February highlights include: 

1. OPT Workshops for May graduates
2. Tax Season is approaching – April 15^th Deadline
3. IRS Warns Taxpayers of New E-mail Scams
4. International Coffee Hour February Dates
5. International Club Trip to Florida
6. Staff Diversity Day
7. Interested in Indoor & Outdoor Exercise?

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. 

• Fri. Feb. 8 at 4:00pm in CHHS 295
  
OR
• Wed. Feb. 13 at 4:00pm in CHHS 295

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

All international students (F-1 & J-1) who resided in the US during 2007 are required to complete federal tax forms. 

 If you have been employed in 2007, you will need to file the federal tax forms and the state tax forms.  There will be 2 opportunities to attend a workshop (see dates/times below) where you will receive tax-filing information, and for a fee of $3.25 (exact change appreciated) we will issue you a password so that you can access the CINTAX tax software program that will help you to complete your federal tax forms.  We will also provide you with information for filing the North Carolina State tax on form D-400. 

Please take to the workshop any tax forms (W-2 and/or 1042-S) that you have received from any and all employers. You should receive these sometime in February.  If, by the end of the month you still have not received them, you should contact your employer(s) – past and present.  (For UNC Charlotte employment that is the Payroll Office on the 3^rd floor of the Reese building.) 

Tax workshops will be:

·         Fri. Feb. 15^th @ 4pm in CHHS 281 (passwords not available before this date)

OR

·         Fri. Feb. 22^nd @ 11am in CHHS 281

For students who only need a password and do not wish to stay for the workshop, passwords can be purchased at the beginning of each workshop.  Please plan to attend one. 

If you have NOT been employed in 2007, you must file the form 8843.  Tips on how to complete this form, along with a link to the 8843 can be found at http://www.isso.uncc.edu/employment.htm#Taxes

If you received a form 1098-T, please disregard unless you have been in F1 or J1 status for 5 years or more and have been employed.  Otherwise, you are not eligible to claim this benefit as part of your tax return. 

3.  IRS Warns Taxpayers of New E-mail Scams

Publicity surrounding the new tax law "Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the American People Act of 2008" has brought out the e-mail scam artists.  There have been many reports of fraudulent e-mails sent through numerous e-mail servers requesting taxpayers to fill out web forms to receive their rebate.   These e-mails are fake.  The IRS does not correspond through unsolicited e-mails and you should NOT respond to this type of e-mail, no matter how tempting it may seem.

4.  International Coffee Hour February Dates

Thursday, February 7^th join us for some Salsa & Merengue dance lessons!
February 21^st join us for more great conversations & refreshments!

Come anytime between 4-6pm in the Prospector Faculty/Staff Dining Room.  Bring a friend or meet one there…

5. International Club Trip to Florida

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

The bus will leave UNC Charlotte on Saturday, March 1^st in the evening and will return on Thursday night, March 6^th.   

Sign-up begins on Tuesday, Feb. 12^th for current members and Wednesday, Feb. 13^th for non-members.  Come to the ISSO in CHHS 202 with a check or money order (no cash or credit cards will be accepted) for $270 or $223 (member price).  A 2-day Disney World pass is also available for $100. 

6. Staff Diversity Day

The Staff Organization Committee is hosting a Staff Diversity Day and is seeking people from other cultures to participate by modeling their native dress in a fashion show on March 11.  For more information contact Sherry Bruce at  swbruce@uncc.edu or 704-687-2344.

7.  Interested in Indoor & Outdoor Exercise?

There are many ways to get some exercise in the winter time.  If you’re looking for something really fun, check out the two possibilities below:
Multicultural Movement

·         Learn various styles of contemporary dance. No Dance Experience Required.  Everyone is Welcome!  

·         Every Tues. in February 2008 from 5:30-6:30 in the SAC Aerobics Room

·         2/5: Zumba; 2/12: Salsa; 2/19: Hip-Hop; 2/26: Belly Dance

Venture Outdoor Programs

·         Join in group activities such as rock climbing, caving, kayaking and hiking while getting out there to discover more of North Carolina!  Open to all skill levels.

·         For more information visit http://venture.uncc.edu/intro.asp