UCIE Spotlight - Frank Buabeng
Hello Raiders,

My name is Frank Buabeng. I came to the U.S. in the fall of 2018 from Ghana to pursue my Masters in Public Administration and International and Comparative Politics program at Wright State University.

With much hard work as well as the guidance and support from my professors, advisors and colleagues I was able to graduate in Spring 2021.
I am currently working at the UCIE which is exciting being an international myself.
I enjoy meeting students from all over the world as it provides a rich cultural experience, different perspectives on issues and education that transcends the classroom. Also, I enjoy learning languages and so we can exchange a phrase or two in our languages next time.

If you are WSU international student, email us at askucie@wright.edu if you would like to be featured in our next Spotlight!
News and Updates
Official: Campus indoor mask policy restored

Effective tomorrow, August 5, all students, faculty, staff, and visitors are required to wear a face mask when inside all buildings on Wright State University campuses, regardless of vaccination status. Masks are not required when outdoors on Wright State campuses if you are able to maintain a safe physical distance.

Face coverings must be worn at all times in university buildings—except when actively eating or drinking or working alone in a closed space such as an office or lab
Quarantine for
International Students

All international students who come from abroad, and who don't have both shots of a World Health Organization (WHO) approved Covid-19 vaccine need to quarantine. It also includes returning international students. 

You can schedule an appointment for your free Covid-19 vaccine through Wright State Physicians.

Those students who have their vaccines still need to follow safety measures set by the university at the time of arrival.
Have you updated your phone number?
We noticed that many of our international students do NOT have a phone number on their records. It is important that we have a way to reach out to you in case of an emergency or if we need to contact you for other reasons.

***All international students must update their contact info & address to abide by immigration rules in order to maintain a legal status. ***

How to update your personal contact info?

  1. Log in to wings.wright.edu with your Campus 'w' username and password
  2. Click on the 'WINGS Express' icon in the top righthand corner
  3. Select the 'Personal Information' tab
  4. Click on 'Update Addresses and Phones' 
  5. Enter your up-to-date phone number, and click 'Submit'
  6. While there, check that your current home address is correct
Fraudulent Advisory
Be aware of Phishing and Fake Job Offer Scams that you may receive in your email. CaTS has noticed a recent increase in the number of phishing attempts, specifically fake job offer scams and gift card exchanges, targeting Wright State faculty, staff, and students.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program has been made aware of a Spoofing Scam involving individuals using SEVP Response Center phone number (703-603-3400) or a Homeland Security Investigations office phone number (757-441-6533) to target nonimmigrant students.
 
Fraudulent callers are claiming to be SEVP representatives and asking students to provide their immigration information, such as their Alien Registration Number or Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record,” information, or face deportation.

Please report the incident to the HSI tip line or at askucie@wright.edu.
Important Summer and Fall Dates

  • August 15 - Fees due for registrations occurring on or before August 15 (Fall A term)
  • August 23 - First day of classes (Fall A term)
  • August 23 - $100 late registration fee begins for initial enrollment on or after this date (Fall A term)
  • August 25 - Last day to change audit status (Fall A term)

Click here to view full academic calendar.

Immigration Station
Request Travel Signature

Are you traveling and need to get your I-20 signed? You must request it in advance by clicking the link below.
Immigration Q & A

Got questions for our Immigration team? Join us live on WebEx:
Tuesdays & Thursdays at 3-4pm.
OPT Application 2021
Spring OPT application process is now open. You can access and complete all required documents for the OPT application.

If you are an international student graduating in the Summer 2021 semester, you will put 07/29 as your graduation date.

You may start applying for OPT after 04/30, 2021. The latest date your application can be received by USCIS will be 09/27/2021.

Choose an OPT start date between 07/30/2021 and 09/27/2021.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have any reservations regarding graduation for Spring 2021 semester, please do not apply for OPT until after semester end grades have been posted.
How can I apply for an OPT I-20 and where can I obtain it since the UCIE office is closed?
Although the campus is temporarily closed, OPT applications are still being processed daily. Please scan and email the application with department approval to fei.yu@wright.edu. After it is processed, we will mail the I-20 to you.

