ISSS-BU News 2 February 2009 ISSS-BU News
An electronic news service for international students and scholars, owned by the Office of International Student and Scholar Services at Binghamton University, State University of New York
Visit ISSS on the Web! http://isss.binghamton.edu
Editor’s Note: Many international students have begun to receive their W-2 forms (Wage and Tax Statement) from their employers for the 2008 tax year, along with other documents from their banks, etc. The ISSS will be announcing the availability of CINTAX, free income tax preparation software, within the ten days.
Today’s issue is longer than usual. Scroll the CONTENTS index first to identify articles of interest to you.
CONTENTS:
1. Are You Maintaining a Full Time Course Load?
2. Be Sure You Have Permission in Advance to Take Less Than a Full-Time Course Load, If Applicable to You
3. Delete E-Mail Scams, Do Not Respond
4. International Student Handbook is Now On-Line
5. Lecture on Undocumented Immigrants and Higher Education Wednesday February 4
6. Job & Internship Fair is February 12th. Attend a Workshop to “Prepare for The Job Fair” on February 5th.
7. News from the Career Development Center
8. Attention Graduate Students Who Will Graduate in May 2009
9. Attention Undergraduates Living On-Campus, Who Plan to Live on Campus For Fall 2009
10. Attention Undergraduates: Join the JC Mentor Program
11. Organization of American States (OAS) Announces the Availability of Interest-Free Loans for Students from Latin American and Caribbean Countries
12. Upcoming Job Fair in NYC for Japanese-English Bilinguals
13. Income Tax Information: Incorrectly Withheld Social Security and Medicare Tax
1. Are You Maintaining a Full Time Course Load?
The ISSS would like to take this opportunity to remind students in F-1 and J-1 status that you are required to be registered for a full-time course load each semester.
Minimum Full Time Course Loads:
There are some very limited exceptions to the full-time course requirement. See the next article,
below. For complete information on full-time registration, stop by the ISSS to obtain a handout
on Rules for Maintaining a Full-Time Course Load, or view the handout on the ISSS website at: http://isss.binghamton.edu/imm/RuleFTload.htm
2. Be Sure You Have Permission in Advance to Take Less Than a Full-Time Course Load, If Applicable to You
There are very few exceptions to the full time course load rule for students in F-1 status. Those exceptions include academic difficulty, medical condition, and completion of study, and there are strict criteria for each. In every instance, you must obtain PRIOR authorization from the ISSS. Only once you receive this authorization from the ISSS can you then drop the course. A F-1 student who drops below a full course of study without the prior approval of the Office of International Student and Scholar Services will be considered out of status, and must be reported in SEVIS as having dropped below a full-time course load without authorization.
There is a special form for each of the three exceptions, available in the ISSS and as a downloadable document on the ISSS website, visit: http://isss.binghamton.edu/forms/index.html
and scroll down to “request for reduced course load.”
Each form must be completed by the student (and in the case of reduction in course load due to academic difficulty or due to completion of study, completed by the student's academic advisor) and approved by the ISSS before the course may be dropped.
For detailed information on the rules that allow for a course load reduction for F-1 students, stop by the ISSS to obtain a handout on "Permissible Reasons Under F-1 Regulations to Register for Less Than a Full Time Course Load" or view the handout on the ISSS website at:
http://isss.binghamton.edu/imm/lesscourse.htm
Questions or concerns regarding this requirement? Come to the ISSS or send an e-mail message to isss@binghamton.edu
3. Delete E-mail Scams, Do Not Respond
The following message comes from Information Technology Services.
Phishing scams that request your personal information, including your user ID, password and date of birth, have recently reached University accounts. These requests may look official, or even appear to be from the University, but they are not. Delete any of these messages immediately without responding. Information Technology Services reminds everyone that no business or government entity would ever require you to send sensitive information it already possesses and you should never send any passwords via e-mail for any reason. If you are unsure of the validity of any message, call a contact number for the organization for verification. Call the Help Desk at 607-777-6420 with questions.
Required International Student Appointment: New international students in F-1 or J-1 status who did not attend the orientation meeting on Friday afternoon, January 23 will need to attend a mini-orientation on Friday, January 30, 2009 from 11:00am to 12 Noon with Amelia Shafer, Assistant Director. Please come to the ISSS office a few minutes before 11:00am. The group will then walk to the meeting room. If you are unable to make this session, you must schedule another mini-orientation session with Amelia Shafer. Contact the ISSS office by visiting or by phoning 607-777-2510 to make an appointment.
4. International Student Handbook is Now On-Line!
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services is pleased to announce that the BU International Student Handbook is now on line! This is the same handbook we make available to new students at Orientation, and the contents have been updated for Spring 2009.
