become your primary care provider. You also can request to see a male or female physician or nurse practitioner. You can review a complete list of providers at http://www.gannett.cornell.edu/medical/staff.html. If at any time, you would like to change your primary care provider, we'll do our best to meet your needs and help you feel comfortable with the provider you see.
- If you are calling about having a “physical examination,” you will be asked to clarify for what purpose? You could say that it is for employment, an annual gynecological exam, an exam to meet the Cornell health requirements, a physical for attending another school, or a preventive exam. These exams differ from one another in terms of what is included, how long it takes, and the cost.
- Even if your English comprehension is excellent, you may find it easier to talk about your personal health concerns in your native language. Gannett has a telephone translation service that can be requested when you make your appointment to assist you during your visit. Over 140 languages are available through the translation service. During your visit, a speaker phone will be used during the exam to facilitate translation. Patient confidentially remains secure.
Gannett’s staff is committed to providing quality patient care. If you experience difficulties while making an appointment, or have problems during your appointment, please talk with one of the providers involved in your care or contact a Gannett Patient Advocate.
For more information about Gannett visit our website.
Submitted by:
Janis Talbot (jit1@cornell.edu) 255-4782
Health Educator, International Student Health Advocate
http://www.gannett.cornell.edu
Volunteers Needed for Cornell Assoc. of Class Officers Mid-Winter Meeting
This 2-day conference provides professional development and networking for Cornell University alumni class officer volunteers. Additionally, regional club, minority association, and professional school alumni leaders participate in the weekend. Each year, Cornell Association of Class Officers invites several students to attend Mid-Winter Meeting - an outstanding opportunity for personal and professional development. The following site will give you an idea of what last year's Mid-Winter Meeting offered: http://www.alumni.cornell.edu/caco/mwm2006.htm. This year's site has not yet been posted.
A mentoring opportunity awaits you. Scholarships are available to cover the cost of attending. If you would like to be considered for a seat at Mid-Winter Meeting 2008 please submit a letter of interest - detailing why you would like to attend, how you think Mid-Winter Meeting will be beneficial for you, and what type of mentoring you have been exposed to, if any.
Please be sure to include your name, college, major, and aticipated year of graduation, as well as a brief personal goal statement.
You may submit your letter electronically to Deborah Stillman at dl19@cornell.edu, or by regular mail to Ayanna Hughey, Cornell University Office of Alumni Affairs, 626 Thurston Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850.
Please note: The DEADLINE for applying is Wednesday, November 21st.
Contact Deborah Stillman at dl19@cornell.edu with questions.
Let's Talk: CAPS off-site counseling at ISSO
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.