University of Virginia ISSP

Japan Festival - April 16th

2011-04-12T10:41:00.000-04:00

Message from the ISO - The Tragedy in Japan

2011-03-13T08:21:00.000-04:00

Dear Members of our Community,

The staff of the International Studies Office along with our colleagues across the University are saddened at the destruction caused by the earthquake and tsunamis in Japan. We hope that any family and friends you may have in the affected areas were not hurt and are now safe.

The earthquake and tsunamis are traumatic events. Please know that there are resources at the University for you.

Office of the Dean of Students: 434-924-7133

Dean on Call: 434-243-3326 (cell)

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) on Call: 434-243-5150 (day); 434-972-7004 (night)

International Student and Scholar Advisor: 434-981-6505

NAFSA: Association of International Educators shared this tool with members earlier today: Google People Finder: http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/ I provide the link in case it may be of use to you.

The people of Japan are in our thoughts and prayers as are all of you. Please contact us if we can be of assistance to you.

Sincerely,

Dudley Doane & the Staff of the International Studies Office

New Suite of Free Seminars to Teach How to Better 'Cross Cultures'

2011-03-04T10:08:00.000-05:00

New seminars co-sponsored by your ISO:

The first seminar is "An Introduction to Cross-Cultural Miscommunication" and begins April 4. Organizers call it a "crash course in semiotic theories of language and how they change the way we understand what happens when communication and, above all, miscommunication between people occurs."

The second seminar, "Cultural Stereotypes, Generalizations, and Particulars," begins April 18. It tackles the thorny issue of stereotypes and generalizations and introduces the analytic skill of suspension of judgment.

The final seminar, “Self, Person, and Identity in Cross-Cultural Relation," starting May 16, introduces theories of how the experience of cultural difference can transform a person and their sense of self, identity and their role in the world.

The seminars are being led by graduate and post-doctoral anthropology students.

Registration opened in late February. "Students can register for as many of the seminars as they would like," project coordinator Catarina Krizancic said. The maximum enrollment for each session is 100 people. Both graduate and undergraduates are welcome to register here. Participants are asked to commit to one 90-minute lecture and an hour-long discussion session for each topic.

The International Studies Office partnered with the Department of Anthropology in the College of Arts & Sciences and the interdisciplinary Global Development Studies program to design the seminars.

The spring series is a pilot and organizers hope to make the offering permanent as a one-credit course.

BHANGRA NIGHT

2011-02-16T08:13:00.000-05:00

Sikh Students Association

Presents

The 6^th Annual

BHANGRA NIGHT

Featuring

UVA Di Shaan, Mahogany, Sharaara and Mary Washington Bhangra

LIVE DJ, FREE INDIAN FOOD, FREE DANCE LESSONS AND RAFFLES TO BE WON

It can’t get better!!

Thursday, February 17^th, 2011

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Student Activities Building

BE THERE

Bus Service to Dulles - May

2011-01-24T11:47:00.001-05:00

Dear International Student,

The International Studies Office will be providing bus service to Dulles International Airport on Saturday, May 7, 2011, Wednesday, May 11, 2011, and Saturday, May 14, 2011. There is a $25 non-refundable fee per person. This service is based on first come, first served.

Buses will be available for boarding at 6:00 AM at the University of Virginia Chapel. Buses will depart promptly at 6:30 AM.

Please see Valerie Spears or Bridget Ganey in the International Studies Office located on the second floor in Minor Hall to reserve your seat.

The $25 non-refundable fee is due by February 25, 2011. If payment is not received by then, your seat reservation will be released and made available for others.

The $25 non-refundable fee is due at the time of reservation for any seat requests after February 25, 2011.

Payment may be made by check or cash (exact amount only). Credit cards are not accepted.

If you have any questions, please contact the International Studies office at 434-982-3010.

World Wide Wahoos - Invitation to Join!

2011-01-13T09:02:00.001-05:00

The International Studies Office would like to extend an invitation to all members of UVa's international community to participate in World Wide Wahoos, our new global outreach program. Students, faculty, and staff from more than 120 countries provide global perspectives that enrich the life of our university. World Wide Wahoos will be dedicated to sharing this wealth of international experience with current and prospective students, and with the wider Charlottesville community. World Wide Wahoos will serve as a portal to the International Student Ambassadors, the International Speakers Bureau, the Global Student Council's international high school visitors program, the Education Abroad office's outreach initiatives, and the MiX mentoring program.

