March Archive - International Student Newsletter

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/29/2012 Newsletter

3/23/2012 Newsletter

3/16/2012 Newsletter

3/01/2012 Newsletter

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/29/2012 Newsletter

 

Scholarship Deadline -- April 1st
Last Day to Drop/Withdraw From a Class - April 5th
Anti-Racism/Anti-Bias Workshops
Volunteer Opportunity - International Day
International Student Surveys
No Walk-In Hours Tuesday, April 3rd
Centre Closed Friday, April 6th
Graduate Assistantship Positions Available
Career Services Workshops
Graduation Reminder
Reminder: Check Your I-20 End Date
Taxes for International Students - Software & Assistance Sessions
Culture Night Series -- Eurasia Night!

 

 

Scholarship Deadline -- April 1st

If you are applying for the undergraduate international student tuition waiver scholarship, the deadline for all application materials (due to the financial aid office) is April 1st. More information available here on the financial aid website

Last Day to Drop/Withdraw From a Class - April 5th

The last day to drop a full-term course this semester is Thursday, April 5th. After this date you will not be allowed to withdraw from a full-term course for the spring semester. For a full listing of important term dates and deadlines this spring, see this link to the Office of the Registrar.

If you intend to withdraw from one or more of your courses, keep in mind the following:

All international students have a hold placed on their account. This hold will require you to contact an international student advisor before you are able to drop a class through your campus connection account. This is to ensure that you maintain the minimum full-time enrollment requirements necessary for your degree level: 12 credits for undergraduates, 9 credits for graduate students with no assistantship, and 6 credits for graduate students with assistantship(s).

Anti-Racism/Anti-Bias Workshops

Students and student organizations are especially encouraged to attend the following anti-racism/anti-bias workshop at UND: Play through the Pain: Anti-Racism Process Play

Space is limited. Only 30 individuals per session, registrations must be received by March 30th, 2012.
Registration is FREE for UND affiliates. Click here to reserve your spot!
http://www.und.edu/student-life/multicultural-student-services/events.cfm
Monday, April 2nd 6pm-8:30pm
Tuesday, April 3rd 8am-10:30am, 12pm-2:30pm, and 6pm-8:30pm
Wednesday, April 4th 10am-12:30pm and 2:30-5pm
Workshops will be held in the BADLANDS Room, UND Memorial Union Building.

Each session is identical. Refreshments will be served.

This workshop is about mindful exploration of deeply held beliefs, ideas, images and practices that
constitute the individual building blocks of systemic racism/white supremacy. Participants learn to use
play (engaging games and exercises) as a process tool for moving through pain (racial harm). Play is
our way to the heart through which we connect to each other with humanity, integrity and justice.

Through process tools we access and transform our own racist patterns and practices in order to
develop anti-racist teaching and learning practices in our educational communities. We learn to bring
to light the places in our own lives where each of us – whether through relative privilege or
internalized racism – is unconsciously complicit with white supremacy; and begin to choose
consciously practices aligned with justice and promoting the common well-being.

Sponsored by: Residence Services, The College of Education & Human Development's Anti-Racism Team, Multicultural
Student Services, American Indian Student Services, the UND Cultural Awareness Committee, & Greek Life.

For more information please contact: Multicultural Student Services | Tel: 701-777-4259
Era Bell Thompson Multicultural Center | 2

Volunteer Opportunity - International Day

Faith Evangelical Free church is looking for volunteers to assist with their international day. Interested students will share their country, culture, and cuisine with church members. This event will take place at noon on June 3rd.
The church will provide whatever food and supplies are needed and will provide transportation to those who need a ride.

If you interested in taking part of this volunteering activity, please contact Mary Asp

International Student Surveys

The Office of International Programs will be sending out several surveys through the international student newsletter in the near future. These surveys are optional, but please consider taking part. This research will help our office better improve our services to international students.

No Walk-In Hours Tuesday, April 3rd

International student advisors will not be availabe for "advisor on call" walk-in hours next Tuesday, April 3rd, due to programming conflicts. If you need to visit an advisor next week please plan accordingly by either visiting the Centre during Monday's, Wednesday's, or Thursday's walk-in hours, or by scheduling an appointment.

