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!
OPT Applications open September 12!
Read more below in "Immigration Station"

Fri. October 11 - Last day to drop without academic penalty ( more information )
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
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 isssga@uncg.edu)
Have you noticed an IPC hold on your account?
You may have noticed that there is a registration hold on your account in UNCGenie.
This is normal!
As of Spring 2019, all F-1 visa holders have this hold. It is to protect you from falling out of status. The hold does not mean that you owe money on your student bill or that you have done anything wrong. IPC can temporarily lift the hold for you at any time if you have a legitimate reason (ex. needing to request transcripts, adding or dropping a course, etc.). If you have questions about this policy or need the hold lifted, email us at ipc_iss@uncg.edu.
We will send more information before registration windows open in October.
Don't Wait! Apply for OPT as Early as September 12
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit of the F-1 visa that allows you to work for at least one year after graduating (STEM majors can apply for a 24 month extension). 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!

To learn more about OPT, we invite you to watch the webinar on Monday, September 9 at 4:00 pm. You can send your questions ahead of time even if you can't attend the live webinar. It will be recorded and sent out afterwards. We will also offer OPT advising sessions every Wednesday from 1:30-2:30pm and Thursday from 9:30-10:30am. Email isssga@uncg.edu to confirm which session you wish to attend or to find another time to meet with an advisor.
Here are more resources on how to get started:
GET INVOLVED
Check out SpartanConnect for a full list of campus events and organizations. If you want to announce an event (on or off campus), email ipcproco@uncg.edu.
Friday Cultural Fest featuring North Carolina!
Join us for our first Friday Cultural Fest of the year. Meet other students, learn about North Carolina, and sample delicious foods! We hope to see you then!

Friday Cultural Fest
Tillman-Smart Room
Shaw Residence Hall (The Quad)
2:00 - 4:00 pm
Upcoming Events
SEPTEMBER 2019

September 6 at 2:00 pm (TODAY) -  Friday Cultural Fest, North Carolina
September 6 - First Friday in Downtown Greensboro
September 6-8 - NC Folk Festival in Downtown Greensboro (FREE entry and transportation!)
September 9 - Wu Opera of Yiwu City, Zhejang (China) , School of Music Recital Hall
September 10 - SOE International Social, SOEB 310 (Teaching Resource Center)
September 10 at 5:30 pm - Lecture by Ayla Amon , Faculty Center
September 11 from 1-4 pm - Dining Meal Donation Day , Fountain View Dining Hall

OCTOBER 2019

Greensboro/High Point International Student NC Mountain Retreat
October 4-6  (Friday-Sunday)        
  • Friday-NC Mountain Trivia, Roll Call of Nations
  • Saturday- Hiking Grandfather Mountain State Park, Wild Animal Habitat, Culture Hour, Surprise Activity
  • Sunday- Optional Christian Service, Shopping Downtown Blowing Rock, Bolick Family Pottery with Mountain Music/Shopping, Blue Ridge Parkway
REGISTRATION: Email Audrey Womack  no later than September 20th  at  awomack2@triad.rr.com . Provide your full name, gender, nation of origin, university you currently attend, email, cell number , dietary restrictions.

NOVEMBER 2019

November 18-22 - International Education Week ( sign up to host an event!)
Let us know what you think about the ISSS Insider! Answer this poll, or complete our feedback form.
Is the content of this email relevant to you?
Yes
No