Would you be willing to serve in any one or more of the following capacities?

*Be a contact for prospective and current students and their parents looking to connect with someone from their home country.

*Be a volunteer speaker who could share some aspect of your culture with local schools and community groups.

*Be a volunteer who could help out during summer orientation for incoming international students.

*Be a volunteer interpreter for visiting scholars, international spouse/family orientations, schools, hospitals, etc.

*Be a contact for high schools looking for students who could give presentations about UVa to prospective applicants.

Please take a moment to fill out the attached questionnaire, indicating the ways in which you would be willing to help make this program a success.

Click here for the World Wide Wahoos Questionnaire.

NAFSA | Public Policy | International Students Contribute $18.8 Billion to U.S. Economy

2010-11-16T14:43:00.000-05:00

NAFSA | Public Policy | International Students Contribute $18.8 Billion to U.S. Economy

Advising at the Darden School Begins Today

2010-09-20T08:50:00.001-04:00

For all students in the Darden and Law schools, as well as students who live close to North Grounds, the ISO will hold advising hours as follows. If you need a travel signature, please bring a Travel Request Form, attached here, as well as passport and I-20 or DS-2019.

All times are from 1:30-3:00pm unless otherwise noted

Date Classrooms

Sept. 20 40

Oct. 4 30

Oct. 18 30

Nov. 1 30

Nov. 15 30

Nov. 29 30

Jan. 17 30

Jan. 31 30

Feb. 7 30

Feb. 21 40

Mar. 7 30

Mar. 21 Spring Break – No meeting

Apr. 4 30 – till 2:30pm (classroom conflicts at 2:45pm) If needed, we can have students meet in the OSA back table for the remaining time.

Apr. 18 30 – till 2:30pm “ “

May 2 40– till 2:30pm “ “

Regards,

Your ISO

Employment and International Students

2010-07-15T14:06:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone:

This is a general reminder concerning employment of international students.

F-1, and J-1 visa holders (with ISO permission), may work at the University of Virginia as intrinsic to their legal status, not to exceed 20 hours per week while school is in session. Graduate students receiving full assistantships are considered employed at 20 hours per week, and cannot work otherwise during the Fall and Spring semesters. All other non-immigrants will require the issuance of the EAD (Employment Authorization Document) through direct application to USCIS to engage in employment anywhere, including UVA.

No F-1 or J-1 student is permitted to work outside the University of Virginia without the authorization of the ISO, and in most cases, USCIS (U.S. Immigration). Employment outside of UVA includes self-employment; working within the U.S. for a foreign-based entity, and can even include work for which no compensation is gained.

F-1 students should review the sections on CPT and OPT on our website before engaging in off-Grounds employment: http://www.virginia.edu/iso/issp/f1/index.html

J-1 students should review the section on Employment before engaging in either on or off-grounds employment: http://www.virginia.edu/iso/issp/j1/j1employment.html

All students interested in unpaid employment, including internships, should carefully read the Fact Sheet we have posted from the U.S. Department of Labor. Being offered a position without compensation does not in itself constitute a voluntary position. Protect yourselves by determining that the position offered is legitimately unpaid: Fact Sheet on Unpaid Internships - U.S. Department of Labor

Please prepare many months in advance of your possible employment. As always, please direct your questions concerning employment to the ISO during our advising hours, as below.

Best Wishes,
The ISO

Linda Callihan: 10-12 & 2-4 Monday-Thursday
Richard Tanson: 10-12 & 2-4 Monday-Thursday
Brian Ullman: 9-11 & 1-3 Monday-Thursday

Please Check Expiration of I-20/DS-2019

2010-05-28T10:10:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone:

This is a general reminder to check and make sure you know the expiration date of your I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1). It is important to understand that you cannot let this document expire when you are engaged in your studies, and for J-1’s through the period of academic training as well. Expiration of your visa document results in immediate loss of legal status. The only exception is for students applying for Post-Completion OPT, in which case the I-20 has to end before the OPT begins.

