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    • ISSO Newsletter: October 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
      Maintaining your Immigration Status: Must Be REGISTERED!
      Visas After Graduation: H1B and more!
      Graduating in January? Apply EARLY for F-1 OPT!
      Diversity Lottery for Green Cards!
    2. October ISSO Program Highlights
      "Postcards to Home" program (for Undergrads)-10/9
      Halloween Celebration at Int'l Coffee Hour-10/26
      Watkins Glen Hike & Seneca Lake Winery Tour-10/29
    3. Other Upcoming ISSO Programs
    4. From Gannett: a word about dental care
    5. Let’s Talk: CAPS off-site counseling at ISSO
    6. Personal Property Insurance Revisited
    7. Have Immigration Questions?: Come to ISSO Office Hours


    Immigration News


    Maintaining your Immigration Status: Must Be REGISTERED!
    All F1 and J1 students must be enrolled full time in the fall and spring semesters in order maintain valid immigration status. For undergraduate students, that means enrolling for a MINIMUM of 12 credit hours. For graduate students, there is no minimum credit hour requirement, but you MUST BE REGISTERED in the fall and spring semesters. Please come in to the ISSO to speak with an advisor if you are unable to maintain the registration requirements. Read more about maintaining your immigration status on our student immigration web pages.


    Visas After Graduation Talk

    Monday October 23, 2006, 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.


    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 2008 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV-2008)
    Complete information can be found on the DV 2008 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 2008 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.


    October ISSO Program Highlights

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


    "Postcards to Home" program (for Undergrads)

    UNDERGRADS...Staying at Cornell during Fall Break?
    Why not send a postcard home?! Let your family and friends know that you are thinking of them by sending them a postcard...we'll even provide the postcard and the stamp!!! Light refreshments will be served.

    Monday, October 9th
    1-2:30 pm
    Carol Tatkon Center

    Sponsored by the Carol Tatkon Center and International Students and Scholars Office.


    Come Celebrate Halloween at a Special International Coffee Hour!

    Enjoy spooky treats, pumpkin-carving, and more at the ISSO's annual Halloween-themed International Coffee Hour!

    Thursday, October 26th
    3:30-5:30 pm
    at the Big Red Barn

    Fun prizes will be given to those daring enough to come in costume, and for the scariest, funniest and most creatively carved jack o'lanterns! All are welcome!


    Watkins Glen Hike and Seneca Lake Winery Tour

    Join the ISSO on a hike through Watkins Glen, one of the most enchanting spots in the Finger Lakes! Afterwards we’ll enjoy wine tastings at several wineries. Come be dazzled by the beautiful fall scenery and savor the wines of Seneca Lake! Lunch is included. Sign up for this trip starting Thursday, October 12th at 9:00 am at the ISSO.

    Sunday, October 29, 2006
    Price, times, and specific wineries will be announced shortly via separate e-mail.



    Other Upcoming ISSO Programs


    November

    15th (Wednesday): "International Undergraduate Engineering Students: Obtaining a Co-op Position"
    4:45 PM, location to be announced
    For undergraduate Engineering students interested in the Engineering Co-op Program.

    23rd (Thursday): Annual Traditional American Thanksgiving Feast
    Time, location, & ticket details to be announced.

    28th (Tuesday): F-1 Student Employment Authorization Workshop
    3-4:00 PM, 100 Caldwell Hall

    29th (Wednesday): "Driving in Winter and Applying for a New York State Driver's License"
    4:30 PM, Myron Taylor Hall


    Plus, every Thursday while classes are in session...
    International Coffee Hour
    3:30-5:30, 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!



    From Gannett: a word about dental care

    A challenge most of us face when moving to a new community is finding medical and dental care providers who will meet our needs. While Gannett provides medical services for students, their spouses or same sex partners, and children over age 14, dental care is not offered on campus.Students and their families need to identify a dentist in the greater Ithaca area to provide this service.

    When looking for a dentist, a good starting point is to ask friends, classmates, and neighbors who have lived in Ithaca for awhile what dentists they recommend. Another source of information is the NY State Dental Association’s list of members in the Ithaca area.

    If you are a member of the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), and you purchased the optional dental plan provided by First Ameritas Insurance, check their online list of preferred “in network” providers. For a PDF containing information about the SHIP optional dental plan, click here.