The advantage of the on line handbook is that much of the information is very valuable to new students, who may find the on-line edition easier to consult than the paper version. Further, current students who have outdated copies of the Handbook from when they participated in Orientation can now have the advantage of viewing the latest materials with ease.
The Handbook is available at:
http://isss.binghamton.edu/Handbook/index.html
A contents index may be viewed on the left side of the screen.
5. Lecture on Undocumented Immigrants and Higher Education Wednesday February 4
Alejandra Rincón, Ph.D visits Binghamton University on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at 7:00pm in Lecture Hall 2 to speak on “Undocumented Immigrants and Higher Education: ¡Sí se puede!” which is also the title of her recent book. Dr. Rincón’s visit is jointly sponsored by Binghamton University and New York University. She will speak at New York University the following day.
Dr. Rincón will discuss “the struggle by undocumented immigrant students to gain access to college by paying in-state tuition rates. These efforts, which have been successful in ten states, can be characterized as a human and civil rights struggle based on the fundamental premise that no group should be subjected to discrimination. Undocumented students seek equality under the law while affirming their humanity and thus their rights as human beings. They also seek to overturn government and media images that portray them as aliens and “illegals,” devoid of all rights simply because they are working and living in a country other than the one in which they were born.” – Amazon.com
Dr. Rincón is the 2006 recipient of the Human Relations Award conferred by the National Association of College Admissions Counseling (NACAC). The NACAC award celebrates someone who dedicates themselves to making postsecondary education opportunities available to historically underrepresented students. In 2006, Dr. Rincón also received the Advocacy Award granted by the Chicano/Latino Law Student Association at the University of Texas at Austin for her work in that state to support the passage and implementation of legislation that allows undocumented high school students to attend Texas colleges at in-state tuition rates.
Binghamton sponsors of Dr. Rincón’s lecture include: Harpur College of Arts & Sciences, International Student and Scholar Services, GSO Graduate Vice President for Multicultural Affairs, Chinese Student and Scholars Association, European Students Association, Binghamton University Globalistas (BUGS), Fernand Braudel Center, and Languages Across the Curriculum/Global Studies Minor.
6. Job & Internship Fair is February 12th. Attend a Workshop to “Prepare for the Job Fair” on February 5.
The annual Job & Internship Fair will be held Thursday, February 12th from 11:30am to 3:30pm in the Events Center. Over 70 organizations will be present to discuss internship & job opportunities. Non-Profit, Government, and For-Profit organizations will all be in attendance. Visit the CDC website at http://binghamton.erecruiting.com/stu/cf_details?fhnd=3629
for a list of participating organizations. This fair is for ALL BU students!
To prepare students for the Fair, the Career Development Center will offer a special titled “Smart Moves in a Tough Economy: Prepare for the Job Fair,” on Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 5:00pm in Student Wing Room 331. Find out how to prepare for and make the best use of the Job & Internship Fair.
As always, CDC encourages all students to register with eRecruiting, their online career system. There are currently numerous post-graduation opportunities and Internships listed. New positions are added daily. In addition, eRecruiting hosts a wealth of career exploration information.
There is a special Virtual Job fair just for International Students. Check it out today!
7. News from the Career Development Center
Resource Of The Week: Virtual Resume Program
What it is: An online tutorial to help you develop a strong resume.
Why we love it: Our virtual tutorial, presented as a PowerPoint with a voiceover, makes our resume presentation available 24/7. Students are highly encouraged to view the presentation and make adjustments to their own resumes prior to visiting CDC for reviews as a way to make the most of their visit.
How to access: The Virtual Resume Program is linked from the CDC homepage, but can be accessed directly at http://cdc.binghamton.edu/VirtualResume.htm
Students: Join The CDC Facebook Group!
By becoming a member of CDC's Facebook group, you will see upcoming events and deadlines and will be able to access important career information in one convenient location. The Career Development Center group is open to ALL Binghamton students, so be sure to invite your friends to join! http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1618314921&v=photos#/group.php?gid=2200365806
Upcoming Programs
These difficult economic times affects us all differently. For students, the news about the job market instills a range of emotions regardless of class year. But there are proactive steps students can take to improve their chances of finding internships, securing jobs, and having a successful future. Watch for CDC’s “Smart Moves in a Tough Economy” series of programs for the Spring 2009 semester which address not only the concerns, but also the critical steps students must take to be successful.
