Visit ISSS on the Web! http://isss.binghamton.edu
Editor’s Note: The University is currently on Spring Break. University offices remain open. Classes resume on Tuesday, April 26.
CONTENTS:
1. Workload Issues in the ISSS
2. Income Tax Update
3. New CPT Webinars Now Available on the ISSS Employment Webinar Webpage
4. April 8 Post-Graduation Employment Issues Workshop Now Available for On-Line Viewing
5. Canada Makes Changes to the Temporary Resident (Visitor’s) Visa Application Process
6. Recreation Hours for Spring Break Posted
7. Career Event for Japanese Students in New York City on Friday, April 29
8. Volunteers Needed for Make-A-Wish Foundation's Southern Tier Walk/Race For Wishes April 30, 2011
9. International Student Graduation Reception Update
10. J-1 Students and On-Campus Employment
11. Volunteers Needed for Commencement
1. Workload Issues in the ISSS
As we get closer to May, the ISSS is in the midst of its busiest work period. New student visa documents are being mailed on a daily basis and current students come to the office with questions regarding travel, practical training employment, and extensions to name a few! The ISSS is always happy to be of assistance to you, but as will naturally occur during a busy period, it takes staff longer to accomplish office tasks. This includes forms processing, appointments and responses to e-mail messages. So, if it is necessary for you to meet with Karen Keefe-Guzikowski, Shawna Szabo or Ellen Badger, or need to have paperwork processed by ISSS staff, please allow extra time for an appointment, e-mail reply, or paperwork. They appreciate your understanding. Thank you!
CINTAX continues to be available to Binghamton University students and scholars for those who are filing late, and will stay available until July 15, 2011. After that date CINTAX users will be able to access the “printed .pdf” only, but will no longer be able to complete an income tax return. The ISSS will continue to provide CINTAX access codes through July 15 for those students who are filing late, and will maintain its supply of income tax forms for several months, for those who need to file amended returns. Then the forms will be placed in storage. Remember to print a copy of your CINTAX -prepared tax forms for your files before July 15, 2011.
To date, 1088 current and former BU international students and scholars have accessed CINTAX. 500 users were eligible for refunds, and nearly 7.6 million dollars in total gross income was reported by BU CINTAX users.
3. New CPT Webinars Now Available on the ISSS Employment Webinar Webpage
Two new employment webinars have been added to The Employment Webinar webpage.
The first new webinar provides an overview of Curricular Practical Training (CPT). The second new webinar provides step by step instructions on how to apply for Curricular Practical Training. View all four employment webinars at this link:
http://www2.binghamton.edu/isss/employment/empWebinar.html
4. April 8 Post-Graduation Employment Issues Workshop Now Available for On-Line Viewing
On Friday, April 8, 2011, nationally known immigration attorney Stephen Yale-Loehr from the law firm of Miller Mayer LLP in Ithaca, New York presented a very informative workshop on Post-Graduation Employment Issues. This workshop addressed an number of employment topics, including employment options in the United States beyond Optional Practical Training, the H-1B Visa Category, Labor Certification, PERM, and Employment-Based U.S. Permanent Residency.
The workshop itself and the handouts that were provided as part of the presentation are now available on-line at this link:
http://www2.binghamton.edu/isss/employment/pgemploy.html
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services thanks Mr. Yale-Loehr for granting permission to have his presentation recorded.
5. Canada Makes Changes to the Temporary Resident (Visitor’s) Visa Application ProcessThe Office of International Student and Scholar Services’ travel web page has a section on traveling to Canada: http://www2.binghamton.edu/isss/travel/index.html.
This section has now been updated with additional links. The changes have been made because Canada now has an electronic version of the Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor) Application http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/visa.asp, and they want applicants for the Temporary Visa to fill out the on-line form, print it, sign it and bring it with them to apply for the visa (or alternatively, mail it in).