Centre Closed Friday, April 6th

The International Centre will be closed next Friday, April 6th, in observance of the Easter holiday.

Graduate Assistantship Positions Available

Graduate Teaching Assistant positions - Student Success Center
1 -Half-time GTA Position, 2012-2013 Academic Year
3 -Quarter-time GTA Positions, 2012-2013 Academic Year

Duties:
The Graduate Teaching Assistant will:
• Serve as the instructor for assigned study skills course:
o Introduction to Effective Study Skills
o Introduction to University Life
o College Reading
• Meet with students regarding study skills concerns/academic progress
• Conduct occasional presentations on study skills topics
• Plan for and conduct class lectures and in-class activities; prepare and administer tests; administer and score standard assessments; work with students on Blackboard; and meet with students during office hours
• Be expected to conduct progress meetings with assigned provisionally admitted students twice a semester and communicate student progress regularly with the SSC Learning Specialist
• Participate in periodic meetings with the Success Courses Coordinator, the Assistant Director of Learning Services, and other graduate teaching assistants
• Other duties as assigned such as work with Student Success Center programs

Criteria:
Must be accepted into a graduate master's degree program at UND (due to available resources, only those pursuing a master's degree will be considered.) Must have prior teaching experience, preferably secondary and/or postsecondary classroom teaching. Must possess good oral and written communication skills; must be able to speak before a group; and must be able to work independently, accurately, and in a timely manner. Must be available for the entire 2012-2013 academic year (fall and spring semesters.)

Benefits:
Stipend
Partial in-state tuition waiver

Application Process:
Send a cover letter, resume, and names and contact information of three references to the Student Success Center, 2901 University Avenue Stop 7143, Grand Forks, ND 58202-7143. Deadline to apply is Tuesday, April 10, 2012, or until filled. Questions can be directed to Stacey Peterson at 777-2117 or stacey.borboa.peterson@email.und.edu

Quarter-time GSA Position for Dean of Students Office - 2012-13 Academic Year

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
This position focuses on crisis response and follow-up. This position reports to a Student Services Officer in the Dean of Students Office. Preferred starting date for the position is August 16, 2012.

Crisis Responsibilities:
• Assist in Crisis Coordination efforts, which require on-call availability nights and weekends (approximately 10 duty days per month).
• Respond, as needed and on-site, to critical student situations.
• Accept instruction and perform required interventions with limited preparation, with demonstrated empathy, and in conjunction with familial needs and institutional goals.
• Assist students with special circumstance situations.
• Provide post-crisis follow-up to students as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Must be a graduate student in an approved or qualified status and enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits per semester (3 credits in the summer).
• Must be a team player, willing to learn, able to demonstrate patience, empathy, and discretion, and have a desire to assist UND students.
• Must 1
• have knowledge of the student cultures that contribute to risk-taking behaviors such as the abuse of alcohol and other drugs;
• possess and demonstrate comfort in discussing and responding to such student cultures or contemplation;
• demonstrate an understanding of secondary behaviors occurring while under the influence of substances, unwanted sexual activity, or other behaviors;
• have a comfort working with students who are contemplating self-harm or suicide or who have acted on such thoughts;
• be capable of responding to students who are in crisis, often as a result of the above listed factors; and
• have confidence to work with family or emergency service providers to advocate for the student and the interests of the University.
• Demonstrate excellent communication, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Have an ability to write reports using word processing software.
• Demonstrate an ability to handle confidential information.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Preference will be given to students with an academic interest in counseling, psychology, education, social work, or related field; and to students who can continue employment through the academic year.

BENEFITS:
The chosen applicant may receive a tuition waiver for up to 3 credit hours per semester at an allocation equivalent to the North Dakota residency rate, a moderate stipend, and an optional health insurance plan.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
To apply:
• Review and reflect on the "footnoted" bullet of the "Qualification" section above.
• Write an essay (~600 words/2 pps.) describing your observation of one or more events in response to this bulleted statement.
• Submit a cover letter, resume, names and phone numbers of three references, and a copy of the requested essay to:

Dean of Students Office
2891 2nd Avenue N – Stop 9040
Grand Forks, ND 58202-9040
or deliver to Room 180 McCannel Hall

Review of Applications will begin April 10, 2012.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Questions can be directed to Suzanne Gandrud at (701) 777-2664.

