INTERNATIONAL STUDENT NEWSLETTER

Winter 2025: Week Three

Today is a holiday in which we celebration of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A renowned civil rights leader and youngest Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Dr. King was a proponent of nonviolent protest.


To learn more about Dr. King, click here to check out our library resources.

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What's Included This Week?


OISS Announcements

  • OISS Office Hours
  • SEVIS Updates
  • SEVIS Campus Visits
  • SEVIS Info Sessions


OISS Activities & Events

  • Winter Term TTC
  • Transfer Fair
  • How in the World?
  • Lunar New Year Celebration
  • Tea Time at SY


OISS Health Information

  • Health Insurance Updates


PCC Events & Resources

  • Black History 101 Mobile Museum
  • Winter Clothing Swap
  • Queer Film Club
  • HER Horizons
  • Why LinkedIn is Important
  • PCC Foundation Scholarship
  • Gentle Chair Yoga
  • Maker Basics
  • Free Food Market at RC


Housing

OISS ANNOUNCEMENTS

OISS Office Hours

Announcements from SEVIS Team

LATE DROPS/WITHDRAW

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 course without permission from the SEVIS Team. No refunds are available for withdrawn classes.


If you withdraw from a course that brings you below 12 credits, or less than the required number of in-person credits, your SEVIS record will be terminated and your F-1 status canceled. In this case, you must depart the US immediately to avoid any negative consequences.


Instead, you might be able to change a course 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 EAB Navigate. The deadline to make this change in MyPCC is Saturday, March 15, 2025.

SEVIS Campus Visits

Campus Visits 


Rock Creek: 1/29, 2/19 & 3/19 - Building 3, Room 223, 8am-4pm

Southeast: 2/5, & 3/5 - SCOMM 119, 8am-4pm

Cascade: 1/22, 2/12, 3/12 & 3/26 - SU308, 8am-4pm


Schedule an appointment below:

SEVIS Appointment

SEVIS Info Sessions

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Thursday, February 6th at 2-3pm

Link to Sign Up


Academic Guidance – For students studying in an Associate degree

Thursday, February 20th at 1:30-2pm

Link to Sign Up


Start an Associate Degree Program – For ESOL students who will be starting an Associate degree soon

Thursday, February 20th at 2:30-3pm

Link to Sign Up

OISS ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

Winter Term TTC

Monday:

Cascade: 1:00-2:00 PM

Student Union, 308


Sylvania: 12:00-1:00 PM

OISS Office, CC 215


Tuesday:

Southeast: 12:30-1:30 PM

Mt Tabor 137


Zoom: 2:00-3:00 PM

Meeting ID: 938 4810 4655


Wednesday:

Rock Creek: 2:30-3:30 PM

OISS Office, Building 3, Room 223


Meet with PCC students and practice English together with International Peer Leaders every week except holidays and during the first and last two weeks of the term.

Transfer Fair

Join the OISS for an International Student Transfer Fair on Thursday, Jan 23rd from 10 AM-2 PM at SY campus CC entrance! Click the button below for more information on each school.

Transfer Schools

How in the World?

Greetings International Students and Alumni, and any other student who has wondered– “how am I going to get from where I am now to a good job in the future?”


The Offices of International Student Services and Career Services are working together with staff and faculty across the Rock Creek Campus to bring you a range of real career stories.


Join us in RC Bld 3, Rm 223 on most Mondays at 1pm for a cup of tea or cocoa and hear stories from the professionals themselves. Ask them how they made decisions, how they found opportunities, how they explained their choices to their families and future employers, or ask anything else you want!

Lunar New Year Celebration

Free! Lunar New Year Celebration will feature a performance by the White Lotus Lion Dancers, free food, traditional crafts and games, red envelope gifts, and more!


Get ready for engaging activities, vibrant cultural performances, and a festive atmosphere that brings everyone together. It’s all about Unity, Traditions, Festivity, and Harmony!


This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our diverse community and enjoy a night filled with joy, laughter, and connection. Whether you’re familiar with Lunar New Year traditions or just curious to learn more, everyone is welcome! Let’s make this a vibrant, inclusive, and unforgettable celebration together!


Wednesday, Jan 29th from 3–6 PM at SE Campus, Mt Tabor Great Hall

Tea Time at SY

Join Rianna at the Sylvania office for tea and chatting.



Second Thursdays at CC215 from 2:00-3:00

February 13th, & March 13th

OISS HEALTH INFORMATION

Health Insurance Updates

How do I use my health insurance? To watch Lewermarks video on how to use it, click here.

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


Visit PCC's health insurance webpage.

PCC EVENTS & RESOURCES

Black History 101 Mobile Museum

Join Dr. Khalid el-Hakim, Curator of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum (BH101MM) and

Learn about his journey creating the Mobile Museum and the influences that sustain his work

Explore the BH101MM’s 30-year history

Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Million Man March

Acknowledge the 100th birthday of Malcolm X (El-Hajj Malik El-Shabbaz)


Tuesday, Jan 21st at SY Campus, Lobby outside of the Multicultural Center

Wednesday, Jan 22nd at CA Campus, TEB Lobby

Thursday, Jan 23rd, RC Campus, Building 5, Room 122.

