ISSS-BU News 14 September 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:  With this issue, ISSS-BU News welcomes nearly 500 new subscribers.  Please note that all new students have been subscribed to ISSS-BU News under their Binghamton.edu e-mail account. 

Reading ISSS-BU News is essential in order to be informed regarding changing U.S. immigration regulations.  ISSS-BU News is published every Monday, and is also posted to the “ISSS-BU News” section of the ISSS website, http://isss.binghamton.edu

Some Guidelines for reading ISSS-BU News:
New readers will find that some weekly issues of ISSS-BU News may be longer than others. Subscribers are encouraged to scan the "Contents" list at the beginning of each issue, and then read the articles of greatest interest to them.

CONTENTS:
1. Have You Changed Your Address?
2. Participants Needed for Research on International Teaching Assistants (ITAs)
3. Attention F and J Students: Know Your SEVIS Rules!
4. Reminder!  Job and Internship Fair Wednesday, September 16
5. Ramadan Breakfast Service From Sodexo Dining Services Continues
6. Binghamton University is Recruiting in East Asia!
7. International Health Insurance Brochures Available in the ISSS and On-Line
8. Do You Speak Japanese, Hebrew, Korean, German, Russian, and/or Spanish? We Want You!
9. Attention Graduate Students:  Are You Considering Employment With a SUNY College or University?
10. Attention Summer 2009 and Fall 2009 Graduating Students!  Fall Commencement is December 13, 2009
11. Are You Employed This Semester? Here's an Important Tax Tip for F-1s and J-1s!
12. Upcoming Events Sponsored by the Career Development Center
13. Diversity Visa Lottery 2011 Dates Announced

1. Have You Changed Your Address?

Do you have a new address?  International Students in F and J status are reminded that reporting your change of address to the ISSS is a requirement under federal SEVIS regulations.  The ISSS makes this requirement easy for you by providing a web form where you can easily report this information.  Just visit: http://isss.binghamton.edu/forms/addrChange.html for an easy-to-complete fillable form.

2. Participants Needed for Research on International Teaching Assistants (ITAs)

Ji Zhou is a BU doctoral student in the School of Education.  She has asked ISSS-BU News to post the following announcement, as part of her doctoral research:

If you have worked or are currently working as an International Teaching Assistant (ITA), you might be eligible to participate in this doctoral study. I attempt to explore the academic interaction between ITAs and their American students. What are the concerns and challenges, stresses and strategies? The commitment includes 2 to 3 interviews, and follow-up classroom observations if necessary. All participation is completely voluntary and greatly appreciated. Make your voice heard and make your ITA experience more meaningful.  

For more information, please contact me, Ji Zhou at jzhou4@binghamton.edu or call (508) 768-8418 or (607) 777-4690.

I look forward to hearing from you.
            Ji Zhou

3. Attention F and J Students: Know Your SEVIS Rules!

This week, the Office of International Student and Scholar Services will be in touch by e-mail with a number of international students to be sure that their Fall 2009 course registration is in compliance with federal SEVIS requirements.  “SEVIS” stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, and is the federal tracking system that contains certain personal, educational and financial data on F and J students, J scholars and faculty, and dependents. All students need to know and comply with SEVIS regulations regarding course registration. These regulations are explained in the blue handout given to current students when they obtain a new SEVIS I-20, and were included in the Immigration and Tax Information Booklet (green cover) that was distributed to new students at Orientation.

To briefly summarize the rules as they pertain to course registration:

• All F and J students must be registered for a full-time course load.  See http://isss.binghamton.edu/imm/RuleFTload.htm

• All students who are registered for less than a full time course load must either have prior  permission from the ISSS or be certified as full-time by the Graduate School. Students who are less than full time but who will graduate in the current semester MUST complete a "Request for Permission to Take a Reduced Course Load Due to Course Completion" form with the ISSS AND declare their intent to graduate by completing the appropriate form in BU Brain. Students planning on taking a reduced course load due to academic difficulty or medical condition MUST have prior permission from the ISSS.

• Graduate students who have completed coursework and have advanced to thesis, project, candidacy or dissertation research and are registered for a course that can be certified as full time (most commonly 599, 698 or 699, but selected departments include other course rubrics as well) must submit the Graduate School's "Certification of Full-Time Working Towards Degree Status For Students Not Receiving Funding” OR “Certification of Full-Time Working Towards Degree Status Funded Students Only” to their department each semester for filing with the Graduate School if they are registered for fewer than nine credits.

• All of these forms are available at the "essential forms" section of the ISSS website:
  http://isss.binghamton.edu/forms/index.html

• Students who have decided to withdraw from Binghamton must notify the ISSS of their intentions prior to their departure, and complete the departure form available at:
  http://isss.binghamton.edu/forms/depForm.html

To read the complete information sheet on SEVIS requirements for F and J students, visit:
http://isss.binghamton.edu/new/SEVISJF.htm

To read the information sheet on Permissible Reasons Under F-1 Regulations to Register for Less Than a Full Time Course Load, visit:
http://isss.binghamton.edu/imm/lesscourse.htm

4. Reminder! Job & Internship Fair, Wednesday, September 16 

Fall 2009 Job & Internship Fair
Wednesday, September 16, 11:30 am-3:30 pm
Events Center
A full list of 70 registered employers can be viewed through the Career Development Center website. DCD has expanded Counselor-on-Call hours for resume reviews during this busy time!

