Kent State Office of Global Educaiton
ISSS Updates
Attention! It's Time to File Your Income Taxes!
Federal law requires all international students to file an income tax return each year. Tax returns for 2018 are due April 15, 2019. The  Kent State 2018 Tax Guide  is now available with step-by-step instructions to help you determine your residency status as a non-resident alien or resident alien, and to guide you through the 2018 tax filing process.

The tax filing depends on your residency status for tax purposes. Students with F or J VISA's are considered non-resident aliens during their first five years in the United States. Please use the  Tax Status Chart 1  to determine if you are automatically a non-resident alien. If you are not automatically a non-resident alien according to  Tax Status Chart 1 , then use  Tax Status Chart 2  to determine your residency status.

Non-Resident Alien Filing
If you are a non-resident alien for tax purposes, you will use the GLACIER software to file your taxes. GLACIER is the only software you can use. Please read and follow the  2018 Tax Guide  carefully for steps to use the software.  
 
Please Note:  If you need assistance using the software, please email  support@online-tax.net . Because ISSS, the payroll office, the tax office, and VITA@Kent State are not tax advisors, they can only refer you to the 2018 Tax Guide and the glacier support e-mail for assistance.  

Resident Alien Filing
If you are a resident alien for tax purposes (consult the two Tax Status Charts), please visit the  Kent State VITA webpage  for more information on obtaining free tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers.

Please Note: Kent State VITA is not preparing returns on campus this year, but there are other resources listed on the page for you to refer to.

Links to Helpful Resources
Stay in Status! Registration and Reduced Course Loads
In order to maintain your F-1 status, you need to be registered for a full-time course registration. Each level and the number of credits required are below.
  • English as a Second Language:17 credit hours
  • Undergraduate/Bachelor Level: 12 credit hours and at least 9 of those are in-person or traditional courses, not online
  • Graduate/Master/Doctoral Level: 8 credit hours and only one course can be online
There are some cases where a student does not require a full-time course load. Our  Reduced Course Load (RCL) webpage explains the different scenarios where students may qualify. Some common ones include final semester before graduation, thesis/dissertation coursework, or medical issues. Review our  guide to learn more, but make sure to apply for an RCL BEFORE falling below full-time registration because it can affect your immigration status negatively . If you have questions about your registration or RCLs, please speak with an ISSS Advisor this week via email or Walk-In Advising.
Helping to Detect Scams
Every individual with a cell phone or email address has most likely received some sort of scam communication. It is important to know the difference between scam and regular communication, because giving individuals information in the course of a scam can leave you vulnerable, sometimes financially speaking. Our Information Services department offers help on  security awareness. Make sure to read through the information carefully. They provide contact information at the bottom of the page in case you have questions or concerns.

For phone calls and emails alike, remember to never give information such as your phone number, address, birth date, social security number, visa information, etc. In the case that someone is calling from a company you work with or a school you have attended, then they should have your information in front of them to verify. Stay safe and be smart out there!
ISSS Advising Hours for Fall 2018
Appointments can be made in KSU Advising through our  website.

Walk-In Advising 
Wednesday
9:00 am to 11:00 am
1:30 pm to 3:45 pm


Call-In Advising 
Monday  
9:00 am to 11:30 am
Tuesday
1:30 pm to 4:00 pm 
Wednesday
9:00 am to 11:00 am 
Thursday
No advising
Friday  
1:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Contact Us: 
Phone: 1-330-672-7980 
Email: isss@kent.edu 
Campus Location: Van Campen Hall 
Address: 106 Van Campen Hall, 625 Loop Road, Kent, OH 44242-0001 
106 Van Campen Hall
International Student News
February 20, 2019 |  Week 6
Meet Aiman Al Abri!
Aiman Al Abri is a junior international student from Oman studying Aerospace Engineering. He received such high grades in high school, he earned a scholarship to continue his schooling in America. After researching many schools in the United States, he decided on Kent State. Once he completes his undergraduate studies, Aiman hopes to continue his education in America all the way through obtaining his PHD. His ultimate goal after college is to work at NASA. He says, "I want to be the first Omani person to work at NASA and go to space."
 
