isss.umd.edu

March 12, 2024

ISSSNews is a weekly e-newsletter sponsored by International Student & Scholar Services with the purpose of communicating news and updates on immigration regulations, opportunities and events of interest to the international UMD community.

ISSS Announcements

Spring Break Office Closure

Spring Break is next week! The University and the ISSS office will be closed for virtual and in-person services Monday, March 18 - Tuesday, March 19. We will re-open with normal hours and services on Wednesday, March 20. We hope you have a safe and relaxing break.

Thank you for your support on Giving Day!

We did it! Because of you, ISSS was able to raise $5,315 for the International Student Support fund, exceeding our goal of $5,000. Thank you so much for your support during Giving Day. 

ISAB Accepting Applications for 2024-2025

Apply by March 15th

International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) applications are open and due by March 15th, 2024. The ISAB at UMD is a group of international student representatives selected to provide insights on pressing student issues to the International Student& Services (ISSS) office and other campus units. Members are expected to foster and maintain strong relationships with international student organizations and the UMD international student population to understand their experiences and challenges. In turn, members can collect and share information as necessary. Grounded in improving international student support on campus, this board seeks to empower students to develop creative solutions to the identified challenges. 

USCIS to Increase Government Filing Fees

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that they will increase the government filing fees of government forms and petitions that may be relevant for your future applications. The new fee will be required for petitions/applications postmarked on or after the effective date. In regards to OPT applications, the effective date of increase is April 1st, 2024. Students planning on applying before the fee increase takes place should have their I-20 OPT Request to ISSS no later than March 15, 2024. Find a helpful chart on fee increases and effective dates here. 

ISSS EVENTS

International Student Career Series

Canadian Immigration System

Fri, Apr 12th, 12-1:00pm Virtual

The international student career series is a group of workshops/programs facilitated and curated by professional staff that focus on specific career needs of international students. Mark your calendars! More info on each session can be found here. 

International Coffee Hour

Thursday, March 14th 2:30 - 3:30pm

McKeldin Library Steps

Register

International Coffee Hour is a great way to connect with other students/scholars (both domestic and international) and meet UMD staff and faculty while enjoying coffee, tea, and snacks! International Coffee Hour takes place Thursdays from 2:30pm - 3:30pm at various locations around our beautiful campus.

The next coffee hour this term will be Thursday, March 14th at the steps outside McKeldin Library. Register here.

Around Campus

Summer Global Classrooms Courses Open for Registration

Enroll in one of our Summer 2024 Global Classrooms courses to stay globally engaged from wherever you are this summer! The need-based International Education Scholarship is available to fund your courses. 

Men's Rugby Club Recruitment

Rugby is an incredibly international sport, with many athletes coming from various backgrounds and nationalities. The on-campus club team is looking to expand recruitment to be more inclusive and appeal to a broader student-athlete audience. We believe that the many international students here at UMD could benefit our program tremendously and that our club fosters a great community within which those student-athletes will thrive. 

Contact: Luke Farren at lfarren@terpmail.umd.edu

Terps for Recovery Meetings

Are you a student in recovery from any form(s) of substance use? Come join Terps for Recovery to connect with other students in recovery and plan fun events to help build our collegiate recovery community! General body meetings are held on Mondays from 5-6pm in the Nanticoke Room in Stamp, Room 1238. No registration required, just come as you are!

Questions? Email Madeleine Moore, mmoore56@umd.edu.

Summer Session at the University of Maryland

Summer at the University of Maryland is just around the corner! 

Did you know that the University of Maryland offers over 1,000 courses in Summer Session, many of which are online? Summer Session is a great opportunity to complete a major or General Education requirement.

International students are eligible to enroll in online courses during the Summer Session (May 28 - August 16, 2024), and registration is open now! Choose from flexible 3 or 6-week sessions. For more information, see the Summer 2024 Schedule of Classes.

Have questions? Contact summer@umd.edu.

Key Resources for Ramadan

The MICA office and the multifaith Memorial Chapel affirm their commitments to accommodating religious observations as part of a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Ramadan is the holy month where observing Muslims abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset for the lunar month (usually 29 or 30 days). Click here to find on-campus resources including Iftars in STAMP.

The UMD Campus Pantry is open to help students, faculty, and staff experiencing food insecurity. You must swipe your University ID before entering and check out before leaving. It is recommended that you bring your own reusable bag. Learn more about hours and services here.