ISSS Insider
Here's your bi-weekly update from IPC's International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) office with the latest immigration information, upcoming events, and campus involvement opportunities!
We enjoyed seeing many doctoral students, scholars, and faculty at our annual International Scholar Social on October 2! What type of events are you interested in attending to meet more students?

*Next week!* Fri. October 11 - Last day to drop without academic penalty
October 14 & 15 - Fall Break (no class, offices open)
October 28-November 19 - Spring and Summer registration window for continuing students
Nov. 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break (no class, university closed)
Dec. 6-12 - Final exams
IMMIGRATION STATION
Want to avoid Spring 2020 registration delays?
Request to have your IPC hold lifted now!
As a reminder, all F-1 students have a registration hold to protect them from falling out of status. You can request to have your hold lifted now and your hold will be lifted when registration begins on October 28. It is mandatory to complete this request.

If you have any questions, email us at [email protected].
Graduating in December? Apply for OPT Now!
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit of the F-1 visa that allows you to work after graduation. USCIS is currently taking 3.5-5.5 months to approve OPT applications, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible if you are considering OPT!

We offer OPT advising sessions every Wednesday from 1:30-2:30 pm, Thursday from 9:30-10:30 am, and Friday from 2:00-3:00 pm (new!). Email [email protected] to find a time to meet with an advisor.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Reminder
Are you required to participate in activities off-campus for your class or major/program this semester?

Make sure to get authorized for  Curricular Practical Training (CPT)  before starting your new position! All off-campus positions for F-1 visa holders must be authorized by a DSO. Eligibility and application requirements can be found  on our website . If you have any questions, visit us during walk in hours or make an appointment ([email protected])
Academic Success Workshops for Fall 2019

The Academic Achievement Center is offering FREE workshops to help hone your study skills and prepare for national exams like the LSAT, MCAT, and GRE.
ISSS Walk In Hours - Fall 2019
Walk-in hours are the perfect time to stop by the office to speak with a DSO for up to 15 minutes without needing an appointment.

Mondays/Tuesdays 2:00-4:00 pm
Wednesdays 1:00-3:00 pm
Thursdays 9:00-11:00 am
Friday - by appointment only (contact [email protected])
GET INVOLVED
International Photo Contest!
We are now accepting submissions for the International Photo Contest until October 25. Make sure to send in your best photos of UNCG and your adventures around the U.S.!

For any questions, please contact [email protected]
JOIN OUTDOOR ADVENTURES ON FALL BREAK!

Outdoor Adventures is running a canoe expedition over Fall Break! During the trip, the group will be paddling canoes with all of their belongings from campsite to campsite, as they cover nearly 30 miles along the New River in North Carolina. This canoe expedition could be a fantastic opportunity to explore a different part of the state and experience the beauty of changing leaves and cooler temperatures in the fall season. All food, gear, and transportation for the trip is included in the $100 registration cost.

To register, contact: Outdoor Adventures, Kaplan Center.
ENJOY GARDENING? WANT TO MEET OTHER STUDENTS?

We meet on Wednesdays from 5:00-6:30 at the garden. On rainy days we will meet in Graham with room to be announced.
Learn more about the Garden Club here .
 
Please Contact: Susan Andreatta ([email protected]) if you have any questions about the garden. All waivers and application forms can be sent to Susan Andreatta 433 Graham Building.
Upcoming Events
Check out SpartanConnect for a full list of campus events and organizations. If you want to announce an event (on or off campus), email [email protected].
OCTOBER 2019
October 17-27- NC State Fair in Raleigh
October 18- Homecoming Bonfire (Food Trucks and DJ), Kaplan Commons Lawn UNCG
October 18 - Friday Cultural Fest (Turkey), Tillman-Smart Room in Shaw Residence Hall
October 25 - Friday Cultural Fest (Germany), Tillman-Smart Room in Shaw Residence Hall; and Islam around the World
NOVEMBER 2019

November 8 - Friday Cultural Fest (South Africa), Tillman-Smart Room in Shaw Residence Hall
November 11- Moonlight canoeing
November 18-22 - International Education Week ( sign up to host an event!)
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