The Canadian Visa information packet in the ISSS has also been updated. It no longer contains the paper version of the Temporary Resident Visa Application. Instead, the packet directs students to the link to the electronic Canadian Visa Application Information Page:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/visa.asp The information page contains a link to the actual visa application form, but it also contains important required information on how to complete the form. The ISSS also provides a separate link to the Guide on how to complete the application: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/5256E.PDF
The Canadian visa application fee has not changed, but the list of countries for which there is a ten day waiting period has been updated, so the ISSS “Travel To Canada” webpage shows those additions: http://www2.binghamton.edu/isss/travel/canada.html The ISSS also provides a link to the Country List for those who need Canadian Visas: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp
That list is a very helpful reference that informs BU students if they will need to apply for a Canadian visa or not.
6. Recreation Hours for Spring Break Posted
For the upcoming break, Campus Recreation is offering weekday recreation hours for FitSpace, swimming, basketball, badminton and racquetball, as well as a group exercise class each weekday. For detailed information about the break hours and classes go to http://campusrecreation.binghamton.edu and click on the Rec Activities or Group Exercise link in the upper left. Regular hours for recreation programs resume on Tuesday, April 26.
7. Career Event for Japanese Students in New York City on Friday, April 29
The New York Japan Student Association (NYJSA) announces a career seminar event for Japanese students in New York City on Friday, April 29:
Name: Networking Party between college students and workers
Time: April 29th (Fri.) 6:00PM~8:45PM (5:30PM Doors Open)
Place: Pearl Studios 4th Floor, 500 7th Avenue New York City (between 35th & 36th St.)
The primary purpose of this event is to increase awareness of trends and opportunities in the professions locally among students. It provides practical career and job advice and information from accounts of real life work experiences and success stories by professionals in industry.
This is a great opportunity for students to interact with professionals from the companies in the New York area, and students will be able to have opportunities to do interviews for internship and job positions.
NYJSA is the student association consisting of Japanese student from a variety of universities in New York area. This career/seminar event has been organized by NYJSA mainly for Japanese students and also international students to help find Internship opportunities and job offers.
Questions? Contact takada@nyjsa.com
8. Volunteers Needed for Make-A-Wish Foundation's Southern Tier Walk/Race For Wishes April 30, 2011
Help make it possible for the Make-A-Wish Foundation to continue granting wishes to children in our community who have life-threatening illnesses by volunteering at this annual fundraiser! This year, it will be held on Saturday, April 30 from 7:30am to 11:00am at MacArthur Park off of Vestal Avenue, on Binghamton’s South Side. You can sign up here for one or more areas where volunteers are needed at the event. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, check out their website!
9. International Student Graduation Reception Update
The 25th annual International Student Graduation Reception is Friday, May 20 at 7:00 pm in the University Union Old Union Hall. Invitations will be sent by e-mail in about one week. All students completing their programs who plan to attend need to respond by completing the on-line reply card no later than Monday, May 16! Be sure to include any guests who may accompany you by indicating the appropriate number on the response form.
A large number of international students are graduating Binghamton this year, and we look forward to seeing many of you there. Please note that the date is the Friday of commencement weekend. Food and beverages will be served, there will be many photo opportunities, and a commemorative gift will be given to each student being honored.
Students frequently ask about appropriate dress for the reception. While business suits are not required, consider it a Friday evening out, so feel free to dress up in Western or traditional clothing! The reception should end before 9:00pm, so there will be plenty of time for you to enjoy other evening plans following the reception. Cameras are encouraged, as there will be lots of opportunities for picture taking. This is your evening to celebrate your achievement!
10. J-1 Students and On-Campus Employment
Students in J-1 status who have been offered on-campus employment opportunities for either Summer 2011 or Fall 2011 are reminded that even on-campus employment must be authorized in advance. The ISSS has developed a simple on-line form for J-1 students to complete so that the appropriate authorization letter can be prepared. Visit: http://www2.binghamton.edu/isss/employment/jempframe.html
11. Volunteers Needed for CommencementThe Office of Commencement invites all faculty, staff and students to support the Spring 2011 graduates by volunteering at one or more commencement ceremonies, Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22. Your participation will ensure the events run smoothly and the atmosphere is enjoyable to our graduates and their guests.