5. Ramadan Breakfast Service From Sodexo Dining Services Continues

The Holy Month of Ramadan is in effect through September 19th.  Dining Services will not be serving Halal meals at Dickinson dining hall until September 20th. The Hinman C-Mart (lower level of Hinman Dining Hall) will be open for an early breakfast from 3:30AM until 5:00AM during this time period.The Ramadan Breakfast service is open to all Binghamton University students regardless of their religion or nationality.

6. Binghamton University is Recruiting in East Asia!

Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions at Binghamton University will participate in recruiting fairs in East Asia during September and October.

The complete schedule is:

HONG KONG (IIE Fair), on Sunday, September 20, 2009 at the Conrad Hotel - Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty from 12:00-4:00 pm

CHENGDU (IIE Fair) on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 31 Zongfu Street, from 6:00-9:00 pm

DALIAN (College Fair) on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at Liaoning Normal University, Huang He Road from 1:30pm to 5:00pm

HO CHI MINH CITY (IIE Fair) on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at the Hotel Equatorial, 242 Tran Binh Trong Street, District 5 from 2:00-6:00 pm

SINGAPORE (AIEF Fair) on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at the Le Meridien Hotel, 100 Orchard Road, from 5:00-9:00 pm 

BANGKOK (IIE Fair) on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at the Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, 199 Sukhumvit Soi 22 from 12:30pm to 5:30pm.

Forward the fair schedule to friends and family members who may be interested in learning more about opportunities to study at Binghamton University!

7. International Health Insurance Brochures Available in the ISSS and On-Line

The 2009-10 description of the International Health Insurance Policy is available in the ISSS as a brochure and also on line at this link:
http://isss.binghamton.edu/health/BUPartBroc.pdf

8. Do You Speak Japanese, Hebrew, Korean, German, Russian, and/or Spanish?
We Want You!

The Languages Across the Curriculum Program (LxC) is now accepting applications for the position of Language Resource Specialist (LRS) for the Fall 2009 and Spring 2010. All applications should be submitted to the Languages Across the Curriculum office as hardcopy or via email (lxc@binghamton.edu). First consideration will be given to those applicants who submit before September 18, 2009. Interviews for this position will take place during the following week. Pick up an application at Languages Across the Curriculum Offices in Hinman Commons (Rockefeller Center Building) 209-210, or print one from our website: http://lxc.binghamton.edu/employment.htm

Job description: Language Resource Specialists (LRS) are assigned a study group for a particular course. In the study group, students read articles, watch video clips and discuss topics immediately relevant to the subject matter of the larger course. The Global Language(s) model/option has English as a unifying language with students examining texts in multiple languages (Global Languages model) while other groups are unified by a common language other than English (Traditional Model). Usually, Languages Across the Curriculum study groups meet for an hour once a week for eight weeks, outside of regular class or discussion section meetings. LRSs are expected to meet weekly for mandatory LxC staff training. Based on work with LxC staff, instructors and other LRS colleagues, LRSs design a syllabus for the Languages Across the Curriculum study group and research and prepare reading assignments (or films or internet-based assignments).  LRSs lead discussions of these assignments in the study groups and evaluate students' performance. Throughout the semester, LRSs compile a Blackboard-based teaching portfolio consisting of all the materials used in the study group.

Job requirements: The ideal candidate will have previous teaching experience, strong analytical and critical thinking skills; be eager to develop pedagogical skills that foster a globalized understanding of the world, have very strong English language skills and native or near-native proficiency in one or more other languages. LxC supports an array of courses in a variety of disciplines including, but not limited to: Environmental Studies or Life Sciences, American History, Political Science, Education and Human Development, Theater, International Business, Engineering, and Marketing.

Note: This is NOT an assistantship.

Pay begins at $9/hr and LRSs work 5-10 hours per week. Weekly study group meetings led by each LRS begin in the 5th week of classes, scheduled at the convenience of the LRS and her/his students.

9. Attention Graduate Students: Are you Considering Employment with a SUNY University or College?

Employment at a SUNY  university or college that is not Binghamton University is considered off-campus employment. If you are in F-1 status, that means you must apply for and receive the appropriate authorization, usually Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), from the ISSS before you begin any employment activity at a different university or college. Students in J-1 status must also request written authorization from the ISSS.  Remember: any position at the SUNY campuses in our regional area: SUNY Cortland, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Morrisville, Broome Community College or any other State University of New York institution is off campus employment. If you have questions please contact ISSS staff BEFORE you begin the employment.