If you need to extend your visa documents, please do so at least 2-3 weeks before expiration, but in no circumstance can this be rendered after expiration.

http://www.virginia.edu/iso/issp/f1/programextension.html (F-1)

http://www.virginia.edu/iso/issp/j1/j1programlength.html (J-1)

You may direct further questions to us at the ISO, or see us during advising hours, which are as follows:

Tanson: 10-12 and 2-4 Monday through Thursday
Ullman: 9-11 and 1-3 Monday through Thursday
Callihan: 10-12 and 2-4 Monday through Thursday

International Graduate Student Loses House to Fire

2010-02-11T08:55:00.002-05:00

On Monday a house at 230 Robertson Avenue was engulfed by fire and the three renters, doctoral students in Engineering, lost all their possessions and housing furnishings. Like so many of our students, they did not have renters’ insurance. Among the ways in which the Office of the Dean of Students is assisting these students is through the establishment of a fund to which donations can be made and from which our students can satisfactorily settle themselves in a new place and finish the semester successfully.

http://hoosonline.virginia.edu/firerelief

More About Request to Participate in Survey - Rights of Women in Islam

2010-02-02T09:38:00.003-05:00

From Fatma Al-Lawati, an Omani Fulbright scholar at the University of Virginia:

I'm in the process of conducting a study that investigates the perceptions of Muslim and non-Muslim university students towards the rights of women in Islam. I would like to invite you to participate in the study. I would also appreciate it if you can help me by forwarding this message to some of your Muslim/Non-Muslim and graduate/undergraduate friends or relatives at any university in the United States regardless of their citizenship. A large sample will make the results more defensible and will be a better representation of those perceptions. All responses to the survey will be anonymous. Completing the survey should take no longer than 20 minutes. Students willing to participate should send a blank e-mail to faa3c@virginia.edu with “Survey" as the subject. I will then email the students a link to an online survey; or you may directly click on the following link: https://womenrightsislam.questionpro.com.

Please feel free to contact me at faa3c@virginia.edu if you have any questions.

Mandatory Tax Filing. Free Tax Software Now Available

2010-01-29T09:49:00.000-05:00

The International Studies Office (ISO) in partnership with UVA’s Office of Compliance and Immigration Services (CIS) are pleased to announce that once again we will be offering the premier tax software for the international community at no cost to you.

CINTAX is a web-based tax program similar to the popular tax preparation programs such as TurboTax, but designed specifically for non-immigrant tax filers who are still nonresident aliens.

**Using this tax software program, Cintax, will determine if you are considered a non-resident or resident for tax purposes. If you are considered a resident alien for tax purposes, and therefore taxed like a US citizen, then you will need to use a version of the 1040 federal tax form. If you are a resident alien and need help completing your 1040, 1040EZ, or 1040A, University Human Resources offers a free tax return program. Please go to http://www.hrs.virginia.edu/taxprephelp/poster.pdf to find out how to obtain help.

Please remember the following:

* All nonimmigrants are required to file Form 8843 with the US government; Cintax will produce this Form for you. All nonresident aliens whose total wages, scholarships, and fellowships are less than $3,650.00 are not required to file a 1040NR or a 1040NREZ tax form. However, if your combined income is more than $3,650 or you claimed Tax Treaty Benefits (tax exemption) then you are required to file a 1040NR or a 1040NREZ. Failure to do so can severely jeopardize any future applications for immigration benefits such as employment-based visa status or a Green Card.

What this means is that all non-immigrants, should use the Cintax program, regardless of whether income was earned in the U.S. In 2009.

* This software is for the UVA community only. Any sharing of the passwords outside of UVA to logon to this tax prep site will be considered an Honor violation and will be treated accordingly.

* You will not have to download tax forms from www.irs.gov if you plan on using the software, as CINTAX will print out the appropriate forms automatically.

* The ISO and CIS cannot provide official tax advice. We cannot answer your tax questions, nor can we assist with your tax returns. We are prohibited by law and University policy from doing so.

