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!

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 [email protected])
Note about U.S. Selective Service

The U.S. Selective Service is the federal agency responsible for operating the draft—conscription into military service. The U.S. has not held a draft since the 1970’s, but registration is still mandatory for many.
 
Nonimmigrants (meaning F-1 visa holders) are exempt from Selective Service. If you receive a notice stating that you have been registered, this is an error. It may have resulted from a mistake when applying for a NC driver’s license or ID. If you receive any notice of this nature from the U.S. government, contact a DSO immediately to make sure there is no action required.
Don't Wait! Apply for OPT Now!
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(link below). We will also 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 confirm which session you wish to attend or to find another time to meet with an advisor.

To learn more about OPT, we have recorded a webinar to answer questions about:
  • The definition of OPT
  • Eligibility requirements
  • The application process and important timelines
  • Answers to frequently asked questions
Here are more resources on how to get started:

Job search resources
This event is an opportunity to explore career options with a diverse set of employers and/or network with companies at which you are interested in interning or working for full-time. In addition, a number of graduate schools will be in attendance to talk to students about their programs.

Wednesday, 25th September 2019
UNCG Recreation and Wellness
1:00 - 4:30 pm

Need help getting prepared for the job fair or an interview?

Make sure to stop by Career and Professional Development on the bottom floor of the EUC for help with resumes, interviews, and finding job and internship opportunities!
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.
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 [email protected].
Have you studied abroad? Are you a current international student? Are you looking for next steps and wanting to meet other students to promote diversity and inclusion at UNCG? If you answered YES to any of these questions, we invite you to join the first ever Spartans in Dialogue cohort for international and returned study abroad students!

International and Study Abroad Student Cohort
5 Thursdays (Oct. 27-Nov. 21)
4:00-6:00 pm
Questions? Contact:  [email protected]  or  [email protected]
Upcoming Events
SEPTEMBER 2019
Sept. 18-Oct. 24 - Hispanic Heritage month celebrations at UNCG
September 21 - Day Trip to the NC Zoo
September 25 - Fall Career Fair
September 28 - Traditional folk dance under the stars
OCTOBER 2019

Greensboro/High Point International Student NC Mountain Retreat
October  4-6  (Friday-Sunday)
REGISTRATION:  Email Audrey Womack no later than  September 20th  at  [email protected] . Provide your full name, gender, nation of origin, university you currently attend, email, cell number, dietary restrictions.

October 4- Friday Fest- Hispanic Heritage Month
NOVEMBER 2019

November 18-22 - International Education Week ( sign up to host an event!)
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