You may choose one or more ceremonies: Harpur College morning ceremony, Sunday, May 22, at 8:30 a.m.; professional schools (School of Management, Decker School of Nursing, College of Community and Public Affairs and Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering) ceremony, Sunday, May 22, at noon; Harpur College afternoon ceremony, Sunday, May 22, at 3:30 p.m.; or The Graduate School ceremony, Saturday, May 21, at 5 p.m. Volunteers may choose from the following opportunities: ticket taking; ushering; guest seating; program distribution; student registration; and lost and found assistant. Students living on campus will be granted official permission to stay in the residence halls until after the ceremonies on Sunday, May 22. Upon successful registration, you will receive an email with complete volunteer details: parking locations, training, arrival times, event dress, behind-the-scenes info, activity responsibilities and more.
To register as a volunteer, go to http://www2.binghamton.edu/commencement/spring/faculty-and-staff/volunteer.html
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ISSS-BU is a listserv owned and managed by the Office of International Student and Scholar Services, Division of Student Affairs, at the State University of New York at Binghamton. It is the publisher of ISSS-BU News. Permission is granted to freely distribute the information posted to this list as long as its contents remain unchanged.
To sign on to ISSS-BU from an e-mail account on the Binghamton.edu server, send an e-mail
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Leave the subject line blank. In the message text, type:
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If you are a registered student and don't have an e-mail account, you may claim an e-mail address and password from https://buonline.binghamton.edu/banner Be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully. If you encounter difficulty, visit the Help Desk in the lobby of the Computer Services building.
CONTENTS:
1. National Holidays for April
2. Join a Conversation on Promoting and Cultivating 2nd Language Research Skills Across the Disciplines On Wednesday, March 30
3. Presentation by BU International Alumni on How to Reach Your Career Goals, Thursday, March 31
4. Next International Coffee Hour is Friday, April 1
5. Registrar’s Office Reminds Students of Important Deadlines THIS WEEK
6. April 1 is the Deadline for Spring 2011 Health Insurance Adjustments
7. Pre-Registration for Fall 2011 Begins March 31 for Graduate Students and April 7 for Undergraduate Students
8. Attention Undergraduates: Help With Selecting Courses During Pre-Registration
9. Important Notice From Student Accounts Regarding Fall 2011 Pre-Registration
10. Don’t Forget the April 18, 2011 Deadline for Filing Income Tax Forms
11. H-1B Visa Issues are at the Forefront This Week
12. Important Workshop on Post-Graduation Employment Issues Friday, April 8
13. Nominations for Student Speaker at the Graduate Commencement Ceremony
14. International Student Graduation Reception is Friday, May 20
1. National Holidays for April
The following countries are celebrating national holidays in April
|
Senegal |
4-Apr |
|
Tunisia |
9-Apr |
|
Denmark |
16-Apr |
|
Syria |
17-Apr |
|
Zimbabwe |
18-Apr |
|
Turkey |
23-Apr |
|
Tanzania |
26-Apr |
|
Sierra Leone |
27-Apr |
|
South Africa |
27-Apr |
|
Netherlands |
30-Apr |
2. Join a Conversation on Promoting and Cultivating 2nd Language Research Skills Across the Disciplines On Wednesday, March 30
This is a joint videoconference workshop open to faculty and graduate students interested in the use of world languages in disciplines across the curriculum. Led by Tanya Kinsella, Ph.D. and Director of Languages Across the Curriculum (LAC), UNC-Chapel Hill & Suronda Gonzalez, Ph.D. and Director of Languages Across the Curriculum (LxC) Binghamton University. It will take place Wednesday, March 30, 2011 from 2:00pm -3:30pm in Academic A –Room G05.
Space is limited. Email LxC@binghamton.edu to reserve a spot.