TAX Software Information

Instructions are attached in 2 pdf files to this email. One set of instructions is for those filers with U.S. income and the other set of instructions is for those with no income.

Logon to: www.cintax.us to access the web-based program.

Contact the ISO to obtain the password to create your account:

982-3010 or issp@virginia.edu.

Please remember that:

For those of you filing without a social security number, you can file the Form W-7 concurrently with your tax return. The W-7 will allow you to apply for the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The ITIN can be used for most tax purposes except the receiving of income. You can download the W-7 at www.irs.gov

This Cintax program only does the federal tax forms. If you have earned income, you will in most cases also have to do the state returns, which can be downloaded from http://www.tax.virginia.gov/site.cfm?alias=FileTaxReturns

Request to Participate in Survey - Rights of Women in Islam

2010-01-12T15:17:00.004-05:00

From Fatma Al-Lawati, an Omani Fulbright scholar at the University of Virginia:

I'm in the process of conducting a study that investigates the perceptions of Muslim and non-Muslim university students towards the rights of women in Islam. I would like to invite you to participate in the study. I would also appreciate it if you can help me by forwarding my email to some of your Muslim/Non-Muslim and graduate/undergraduate friends or relatives at any university in the United States regardless of their citizenship. A large sample will make the results more defensible and will be a better representation of those perceptions. All responses to the survey will be anonymous. Completing the survey should take no longer than 20 minutes.

Students willing to participate should send a blank e-mail to faa3c@virginia.edu with “Survey" as the subject. I will then email the students a link to an online survey. Students will have at least 2-3 weeks to respond to the survey.

International Students Record PSA for International Education Week

2009-11-18T10:25:00.006-05:00

International students recorded a public service announcement (PSA) for 106.1 "The Corner" in celebration of International Education Week. You can hear the PSA throughout the week on the Charlottesville-based station.

SEVIS II description

2009-06-15T13:44:00.001-04:00

From the U.S. ICE website concerning SEVIS II (http://www.ice.gov/sevis/sevisii/index.htm), the following description:

"SEVIS II is a modernization effort to address limitations in the original SEVIS application. SEVIS II improves on the existing SEVIS system in several areas. First, SEVIS II will create an entirely paperless process for all activities related to the admission and tracking of F/M/J nonimmigrants. Under SEVIS II, F/M/J nonimmigrants and school and sponsor officials will use digital signatures to sign electronic forms related to the student and exchange visitor process. Government officials will also use SEVIS II—or a system that links to SEVIS II—to document electronically decisions about visa issuance, changes of status, entry into the U.S., and other requests for nonimmigrant benefits (e.g., employment authorization).

Second, SEVIS II will permit F/M/J nonimmigrants to create user accounts and directly access their own information in the system. This feature of SEVIS II permits F/M/J nonimmigrants to view information about their status, immigration benefits, and payment of SEVP fees. F/M/J nonimmigrants will also be able to view their own information in the system in real time and request that SEVP or OPSE make a change if it is inaccurate.

Third, SEVIS II will create a new, person-centric recordkeeping system that will unify information about the same F/M/J nonimmigrants that the original SEVIS maintained in multiple records. SEVIS II seeks to unify records about the same individuals by using immigration identification numbers (IINs) assigned to F/M/J nonimmigrants through the activation of SEVIS II accounts. SEVIS II will also links to biometric information for F/M/J nonimmigrants collected by US VISIT. SEVIS II will use this biometric to maintain the one-person, one-record system; however, SEVIS II does not collect, store, or process actual fingerprints or other biometric information.

Fourth, SEVIS II will generate and displays an admissibility indicator for each F/M/J nonimmigrant that reflects whether they are currently eligible for admission into the U.S. under the terms of their F/M/J class of admission. F/M/J nonimmigrants may view their admissibility indicator in SEVIS II before traveling to the U.S. to confirm that they are eligible to enter the U.S. at that time. To generate the admissibility indicator, SEVIS II uses the information already in the system and a set of business rules to determine if the individual is currently eligible to enter the U.S. as an F/M/J nonimmigrant. SEVIS II will exports the admissibility indicator to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Treasury Enforcement Communications System (TECS) to allow CBP officers to view the admissibility indicator when the F/M/J nonimmigrant arrives at the border and requests admission. The CBP officer uses the admissibility indicator to determine if the individual may enter as an F/M/J.