Winter Clothing Swap

Got cold weather clothes you don’t want anymore? Looking for a new beanie, scarf, or gloves?


Join us for a winter clothing swap! We invite folks to bring their gently used clothing to swap or donate. We will also have some new accessories for folks who might need a little extra warmth in their wardrobe. And don’t worry! Any clothing leftover will either be added to our Gender-Affirming Clothing Closet or donated to local organizations.


Tuesday, Jan 21st from 11–2 PM at Cascade QRC SU 302

Queer Film Club

RC's QRC will host a film club where we will showcase LGBTQ+ representation in pop culture. Join us to watch and discuss films! Snacks and drinks provided.


Tuesday, Jan 21st from 2–4 PM, RC building 5, Room 122

HER Horizons

The Cascade WRC Presents:

Her Horizons - Streams of Global and Feminist Stories


Drop in every Wednesday during winter term to experience TED Talks, YouTube videos, and podcasts featuring inspiring feminist voices and stories from around the globe.


Relax, study, or snack – this event is your space to unwind and connect with powerful narratives.


When:

Every Wednesday

10–11am & 2–3pm


Where: CA SU 301


Designed for you to drop in when you can – no need to stay for the whole event. Feel free to listen while you study, read, or enjoy a cup of coffee.

Why LinkedIn is Important

You may have heard of LinkedIn but never used it. Maybe you've created a profile but never did anything with it.


LinkedIn is much more than a job board. It's an important tool for job seekers, career changers, and students exploring careers and majors. Learn how to create a strong profile and make the most of this platform.


Brought to you by PCC Career Services.


Thursday, Jan 23rd from 11 AM-12:15 PM

On Zoom

Zoom Link

PCC Foundation Scholarship

Use your MyPCC account to log in to the scholarship applications are due February 1, 2025.


There are also scholarship workshops:

Wednesday, January 15, 11:30am-1pm Zoom link (Cali / DREAMer Spanish. Offered in-person at Rock Creek B-2-245 or virtually)


Wednesday, January 22nd, 5-6pm Zoom link

Thursday, January 23rd, 1-2:30pm Zoom link (Cali / DREAMer Spanish. Offered in-person at Rock Creek B-2-245 or virtually)


Tuesday, January 28, 6-7pm Zoom link (last workshop)

Apply Here

Gentle Chair Yoga

Jan 29th at 2:30 PM, RC, Building 7, Room 119



No experience is necessary, and no yoga mat is required; poses will be done seated.

Please wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Maker Basics

Adobe Illustrator Basics

Tuesday - Friday

January 21st - 24th


All workshops available from 11:00 - 4:00 PM.

Come learn the basics in a stress free environment.

No prior experience necessary. No appointment necessary. No cost.

Workshops can take 15 - 45 minutes.


Terrell Hall 101

Cascade Campus

Free Food Market at RC

Free Food Markets are community events that center fresh produce provided by the Oregon Food Bank. This event is open to all and there are no limits.


No ID is needed to attend, we only ask how many are in their household. We ask that participants bring their own bag or box to transport the food.


Friday, Jan 24th, Building 5 Lobby

12-1:30 PM or until the food runs out.

HOUSING

Looking for Room to Rent

Pratisha is looking for a personal room and is okay with shared public spaces like bathroom, kitchen. Her budget is $750 and she would prefer the locations near Cascade or up to 5 miles away.


Pratisha is a ambivert. She loves to share thoughts and talks but require some personal time too. She also loves cooking and keeping spaces clean.

She will be definitely cooking something everyday. She would like someone who respects privacy and feels accountable of the shared spaces too. 


If you know or have a space to rent, contact Pratisha at pratisha.shakya@pcc.edu

Has a Room to Rent

Available now! Elis is looking for a responsible/respectful female student 19-25 to share a 2 bedroom 1 bath apartment with same near SE Campus. 3rd floor security with a nice view. Amenities include washer/dryer, AC, ceiling fans, dishwasher, off street parking. Close to grocery stores, bus routes, coffee shops and restaurants. $1100 per month. The apartment is pet friendly with a fee of $20 per month but they don’t own a pet.


Interested? Contact: elise.mclain@pcc.edu

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.
OISS Housing Post Request Form
Disclaimer: The information in this newsletter is meant to provide assistance in locating off-campus housing. Inclusion of any property, rental unit, or other housing options in this newsletter does not constitute, and shall not be construed or reported as an endorsement or approval by Portland Community College of the housing option, landlord, its properties, or its business practices. Portland Community College expressly disclaims any and all responsibility for any problems that may arise with regard to such housing options, property, or rental units or with regard to disputes between landlords and tenants concerning such property or rental units. All prospective tenants are encouraged to exercise their own good judgment when evaluating housing options, a prospective rental unit, or a landlord.

Check out these pages on our website for more great information and tips!

Advising

Employment

Health Insurance

Housing

OISS Staff

Tax Information


Stay involved, engaged, and connected by visiting PCC Event Calendar, signing up for PantherHub, and by following our social media pages linked below!

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