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Monday, February 2 |
JC Mentor Info Session |
BE A MENTOR! Applications are being accepted for the JC Mentor Program. Binghamton University students work with local middle school students during the school day. The application deadline is Friday, February 6, 2009. BU students should turn in their application to CDC North, LNG 300 and sign up for an interview. Requirements are to commit at least 5 hours per week at the school (50 hours per semester), attend a one-hour weekly seminar, receive 2 credits, and complete all assignments. You must have a car to participate in this program. Applications and more information are available on the CDC website. Questions: Meg Mitzel, mmitzel@binghamton.edu 607-777-6758 |
Monday, February 2 |
Express Program: Cover Letters |
Write a cover letter that makes an impact! We'll show you how! |
Wednesday, February 4 |
Express Program: The Elevator Speech |
If you had just an elevator ride to the 10th floor to give your spiel, what would you say? Develop your elevator speech with us! |
Thursday, February 5 |
Smart Moves in a Tough Economy: PREPARE FOR THE JOB FAIR |
Find out how to prepare for and make the best use of the Job & Internship Fair. Presented by Kathleen Lake, The Raymond Corporation |
Friday, February 6 |
Smart Moves in a Tough Economy: INTERVIEW LIKE YOU MEAN IT! |
Show employers you're serious! Prep for your interviews as much as possible, starting with this program! Registration via eRecruiting's Calendar is strongly recommended. To get the most out of this program, read CDC's Effective Interviewing Quick Reference Guide and create an Optimal Resume profile prior to the session. Bring a description for a position of interest. |
Lgbtiq And Students With Disabilities Sections Added To CDC Website
In order to address some of the unique concerns of specific groups, the Career Development Center staff has developed two new sections for the CDC website. These focus on LGBTIQ (http://cdc.binghamton.edu/LGBTIQ/main.html) and Students with Disabilities (http://cdc.binghamton.edu/Disabilities/main.html). Topics include career exploration tips, job and internship searching, frequently asked questions, and additional resources.
Exciting Jobs & Internships Have Been Posted To eRecruiting!
Employers Are Still Hiring!! Apply Today! New positions are posted to eRecruiting on a daily basis. Students may view and apply for positions through their eRecruiting account. All matriculated students have an account and there is great diversity in the types of employers/positions available.
Current Sample Employers For Jobs And/Or Internships:
Dept. of Health & Human Services Emerging Leaders Program |
Central Hudson Gas & Electric |
U.S. Department of Agriculture |
U.S. Patent & Trademark Office |
National Student News Service |
M & T Bank Corporation |
Kraft Foods North America, Inc. |
Andanda Marga Public Relations Department |
MTV |
Superior Technical Resources, Inc. |
New York City Bar |
Lockheed Martin |
Ambercrombie & Fitch |
U.S. Department of Transportation: Highway Division |
8. Attention Graduate Students Who Will Graduate in May 2009
Graduate students who will graduate in May 2009 are required to complete the “Declaration of Candidacy Form” with the Graduate School has part of the degree completion process. That form is normally on-line at the Graduate School’s website.
However, the form is currently being migrated to BU Brain, and will be off line for approximately two weeks. It will be available again before February 14. Since the submission deadline is not until February 27, 2009, the Declaration of Candidacy form will be online in plenty of time for students to file their candidacy for the Spring 2009 semester.
ISSS-BU News will publish the new location for the Graduate School’s Declaration of Candidacy form as soon as testing is completed.
9. Attention Undergraduates Living On-Campus, Who Plan to Live on Campus For Fall 2009
Room Deposit Notice For Fall 2009 University Housing
The following information comes from the Office of Residential Life.
If you want to live on-campus in University housing for the 2009-2010 academic year, the payment of a $200 housing deposit is required and must be received by the Student Accounts Office no later than Friday, February 20, 2009. Please note that this payment will not show up as a payment due in BU-Brain, because it is simply a payment choice for those students who wish to continue living on campus.
Please understand if payment is not received by February 20th, you will not be eligible to participate in housing sign-up for the Fall 2009 semester. Therefore, you would be required to live off campus next year.
If payment is received on time, you may participate in housing sign-up in March. Information about the housing sign-up process will be distributed in early February and available at that time on-line (www.reslife.binghamton.edu). You should plan on attending one of the training sessions that will be scheduled in February to ensure you navigate the process appropriately!
If you pay the deposit, but then do not sign up for a room, you can request a refund of the $200. However, once you sign up for a room, the deposit is non-refundable.
To pay the housing deposit through BU Brain, follow the instructions at:
http://reslife.binghamton.edu/housing_deposit.html Payment may also be made in person in the Student Accounts Office, Student Wing Room 117.
Finally, please note that the apartment complex at “University Plaza” is not on-campus University housing. It is, indeed, off campus housing.
If you have any questions, please feel to e-mail us at reslife@binghamton.edu.
10. Attention Undergraduates: Join the JC Mentor Program
Serve as a Mentor for Middle School Students!
