ISP MONTHLY NEWSLETTER


The #1 Resource for International Students at SRJC


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Welcome New Students!

Our Bearcub family is growing! We welcomed 24 new F-1 students to SRJC this semester. Thank you to everyone who attended ISP Welcome Day and helped make it a wonderful event - we hope you had fun!

ISP is Moving - Open House 2/12

We are moving into a new space in Plover Hall, right across the lobby from the Welcome and Connect Center. We'll have our own reception desk, a lounge area with hot water/coffee, a student computer, and two offices. Come by and say hello at our Open House on Wednesday, February 12th from 11am-2pm during the Financial Aid Fun Fair!

Apply for Scholarships NOW!

The Fall 2025 Foundation Scholarship Application is open! The deadline to submit your application on AwardSpring is March 2nd. Watch this video for a brief tour of the online application or watch this scholarship workshop recording. You can also visit the Scholarship office’s Zoom hours listed here if you have any questions about the application process or eligibility requirements.

Events with Sonoma State University

CAMPUS TOUR APPLICATION WORKSHOP Tuesday, February 11, 2025 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Friday, February 7, 2025 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. You may qualify for their new international student scholarship up to $5,000 to help make SSU even more affordable for international students! SRJC Lindley Room 387 Meet outside Plover Hall at 9:30 a.m. Email international@santarosa.edu to sign-up, or scan the QR code to learn more!

If you are thinking about transferring to Sonoma State University (SSU), join us next week for a campus tour! SSU is the closest California State University campus and a destination for many SRJC students. They have wonderful staff in their international office and a Transfer Center dedicated to supporting students like you!

 

You are invited to visit their campus on Friday, February 7th from 10am-12pm. We are providing free transportation and will meet outside of Plover Hall at 9:30am. Coffee and light snacks will also be provided. If you are interested, email ralvarez@santarosa.edu.

 

There will also be an application workshop the following Tuesday, February 11th from 1:00-2:30pm at SRJC. Everyone is welcome to attend both events - you don’t need to be transferring this year. If you are ready to transfer in Fall 2025, their application deadline isn’t until April 1st. 

International Club Updates

The SRJC International Club is thrilled to announce this exciting lineup of events for the rest of January and February. These are fantastic opportunities to celebrate cultures, have fun, and connect with fellow members. Mark your calendars and join us!

 

📅 January 31 – Asian Culture Day

Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Location: Intercultural Center

Details: Dive into the richness of Asian traditions and customs shared by our amazing club members!

📅 February 7 – Picnic & Painting

Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Location: Bertolini Quad

Details: Create Valentine’s Day decorations, enjoy a fun picnic, and take part in a language quiz to gear up for Club Day!

📅 February 12 – Club Day

Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Location: Bertolini Quad

Details: Help us make Club Day unforgettable! Let us know if you’d like to join the International Club booth and share your ideas!

📅 February 21 – Sports Festival

Collaboration with Oak Connection Club

Details & Location: Stay tuned for more information about this exciting event!

📅 February 28 – Culture Day

Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Location: Intercultural Center

Details: Another chance to explore and celebrate a different culture—details coming soon!

Join our Group Chat

NAFSA Conference - International Student Panel

We are hosting a conference next month for international educators from across Northern California and Nevada. The conference team would like to facilitate an international student panel with some of you! If you would like more information, please email Becky.

Tax Season is Here!

EVERY F-1 student who was physically present in the U.S. in 2024 must submit an IRS Form 8843. Also, if you WORKED in the U.S. last year, you must file a Form 1040NR and CA 540NR tax return using your W-2 from your employer.


You could be eligible for a $$$ refund!


More information is available on our website under TAXES. Email ralvarez@santarosa.edu with any questions.

F-1 Visa Employment Opportunities

Did you know that your F-1 visa allows you to legally work in the United States? If you need to earn $$ during your studies at SRJC, you can apply now for on-campus jobs:

Student Employment

Submit an Eligibility Application with the Career Hub then apply on Handshake for on-campus jobs.


Bookstore/Housing/Dining

These particular student services are contracted by outside companies. Visit these locations in-person to apply.

STNC Positions

Search "STNC" on the HR Website to apply for short-term non-continuing jobs. They usually pay a little bit more!


Social Security Numbers (SSN)

Once you receive a job offer, contact Becky so you can apply for your SSN and then begin working.

After your first year of F-1 status, you can apply for permission to work off-campus. For more information about your employment options, please visit our Employment website or watch our F-1 Student Employment Workshop and see the attached handout.

WARNING: Working (getting paid for goods or services) without proper authorization can lead to serious immigration consequences, including termination of your F-1 status. The following activities are examples of what is NOT ALLOWED: social media influencing, driving for Lyft/Uber, salon services, childcare/babysitting, working "under the table."

Important Reminders

Remember that you must update your U.S. Address in your Student Portal and notify Becky within 10 days of moving. It's the law!

The following deadlines are from our Academic Calendar:


  • 2/2 Last day to register with an add code
  • 2/2 Last day to drop without a W

SRJC classes are cancelled and the district will be closed on the following dates:


  • 2/13 PDA Day
  • 2/14 Lincoln's Day
  • 2/17 Washington's Day
SANTA ROSA JUNIOR COLLEGE | international.santarosa.edu
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