3. Presentation by BU International Alumni on How to Reach Your Career Goals, Thursday, March 31
Mark Your Calendar for Thursday, March 31st at 5:00pm for a very informative presentation by several BU international alumni titled: Developing Your Success Piece by Piece
Come meet successful international Binghamton alumni and hear about their journey to success. Learn about the resources they used and the resources you can use to help you achieve your career goals and succeed. This event will take place from 5:30-6:00pm on Thursday, March 31st, in University Union Room 202. Take the opportunity to not only connect with alumni who can relate to your experience but also learn how to connect with an employer!
Alumni Guest Speakers include:
· Laila Beavogui-Koma, BS’08, Distribution Planning Engineer at National Grid in Boston
· Chang Cho, BS ’08, Accountant at CVE Group, Inc in Riverdale New Jersey
· Guruprasad Madhavan, MBA’07 PhD’09, Program Officer at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington D.C.
· Sevay Ozdemir, BS’07, Telecommunications Analyst at Goldman Sachs in New York City
· Oktay Sekercisoy, MSS’00, MBA’02 Associate Director for Dual Diploma Programs at Binghamton University
Other featured speakers include:
· Wren Fritsky, Career Counselor, Career Development Center
· Karen Keefe-Guzikowski, Associate Director, International Student and Scholar Services
This event is hosted by Discovery, and is co-sponsored by Binghamton University Alumni Association, Career Development Center and International Student and Scholar Services.
4. Next International Coffee Hour is Friday, April 1
Good company! Free food! An opportunity to gather prior to the start of Spring break and visit with friends and classmates!
This month's International Coffee Hour will be held on Friday, April 1 from 3:30-5:00pm in the University Union Mandela Room. Please note the change in location for this month only! This month's sponsor is the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations.
The Coffee Hour strives to be a space where the entire Binghamton University community, including international students, U.S. students, faculty/staff, and community members are welcome. The coffee hours are informal and provide an opportunity to meet and learn more about each other in a relaxed atmosphere. Each coffee hour has free hot and cold beverages and cookies, sponsored by a different department on campus.
5. Registrar’s Office Reminds Students of Important Deadlines THIS WEEK
Students who wish to withdraw from a course, change their grade option or apply for Spring 2010 graduation are reminded to complete the following steps by Friday, April 1:
• Withdrawals: You may drop a class, but since the add/drop deadline has already passed, a “w” will appear on your transcript for the course grade when you withdraw. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 1. For step-by-step instructions, visit the Registrar’s website at http://www2.binghamton.edu/registrar/news.html
• Grade Option Changes: To have your grading option for a course changed (either from a letter grade to pass/fail or vice versa) you must print and complete the Grade Option Change form available at http://www.registrar.binghamton.edu
and drop it off at the Financial Aid and Registrar’s Student Services Office in SW-109, between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. by 4:45 p.m. Friday, April 1.
• Application for Undergraduate Degree for Spring 2011: Undergraduate candidates planning to graduate this semester must submit this online form available at
http://www2.binghamton.edu/commencement/spring/application-for-degree.html
by 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 1.
6. April 1 is the Deadline for Spring 2011 Health Insurance Adjustments
Please note that effective with the Spring 2011 semester, there is a deadline for requesting a Health Insurance Waiver or adjustment. – International students requesting a waiver or adjustment of their international health insurance fee must do so by April 1, 2011 for the Spring 2011 semester. To file a waiver or adjustment request go to: http://www2.binghamton.edu/isss/health-insurance/waiverinfo.html. Filing a request does not guarantee a wavier or adjustment. You must either be a graduate assistant (G.A.), Teaching Assistant (T.A) or Research Assistant (R.A.) funded through Binghamton University and enrolled in employee health insurance, OR meet the standards for comparable coverage outlined on the ISSS Health Insurance web page located through the above link.
If you have questions about the International Student Health Insurance, please contact the International Health Insurance Team at intl.insure@binghamton.edu
7. Don’t Forget the April 18, 2011 Deadline for Filing Income Tax Forms
If you were present in F-1, F-2, J-1 or J-2 status in the United States during any portion of calendar year 2010 (even for just a few days) you are required to file an income tax form with the US Internal Revenue Service, even if you had no US income!
