OISS ANNOUNCEMENTS

Where can I find a SEVIS DSO this week?

Announcements from SEVIS Team

LATE DROPS/WITHDRAWAL

What is Withdrawal?

You can only drop a class until the drop deadline. After that, it’s called a “withdrawal,” and it has different consequences. Do not withdraw from a class without permission from the SEVIS Team. No refunds are given for withdrawn classes.

What happens when you withdraw?

Withdrawing from a class that was needed to meet the minimum credit requirements is a violation of the F-1 status rules. Your F-1 status requires that you are registered for at least 12 credits every term, including 9-12 in-person or in-person hybrid credits. If you are not registered for enough credits, you could lose your F-1 status and be required to return home. 

What should you do instead?

Instead, you might be able to change your grade option from letter grades (A-F) to Pass/No Pass (P/NP). If you have questions about P/NP grades, make an appointment with your academic advisor in Navigate 360. Read more about Things to consider when choosing grade options for more information.

The deadline to make this change in MyPCC is Saturday, November 28th, or the day of your last class, whichever is first.

CHANGE YOUR DEGREE & UPDATE YOUR MAJOR

You can easily change your degree and major in MyPCC starting two weeks before registration for the next term begins, until you register for classes. Find step-by-step instructions to change your major here.

To change your major outside of this time, you must email enroll@pcc.edu and request a new degree. 

To update your major on your I-20, you must submit the SEVIS Request Form.

U.S. Based Mobile Service

Do You Need U.S. Based Mobile Phone Service?

Check out Campus SIMS (partnered with Mint Mobile)

Get a FREE SIM card at any OISS location

Find more information at campussims.com

OISS ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

FALL 2026 Talk Time Cafe Schedule

Join our Fall Talk Time Café this term for casual conversations, new connections, and a chance to meet fellow international students.

***The program runs through December 3.

Zoom link is HERE

FALL 2026 Events

Check out what we have planned, mark your calendars, and join us for fun activities, new experiences, and opportunities to connect with other international students.

Karaoke Night

Grab the mic and join us for Hits Different – Karaoke Night!

Sing your favorite songs, cheer on fellow students, and enjoy a fun evening of music, laughter, and good vibes at Voicebox SE Portland. No singing experience needed - just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to have fun! 

Thursday, November 5

4-7PM

Sing up through PantherHub HERE

OISS HEALTH INFORMATION

Reminder

Student Login vs. Purchase Portal:

What's the Difference?

Visit PCC's health insurance webpage.

For any additional questions please email us at oiss.insurance@pcc.edu 

PCC EVENTS & RESOURCES

Dia de los Muertos Observation

Dia de los Muertos Observation

November 2–5

11AM to 1PM

to observe and learn about Día de los Muertos

The event will take place in the north area of the CC Building, between the VRC and QRC.

Snacks will be provided on Monday, November 2!

For more information, please visit PantherHub HERE

Diwali Festival of Lights

Celebrate Diwali – The Festival of Lights!

Join us for a celebration of Diwali, a festival that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

Inspired by the beautiful tradition of lighting earthen lamps, Diwali reminds us that the light of knowledge within us has the power to dispel darkness and bring hope, joy, and new beginnings.

Come celebrate, connect with others, and enjoy some delicious food!

Food will be provided.

Everyone is welcome! We hope to see you there! 

Thursday, November 5

Event Center 9/122

1:30-3:30PM

RSVP through PantherHub HERE

PCC SE Campus Health Services

The Student Basic Needs Center is proud to partner with the Multnomah County Community Health Center to bring free and low cost healthcare services to the PCC Southeast campus.

The Multnomah County Mobile Clinic will provide medical, dental, behavioral health, and case management services at the Southeast campus in the courtyard between the Mt. Tabor and Mt. Scott buildings.

The mobile clinic accepts OHP and other insurance plans, but insurance is not required to receive services.The mobile clinic can provide healthcare to everyone living in Multnomah county, whether they are covered by insurance, paying what they can, or unable to pay. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay.

Services are available to students, staff, and community members on a first-come, first-served basis; signups are located in front of the clinic van.

The schedule for the Mobile Clinic is

11AM-2PM on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month:

Fall 2026 schedule:

November 10 and 24

December 8

RSVP through PantherHub Here

Free Produce Wednesday

Stop by after class to pick up some fresh produce from the Sylvania Garden and enjoy fun learning opportunities!

Every Wednesday from 12-3PM

Sylvania, CC BUILDING

Please RSVP through PantherHub HERE

OTHER RESOURCES

Mentee Applications Are Open: Find Your People at PCC

Connect with peers who understand your journey. Bridge to Queer & Trans Student Success Peer Mentorship Program pairs students with experienced mentors for guidance, community, and support throughout your academic experience.

For more information, please visit PantherHub HERE

JOBS

Applying for jobs?

Schedule your Resume Review Appointment

Make sure your RESUME is ready to make a strong first impression. Because resume expectations in the United States may differ from those in your home country, Career Services can help you effectively showcase your education, skills, and experience to U.S. employers.

Schedule a resume review appointment before you apply!

HOUSING

🏠 Looking for a Room to Rent

Patricia (19) is looking for a private bedroom in a shared apartment with a budget of $400–$500/month. She would prefer a location convenient to both Rock Creek and Sylvania campuses.



Patricia is studying Nursing and describes herself as friendly, calm, respectful, and easygoing. She prefers a first-floor room, but is also open to a second-floor option. She is comfortable around cats and dogs but is nervous around them, so she would prefer a pet-free home.

If you have a room available or know of a housing opportunity that might be a good fit, please reach out to Patricia.



If you have a room available or know of a housing opportunity, please reach out HERE

🏠 Looking for a Room to Rent

Coral is looking for a room to rent near PCC Sylvania Campus.

💰 Budget: Up to $900/month

📍 Preferred location: Near Sylvania Campus



If you know of a room available or have any leads, please feel free to reach out HERE

Housing Submission Information

If you are looking for housing or have housing available and would like to share with other students, please complete the form below and we will include it in this newsletter for two weeks.

Share Your Photo with Us!

Do you love taking photos? We would love to feature your photography in our weekly newsletter!

Each week, we will highlight a photo taken by a PCC international student or staff member. Your photo can be about travel, culture, nature, campus life, or a special moment you want to share.

You can also include a short title or story (1–3 sentences) to tell us more about the photo (where it was taken, what it means to you, or why it’s special.)

How to submit:

Send your photo (and short story, if you would like) to Anna Gindlesperger anna.gindlesperger@pcc.edu with the subject line Photo Submission with your name.

We can’t wait to see the world through your lens! 

A Spooktacular Halloween Celebration!

Our Halloween Party was a spooktacular success! 🎃 The evening was filled with creative costumes, fun games, delicious treats, and plenty of Halloween spirit. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it such a memorable night!