Graduation Reminder

For those of you who are planning on graduating this May, now is a good time to begin planning with an international student advisor regarding your post-graduation plans. (i.e. employment options, transfers, new degree programs)

If you are planning on applying for OPT employment authorization the process can take several months to complete, so please schedule an appointment with your advisor as soon as possible in order to allow for processing time prior to your graduation.

Career Services Workshops

UND Career Services is offering some excellent workshops on topics such as interviewing, networking, and resume & cover letter writing. These workshops are great for students preparing to enter the job field. For more information, see the attached flyer.

Reminder: Check your I-20 expiration date

As a general reminder, as the end of the semester approaches you should always keep the currend end date of your I-20 (or DS-2019) in mind. F-1, M-1, & J-1 students are not authorized to continue studying past the end date of their current I-20.

If you are not able to graduate by the date listed on your I-20, you will need to speak with an international student advisor in advance to determine what options are available for extending your program. Please call 701-777-4231 to set up an appointment with your advisor.

International Student Taxes - Software & Assistance sessions

All international students present in the United States during some part of 2011 must file certain tax forms regardless of whether or not they worked. Students who were employed will have additional tax forms to file. Information about tax requirements and sources of assistance can be found here on our website.

Several help sessions have been scheduled depending on where students are from. Information is provided on the link to our website above. Please RSVP to Pat Hanson if you would like to attend.

As a reminder, please note that many common tax-preparation softwares, such as Turbo Tax, are NOT designed for nonimmigrant students. If you use these tax preparation softwares your tax filling may be incorrect. Please use the tax-filing software provided to international students by the university, attend one of the VITA workshop sessions, or visit a tax professional.

Additionally, you should be aware that "tax season" is often an occasion for fraud attempts. Official U.S. government agencies will not contact you over the phone or via e-mail requesting personal information for your taxes. Please exercise caution in protecting your personal information and identity.

Culture Night Series - Eurasia Night!

Japan Night will take place Thursday April 12th, starting at 6:30 PM in the Memorial Union Loading Dock. come for a great presentation, followed by a taste of great food for just $1!

The current line-up for the rest of this semester is is as follows:

Spring 2012 Schedule:

April 12 IREX/Eurasia

April 19 Sri Lanka

April 26 Nigeria

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/23/2012 Newsletter

 

 

Scholarship Deadline -- April 1st
African Student Union event: Under the Baobab Tree
Career Services Workshops
Graduation Reminder
Reminder: Check your I-20 end date
Taxes for International Students - Software & Assistance Sessions
Culture Night Series -- Eurasia Night!

Scholarship Deadline -- April 1st

If you are applying for the undergraduate international student tuition waiver scholarship, the deadline for all application materials (due to the financial aid office) is April 1st. More information available here on the financial aid website

African Student Union Event: Under the Baobab Tree

UND's African Student Union organization is presenting the subject, "Afrocentrism—What would it look like in Schools in African and the USA?" on Friday, March 23rd from 6 to 7 p.m. at UND's Memorial Union, Badlands Room. All are invited to attend.

Graduation Reminder

For those of you who are planning on graduating this May, now is a good time to begin planning with an international student advisor regarding your post-graduation plans. (i.e. employment options, transfers, new degree programs)

If you are planning on applying for OPT employment authorization the process can take several months to complete, so please schedule an appointment with your advisor as soon as possible in order to allow for processing time prior to your graduation.

Career Services Workshops

UND Career Services is offering some excellent workshops on topics such as interviewing, networking, and resume & cover letter writing. These workshops are great for students preparing to enter the job field. For more information, see the attached flyer.

