February highlights include: 

1.      UNC Charlotte Homecoming Activities!

2.      OPT Information Sessions for May graduates

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

4.      International Coffee Hour February Dates

5.      International Club Trip to Florida

6.      Interested in Indoor & Outdoor Exercise?

UNC Charlotte Homecoming Activities!

‘Homecoming’ is an annual tradition of colleges and universities in the U.S. which allows current and former students (alumni) to come together and celebrate their school spirit!  There are usually many events, including a parade, the voting of a Homecoming King and Queen, and a main sporting event. 

At UNC Charlotte, the festivities begin on Mon. Feb. 2^nd and continue through Sat. Feb. 14^th.  Take the opportunity to join in the celebration of your university and check out the events listed at http://homecoming.uncc.edu .

·          One of the Homecoming events that may be of interest is the 5K Run/Walk on February 14th.  If you register by Feb. 6^th the cost is $15 for students, which also includes a long-sleeved T-shirt.  Proceeds are given to the American Heart Association.  For more information and to register go to http://www.recservices.uncc.edu/HC5K.htm 
 

OPT Information Sessions for May Graduates

The ISSO will hold information sessions for students graduating in May and interested in applying for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).  Your attendance is required at one of these sessions, scheduled once in Feb, once in March, and once in April.   

If your schedule does not allow for you to attend any of the sessions below, please send an email to dvmedei@uncc.edu with your time availability and we will attempt to schedule another session. 

·          Fri. Feb. 20 at 4:00pm in CHHS 295

·          Thurs. March 12 at 6:00pm in CHHS 295

·          Wed. April 15 at 5:30pm in CHHS 145

Tax Season is Approaching – April 15^th Deadline

All international students (F-1 & J-1) who resided in the US during 2008 are required to complete federal tax forms.   

If you have been employed in 2008, 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:

·          Mon. Feb. 23^rd @ 4pm in CHHS 155 (passwords not available before this date)

OR

·          Fri. Feb. 27^nd @ 4pm in CHHS 281

For students who only need a password and do not wish to stay for the workshop, passwords can be purchased in the ISSO beginning on Tues. Feb 24th. 

If you have NOT been employed in 2008, you must still 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.   

International Coffee Hour February Dates

Thursday, February 5^th

February 19^th  

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

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 7^th in the evening and will return on Wednesday, March 11^th.   

Sign-up dates and cost of the trip have not yet been decided but check
http://www.sco.uncc.edu/intlclub after Feb 5th.
   

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 2009 from 5:30-6:30 in the SAC Aerobics Room

·          2/3: Zumba; 2/10: Belly Dance; 2/17: Hip-Hop; 2/24: African 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/event/2009/02/10