International Students & Scholars Newsletter |
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Greetings!
Spring is finally here! Scroll down for information about upcoming events, office reminders, tips to help you succeed at SIUE, and opportunities to get involved on campus.
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Every Thursday in April. Lunchtime Walking Group, 12 pm – 1 pm
Walkers meet outside Student Fitness Center
Wed., April 7. Mini Health Assessments at the Student Fitness Center, 11 am – 1 pm and 4 pm –
6 pm. Make an appointment HERE and discuss your nutrition, fitness, and health goals during your appointment time.
Thu., April 8. 14 Annual Cougar World Games at the Outdoor Recreation Complex (RECPLEX), 6 pm – 9 pm.
Engage in various recreational activities, meet members of Club Sport teams, enjoy food and receive an event t-shirt (while supplies last). If you are not able to make the in-person event, please reserve a time on Friday, April 9th to pick up your t-shirt.
Make your reservation HERE.
Sun., April 11, Men’s and Women’s Club Soccer Home Games at the RECPLEX
Men’s Club Soccer - 1 pm
Women’s Club Soccer - 3 pm
T-shirts will be given out and food for attendees from 2 pm – 4pm. (while supplies last). Please bring your Cougar Card. Reservations are required, please make your reservation HERE.
Wed., April 14. Morning Yoga, 9 am – 10 am. Student Fitness Center. Register here
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Fri., April 16. Black, Brown, Bruised - How Racialized STEM Education Stifles Innovation - Speaker Ebony Omotola McGee. 2 pm – 4 pm. Register here
Mon., April 26. Hispanic/Latinx Student Graduation Celebration, 4 pm.
Tue., April 27, Black Student Graduation Celebration, 4 pm. Register here
Wed., April 28. Rainbow Student Graduation Celebration, 4 pm. Register here
Thu., April 29. Virtual International Graduation Celebration (via Zoom),
3:30 pm (CST). Register here by Sunday, April 25.
Thu, April 29. BIPOC Graduation Celebration, time TBD. Register here
Fri., April 30. Non-Traditional Student Graduation Celebration, 5 pm.
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All SIUE Students Now Eligible to Get COVID-19 Vaccine |
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All individuals age 16-and-up are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Illinois. The vaccine is free.
Be sure to take your CougarCard (student ID) with you to be used as proof of Illinois residency.
You will see military (national guard) personnel at the large vaccination sites. They are helping to organize the event and are there to assist you, so don’t be frightened.
Vaccination Related information and Resources
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Summer and Fall Registration Guidelines for Current Students
In response to the COVID-19 impact on class instruction, the Department of Homeland Security issued temporary COVID-19 immigration guidance for international students. You can review the current guidelines sent by our office via email here.
All students are still required to maintain a full course of study unless a Reduced Course Load has been authorized by their DSO. Remember that dropping any courses without authorization from our office, is considered a violation of your F-1 status, even if you are taking courses from your home country at this time.
Holds are placed on student accounts when paperwork required by the university needs to be completed or you have not paid a bill. You can see if you have a hold on your account through CougarNet. Please be sure to check your holds to avoid delays when registering for classes. Questions? email your advisor at isss@siue.edu
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Is your I-20 ending in May or in Summer?
If you have not met your degree requirements: Submit an extension request, and your immigration advisor will follow up with you. Extensions cannot be granted once an I-20 has expired.
If you are graduating this May or over the summer: You may wish to apply for OPT work permission. The absolute latest you can apply for OPT is 60 days after your program end date. It is recommended that students apply for OPT before their program end date/graduation. For further information about OPT, visit our website or send an email to isss@siue.edu.
As a reminder, F-1 students who are returning home have 60 days after the expiration date on the I-20 to leave the U.S.
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Curricular Practical Training During Summer
Students who meet the eligibility for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and are interested in working off-campus in their field of study this summer, should begin the CPT approval process.
Please check the CDC website for CPT deadlines. These deadlines are firm. No late applications will be accepted. Questions? email your advisor at isss@siue.edu
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In-Person SIUE Commencement Ceremonies |
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SIUE will welcome the 2020 Spring, Summer and Fall graduates back to campus for in-person ceremonies celebrated at Korte Stadium. All graduates and guests are required to complete a COVID-19 self-assessment before coming to campus and must wear masks the entire time on campus.