Reminder: Check your I-20 expiration date

As a general reminder, as the end of the semester approaches you should always keep the currend end date of your I-20 (or DS-2019) in mind. F-1, M-1, & J-1 students are not authorized to continue studying past the end date of their current I-20.

If you are not able to graduate by the date listed on your I-20, you will need to speak with an international student advisor in advance to determine what options are available for extending your program. Please call 701-777-4231 to set up an appointment with your advisor.

International Student Taxes - Software & Assistance sessions

All international students present in the United States during some part of 2011 must file certain tax forms regardless of whether or not they worked. Students who were employed will have additional tax forms to file. Information about tax requirements and sources of assistance can be found here on our website.

Several help sessions have been scheduled depending on where students are from. Information is provided on the link to our website above. Please RSVP to Pat Hanson if you would like to attend.

As a reminder, please note that many common tax-preparation softwares, such as Turbo Tax, are NOT designed for nonimmigrant students. If you use these tax preparation softwares your tax filling may be incorrect. Please use the tax-filing software provided to international students by the university, attend one of the VITA workshop sessions, or visit a tax professional.

Additionally, you should be aware that "tax season" is often an occasion for fraud attempts. Official U.S. government agencies will not contact you over the phone or via e-mail requesting personal information for your taxes. Please exercise caution in protecting your personal information and identity.

Culture Night Series - Eurasia Night!

Japan Night will take place Thursday April 12th, starting at 6:30 PM in the Memorial Union Loading Dock. come for a great presentation, followed by a taste of great food for just $1!

The current line-up for the rest of this semester is is as follows:

Spring 2012 Schedule:

April 12 IREX/Eurasia

April 19 Sri Lanka

April 26 Nigeria

 

 

 

 

 

3/16/2012 Newsletter

Welcome Back!
Spring Graduation Expo - March 22nd
Career Services Workshops
Graduation Reminder
Kick Butts Day - March 21st
Reminder: Check your I-20 end date
Taxes for International Students - Software & Assistance Sessions
Culture Night Series -- Japan Night!

 

 

 

 

3/16/2012 Newsletter

 

Welcome Back!

All of us here at the Office of International Programs hope you had a great spring break. Hopefully any travel was safe and enjoyable and you will all be back in Grand Forks by Monday ready to tackle the end of the semester!

Remember that May is just around the corner. Keep your heads up for the rest of the semester and you'll do great!

Spring Graduation Expo - March 22nd

The Spring Graduation Expo will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, March 22, in the Memorial Union Loading Dock. A visit to the Expo will be a one-stop information source for students graduating May 12.

The Registrar's Office will be on-hand to verify your degree, your name as it should appear on your diploma, and your hometown for the commencement program. The Bookstore and Herff Jones will have regalia, diploma covers, frames, and class rings for purchase and viewing. Financial aid can answer questions about student loan payments. Career Services will assist with any job search. The Alumni Association will explain services to new graduates. Plus additional information about UND's Graduate School, the official commencement photographer, catering options, and a display from the Greater Grand Forks Convention and Visitors Bureau will also be available.

If you have any questions about the Expo, contact the Office of Ceremonies and Special Events at 777-6393 or e-mail dawn.botsford@email.und.edu. For more information about the May Commencement ceremony, visit the web page at http://und.edu/commencement.

Graduation Reminder

For those of you who are planning on graduating this May, now is a good time to begin planning with an international student advisor regarding your post-graduation plans. (i.e. employment options, transfers, new degree programs)

If you are planning on applying for OPT employment authorization the process can take several months to complete, so please schedule an appointment with your advisor as soon as possible in order to allow for processing time prior to your graduation.

Career Services Workshops

UND Career Services is offering some excellent workshops on topics such as interviewing, networking, and resume & cover letter writing. These workshops are great for students preparing to enter the job field. For more information, see the attached flyer.

Kick Butts Day - Wednesday March 21st

In honor of Kick Butts Day on Wednesday, March 21st, the Healthy UND Tobacco Free Campus Task Group is taking the opportunity to highlight the tobacco free campus policy and quit tobacco options. Kick Butts Day, founded by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, is a national day to raise awareness about tobacco use, the leading cause of preventable death and disease.