Maintaining status on OPT is still the same as usual
You are permitted only 90 days of unemployment between the start and end dates on your EAD card. In addition, you are required to report the following information through the SEVP Portal while on OPT within 10 days from the change:
 
1. When you start a new job.
2. When you change addresses.
3. Periods of unemployment.
4. 6-month validation (You can email fei.yu@wright.edu after you update your employment information and residential address through SEVP Portal)
 
Can I travel back to my home country during OPT period?
Please be aware that if you are unemployed for more than 90 days, you will lose your OPT status. Also, during this uncertain time, we do not suggest international travel as there is no guarantee of open borders.
Flywire Payments
How to pay your tuition and
fees to WSU

You can easily pay your tuition and fees online via Flywire, our preferred payment partner. Flywire provides a secure global payment network that simplifies paying your fees from your home country and countries around the world. Payment options can include bank transfers, credit cards, e-wallets and more, typically in your home currency for most countries.
Health Insurance
WSU is offering a new health insurance this year! The insurance is through Anthem and it is cheaper than before and it includes dental insurance for the student.

Please be advised that you will not be able to add dependents on your medical insurance. This is a change from previous years. You will, however, be able to add your dependents on your voluntary dental and vision insurance.
Dental Plan
Dental coverage is now included in the new WSU Health Insurance!

Students enrolled in the medical plan automatically enrolled in the dental.

You'll save money when you visit a dentist in your plan network because Anthem and the dentist have agreed on pricing for covered services. Dentists who are not in your plan network have not agreed to pricing, and may bill you for the difference between what Anthem pays them and what the dentist usually charges.
COVID-19 Vaccine Availability at WSU
Wright State University students may receive their COVID-19 vaccinations for FREE through Wright State Physicians. 

call 937-245-7200 to schedule your vaccination appointment or email contactus@wspi.org
International Travel During COVID-19
Summer is here and some of you may get to travel internationally! Remember to stay safe and stay smart to protect yourself and others during the pandemic!
National Immunization Awareness Month
August is National Immunization Awareness Month. The Boonshoft School of Medicine recommends everyone stay up to date on routine vaccinations.
Academic Program Spotlight at WSU
Master of Science in Computer Engineering

Continue your education with a MS in Computer Engineering degree. This program covers hardware and the integration of hardware and software. You can explore the subject by choosing our thesis or non-thesis options.
We have a mixture of courses available during the day, evening, or online, making it easier for working professionals to pursue this degree. When you graduate, you will be able to use current computer engineering techniques to solve a broad range of problems.


This program has established a tradition of producing graduates who excel as doctors, dentists, and veterinarians in Ohio, across the U.S., and in countries around the world.
You will join those whose postgraduate work at Wright State led them into a career field where the demand for qualified workers by corporations, government offices, higher education, and research is consistently high. There are many opportunities in area healthcare, research laboratories, tech and defense companies, and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
Self-Care and Food Pantries
Women's Center provides personal care items such as toothpaste, body wash, deodorant, tampons, etc. They also have various items for student-parents and caregivers such as diapers, formula, wipes, and more.

The pantry is open from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
For any questions, feel free to contact Cindy Vanzant, assistant director of the Women’s Center, at 937-775-4524 or at cindy.vanzant@wright.edu
The Wright State University Raider Food Pantry works to end food insecurity in the lives of Wright Students by providing them with access to food so they may focus on their academic endeavors.  


The Raider Food Pantry is located in 055 Student Union. You must schedule an appointment via the online appointment scheduled
on the website
More Events at Wright State
Want to Join the Take Flight Leadership Retreat?
This program helps to give student leaders and organizations some leadership development, form connections with others, and help to get them best prepared for the upcoming school year. The event will be held in person on WSU's campus.

