March highlights include:

1. International Coffee Hour Dates for March
2. One more OPT workshop on March 8^th for May Graduates
3. Reminder to maintain fulltime status!
4. Spring Break travel outside the U.S.
5. International Women’s Day Celebration!
6. Tax workshops March 3^rd & 9^th – Filing deadline is April 15^th
7. Meeting about refunding of SS & Medicare Taxes – March 15^th
8. ISSO Staff out of the office on March 10^th

 
1.  International Coffee Hour Dates for March

International Coffee Hour will be held on:  Thursday, March 2^nd & March 16^th
Come anytime between 4-6pm in the Prospector Faculty/Staff Dining Room and join us for great conversations & refreshments!

2.  One more OPT workshop on March 8^th for May Graduates

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

• Wednesday, March 8^th at 3:00 pm in Denny 220
   

3. Reminder to maintain fulltime status!

Mid-terms are upon us and we hope you all do wonderfully.  But we also wanted to remind you that dropping below a fulltime course of study without prior authorization is a violation of your immigration status.  If you are having difficulty with a class and are thinking of dropping it, please talk first with Marian or Denise in the ISSO so that we can discuss the potential immigration implications.  

Again, fulltime is defined as the following:

Undergraduate = at least 12 credits
Graduate = at least 9 credits
Graduate with approved assistantship = at least 6 credits
Graduate who has completed coursework and working on thesis or project only = no minimum required but must be registered for “thesis”, “project”, or “dissertation”.

 
4. Spring Break Travel outside the U.S. 

If you are traveling outside the U.S. for Spring Break (yes, this includes Canada & Mexico) please remember to get your I-20 or DS-2019 signed in the ISSO if it’s been more than 1 year since your last signature!  Also, please take appropriate documentation with you for your return (valid passport, visa, UNC Charlotte transcript and financial documentation).   

Have a happy and safe Spring Break!!
 

5.  International Women’s Day Celebration

Monday, March 8^th is International Women’s Day.  This day is designated as a day to come together and celebrate the accomplishments of women around the world as well as to acknowledge their economic, political, cultural and social struggles for equality, justice, peace, and development.   

Due to Spring Break, UNC Charlotte will celebrate International Women’s Day on March 23^rd from 4-6pm in Salons A&B of the SAC and you are all invited to join us! 

The purpose of this event is to recognize that our campus is filled with women who embody the richness of internationalism and we would like to recognize those individuals and their contributions to UNC Charlotte and the world. 

Refreshments will be available and performances will be made by the UNC Charlotte Women’s Choir.  Also, if you feel comfortable, please wear your native dress to this event so that we can recognize your cultures! 

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE, AND BRING YOUR FRIENDS!   

6.  Tax workshops March 3^rd – Deadline is April 15^th

All international students (F-1 & J-1) who resided in the US during 2005 are required to complete federal tax forms. 

If you were employed in 2005, you must file both federal and state tax forms. 

If you were NOT employed in 2005, you must file only 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

Two seminars will be available to help students file their federal and state taxes.  You may attend either one.  They will be held on:

• Friday, March 3^rd @ 4pm in Denny 220
      and

• Thursday, March 9^th @ 4pm in Denny 119

If you are unable to attend either of the seminars above, you can still pick-up a password for $3.00 in the ISSO (bring exact change) so that you can access the tax software program that will help you complete your federal tax forms.
 

7.  Meeting about refunding of SS & Med Taxes – March 15^th

Students in F1 and J1 status less than 5 years are exempt from Social Security (FICA) and Medicare tax withholding. If your employer incorrectly withheld these taxes from your paycheck during 2005 and you wish to request a refund you should attend this meeting to learn how to proceed. 

·         Wednesday, March 15^th, 4:00 p.m., Denny 119
 

8.  ISSO Staff Out of the Office on March 10^th

Marian, Denise and Debbie will be away at a conference on Friday, March 10^th.  The office will be open however no advising will be available.