UND is a tobacco free campus, which means tobacco use in any form is not allowed on university property. Tobacco use is allowed on city streets and sidewalks adjacent to these streets. Each and every UND community member, including students, administrators, faculty and staff, play an important role in ensuring the success of this policy. For more information on UND's UNDO tobacco free policy, click here.

Reminder: Check your I-20 expiration date

As a general reminder, as the end of the semester approaches you should always keep the currend end date of your I-20 (or DS-2019) in mind. F-1, M-1, & J-1 students are not authorized to continue studying past the end date of their current I-20.

If you are not able to graduate by the date listed on your I-20, you will need to speak with an international student advisor in advance to determine what options are available for extending your program. Please call 701-777-4231 to set up an appointment with your advisor.

International Student Taxes - Software & Assistance sessions

All international students present in the United States during some part of 2011 must file certain tax forms regardless of whether or not they worked. Students who were employed will have additional tax forms to file. Information about tax requirements and sources of assistance can be found here on our website.

Several help sessions have been scheduled depending on where students are from. Information is provided on the link to our website above. Please RSVP to Pat Hanson if you would like to attend.

As a reminder, please note that many common tax-preparation softwares, such as Turbo Tax, are NOT designed for nonimmigrant students. If you use these tax preparation softwares your tax filling may be incorrect. Please use the tax-filing software provided to international students by the university, attend one of the VITA workshop sessions, or visit a tax professional.

Additionally, you should be aware that "tax season" is often an occasion for fraud attempts. Official U.S. government agencies will not contact you over the phone or via e-mail requesting personal information for your taxes. Please exercise caution in protecting your personal information and identity.

Culture Night Series - Japan Night!

Japan Night will take place nextThursday March 22nd, starting at 6:30 PM in the Memorial Union Loading Dock. come for a great presentation, followed by a taste of great food for just $1!

The current line-up for the rest of this semester is is as follows:

Spring 2012 Schedule:

March 22 Japan

April 12 IREX/Eurasia

April 19 Sri Lanka

April 26 Nigeria

 

 

 

 

 

3/01/2012 Newsletter

Be a Peer Mentor
International Women's Day Panel
Spring Graduation Expo - March 22nd
Career Services Workshops
Graduation Reminder
Spring Break - LAST DAY FOR HOUSING SIGN-UP, Hours of Operation, Travel Reminder
Volunteer Opportunity -- Maple View Memory Care Center
Volunteer Opportunity - Wellness Expo
Taxes for International Students - Software & Assistance Sessions
Culture Night Series -- Bhutan Night Tonight!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be a Peer Mentor

Are you looking for a fun and rewarding volunteer experience? Do you like meeting new people and learning about other cultures? If so, the International Peer Mentor Program at UND is a great volunteer opportunity for you! The International Peer Mentor Program consists of UND student volunteers who help new incoming international students learn about UND and Grand Forks. Peer mentors also help pick-up students when they first arrive, get them settled into housing arrangements, and take part in new student orientation activities in the fall. Peer mentors will receive training this semester and will be in contact with their assigned new student mentees over the summer before they arrive.

If you are interested in volunteering as a peer mentor this fall, please check out the details here on our website. The application process is online, and you will also need to submit a recommendation form. The application deadline is March 12th.

International Women's Day Panel

The Women Studies Program is putting together a panel of International Women to discuss women's rights and cultures world-wide to celebrate International Women's Day. Come join us for good conversation, mingling and free pizza/pop! Bring your friends and celebrate women's rights everywhere!

Date: March 8th

Time: 12 - 1

Location: UND International Centre

Spring Graduation Expo - March 22nd

The Spring Graduation Expo will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, March 22, in the Memorial Union Loading Dock. A visit to the Expo will be a one-stop information source for students graduating May 12.

The Registrar's Office will be on-hand to verify your degree, your name as it should appear on your diploma, and your hometown for the commencement program. The Bookstore and Herff Jones will have regalia, diploma covers, frames, and class rings for purchase and viewing. Financial aid can answer questions about student loan payments. Career Services will assist with any job search. The Alumni Association will explain services to new graduates. Plus additional information about UND's Graduate School, the official commencement photographer, catering options, and a display from the Greater Grand Forks Convention and Visitors Bureau will also be available.