Finally, SEVIS II will indicate whether a nonimmigrant is eligible for employment in the U.S. under the terms of his or her F/M/J class of admission. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) E-Verify system queries SEVIS II in response to a request for an employment authorization. SEVIS II uses information already in the system and a set of business rules to determine if the nonimmigrant is eligible for employment, the maximum allowable length of employment, and (if applicable) the allowable location for employment under the terms of his or her F/M/J admission. This information is sent to E-Verify."

Our National Conference week of May 25th

2009-05-15T09:20:00.003-04:00

Cliff Maxwell and Richard Tanson will be at the NAFSA National Convention in Los Angeles for the entire week of May 25th. This in a conference involving all professional in the field of international education. This year's keynote speaker is Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunis from Bangladesh. More information at www.nafsa.org

Updated message on H1N1 Influenza

2009-05-01T10:49:00.003-04:00

The University of Virginia is monitoring the recent outbreak of H1N1 influenza in several regions of the world and parts of the U.S. The University’s administration is relying on information from the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Virginia Department of Health, and the Thomas Jefferson Health District to guide the University’s response to the pandemic.

At this time, the University is operating on a regular schedule, and there are no plans at this time to alter academic programming planned for the summer term, including U.Va. study abroad programs. Should this change, the U.Va. homepage will be updated, and students in the affected programs will be notified. For the most up-to-date information on the University’s response to the outbreak of swine flu, please visit the U.Va. homepage at www.virginia.edu

SEVIS II is Coming !!!

2009-04-28T10:44:00.002-04:00

SEVIS will be undergoing a complete overhaul from the ground up, as the U.S. government moves closer to a completely paperless system. We will continue to post updates as they arise. You can get a brief preview of what's to come through the attached brochure.

Richard Tanson will be attending a conference May 4-6th sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security in Washington. Make sure to watch for continuing announcement, workshops, etc.

UVA Message on Swine Flu

2009-04-28T09:04:00.001-04:00

The University is sending out the following message on the swine flu outbreak that has recently been tracked in Mexico and a few states in the U.S. Click below to read the full message:

To members of the University community:

Although no cases of swine flu have been reported in Virginia, the University is addressing the possibility of a flu outbreak with an abundance of caution. As always, the safety and well being of all members of the University community — students, staff, and faculty — are our primary concern.

While there is currently no cause for alarm in Charlottesville, the University’s Pandemic Committee met earlier today to review the University’s Pandemic Influenza Response Plan and to discuss what steps the University would take to inform and protect members of our community.

As you may be aware, 40 cases of swine flu, which was first confirmed in Mexico earlier this month, have been identified in five states in the United States — California, Kansas, New York, Ohio and Texas. In addition, there is confirmation of cases in Canada. The cases reported in the United States have been mild, and only one person has been hospitalized.

Because this is an evolving situation, the United States declared a public health emergency on Sunday so preparations could be put in place in case they are needed. The World Health Organization has declared the flu a “public health emergency of international concern.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is actively monitoring the situation, as is the state Health Department. The Thomas Jefferson Health District also has an extensive flu surveillance system that coordinates at local, state, national, and international levels. Together, they are working with doctors to quickly identify and confirm any new cases of swine flu.

The University will rely on the CDC and our local health department to keep us apprised of the latest developments. Under the leadership of Marge Sidebottom, the University’s director of Emergency Preparedness, and Dr. James Turner, the director of Student Health, the University’s committee will work closely with these entities and continue to communicate critical information to members of our community.

In the meantime, just about everything you need to know about swine flu can be found on the CDC Web site. http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

You should take a moment to become familiar with some of the basic facts that are provided.

In particular, know what you can do to protect yourself. The CDC has prepared guidance on the everyday actions that each of us can take to stay healthy. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people, so these simple measures can be of great help. They include:

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
* Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
* Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as germs spread that way.
* Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus.
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
* The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.
* Early treatment is the key to preventing more serious secondary bacterial infections, so you should not delay in calling your physician.