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services offers CINTAX free of charge to BU international students, alumni, scholars and faculty. CINTAX is a web-based income tax preparation system designed exclusively for international students, scholars and faculty who file federal forms 1040NR EZ, 1040NR and form 8843 as Non-Residents for tax purposes. CINTAX computes and prints the required federal income tax forms. You can be anywhere in the world, and as long as you have an internet connection, you can complete your tax forms.
In order to use CINTAX, you must first be assigned a valid CINTAX access code. The ISSS has set up a web page for you to request the access code on-line. Please go to the following link to request your access code: http://www2.binghamton.edu/isss/taxes/cintax.html
The ISSS will then verify your identity and send the password and a pdf attachment with specific instructions to you. This process will take no more than two business days.
Please note that CINTAX is designed to prepare and produce only federal non-resident forms. CINTAX does not complete state income tax forms. Other options include ISSS-sponsored income tax webinars, walk-in assistance (every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:00am to 1:00pm through April 15, 2011) or using a qualified volunteer or professional tax preparation preparer. Please go to the following web link for details. http://www2.binghamton.edu/isss/taxes/taxsem.html
8. Pre-Registration for Fall 2011 Begins March 31 for Graduate Students and April 1 for Undergraduate Students
The Registrar’s Office has posted the Fall 2011 Schedule of Classes on BU Brain It can be viewed as a grid schedule of classes and as a detailed schedule of classes. The online schedule is the most up to date and accurate source of course information and is the only published version of the Schedule of Classes.
Fall 2011 Pre-Registration begins on March 31 for graduate students and on April 1 for undergraduate students. Pre-registration ends on Friday, May 13th. For general information on registration times visit: http://registrar.binghamton.edu/registration.htm For your specific registration time for Fall 2011 pre-registration, go to BU Brain
Students with outstanding financial obligations and students who haven't complied with health requirements to the Health Service office will be blocked from registering. Students can also view their account balances and pay any outstanding debts through BU Brain.
Accessing your schedule: You can view and print your schedule online by logging into the BU BRAIN. Room assignments shown online are the most accurate and up to date, but know that these assignments are subject to change.
Credit limit: The maximum number of credits you may register for are listed by student level and term at http://registrar.binghamton.edu/registration.htm These limits include HPEY or MUSP credits and are enforced regardless of GPA. If you seek to register for more than the stated limit, please follow your school's procedure for petitioning for an overload (see http://bulletin.binghamton.edu).
9. Attention Undergraduates: Help With Selecting Courses During Pre-Registration
Undergraduates are invited to attend a series of programs where you can receive assistance with selecting courses during the Fall 2011 pre-registration period.
Undergraduates from all schools are invited to an Academic Advising and Scheduling Fest on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 from 4:00pm to 5:30pm in University Union Old Union Hall. This event is sponsored by the Discovery Center.
The Harpur College Academic Advising Office is offering two “Spring into Advising” programs for Harpur College undergraduates. The first will be held on Wednesday, April 6 from 4:00pm to 5:30pm in Student Wing Room 331. The second will be held of Tuesday, April 26 from 4:00pm to 5:30pm in University Union West Room 324. Attend either one.
10. Important Notice From Student Accounts Regarding Fall 2011 Pre-Registration
Any outstanding balance on your Student Account the must be paid or cleared at least 24 hours prior to your Fall 2011 pre-registration time. Please do not wait until the last minute to resolve any outstanding debts in order to ensure that you will be able to register at your priority time. You can view and/or pay any balance due by visiting http://bubrain.binghamton.edu and select “Quick Pay Student Payment.”
11. H-1B Visa Issues are at the Forefront This Week
Our readers who are familiar with the H-1B “specialty occupations” visa know that Friday April 1, 2011 will be the first day that H-1B petitions subject to the visa “cap” or limit can be submitted by employers to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to hire foreign nationals with bachelor’s degrees or higher for the new federal fiscal year. The fiscal year starts October 1, 2011. So, it is on April 1 that all “cap-subject” H-1B petitions with start dates of October 1, 2011 will begin to be processed by USCIS.