10. Attention Summer 2009 and Fall 2009 Graduating Students!  Fall Commencement Fall Commencement is December 13, 2009

Fall Commencement exercises will take place on December 13, 2009.  Students who graduated in Summer 2009 or who will graduate in Fall 2009 are invited to attend.  The ceremony will be held in the Events Center on Sunday, December 13, 2009.  For complete information, visit:
http://www2.binghamton.edu/commencement/fall/index.html

11. Are You Employed This Semester? Here's an Important Tax Tip for F-1s and J-1s!

If you are an international student in F-1 or J-1 status who is working on campus for Fall 2009, have you examined your paychecks carefully? Here is some important information for you. The information that comes with your paycheck may show that both federal and state income tax (or just federal income tax) are being withheld from your paycheck. This is correct, since students in F-1 or J-1 status do pay federal and state income taxes on money they earn through on-campus employment. However, if your paycheck information shows that social security tax and/or Medicare tax are being withheld from your paycheck, this may be an error! F-1 or J-1 students who have been in the United States in F-1 or J-1 status for five years or less do not pay social security or Medicare tax on employment earnings authorized by federal Immigration regulations, including on-campus employment. So, if you believe a mistake has been made, speak with someone in the appropriate payroll office, and have your pay stub with you. You are entitled to a refund of any social security or Medicare tax incorrectly withheld.

The rules are explained in IRS Publication 519: US Tax Guide for Aliens. To access a copy, go to: http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p519.pdf  You need print only pages 1, 50 and 51.

12. Upcoming Events Sponsored by the Career Development Center

Job & Internship Fair, Wednesday, September 16 

Fall 2009 Job & Internship Fair
Wednesday, September 16, 11:30 am-3:30 pm
Events Center
A full list of 70 registered employers can be viewed through the Career Development Center website. We’ve expanded Counselor-on-Call hours for resume reviews during this busy time! For tips on how to make the most of a Job & Internship fair, read the attached quick reference guide!

Associated Programs:

Graduate School Fair & Law Day

The Graduate School Fair and Law Day only happen once a year! Take this opportunity to speak with representatives from graduate and professional programs!

Graduate School Fair
Tuesday, September 22
11:00 am-2:30 pm
Events Center – OCCT “blue bus” shuttle will run between the Union & the West Gym
A full list of over 130 registered graduate programs can be viewed through the Career Development Center website.

Law Day
Wednesday, September 23
1:30 am-2:45 pm
Events Center – OCCT “blue bus” shuttle will run between the Union & the West Gym
Law Panel 3:00, TAU Bearcat Room
A full list of over 80 registered law schools can be viewed through the Career Development Center website.

Career Development Center Internship (CDCI) Program

The CDC Internship (CDCI) Program is the largest credit-bearing internship program at Binghamton University.  Faculty and staff working with students seeking internships are encouraged to direct them to visit the Career Development Center in LSG 500 or visit the CDC website.  Students are required to attend an information session the semester prior to interning.

CDCI Information Sessions:
·         Monday, September 21, 12:00pm-1:00pm, UUW 324
·         Monday, September 21, 3:30pm-4:30pm, UUW 324
·         Thursday, September 24, 3:00pm-4:00pm, UUW 325
·         Thursday, September 24, 10:00am-11:00am, UUW 325
·         Thursday, September 24, 3:00pm-4:00pm, UUW 325
·         Monday, September 28, 4:45pm-5:45pm, UUW 325
·         Tuesday, September 29, 4:30pm-5:30pm, UUW 324
·         Wednesday, September 24, 12:00pm-1:00pm, UUW 324
·         Wednesday, September 24, 3:30pm-4:30pm, UUW 324

Students in F-1 or J-1 status should consult with the ISSS to see if work authorization approval is required before beginning any internship. 

Credentials Transitioning To Interfolio

The CDC is pleased to recommend Interfolio to provide Binghamton University students and alumni an efficient and paperless system to manage references files.  For complete information on this change, please visit the CDC Credentials website.

On-Campus Recruiting Announcements: Application Deadlines Approaching

The first round of deadlines is approaching!! Visit eRecruiting today! Students may view and apply for positions through their eRecruiting account. All matriculated students have an account. STUDENTS GRADUATING IN MAY 2010 SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN FALL 2009 RECRUITING! Employers recruiting on campus for full-time positions in the fall semester are generally seeking candidates to begin in the summer or fall of 2010!

Students are encouraged to also attend employer information sessions to learn about internship and full-time employment opportunities as well as gather general information about the organization.

13. Diversity Visa Lottery 2011 Dates Announced

The U.S. State Department has announced the dates of the 2011 Diversity Visa Lottery.  The Diversity Visa lottery (DV) is a program mandated under Section 203 (c) of the Immigration Act of 1990. The legislation makes available up to 50,000 permanent resident immigrant visas by random selection through an annual diversity visa lottery.

The registration period will last for approximately sixty days, beginning at noon Eastern Daylight Time (GMT-4) on Friday, October 2, 2009 and ending at noon Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5) on Monday, November 30, 2009. As has been the case for the last five years, the Diversity Visa Lottery Program will be conducted entirely on-line via the internet, through the officially designated website: http://www.dvlottery.state.gov.  Paper entries are not accepted.  A more detailed announcement will soon be available at the above web link.

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