** If you are a University student experiencing flu symptoms, you should call Student Health before going in for treatment so that they can be prepared for your arrival. During the day, call 434-982-3915; after hours, call 434-972-7004.

Updated University-related information regarding swine flu and links to informative flu-related sites will be posted on the University’s homepage beginning tomorrow.

Leonard Sandridge
executive vice-president and chief operating officer

2009-03-30T19:54:00.001-04:00

CONSULAR VISA PROCESSING WARNING

IF YOU ARE A FOREIGN NATIONAL PLANNING TO TRAVEL ABROAD:

Please be advised that there has been a recent increase in security screenings of foreign nationals at U.S. Consulates abroad. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have increased the level of review that international visitors face at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad, at airports, and at border crossing posts with Canada and Mexico. The U.S. State Department processing time for a security screening at a consulate abroad is currently 12 weeks, with no option available for expediting the process.

Each foreign national, in consultation with their department if appropriate, should make their own decision regarding travel abroad. ISSP advises undertaking travel abroad with the understanding that returns to the U.S. may be significantly delayed, and that all foreign nationals traveling abroad should be certain to carry documentation supporting their current visa status.

ISSP recommends you contact our office with your passport and immigration documents as soon as you are aware of the date you plan to travel. We will review your documents, provide you with up to date travel advice, and sign your travel document (if necessary).

2009-03-24T09:40:00.000-04:00

Visits from Family or Friends Who Require a B-2 Visa

International students and scholars at UVA often ask the ISO whether there are any steps they might take to assist family members or friends in making a successful application for a B-2 visa at a U.S. consulate abroad.

Any applicant for a B-2 visa must demonstrate nonimmigrant intent: 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Nonimmigrant Visa

The International Studies Office does not issue letters of invitation, as your family and friends bear no official relationship to UVA. However, if you believe your assistance would be desired and helpful in the application of your family or friends for a B-2 visa, you may consider drafting a letter addressed to your family or friends formally inviting them to visit you, which states the following:

* The inclusive dates of your invitation to the U.S.;
* The purpose of the visit; and
* That you will provide food, lodging, and other necessaries.

The consulate may also find useful a bank statement confirming that you have the funds on hand to support your family or friends while in the U.S.

If the purpose of the visit is to attend your graduation, a letter on departmental stationary from your adviser can accompany your letter of invitation confirming when the graduation ceremony will occur, and that you will be participating. This type of letter is issued at the department's discretion.

Gone for a conference Thursday and Friday

2009-03-16T08:19:00.000-04:00

Most members of the ISSP will be going to Annual Immigration Law Update at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore this Thursday and Friday. There we will meet representatives from most of the governmental agencies who preside over immigration matters. Let's all hope that immigration laws will change for the better under the new administration!

Some confirmed panelists for this year's meeting include:
Lou Farrel - Student & Exchange Visitor Program
Tammie King - DOS, Academic & Government Programs
Stephen Dearborn - Customs and Border Protection BWI Airport
Mary Liscinsky & Tim Smith - U.S. CIS, Vermont Service Center
Hank Meyer - DOS, Visa Office, Post Liaison Division
Natalie Watson - U.S. CIS, Batimore
Erica Easter - SSA

New SIS delays

2009-03-05T15:31:00.000-05:00

It looks like the rollout of the new SIS system for this office's implementation will take a bit longer than originally anticipated. Please bear with us as we test, and perform data verification within the new system. This may cause some further delays in the processing of application for benefits.

ISSP closed for Spring Break

2009-03-01T12:54:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, the University is upgrading the Student System from ISIS to a comprehensive and very powerful enterprise solution – the Student Information System (SIS). As we make this important transition, we will need to devote ourselves, during the week of Spring Break, to testing and data verification in preparation for the new Student Information System going “live.” We ask for your patience and indulgence during the week of March 2-6. During that week of Spring Break, we will not be able to accept any applications for benefits, such as OPT and Program Extensions. In fact, we can only see students for emergencies, including last minute travel signatures. Otherwise we will have no walk-in hours.

We appreciate your understanding. If you have questions and concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please plan accordingly for the Spring Break.