The April 1 date is watched closely each year, because the available number of H-1B visas is always used before the year ends. For full details, please refer to the portal links below, which are from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
General Information on H1-B
http://www.uscis.gov/h-1b_count
USCIS Processing Announcement
12. Important Workshop on Post-Graduation Employment Issues Friday, April 8
What may be the most important immigration workshop offered this year will be held Friday, April 8 at 4:00pm in Academic A, Ground Floor, Room G08. Will you be seeking employment in the United States after graduation? Do you have questions regarding H-1B visas, labor certification, PERM and employment-based permanent residency? Are you confused about the H-1B “cap” and the “cap gap?” How long are H-1B visa numbers likely to last, and what is the earliest date for submitting an H-1B petition with an October 1, 2011 start date? What about those 20,000 extra H-1B visa slots for those with U.S. master’s degrees or higher? What is going on with H-1B placement agencies, the new deemed export attestation requirements, and are there any issues if you travel into the United States with a new H-1B visa? You do not want to miss this workshop!
Learn about your options under U.S. immigration law from special guest and featured speaker, nationally known immigration attorney Stephen Yale-Loehr from the law firm of Miller Mayer LLP in Ithaca, New York. This workshop is sponsored by the Office of International Student and Scholar Services.
13. Nominations for Student Speaker at the Graduate Commencement Ceremony
The Graduate School is seeking names or (self nominations) of graduate students from the Spring 2011 graduating class for consideration as student speaker at the graduate commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 21st at 5.00pm. The nominee should be a candidate whose academic accomplishments and values are exemplary. This student must also be interesting, engaging, and be able to come up with a message that appeals broadly to fellow graduates with varied backgrounds, interests and concerns.
Send E-mail recommendations, including the name, department and contact details of the nominee to Catherine M. Smith at cmsmith@binghamton.edu no later than April 8th, 2011.
Selected students will be notified by April 15th, to schedule an interview. The interviews will be conductedand the students notified of their selection status by April 29th , 2011.
14. International Student Graduation Reception Friday, May 20
Students who are graduating, and exchange students completing their programs may wish to mark their calendars now for the 25th annual International Student Graduation Reception, taking place Friday, May 20 at 7:00pm in University Union Old Union Hall. This is the Friday of commencement weekend.
Invitations will be sent by e-mail in several weeks, but we wanted to alert our readers who are graduating. If you graduated in December 2010 and are returning to campus for the May 21 and 22 Commencement Exercises, and would like to receive an invitation to the International Student Graduation Reception on May 20, please let ISSS know by sending an e-mail message with your current e-mail address to: isss@binghamton.edu
The information provided to the ISSS by the Registrar's Office only lists Spring 2011 graduates, but they know some Fall 2010 graduates will return for the ceremonies, and they want to be sure they don't miss anyone! Also, if you will graduate in Summer 2011 and would like to attend the International Student Graduation Reception on May 20, please follow the instructions above.
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ISSS-BU is a listserv owned and managed by the Office of International Student and Scholar Services, Division of Student Affairs, at the State University of New York at Binghamton. It is the publisher of ISSS-BU News. Permission is granted to freely distribute the information posted to this list as long as its contents remain unchanged.
To sign on to ISSS-BU from an e-mail account on the Binghamton.edu server, send an e-mail message to listserv@listserv.binghamton.edu
Leave the subject line blank. In the message text, type:
subscribe ISSS-BU first name last name
Replace “first name last name” with your name.
If your e-mail account is on a server other than Binghamton.edu,
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In the message text, type: Please subscribe isss-bu, your e-mail address, your first and last name.
If you are a registered student and don't have an e-mail account, you may claim an e-mail address and password from https://buonline.binghamton.edu/banner Be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully. If you encounter difficulty, visit the Help Desk in the lobby of the Computer Services building.