In-person ceremonies will be split into smaller groups. For additional information about applying for graduation, graduation eligibility, and participating in commencement, please visit SIUE's Commencement website.
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Cougar Cupboard Open by Appointment |
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You must register ahead of time to visit the space. Click on the April link here to reserve a time. Students must register for an individual appointment – even if you see few or no reservations. This ensures staff knows you are coming and that you are contacted if someone is infected with COVID.
Avoid showing up in groups – only one student will be allowed in the space at a time to follow social distancing guidelines. For questions, email the Cougar Cupboard
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Tax Deadline Extended to May 17! |
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The IRS has extended the deadline to file Form 8843 AND file 2020 taxes if needed until May 17, 2021. However, we encourage you to file before that date. A blog article on the subject can be found here!
Students and scholars can purchase a Sprintax code for $3 dollars to file federal taxes for free. Stop by the Morris University Center Welcome Desk to buy yours! You can pay with Cougar bucks, Debit or Credit Card (no cash is accepted at this time). When you buy your code, you will receive a flier with the code and instructions on how to use the code to file your taxes.
For more information about IRS reporting/filing, resources, and free Sprintax webinars, visit our website. Due to the complexities of U.S. tax law and legal restrictions, university staff are neither qualified nor permitted to advise on taxes.
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This Month's Tip for Success |
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Tips to study during Ramadan
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Take regular breaks. Don’t push yourself too hard. You’re unlikely to find revising solidly for hours on end very productive, empty stomach or otherwise. Try working for one hour then give yourself a 10-minute break.
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Stay active. If you’re feeling tired, get up and get moving. Nothing too strenuous, just get up and walk around. It would be even more beneficial for you to go out and get some fresh air. You’ll feel much more awake after getting a change of scenery.
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Plan ahead. Work out what you need to get done and in what time period and plan your breaks around prayer times.
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For suhoor, eat healthy foods. You should try and incorporate as many ‘brain foods’ into your diet as possible. Think: avocado, dark chocolate, eggs, walnuts, bananas and almonds. These will improve your focus and help you retain information as you study.
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Stay hydrated. If you’re studying after iftar or Taraweeh (extra night prayers performed only during Ramadan), drink lots of water. Hydration is so good for your brain and will help you feel well and ready for your studies.
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Need a place to study? Visit the Meditation Room on the 3rd floor of Lovejoy Library! The room has been designed for silent meditation, contemplation, or prayer and is currently open for one student at a time to follow Covid-19 guidelines. You can reserve the Meditation Room here
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For additional tips, click here.
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Join the Virtual International Graduation Celebration! |
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This is a pre-commencement celebration for international students who are completing their undergraduate or graduate degree in spring or summer 2021.
When: Thursday, April 29, 2021, via Zoom at 3:30 pm (CST).
Students are encouraged to share this event with their host families, families abroad, and friends.
Register HERE by Sunday, April 25.
A zoom link will be shared with registered participants and guests before the virtual event.
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Help us post a memory or message congratulating international students to Kudoboard. We will share the board with all graduating students after the event.
STUDENTS: We'd love it if you could share any photos of your experiences at SIUE to include during the event! Upload your photos HERE
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Celebrate Diversity Month in April
The Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion, in collaboration with various campus partners, will offer programming in observance of National Diversity Month. Programs and events will acknowledge and honor the contributions made by various cultures. All students, faculty and staff are welcome to join these activities! Click here to see a full schedule.
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Apply for a CAB Leadership Council Position
Wanna be more involved on campus? SIUE's Campus Activities Board (CAB) Leadership Council positions are still open! Available positions include Vice President, Advertising Director, and Program Chairs for Black Heritage, Global Issues and Topics, Late Night in the MUC and Homecoming.
Interested students should apply here by 4 pm on April 12th.
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Feeling Stressed? Sign Up for a Group Fitness Class!
Check out the 2nd half of the Spring Group Fitness Schedule through Saturday, May 8th! Register online via www.imleagues.com/siue to secure your spot!
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Did you miss any of our past editions? Click below to read our recent newsletters.
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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
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