isss.umd.edu

Sept 3, 2024

ISSS EVENTS

Handshake for International Students

Sept 10, Noon - 1p.m.

Register

This webinar overviews the University Career Center's Handshake system, emphasizing handy tools and features for international students. Handshake is a career management platform for UMD students and Alumni. Use Handshake to RSVP for workshops and employer events, apply for interviews, or schedule an appointment with a career advisor.  

International Coffee Hour

Sept 5, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

HJ Patterson Global Crossroads

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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.

English Conversation Partners

Sept 16 - Nov 22

More Info Here

English Conversation Partners is starting up for the fall semester. The ten week session will start the week of September 16th and run through November 22nd. You will choose a small group to meet with at the same time weekly. Sign ups for participants have begun and will end next Tuesday Sept. 10th! To register fill out this form. Any questions? Email ecp@umd.edu.

Maintaining Your F-1/J-1 Status

Are You a New Student?

If you are newly arrived to UMD, please ensure that you:

1. Register for your classes  
2. Complete Immigration Videos & Documents Check in iTerp. Please ensure you complete Documents Check! This is required to activate your SEVIS Record. This must be completed so that we can activate your SEVIS record, so don't delay!

Attention F-1 Students: Full Time Enrollment

All students must enroll in at least 12 credits as an undergraduate and 48 units if you are a graduate student to maintain status.

IMPORTANT: F1/J1 students must enroll in face to face or hybrid delivery. Only one online course can be counted toward full time enrollment. For more information, please review our Maintaining Status information. 

If this is your final semester, and you require less than full-time enrollment to complete your program, you may pursue part-time authorization. This can be completed in iTerp. Note that if you want to pursue CPT and are enrolled less than full time, the part-time authorization request in iTerp must be completed by you and your advisor before we can authorize. Please complete your request as soon as possible. You should be enrolled full-time or request part-time enrollment authorization by September 7th. This allows time for ISSS to review requests and enrollment prior to the end of schedule adjustment.

ISSS Announcements

International Student Support Fund

We understand that many international students may face unexpected crises in their home countries, which can significantly impact their academic experience and well-being. To support you during these challenging times, ISSS is offering emergency support funds specifically for F-1/J-1 students affected by such crises. If your home country is currently facing a difficult situation that jeopardizes your ability to continue your studies or maintain stability, we encourage you to apply for these funds. Your safety and academic success are important to us, and we are here to provide the assistance you need to navigate these hardships. Click here for more details on the application process and eligibility requirements.

J-1 Visitors: Volunteer at the 2024 New York City Marathon

The Department of State is pleased to announce an opportunity for  BridgeUSA exchange visitors to volunteer at the 2024 New York City Marathon. The event, featuring runners from around the world, will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2024. This is a unique chance to embrace the American spirit of volunteerism and experience the thrill of cheering on 50,000 runners in the world’s biggest marathon. To volunteer with NYRR you must first create a profile at NYRR.org. Once you have activated your account, log in to your dashboard to register for the volunteer opportunity of your choice. The registration deadline for marathon volunteers is  September 30.

Coming Out of Your Shell: Elizabeth “Jwi” Brown Thrives as ISSS Student Volunteer

Meet Elizabeth Ji-Woo Brown, or Jwi, whose exceptional dedication as an ISSS volunteer has made a huge impact since Spring 2023. From her work at International Coffee Hour to leading English Conversation Partners, Jwi’s efforts in building community were recently recognized with a prestigious Student Excellence Scholarship. Discover how Jwi is shaping a more inclusive campus experience!

Read more about Jwi

Share Your Stories: Celebrating Global Impact on Campus

ISSS is excited to invite you to be part of a special section in our newsletter dedicated to highlighting the remarkable contributions of international students and scholars on our campus. If you've witnessed or heard about an inspiring story of someone making a positive impact, we want to hear from you! Whether it's a groundbreaking research project, a community-building initiative, or a unique cultural exchange, your stories will help us shine a spotlight on the incredible diversity and talent that enriches our campus. Share your submissions with us and let’s celebrate the global connections that make our community stronger!

Around Campus

NextNOW Fest 2024

Sept 4-10

More Info Here

NextNOW Fest is a signature event in University of Maryland's Arts for All initiative, which leverages the combined power of the arts, technology and social justice to address the grand challenges of our time.

International Student Support Group

Fridays 11a.m. - 12:30p.m.

International Students are invited to participate in a weekly support group where they can talk about adjustment concerns, acculturative stress, academic stress, social challenges, personal problems, and mental health. this also is a great place to share information and connect with others.

For more info, contact Dr. Jihee Hong: jhong114@umd.edu

Men's Rugby Club

If you're looking for an exciting way to immerse yourself in campus life and make new friends, join Terp's Rugby. No experience? No problem! Our club welcomes players of all skill levels. Rugby is a thrilling sport that combines strategy, teamwork, and physical fitness. It’s a great way to stay active while embracing the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship. Plus, you’ll have the chance to travel and compete against other schools. Come be part of a dynamic and diverse team—join us on the rugby field! We practice Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 4:00-6:00 pm on Frat Row. Contact: Instagram @terpsrugby; Garrett Schuppner (President) -240-898-5664, umdterpsrugby@gmail.com

Winter 2025 in Puerto Rico

Register

International undergraduate students, are you ready to take part in an unforgettable educational journey in the U.S. nation-island of Puerto Rico? Join other Terps and apply for the Winter 2025 Program, where you can explore pressing global issues such as colonialism, gender inequality, and climate change while experiencing the beauty and diversity of the Caribbean archipelago. We invite all international Undergraduate students to apply for this interdisciplinary educational experience. You can earn three 200-level credits in SPAN, LASC, or AMST. Credits will also count for the Sustainability Studies Minor.  

Do you have an event or announcement that would be of interest to the UMD international community, or know an international Terp moving Fearlessy Forward?  We invite you to share by clicking here.

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.