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    • ISSO Newsletter: September 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
      Newly Arriving International Students Must Check In!
      Graduating in January? Apply EARLY for F-1 OPT!
      Visas After Graduation: H1B and more!
    2. ISSO Fall Trips and Programs
    3. Need Money for Books? Apply for the ISSO Book Award!
    4. Let’s Talk: CAPS off-site counseling at ISSO
    5. Community News, Announcements & Information
      Greetings & Reminders from Gannett Health Services
      CU Child Care Grant Subsidy Program
      Protect your Personal Property with Renter's Insurance!
      Mann Library Grad Student Reception: Thurs. 9/14
      New Student Group: Out Internacional
    6. Have Immigration Questions?: Come to ISSO Office Hours


    Immigration News


    Newly Arriving International Students MUST Check in at ISSO!
    Newly Arriving International Students MUST check in to the ISSO no later than 30 days after the start date on your I-20 or DS-2019. If you do not check in at the ISSO, you may lose your valid immigration status in the U.S.

    To check in, come to the ISSO at B-50 Caldwell Hall and bring with you:

    • your passport,
    • I-94 card and
    • I-20 or DS-2019.

    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 our F-1 work authorization workshop on September 15th at 1:30pm.


    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.



    ISSO Fall Trips and Programs

    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).

    SEPTEMBER

    12th (Tuesday): "International Students and the Job Search"
    4:30 PM, B45 Warren Hall

    14th (Thursday): Takton Center Reception for First-Year International Undergraduates
    4:30-5:15 PM, Tatkon Center, Balch Hall

    15th (Friday): F-1 Student Employment Authorization Workshop
    1:30-2:30 PM, 100 Caldwell Hall

    19th (Tuesday): "Spouses & Partners: Volunteering for Personal and Career Development"
    1:00 PM, Hasbrouck Community Center

    23rd (Saturday): Men's Football Game, Cornell Big Red vs. Yale
    ISSO pre-game pizza party, Noon at the Big Red Barn!

    30th (Saturday): Day Trip to Niagara Falls, NY
    Sign-up at the ISSO starting 9:00 AM, Tuesday, September 5.
    NOTE: THIS TRIP IS ALREADY FULL!

    October

    4th (Wednesday): "Learn to Navigate Your Student Health Insurance" 4:30-6:00 PM, WSH International Lounge

    7-9th (Saturday-Monday): Fall Break Trip to New York City
    Sign-up at the ISSO starting 9:00 AM, Thursday, September 7.
    NOTE: THIS TRIP IS ALREADY FULL!
    If you'd like to be put on the waiting list, e-mail your name and e-mail address to Paula Senno.

    9th (Monday): "Postcards to Home"
    (time TBD), Tatkon Center, Balch Hall
    Stop by the Tatkon Center to write a postcard home. We’ll cover the postage!

    23rd (Monday): Visas After Graduation Presentation
    7-9:00 PM, Hollis E. Cornell Auditorium, Goldwin Smith Hall

    26th (Thursday): Special Halloween International Coffee Hour
    3:30-5:30 PM, The Big Red Barn

    29th (Sunday): Finger Lakes Wine Tour and Watkins Glen Hike
    Sign-up at the ISSO starting 9 AM, Thursday, October 12.


    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!



    Need Money for Books? Apply for the ISSO Book Award!

    Each semester, the ISSO awards two Book Awards of $500 each to one international undergraduate student and one international graduate student 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. Selection criteria include: contribution to international life at Cornell, personal and academic achievement, and financial need.

    DEADLINE: 4:30 pm, Monday, September 25, 2006
    Please provide your application in hard copy to:
    International Students and Scholars Office
    Attn: Book Award
    B50 Caldwell Hall
    Ithaca, NY 14853

    Eligibility
    To qualify to apply for the ISSO Book Award, a student must meet the following criteria:

    • has completed at least one semester of study at Cornell University
    • is currently registered as a full-time student
    • 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
    Please type up and submit the following information:

    1) Biographical Information:

    • Name
    • Local address and phone number
    • Email address
    • College (Undergraduates) or field (Graduates)
    • Degree sought (Bachelor/Master/PhD)
    • Country of citizenship
    • Current non-immigrant status (F-1/J-1)

    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?

    3) Obtain and submit a copy of your most recent transcript from the Office of the University Registrar (available at the Registrar’s Office in Day Hall, or on-line at www.transcript.cornell.edu).



    Let's Talk: CAPS off-site counseling at ISSO

    We want to take this opportunity to welcome CAPS counselor Wai-Kwong Wong to his new counseling hours at the ISSO!

