April highlights include:

1.  International Women’s Day Photos!

2.  End of Semester Travel Reminders

3.  OPT Reminders for May & August Graduates

4.  I-20 or DS-2019 Expiration Dates?

5.  Summer Registration & Summer Employment

6.  International Festival at UNC Greensboro April 14

7.  International Coffee Hour – April 5 & 19

8.  International Club “Trip to the Mountain” – April 6

9.  Come See Our New Office in CHHS!

1.  International Women’s Day Photos!

On Thursday, March 22^nd, UNC Charlotte held its second annual International Women’s Day Celebration, honoring women from around the world as well as U.S. women who work with global women’s issues or who have international interests.   

It was a beautiful event and we wanted to share some photos with you.  Thank you to those who joined us and we look forward to seeing many more international students at next year’s event!  See photos at http://www.uncc.edu/oip/intwomenday.htm

2.  End of Semester Travel Reminders

The end of the semester is approaching fast, so if you plan on traveling outside of the U.S. this summer, please read the important reminders below… 

·         Make sure page 3 of your I-20 has been signed within the past year.  If not, bring it to the ISSO for a signature at least 1 week prior to your departure.

·         If your funding has changed, please bring this to our attention so that we can create a new I-20 with the most accurate, up-to-date information.

·         Check to make sure that your visa and your passport will be valid on the day you re-enter the U.S.  If not, you must extend them accordingly. 

·         If your visa has expired or will expire prior to your re-entry, you will need to apply for a new one.  You should be prepared to show…

1.      Valid I-20 with recent signature on p.3

2.      Valid passport

3.      Proof of financial support

4.      Proof of registration at UNC Charlotte

5.      Letter of enrollment (available at ISSO)

·         Take proof of financial support and registration with you (unofficial transcript from 49er Express), in case you are questioned upon re-entry to the U.S.

·         If you have applied for OPT, make sure to take your EAD and a job offer letter with you.

·         If you will begin a new degree program in the fall, make sure to take your NEW I-20 for re-entry to the U.S.

·         If you will transfer to another university in the Fall, you must re-enter the U.S using your NEW I-20, rather than your UNC Charlotte I-20.

·         If you entered the U.S. under “special registration”, YOU MUST meet with an immigration official at one of the designated ports of exit (despite any advice to the contrary from any airline official!).  If you have any questions, please see Marian or Denise prior to your departure.
 

3.  OPT Reminders for May, July & August Graduates

Anyone completing their degree in either May, July or August and interested in OPT must apply PRIOR TO program completion/graduation.

• May graduates - we recommend that you apply by May 1^st to give time for postal delivery. For more information, see http://www.isso.uncc.edu/optcpt.htm
• July or August graduates - OPT information sessions will be held in early May.  More details will follow, so keep your eyes open!

4.  I-20/DS-2019 Program Extensions?

Please take a look at your I-20 (item #5) or DS-2019 (item #3) for the program end date.  If this date is approaching in May or August and you still need more time to complete your program, you MUST file a program extension in the ISSO prior to the end date on the document.  The form is available in our office or at http://www.isso.uncc.edu/immigration.htm#Request%20Forms under “request forms”.  If you do not request a program extension and your I-20 or DS-2019 expires, you will be out of status and ineligible for OPT.
 

5.  Summer Registration & Summer Employment

F1 students must register in the summer only if it is your very last semester.  Otherwise, it is not required.  

Also, you may work on campus during the summer if you are registered for Summer and/or Fall Semester.  If you have specific questions, please ask!
 

6.  International Festival at UNC Greensboro!

Here’s your chance to enjoy an international festival before next September!  Go to Greensboro’s International Festival on April 14, and join in the fun.  It will be from 12:00-5:00pm in the Fountain Area on their campus.  For more information go to www.uncg.edu/ipg or call 336-334-5404.
 

7.  International Coffee Hour Dates for April!

The International Coffee Hour events for April are: 

• Thursday, April 5^th

AND

• Thursday, April 19^th (International Childhood Games Day!)*

 *If you would like to play and teach your favorite childhood game at this International Coffee Hour (could be inside or outside), please send an email to ammabery@uncc.edu by April 13^th. 

As always, International Coffee Hour is from 4-6pm in the Faculty/Staff Dining Room of the Prospector Cafeteria.  Bring a friend, or make a new one there!! 
 

8.  International Club “Trip to the Mountain”!

On Friday, April 6^th, 2007 (Good Friday…NO classes!) come join the UNC Charlotte International Club for an exciting day of hiking, sightseeing and boat touring at Chimney Rock Park and Lake Lure.   

Depart from UNC Charlotte at 7:30 am, return around 9:00 pm.

Cost: $30, including a morning snack on the bus, entrance fee to Chimney Rock Park and Lake Lure Boat tour. ($11 for children age 12 & under).  Open to club members and non-members. 

Sign-up begins March 29 and ends on April 3 in CHHS building, Suite 202.  Please bring a check or money order made out to International Club. 
 

9.  Come See Our New Office in CHHS, Suite 202!

If you haven’t already seen our new office in the College of Health & Human Services, please do stop-by and say hello!  You will hardly recognize it from our “old place” in Denny!