One of the biggest differences between Oman and Ohio is the weather. Before coming to America, he never saw snow. The typical temperature in Oman can be anywhere between 25°C to 40°C (77°F - 104°F). However, he enjoys Ohio's warm summer weather. Among friends and family, he really misses Omani food. He says, "I miss the spices in Arabic foods that aren't used in American food." One of the most difficult, but most rewarding parts, has been doing everything alone. Aiman does not have any family in America, but he says, "good friends are always family." One of his favorite parts about studying at Kent are the friends he has made.
 
Aiman is involved in the Omani Student Association on campus. This is a group of Omani students who host events related to their country. All are welcome to attend and learn about the Omani culture. For example, in November they hosted a celebration for the Omani National Day in the Student Center Ballroom.
 
If given the opportunity, Aiman believes that everyone should study abroad in America. He says life in America is different, but adds that, "Kent has given me the chance to build my dream life." He loves that Kent has classes that challenge him. Aiman believes nothing is impossible. The word itself says "I'm possible!" Any dream could be true, we just have to believe we can, and we will.

Article written by  Alexandra Horchy, Office of Global Education Spring 2019 Intern
We Want to Highlight YOU
Want to be featured in a newsletter? We would love to highlight you! If you are chosen to be interviewed, we will ask you information about why you decided to attend Kent State, any organizations you are involved in around campus, and the best way for fellow students to reach out. This way, you can learn about other students with similar interests and learn more about organizations around campus you may want to be involved in. 
 
If you would like to be highlighted, please contact Alexandra Horchy at ahorchy@kent.edu by putting "International Student Profile" in the subject line. Feel free to check out previous student profiles here.
Upcoming Events
Monsters Hockey Game
February 22, 2019 | 5:30 pm (7:00 pm game)
Quicken Loans Arena
Join your fellow international students on a trip to Quicken Loans Arena (Cleveland, OH) to cheer for the Cleveland Monsters as they take on the Milwaukee Admirals. Tickets are $20 -$30 and include your ticket and transportation via motor coach to and from the game.
 
Registration deadline: 2/22
Spring Break Trip: Washington, D.C.
DEADLINE: 2/24
March 28-31, 2019
Planning a spring break trip? Join your fellow international students and members of the OGE staff on a trip to Washington, DC. The bus will leave Van Campen at 8:00 am on Wednesday, March 28 and return early in the morning on March 31. We will explore the sights and sounds of the U.S. Capital city including museums, monuments, and more. Cost for this trip ranges between $360 and $560 (depending upon hotel accommodations) and includes transportation via motor coach, hotel, breakfast while in DC, and a guided bus tour of the National Monuments. Participants can choose to explore with us or on their own. This trip is open to currently enrolled KSU international students and scholars.
 
Registration deadline: 2/24
OGE is teaming up with the Kent State Police Department to give you  an opportunity to meet the police officers around campus. Feel free to ask any questions you may have and learn more about the resources available to you. This event is free and open to all students, faculty, and staff. If you attend, you will leave with a free travel mug!
Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Game
March 3, 2019 | 4:00 pm (6:00 pm game)
Quicken Loans Arena
Cheer for the home team as the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Orlando Magic at Quicken Loans Arena. The cost of this event is $55-$71 and includes your game ticket (section 100) and transportation via motor coach to and from the game.
 
Registration deadline: 3/01
If you are leaving the country for Spring Break, stop in for our Sign & Dine event to get your travel signature, eat some snacks, and take some goofy pictures in preparation for your fun trip ahead!  Once your I-20 or DS-2019 is signed, you are free to travel the world. Hope to see you there!

Don't forget! If your visa is expired or will expire during your travels, you will need to renew it before reentering the United States.

Stay Connected: