Friday, December 22nd, 2023

Hello, Raiders!

Check out the latest news and updates from the University Center for International Education for Wright State's International Community.

Message | Important Information | Events

Congratulation Graduated Students

Congratulations on your huge accomplishments! UCIE is proud of all of your hard work and commitment. Education is the key to unlocking your potential. May all your dreams come true!

Fun Fact

Candy Canes Date Back to 1670

According to legend, in 1670, the choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral in Germany gave his young singers sugar sticks to keep them quiet during the long Living Creche ceremony. As a tribute to the shepherds featured in the story, he bent the candies into small shepherds’ crooks. The German tradition was later brought to the United States by a German-Swedish immigrant named August Imgard, who celebrated Christmas in Wooster, Ohio, by decorating a small blue spruce with paper ornaments and candy canes in 1847. Over time, the tradition began to spread, and around the turn of the century, red and white stripes and peppermint flavors became the norm.

University Closed

Here are some fun things that you can do during the holidays:

Decorate your home with festive lights.
Take a drive (or a walk) to admire your neighbors' holiday lights.
Donate food/toys/clothing to a local charity.
Go ice skating.
Take a wintry hike.

Reminder: Wright State University will be CLOSED from Friday, December 22nd - Monday, January 1st, 2024.

Happy Holidays!!!

OPT Application Submission for Fall 2023

If you are an international student graduating in the Fall 2023 semester, you may start applying for OPT after September 17, 2023.

Please use the link below to access and complete all required documents for the OPT application:

OPT Information | University Center for International Education

Choose an OPT start date between December 17, 2023 – February 14, 2024. If you already have a job offer or are regularly interviewing now, choose an earlier date. If you have not, choose a later date.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have ANY reservations regarding graduation for Fall 2023 semester, please do not apply for OPT until after semester end grades have been posted.

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 of the change:

1. When you start a new job.

2. When you change addresses.

3. Periods of unemployment.

4. 6-month validation

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.

Important Dates

December 22 2023 - Jan 2nd 2024: Winter break starts / University Closed
January 2nd 2024: University Reopens
January 8th 2024: First day of classes for Spring 2024

For more deadlines, click here

International Students Orientation

There is a Resource Fair at our Spring 2024 orientation.

Join if you wish to get information for our vendors!

Wednesday, January 3rd

12:45 pm - 2:15 pm

Upper Atrium, Student Union

On-campus Activity

Off-campus Event

Historic Clifton Mill Christmas Lights

See one of the legendary lights of Historic Clifton Mill! Nominated as one of USA today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards for 2022. Over 4 million lights illuminating the mill, the gorge, the riverbanks, trees and bridges.

Time

Gate opens: 5 pm

7 Nights a Week until December 30th: 6 pm - 9 pm

Dec 24th & 25th: 6 pm - 8pm

Location

75 Water St.

Clifton, OH 45316

937-767-5501

Transportation

"You can't understand a city without using it's Public Transportation System" - Erol Ozan

We have so many facilities that Wright State University provides and request you to use them for yourself.

Click for info

Campus Recreation

Campus Recreation is dedicated to providing quality recreational opportunities for the Wright State community. Whether you enjoy working out in our fitness center or prefer hiking through the Grand Canyon, There is something for you. So if you're looking for a way to relieve stress, stay in shape, and make new friends then check out Campus Recreation!

Campus Recreation

Wright State Mobile Apps

The Wright State mobile app, Ellucian, helps you stay connected to the university like never before. Access critical information about your classes and accounts as well as useful features—like email, maps, and directories—directly from your phone or tablet. The Wright State app includes content for both Dayton and Lake campuses, so you'll always have the information you need right at your fingertips.

More information