Introduction: Welcome to the home page of Binghamton University's Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). This web site is designed to provide information of interest to international students and scholars, whether they are new, currently enrolled, or alumni. The ISSS, part of the Division of Student Affairs, serves a population of more than 2000 international students from more than 90 countries around the world, and approximately 90 visiting international scholars and faculty. Programs and services are designed to meet the needs of entering international students, currently enrolled international students, and international alumni. Many of our programs have earned national recognition, and we have a reputation for friendly and efficient customer service.
Location: The ISSS is located in Room G-1 (ground floor) of the Nelson A. Rockefeller Center in Hinman College on the Binghamton University campus. We are across the street from the Lecture Hall Center and the Bartle Library, and adjacent to the visitor's parking lot.
Office Hours: During the academic year, the ISSS is open Monday-Wednesday and Fridays from 10:00am to 4:30pm, Thursdays from 11:30am to 4:30pm, except for holidays. From the end of the Spring semester until the Monday before classes begin, the ISSS is open Monday-Wednesday and Fridays from 9:30am to 3:45pm, Thursdays from 11:30am to 3:45pm.
Contact us: Our mailing address is International Student and Scholar Services, Binghamton University, Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000 USA. Our telephone number is 1-607-777-2510. A voice mail system will take your message twenty-four hours a day. Our fax number is 1-607-777-2889.
E-mail addresses: The ISSS maintains an e-mail account, isss@binghamton.edu which is checked each business day. Most inquiries are answered within 5 business days or less. E-mail sent to the personal accounts of ISSS staff may not be answered promptly if that staff member is away from the office for an extended period. Therefore, you are encouraged to use the main e-mail account for correspondence.
Appointments: Appointments may be made by telephone or in person. It is recommended that you discuss your needs with the office secretary first,as you may find that an appointment is not necessary for many functions. If an appointment with the director or the international student advisor is deemed necessary, one can usually be scheduled within three business days, except during vacation periods.
Staff:
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Ellen Badger is the Director of International Student and Scholar Services. Her responsibilities include staff supervision, budget, research and reports, ISSS-BU (the weekly electronic newsletter for international students), liaison with local, state and federal agencies, change of status applications, reinstatement applications and J-1 scholars and faculty. |
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Karen Keefe-Guzikowski is the Associate Director of International Student and Scholar Services. Her responsibilities include applications for employment authorization, International Student Orientation, arrival orientation for J-1 visiting scholars, and extension of stay. |
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Shawna Szabo is the Assistant Director. Her responsibilites include international student orientation, curricular and optional practical training applications, and dependent visa documents. |
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Maria Sabatino is the interim International Student Advisor. She assists with the processing of applications for curricular practical training, optional practical training, and extensions of stay. |
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Terry Creeden is the International Health Insurance Coordinator. She leads the health insurance team in the ISSS. Her responsibilities include assisting students and scholars with insurance enrollments, adjustments and insurance claims. |
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Lorraine Medionte is the International Health Insurance Assistant. Her responsibilities include assisting with the administration of the SUNY International Student/Scholar Health & Accident Insurance Program. This includes enrollments, adjustments and service questions. |
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Tim Pierce is the ISSS Information Systems Coordinator. His responsibilities include the management and maintenance of the University's SEVIS database system. He reviews all SEVIS data, monitors all database transactions and reports and serves as liaison with computer service staff. |
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Hannah Ward is the ISSS secretary. She is responsible for the processing of immigration documents, front desk reception, correspondence, and appointments. |
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Katie Barvinchak is the SEVIS Operations Assistant. She supervises the processing of new student records and the preparation of new student I-20s, manages certain SEVIS update processes for current students, and reviews letters of certification and invitation. |
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Valarie Lane is the ISSS Clerk. She processes immigration documents for both undergraduate and graduate new student admissions. |
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Front Desk Student Assistants: |