    Over the summer, Mahnaz Mousavi left Cornell to pursue an exciting professional opportunity in Qatar, and we thank her for her years of dedicated service to our international community. Wai has kindly agreed to offer hours at B-50 Caldwell Hall in her stead.

    Each Thursday from 1:30-4:30 pm, Wai 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.



    Community News, Announcements & Information


    Greetings & Reminders from Gannett Health Services

    Dear Students,

    I extend a personal greeting to all International graduate and undergraduate students. As the International Student Health Advocate I am especially interested in learning more about your health interests and needs so that Gannett can serve you better. Gannett staff members understand that seeking medical care can be a difficult process, particularly in a new country where the philosophy and approach to health care may appear quite different. Our web site offers specific information I hope will assist International students in learning more about how the US health-care system and medical insurance work.

    Throughout the year, I will provide you with updates and health news through the ISSO’s listserve and web site. I also encourage you to email topics to me that you would like reviewed. Your questions, concerns, and suggestions will help Gannett become a better partner in your health care. Please feel free to contact me by phone (255-4782) or email (jit1@cornell.edu).

    Sincerely,
    Janis Talbot
    Gannett Health Educator, International Student Advocate


    New Students: Have you met your health requirements?
    As a new student at Cornell, your first interaction with Gannett may be around a series of health requirements that you must meet as an incoming student. As a reminder, your health history form is due no later than Friday, September 15. This form is completely confidential (with no connection to any other part of Cornell). Your health history will help us provide the best possible care for you, should you need health services at any time during your Cornell experience.

    Some of the information asked for on the form is needed to meet the requirements of New York State and federal law for anyone attending a college or university. A fine of $100 is charged when health requirements are not met by the deadline; please be warned that the Registrar will disenroll students who fail to comply with health requirements. For further information visit our web sites on health requirements and TB testing.

    Prior to September 15, new students who have not already submitted their health history forms or those who have handed in the form but still may need to meet one or more of the health requirements, will receive an email from Gannett telling them that they have not met their requirements. Students should then call Gannett (255-4364) for further information and assistance. Gannett also can provide immunizations and/or TB testing if needed.


    Still trying to understand your health insurance?
    The ISSO Office, Gannett and the Student Health Insurance Office invite students to attend a workshop entitled “Navigating Your Health Insurance” on Wednesday, Oct. 4 from 4:30-5:30 PM in the International Lounge at Willard Straight Hall. You will learn more about the history of health insurance, fees charged for medical services and how the SHIP insurance covers many of these services.


    CU Child Care Grant Subsidy Program

    2006-2007 Application deadlines coming soon!
    For students: September 10, 2006.
    For Faculty and Staff: September 15, 2006

    Cornell has committed to helping faculty, staff, and students keep their children in quality care by subsidizing its cost through the Cornell University Child Care Grant Subsidy Program, which is coordinated by the Office of Human Resources. The Cornell University Child Care Grant Subsidy Program (CCGS) helps eligible Cornell employees and students pay child care expenses. The application deadlines are coming soon! You can find the eligibility criteria and application forms on the OHR web site. If you have any questions, please e-mail childcare@cornell.edu.


    Protect your Personal Property with Renter's Insurance!

    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, please search the web. While the ISSO cannot recommend a particular insurance company, we can provide links to 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.


    Mann Library Grad Student Reception: Thurs. 9/14

    All grad students, new and old, are warmly invited to Mann Library's grad student reception from 4:30-6:00 pm on Thursday September 14th. The event will be held on Mann's second floor. Come to learn about the library's services and programs for grads, hear other grad students talk about their experiences using Mann, meet the staff, and, of course, feast on catered food and drink. It's always a lot of fun, so don't miss it. And bring a friend!

    Questions? Contact:

      Jim Morris-Knower
      Public Services Librarian
      Albert R. Mann Library
      607-255-6197
      jpk15@cornell.edu


    New Student Group: Out Internacional

    OUT Internacional is a confidential discussion group for International students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) or who are questioning their identity.

    • The group will be led by Jamie Sorrentino, Assistant Dean of Students/LGBT Student Support (and possibly another staff member).
    • Discussions will address issues and themes important to International LGBT students, and group members will determine the focus of discussion.
    • The group will meet on campus once every two weeks (biweekly) on an evening during the week.
    • Specific meeting details will be provided to individuals who express an interest in the group.
    • OUT Internacional is sponsored by the Office of Student Support in the Dean of Students Office. Participation is free.

    If you are interested in joining this group, or if you have any questions e-mail Jamie at jcs14@cornell.edu.



    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.