International Student & Scholar Services Newsletter

| March 2023 Newsletter |

International Students & Scholars Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Spring 2023 International Graduation Celebration

For students graduating this spring or in summer 2023, let's celebrate the culmination of years of hard work and learning! Students must arrive 10-15 minutes early for check-in. Please RSVP by April 16, 2023. For more information, email: intlprog@siue.edu.

Date: Friday, April 21, 2023

Time: 3:00pm - 4:00 pm (CDT)

Location: Fixins' Room--2nd Floor of the MUC

Spring/Summer 2023 Graduates can RSVP here

Please join us for the Art Hive event on Friday, March 31st! It is a free event that is a great way to share your cultural experiences with other international students through artistic expression!

2023 Cougar World Games

March 29th, 5:00-8:00pm

The Cougar World Games is an event that promotes and celebrates culture and diversity, where international students are welcome to talk about their country, traditions, food, architecture, landscapes, culture, etc.

This is an excellent opportunity to interact and meet other international students attending the same university as you, as well as get to know a bit of their culture while doing fun activities such as arts and crafts, playing sports, and watching cultural presentations like folklore dance, Brazilian dance and more.

If you are interested in participating, contact Valquiria at vpereag@siue.edu

Are you interested in learning more about SIUE's Graduate School? Then join Graduate & International Admissions and CORE T.E.A.M. for a Graduate School Informational meeting on March 24th. Please RSVP using this link.

Date: Friday, March 24, 2023

Time: 2 PM - 4PM

Location: Lovejoy Library, Faculty Development Center, 2nd Floor in Room 2030

Reminders

Visit our website to register for a free Sprintax Webinar and learn about how to file your taxes.

Buy a Sprintax code and file your taxes!

The deadline to file your income tax return for tax year 2022 is Tuesday, April 18, 2023. Purchase your Sprintax code from the Morris University Center home ticketing website. Look for Sprintax and click purchase and then choose the student code $3 option. You will receive an email in 1-2 business days from the Office of International Affairs after you purchase your code online with instructions on how to use the code to file your taxes. Due to the complexities of U.S. tax law and legal restrictions, university staff are neither qualified nor permitted to advise on taxes.

Summer CPT

CPT is authorized on a semester basis and is employer specific. Only one employer per student per term will be authorized. You are authorized to work for specific dates of employment on your I-20. You may not begin before the start date or continue working after the end date. If you work beyond the end date, you will be working illegally and could lose future immigration benefits.

The CDC website lists the earliest date to start work as: Saturday, May 6, 2023. All paperwork must be processed by CDC no later than 12:00pm on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. The latest date to start work is: Friday, June 9, 2023. All paperwork for this date must be processed by CDC no later than 12:00pm on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

Scam Alert

Be aware that SIUE does not work with any company to recruit students for employment through email. Do not respond to illegitimate job offers especially those that promise weekly payments between $300 - $500.

Here are steps on how to avoid scams:

Forward any suspicious job offer emails to phishing@siue.edu
Delete unsolicited emails and never share your personal information such as Social Security Number (SSN), address and Date of Birth (DoB) with anyone on the phone or through email.
Contact ITS if you believe your personal information has been compromised.

Always remember that the U.S. government entities will not call you to ask for any form of payment of any kind. Visit the Department of Homeland Security website to learn more about how to avoid government scams.

Keep your Personal Contact information up to date in CougarNet

Don’t forget to log into CougarNet to report your cell phone number and any changes to your contact information. Visit our website and follow the instructions to update your information now if you haven't done so already.

Summer Registration

Summer registration opens for all students on Monday, March 27! Visit the SIUE registrar website for more information about registration dates and deadlines. Remember summer enrollment is optional unless it is your first or last semester. Full-time summer enrollment is 3 credit hours and it cannot be an online course if it's your first or last semester.

Fall Course Enrollment Requirements

COVID-19 Temporary Enrollment Guidance allowing continuing students to enroll in all online classes is subject to change beginning the Fall 2023 semester. Please visit our Course Enrollment page to check for updates prior to the start of the Fall 2023 semester. You must be sure your course enrollment for Fall 2023 meets the required immigration guidelines. As a reminder, you are required to enroll in a full course load to maintain your immigration status. For immigration purposes, full-time enrollment (during fall and spring semesters) is defined as:

Undergraduate students: 12 credit hours (4 courses)
Graduate students: 9 credit hours (3 courses)
Graduate students with a graduate assistantship: 6 credit hours (2 courses)

There are limited circumstances in which a reduced course load is allowed. Visit Reducing Your Course Load for information.

Free Resources Available at SIUE!

Career Development Center

The Career Development Center (CDC) helps students acquire information and skills necessary to transition from university life to the real world of work. Whether you have a clear idea of where your career is headed or no idea whatsoever, the CDC has something to offer you. Feel free to contact their office at (618) 650‑3708 with questions or to schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor.

Learning Support Services

Learning Support Services (LSS) is an instructional support unit for all students at SIUE. Learning Support Services is home to the Tutoring Resource Center, Writing Center, and Supplemental Instruction. The center is dedicated to helping SIUE students prepare and excel in the classroom. You can make an appointment with the Learning Support service by calling (618) 650‑3717 or email learningsupportservices@siue.edu if you are having academic challenges.

Office of International Affairs

International Student and Scholar Services

Student Success Center 0300 (lower level)

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL 62026-1616

(618) 650-3785

siue.edu/isss

isss@siue.edu

Visit our website