Applications are being accepted for the Johnson City School District Mentor Program. Binghamton University undergraduate students work with local middle school students during the school day. The application deadline is Friday, February 6, 2009. BU students should turn in their application to CDC North, LNG 300 and sign up for an interview. Requirements are to commit at least 5 hours per week at the school (50 hours per semester), attend a one-hour weekly seminar, receive 2 credits, and complete all assignments. You must have a car to participate in this program. Applications and more information are available on the CDC website. Questions: Meg Mitzel, mmitzel@binghamton.edu 607-777-6758
11. Organization of American States (OAS) Announces the Availability of Interest-Free Loans for Students from Latin American and Caribbean Countries
The Leo S. Rowe Fund helps citizens from Latin America and Caribbean countries to finance their higher education and achieve their educational and professional goals in universities across the United States by awarding interest-free loans.
These highly subsidized loans are made with the understanding that upon completion of their studies, beneficiaries commit to repay the loan in full and return to their home countries to apply their knowledge and training to the economic and social advancement of the developing countries within the Americas.
1889 F St NW 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20006
E-mail: rowefund@oas.org
Web page: www.oas.org/rowe
Tel: 1(202) 458-6208
Fax: 1 (202) 458-3897
The Rowe Fund was established in 1948 by a bequest in the will of Dr. Leo S. Rowe, who was director of the Pan American Union from 1920 until 1948
12. Upcoming Job Fair in NYC for Japanese-English Bilinguals
An upcoming job fair for Japanese-English bilingual students, the New York Career Forum, is just a few weeks away.
2009 NEW YORK CAREER FORUM
February 13th and 14th 2009 (Fri. & Sat.)
Penn Plaza Pavilion Exhibition Hall at the Hotel Pennsylvania
401 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10001
http://www.careerforum.net/event/ny/index.asp?lang=E
approximately 20 global companies are expected to attend, and travel scholarships are available.
The job fair is for
- all Japanese-English bilinguals
- all majors (both technical and non-technical)
- anyone interested in a full-time or internship position
Companies will be holding interviews at their booth during the event. Students are encouraged to register early and apply to companies online prior to the event to receive maximum results. Registration and attending the event is free.
Travel Scholarships are available to help defray the cost of traveling, and students can easily apply online through the website of the sponsor, Disco International, at:
http://www.careerforum.net/event/ny/index.asp?lang=E
This link is also the site for on-line registration and additional information.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the staff at cfn@careerforum.net
13. Income Tax Issues: Incorrectly Withheld Social Security and Medicare Tax
We would like to remind our readers that during tax season, each issue of ISSS-BU News contains an article on U.S. income tax. To reference previous articles, go to the ISSS web site and select from the back issues of ISSS-BU News (the first income tax article appeared in the December 1, 2008 issue). You will find them at: http://isss.binghamton.edu/news/2008.html
Today's income tax article is about incorrectly withheld Social Security (FICA) and Medicare Tax from earnings (wages), and how to get the money refunded to you.
Different kinds of taxes are withheld by employers. The W-2 form (Wage and Tax Statement) sent to you by your employer each January has boxes for reporting withholding of Federal Income Tax (box 2), Social Security Tax (box 4), Medicare Tax (box 6), State Income Tax (box 17) and local income tax (box 19). This article focuses on box 4 and box 6.
F-1 and J-1 students who have been in the U.S. in this status for 5 years or less (2004 or later), and J-1 scholars in the U.S. in this status for 2 years or less (2007 or later) who have been employed ON CAMPUS are exempt from Social Security and Medicare Tax (boxes 4 and 6). F-1 and J-1 students who worked off campus with the appropriate work authorization (economic hardship employment or practical training) are also exempt from these two taxes. However, F-1and J-1 students in the U.S. in this status for more than five years, J-2 dependents, J-1 scholars and faculty in the U.S. for more than two years, those in other non-immigrant statuses, and those who worked without authorization ARE subject to Social Security (FICA) and Medicare Tax.
If you are an F-1 or J-1 student who thinks that Social Security and/or Medicare Taxes were withheld from your pay incorrectly, because you were in the U.S. in this status for less than five years and had appropriate work authorization, then U.S. federal regulation requires that you contact the employer who issued you the W-2 and inform them of the error, AND ask that they refund you the money. If the employer cannot or will not issue the refund, there is a special procedure you can use to obtain a refund of Social Security and Medicare Tax. This procedure is entirely separate from filing your income tax forms.
Come to the ISSS for the special handout "Procedures for Claiming Refund of Social Security Tax." It includes two special IRS forms, Form 843 and Form 8316. This document is also available on line at: http://isss.binghamton.edu/taxes/procFICA.html You will be required to show on the forms that you attempted to contact your employer first. You will also be required to attach copies of your work authorization, a copy of your I-94 card, and a copy of your W-2 form. It all gets mailed to the IRS office in Austin, Texas. You should keep copies of everything you send and allow from eight to ten weeks for processing.
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