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Welcome Back from Summer Break!
ISSS is excited to kick off the new semester with you.
Welcome to ISSSNews! Brought to you by International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS), our weekly e-newsletter is packed with exciting opportunities, must-attend events, stories on the UMD international community and immigration guidance. Don’t miss out—dive into ISSSNews each week to stay ahead of the curve and keep informed with all the essential news and timely updates you need!
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ISSS will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2 in Observance of Labor Day
Please be advised that in observance of Labor Day, the University will be closed on Monday, September 2nd. During this time, our online chat and appointment services will be unavailable. However, iTerp will remain accessible for electronic requests. Normal services will resume on Tuesday, September 5th.
We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable long weekend.
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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
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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!
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Maintaining Your F-1/J-1 Status | |
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Are You a New Student?
If you are newly arrived to UMD, please ensure that you:
- Register for your classes
- 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!
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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.
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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.
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Who Can Apply For A Social Security Number (SSN)?
Social Security numbers are issued for tax purposes only. They are used to identify you within the government’s tax and pension system. Only those with authorized employment are eligible for Social Security numbers.
Visit our ISSS website for detailed information on how to get a Social Security number.
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THANK YOU
Thank you International Orientation Leaders (IOLs) for volunteering your time with ISSS to welcome our new international Terps. Your dedicated efforts are greatly appreciated.
| If you didn't get a chance to meet our IOLS, learn more about them here and consider volunteering next semester! | |
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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.
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Be Aware of Scams
ISSS wants you to be aware of scams that sometimes target international students and scholars.
What are scams?
Scams are illegal schemes aimed at stealing money from you. Scammers impersonate government agencies or companies and use fear tactics to threaten you into paying them or sharing your personal information, such as date of birth, social security number, bank account or credit card information, etc.
Learn More...
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International Coffee Hour
Sept 5, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
HJ Patterson Global Crossroads
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.
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International Terp Career Development
Aug 19 - Dec 4
Register
The International Terp Career Development series is a group of workshops/programs facilitated and curated by professional staff that focus on specific career needs of international students. Learn more and register for events and workshops here.
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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 will begin this Thursday! To make sure you receive information on how to register fill out our interest form. Any questions? Email ecp@umd.edu. | |
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ATLAS Monthly Speaker Series
Oct 7, 11 - Noon
Register
Join a panel of U.S. Department of State experts and UMD faculty as they discuss navigating the challenges and opportunities of academic research and fieldwork in Africa, including the impact of social and political unrest. This event is open to students and faculty involved in or interested in research and teaching in Africa, offering a chance to share insights and experiences.
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Fall 2024 Global Classroom Courses Open for Registration
Enroll in one of our Fall 2024 Global Classrooms courses to stay globally engaged this fall! Learn more...
Fall 2024 Global Learning Design Sprint
Join this collaborative brainstorming space for faculty to think through their course development or enhancement process. Our goal is to partner with you to advance and realize your global learning plans. Learn more...
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Two Brand New UMD Steelbands
These ensembles are open to both music majors and non-music majors alike, so whether you are a seasoned musician or looking to try something new, UMD Steelbands promise an enriching experience.
Steelband: MUSC129D/629D; Tues. 5:30pm-7:00pm
Advanced Steelband: MUSC129E/629E; Tues. 7:00pm-8:30pm
Location: Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Room 2170
Contact: francisj@umd.edu
Prerequisites: None (there will be an audition process during the first week of classes to help determine the appropriate band for you). Steelpans are a family of fully chromatic percussion instruments invented in Trinidad and Tobago in the 1930s.
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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.
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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. | | | | |