If you have any questions about the Expo, contact the Office of Ceremonies and Special Events at 777-6393 or e-mail dawn.botsford@email.und.edu. For more information about the May Commencement ceremony, visit the web page at http://und.edu/commencement.

Career Services Workshops

UND Career Services is offering some excellent workshops on topics such as interviewing, networking, and resume & cover letter writing. These workshops are great for students preparing to enter the job field. For more information, see the attached flyer

Graduation Reminder

For those of you who are planning on graduating this May, now is a good time to begin planning with an international student advisor regarding your post-graduation plans. (i.e. employment options, transfers, new degree programs)

If you are planning on applying for OPT employment authorization the process can take several months to complete, so please schedule an appointment with your advisor as soon as possible in order to allow for processing time prior to your graduation.

Spring Break -- LAST DAY OF HOUSING SIGN-UP, Hours of Operation, Travel Reminder

If you are going to be staying on-campus during spring break, TODAY is the last day to register for housing -- you can do so online through your campus connection account. More information on this is available here

Please keep in mind that many offices and departments on campus will either be closed or will have limited hours of operation during spring break, such as the following:

-- International Centre break hours will be M-F 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

--Chester Fritz Library break hours are posted here

--University Bookstore break hours are posted here

If you are traveling, please remember to keep your original immigration documents with you (such as your passport, I-94 card, I-20/DS-2019) and make sure that all signatures are current.

Volunteer Opportunity - Maple View Memory Care Center

The Maple View Memory Care Center in Grand Forks is looking for students to show off their talents to their Alzheimer's group. They are looking for individuals or groups of people to dance, share musical abilities, or share any talents or about your culture. Maple View is located on the southeast end of Grand Forks. If you are interested in helping out, please either email Johanna Watne at dana0@lifeatmapleview.com or by calling her at 772-3400.

Volunteer Opportunity - Wellness Expo

As a way to celebrate multidimensional wellness, the Health & Wellness Unit and Altru Health Systems will host the first ever Wellness Expo at the UND Wellness Center. This event will take place on Wednesday, March 7th from 2-7pm in the Wellness Center Gymnasium. Attendance at this event will be free of charge, as we want as many people as possile to know about the numerous multidimensional options available on campus.

Being that this is a campus-wide event, student volunteers are needed to help with stage assembly, Entry & Welcome Group, Photo Booth, and there may be some additional areas during the event. If interested in volunteering, you can sign-up here or contact Devon Kittredge. Once you add your name to the list, you will be contacted with more information.

International Student Taxes - Software & Assistance sessions

All international students present in the United States during some part of 2011 must file certain tax forms regardless of whether or not they worked. Students who were employed will have additional tax forms to file. Information about tax requirements and sources of assistance can be found here on our website.

Several help sessions have been scheduled depending on where students are from. Information is provided on the link to our website above. Please RSVP to Pat Hanson if you would like to attend.

As a reminder, please note that many common tax-preparation softwares, such as Turbo Tax, are NOT designed for nonimmigrant students. If you use these tax preparation softwares your tax filling may be incorrect. Please use the tax-filing software provided to international students by the university, attend one of the VITA workshop sessions, or visit a tax professional.

Additionally, you should be aware that "tax season" is often an occasion for fraud attempts. Official U.S. government agencies will not contact you over the phone or via e-mail requesting personal information for your taxes. Please exercise caution in protecting your personal information and identity.

Culture Night Series - Bhutan Night Tonight!

Bhutan Night will take place TONIGHT,Thursday March 1st, starting at 6:30 PM in the Memorial Union Loading Dock. Come for a great presentation, followed by a taste of great food for just $1!

The current line-up for the rest of this semester is is as follows:

Spring 2012 Schedule:

March 1 Bhutan

March 22 Japan

April 12 IREX/Eurasia

April 19 Sri Lanka

April 26 Nigeria