ISP MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

The Official Newsletter of SRJC’s International Student Program

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International Club

Fall 2025 Weekly Meetings

Mondays, 2:30-3:30pm, Plover Hall 526

Join the SRJC International Club on Monday afternoons to connect with other students, explore different cultures, and make the most of your time at SRJC. See you at the next one!

Scholarship Application

Apply by 10/1 on AwardSpring

The SRJC Foundation Scholarship application is now open for Fall 2025! Access the application on the Award Spring Portal and watch this video for help with the process. Polly Hall residents may receive an additional $1,200 annually toward rent.

Campus Events

President's Address Watch Party

Thursday, September 18, 3:30-5pm

Enjoy FREE FOOD and watch the SRJC President's Address livestream in the Polly Hall Great Room and learn more about SRJC from the administrative perspective. This event is open to all SRJC students.

La Carpa Talent Show

Thursday, September 25, 6-8pm, Burbank Auditorium

Show off your talent—singing, dancing, acting, comedy, magic tricks—we want it all! All participants will be entered in a $300 drawing! Submit a Performance Registration For m by Friday, 9/5 at 5pm. Acts should be 3-4 minutes long. Watch last year's video and contact bcamargo@santarosa.edu with questions.

Employment Options

On-Campus Employment

F-1 students may work on campus without additional authorization—up to 20 hours per week during the semester and 25 hours during breaks per SRJC policy. Eligible roles include Student Employment ($17.50/hr via Career Hub), STNC positions, and jobs with bookstore, dining, or housing vendors. You can apply for an SSN after receiving a job offer.

Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training (CPT): After two semesters at SRJC, F-1 students may apply for CPT with ISP and the Career Hub. You need to be full-time, in good academic standing, have a job offer related to your major, and register in a 99i internship unit. CPT authorization allows you to work up to 20 hours/week during semester and more during breaks.

Optional Practical Training (OPT): Upon program completion, F-1 students can apply for up to 12 months of post-completion OPT. This requires ISP's recommendation, filing USCIS Form I-765, and following regulations—job must relate to your major, and unemployment is limited to 90 days.

Economic Hardship

If you’ve maintained F‑1 status for at least one academic year and are in good academic standing, you may apply for special work authorization due to economic hardship. This is for students facing serious financial difficulties outside their control and unable to secure enough on-campus work. The process involves a DSO recommendation on your Form I‑20, submitting USCIS Form I‑765 with a fee, and waiting to receive your EAD card before beginning employment.

More Information

Unauthorized Drops

F-1 students must remain enrolled in 12+ units each Fall and Spring. If an instructor drops you due to absences, this may bring you below full-time and result in a status violation. Your SEVIS record would be terminated with no grace period to remain in the U.S. It is important to attend all classes and communicate with your instructors.

If you are struggling with English, reading requirements, or U.S. teaching methods in your first semester, you may qualify for a Reduced Course Load (RCL). This would allow you to enroll in as few as 6 units while maintaining status. RCLs are also available for medical reasons or in your final semester. (Please note that refund deadlines have already passed, so dropping classes will not reduce your fees.)

More Information

Volunteer Opportunity

Children's Museum of Sonoma County

Saturday, September 13, 3:30-5pm

Want to get more involved in the community? Join a volunteer recruitment event at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, just under 2 km from SRJC. Learn about volunteer opportunities, get a tour of the museum, and enjoy snacks while meeting new friends. Sign up here!

Questions? Contact Dan at dan@cmosc.org.

Fast Facts

Update your U.S. address within 10 days of moving. Login to your Student Portal and enter your new address under your profile.

Sunday 9/7 is the last day to add a semester-length class (with an add code) and the last day to drop without a W.

Academic Calendar

Monday 9/1 was Labor Day in the United States. SRJC was closed in honor of those whose efforts advanced the labor movement.

My name is Maricel Gratil, a proud 42-year-old mother to my único hijo, Rob Matthew. I am originally from the Philippines and am currently an international student at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC), pursuing a Pre-Allied Health course with the goal of entering the nursing profession.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the Philippines and previously worked with the Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative (PAFCPIC), one of the country’s leading multi-purpose cooperatives. In my role, I was deeply involved in helping our members and their families improve their socio-economic standing through financial education and empowerment.

Although my background is in finance, my desire to serve others on a more personal level has led me to shift toward healthcare. Nursing may seem like a major transition, but at its heart, both fields share a common mission: to uplift and support others. I now hope to extend my ability to serve—not only by guiding others financially, but by caring for the sick and vulnerable with compassion and empathy.

My journey reflects a strong commitment to personal growth, lifelong learning, and meaningful service. I also love making new friends and building connections, and I look forward to supporting fellow international students like myself as we navigate this new chapter together. See you around!

SANTA ROSA JUNIOR COLLEGE | international.santarosa.edu