    With this dental plan, you can also choose a dentist who is not on this list, but keep in mind their fees may be above the negotiated fees contracted by First Ameritas. In that case, if the dentist’s fee is above the negotiated fee set by the insurance plan, you will need to pay the difference.

    Once you have identified potential dentists, call their offices to learn more about the services they provide and ask if they are currently taking new patients. Here are some questions to guide that discussion:

    • Tell the dentist about yourself, any special needs you have, and the services you would like.
    • What are their office hours, and how is emergency dental care provided outside those hours?
    • What is their policy about canceling appointments and missing an appointment?
    • Will the dentist offer multiple treatment options for your dental care and explain their costs, benefits and limitations so that you can make informed choices?
    • What fees are charged for routine services such as tooth cleaning, dental x-rays, sealants or fluoride (for children under age 14), routine fillings, root canals, crowns, caps and bridges?
    • When is payment required? Some dentists may be willing to set up a payment plan when the bill is over a certain amount so that dental expenses can be paid over a period of time instead of in one lump sum. While it may be tempting to use a credit card for payment of dental bills, the interest charges associated with this method of “borrowing money” may lead to a greater financial burden later —especially if you are on a very tight budget.
    • If you have a dental insurance plan, is the dentist a participating provider in the dental plan you have? If not, will you need to submit claim forms to your insurance plan for reimbursement?

    In the US, dentists emphasize services and practices that prevent dental problems or enable their early detection. For example, dentists may recommend teeth be cleaned by a dental hygienist on a routine basis (usually every 6 months); x-rays be taken of teeth for early detection of tooth decay, infections, or gum disease (frequency will depend on your individual health needs); and for pre-school children, the possible use of fluoride to build stronger tooth enamel and prevent decay. If dental decay is discovered during an exam, most dentists will recommend that it be treated promptly rather than delaying treatment. Again, their emphasis is on treating the decay early to prevent further tooth damage.

    As a patient, you have the right to considerate and respectful care; to be informed about the procedures that will be used, the expected benefits and drawbacks of available treatment options; and to be given an estimate of fees involved with each option. Feel free to ask your dentist questions if you need more information and to ask again if you don’t understand the explanation you were given. As with medical care, you and your dentist share responsibility in making decisions about your treatment options. For complex or expensive procedures, you may want to have a second opinion from another dentist before making a decision. You also can refuse treatment, but you should be aware of what effect this may have on your dental health. If you are dissatisfied with the services you receive or have a complaint about your dental care, you can voice your concerns to the dentist, call the state or local dental association or contact your insurance office to resolve the issue. Remember, you also can select another dentist for your care.

    “Taking care of your mouth, teeth and gums isn't just a matter of good grooming. It can prevent infections, and maybe even diseases, throughout your body,” according to the Mayo Clinic. For another good source of information on dental care and treatments, see their web site.

    Submitted by:
    Janis Talbot (jit@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.



    Personal Property Insurance Revisited

    In last month's newsletter, we published an article about the importance of persponal property or renter's insurance. Because this is such an important topic, we've reproduced the article below.

    We also want to take this opportunity to announce that Cornell University has partnered with Haylor, Freyer & Coon, Inc. to provide a personal property insurance plan for the Cornell community that is affordable and comprehensive. For information about the plan, visit http://www.haylor.com/student, or pick up a brochure from the ISSO.


    Pause a moment and think about what you might lose in the case of a fire or burst water pipe in your apartment...

    Replacing your laptop, CD player, iPod, books, clothing, furniture, and other belongings would be costly and stressful, right?

    Accidents DO happen, and each year students without insurance have had to pay out of pocket to replace valuable items, while those with insurance have benefited from their coverage.

    Most landlords' insurance policies do not cover the personal property of renters in the case of fire, water, or smoke damage, and every year, some Cornell students caught without renter's insurance have had to manage the cost of replacing lost or damaged property on their own. The ISSO therefore strongly recommends that you consider purchasing personal property insurance, also known as "renter's insurance".

    Renter's insurance is often available for a low annual cost ($50-250, depending on amount of coverage), providing coverage in the case of loss due to damage or even theft. Please note that most policies only cover an individual renter, so if you have roommates, they should buy their own policies.

    For more information on renter's insurance, and to compare plans, please search the web. Some of the major insurance companies:

    For General information about personal property insurance, and to compare rates and policies, visit personalinsure.about.com/cs/renters.

    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.