 The program is set to take place from August 6-8, 2021.
Welcome Night
Hang out and meet your residence hall staff with volleyball, basketball, yard games, card and board games, and more!

August 18th, 2021 - 6:30 pm
Location - The Woods
First Weekend
First Weekend is designed to acclimate first-year and transfer students, both residential and commuter, to campus. Throughout the weekend, the goal is to instill a feeling of belonging and community by building relationships with other students, staff, and faculty. Packed full of events and information sessions, First Weekend is an experience like no other.

This is a 3-day event from Friday, August 20 to Sunday, August 22, 2021
Commuter Pre-Registration and Check-In

All non-residential students must pre-register for First Weekend. Pre-registration for First Weekend is now open! Pre-register to select your shirt size and order meal tickets. Once registered, the First Weekend team will prepare your materials for your arrival.
Fall Fest
Friday, August 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
North Lawn, University Mall, and The Quad

Dive in and discover the diverse opportunities for student organization involvement. Held the first Friday of Fall Semester, Fall Fest is a great time to meet Wright State student leaders, explore local vendors, and have some fun. Join the Raider community on the North Lawn, located near the Student Union and Hamilton Hall, for music, food, and games. Fall Fest is sponsored by the University Activities Board.
Wright State University Women’s Center 
The Wright State University Women’s Center is looking for applicants for its three mentorship and leadership programs. Each program is now part of the Women’s Equity, Leadership, and Mentorship Consortium.

It is open for undergraduate women, genderfluid, and genderqueer individuals on Wright State University's campus.

  • The Women of Color Student Mentorship & Leadership Cohort
  • Women Students in STEMM Cohort
  • Path to Grad Program
  
Student receives a $500 scholarship ($250 per semester).

Application Deadline - August 16th
IFI Events
IFI Olympics - August 8th

Join for some good natured sporting competition with other international students and IFI volunteers! 

Make a team to enter a tournament for one of the following sports:
  • 4v4 volleyball
  • 2v2 badminton
  • 5v5 soccer
  • 1v1 tennis

And if you don't want to compete, you can come to play some other pickup games, sign up for on site tournaments (corn hole, spikeball, Dutch Blitz) or just cheer on your friends!
Recreation Events
Mud Volleyball


Mud Volleyball registration is now open for ALL Raiders! The tournament will take place on August 22nd at Field 1 by Meijer. Log onto IMLeagues.com now to register your team!
The Donut Trail

A sweet thing about Dayton is the number of donut shops the area has to choose from. One doesn’t have to travel far to catch a sugar rush.
Dayton Events
Art in the City

Date: August 7th, 2021 from 11 am - 7 pm

Celebrate Dayton’s rich collection of visual and performing arts during a special event that kicks off a unique juried art show! Join local businesses, artists, and other organizations as we “paint, perform, and party” around downtown Dayton. Explore different stages and activities throughout the day, ending with the Levitt Pavilion Dayton concert Air Force Band of Flight: Flight One, which starts at 7 p.m.
Dayton Ohio - Movie Under the Stars at Delco Park

Date: July 31, 2021, 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Grab a blanket and chair and meet us at Delco Park for a family movie in the great outdoors! Fun and active games will be led by our youth leaders for the whole family to enjoy.

Stay tuned to their website or facebook page for movie and activity information. 

This event is FREE and open to all!
New Policies
5 Things to Know Before Returning to Campus

In the weeks leading up to the beginning of the fall semester, Wright State University continues to update its COVID-19 policies. Here are five things you need to know before your return to campus. 
National Holidays Spotlight
International Cat Day
August 8, 2021

August 8 is International Cat Day — a day to celebrate one of man’s most common and ancient pets. They have even been worshiped as gods (we see you, Egypt.) Well, it is not surprising, Cats are one of the coolest beings on the planet: they are independent, inquisitive, adventurous, have an amazing physiognomy, and the power to heal by themselves — at least most of the time.
International Admissions Office Hours