1.  OPT Workshops for May Graduates

The ISSO will be holding two workshops for students graduating in May and interested in applying for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).  Please plan to attend one of the workshops, as much information will be discussed. 

·         Friday, February 4^th at 4:00pm in Denny 109

OR

·         Thursday, February 10 at 4:00pm in Denny 200

2.  Conversation Partner Applications Due Feb. 4^th

Submit your applications now to participate in the Conversation Partner Program, a program that matches internationals with Americans for informal, one-on-one conversation once a week.  Go to www.isso.uncc.edu/ProgramEvents.htm to apply!

3.  Tax Season is Approaching – April 15^th Deadline

All international students (F-1 & J-1) who resided in the US during 2004 are required to complete federal tax forms.  At one of the scheduled seminars, you will receive tax-filing information.  We will also issue you a password for a small fee (either $3 or $4, still to be determined) so that you can access the NRAware tax software program that will help you complete your federal tax forms.  We will also provide you with information for filing the NC State tax on form D-400.   

If you have been employed in 2004, bring to the meeting any tax forms (W-2 and/or 1042-S) that you have received from any and all employers,.  If you have not yet received these forms, you should contact your employer(s) – past and present.  (For UNC Charlotte employment that is Teresa Kiser in 322 Reese Building or send her an email at tkiser@email.uncc.edu). 

The ISSO will be holding the following tax workshops to help you through the process.

·         Feb. 22^nd @ 4pm (Denny 200)

OR

·         Feb. 25^th @ 4pm (Denny 109)
 

4.  State Department Visit to UNC Charlotte on Feb. 9

The US State Department (the government agency which oversees visa issuance at US consulates abroad) will hold a meeting at UNC Charlotte in order to hear feedback from international students on their experiences obtaining visas, etc as well as to share some other relevant information.  All international students are welcome and encouraged to attend this session on Wednesday, Feb. 9^th from 4:15-5:15pm in Storrs 290. 
 

5.  International Coffee Hour February Dates

International Coffee Hour will be held on:  Thursday, February 3^rd & February 17^th

Come anytime between 4-6pm in the Prospector Faculty/Staff Dining Room. 

Hope you’ll be able to join us for great conversations & refreshments!
 

6.  “Multicultural Movement”

The Group Fitness Program in the Student Activities Center will offer 4 different multicultural dance classes in the month of February.  No experience is required, and everyone is welcome!   

Classes will be held each Tuesday in February from 5:30-6:30pm in the SAC Aerobics Room.  You should either have a SAC membership or pay a $4 guest fee.  Classes are as follows: 

Feb. 1               Hip Hop Dance
Feb. 8               African Dance
Feb. 15             Salsa
Feb. 22             Belly Dance

7. International Club Trip to Florida

Think ahead to Spring Break and join the International Club as they explore the Kennedy Space Center and Disneyworld!

 Bus leaves on Friday, March 4^th in the evening and returns on Wednesday, March 9^th late at night.  Sign-up begins on Feb. 17^th for current members and Feb. 21^st for non-members.  Come to the ISSO in Denny 114 for sign-up.  For more information, visit http://www.sco.uncc.edu/intlclub

8.  Changing your major?

Any F-1 student changing his/her major should be issued a new I-20.  Once we have been notified of the change, we will create the new I-20 and notify you via your @uncc.edu email account.