March highlights include:

1. International Coffee Hour March 1^st & 15^th
2. Meeting about refunding of SS & Med Taxes – Friday, March 2^nd 
3. One more OPT workshop on March 13^th for May Graduates
4. Reminder to maintain fulltime status!
5. Spring Break travel outside the U.S.
6. Change Clocks on March 11^th!
7. International Women’s Day Celebration!
8. Tax Filing deadline is April 15^th

1.  International Coffee Hour March 1^st & 15^th

International Coffee Hour will be held on:  Thursday, March 1^st & 15^th. Come anytime between 4-6pm in the Prospector Faculty/Staff Dining Room and join us for refreshments, games, music & great conversations!


2.  Meeting about refunding of SS & Med Taxes – Friday, March 2^nd

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 2006 and you wish to request a refund you should attend this meeting to learn how to proceed. 

·         Friday, March 2^nd, 4:00 p.m., CHHS 278
 

3.  One more OPT workshop on March 13^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), work authorization in your field of study.  Please plan to attend, as much information will be discussed.   

·         Tuesday, March 13^th from 4-5pm in CHHS 278
 

4. 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 or other possible options.  

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”.
 

5. 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…

• Get your I-20 or DS-2019 signed in the ISSO if it’s been more than 1 year since your last signature! 
• Take valid passport, visa, UNC Charlotte transcript and financial documentation.

Have a happy and safe Spring Break!!

6. Change Clocks on March 11^th!

Don’t forget to change your clocks, watches, cell phones, palm pilots, etc. on Sunday, March 11^th at 2:00am.  Since it’s now Spring, we “spring” ahead 1 hour and gain more light.  For more information, see http://webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/b.html.
 

7.  International Women’s Day Celebration

Monday, March 8^th is International Women’s Day.  As you may know, 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.   

UNC Charlotte will celebrate International Women’s Day on Thursday, March 22^nd from 3:30-5:00pm in Storrs Gallery in the College of Architecture.   

You are all welcome and encouraged to join us for a reception with refreshments, performances, and a special recognition ceremony!  Please wear your native dress to this event so that we can recognize you and your cultures! 

You are also invited to nominate someone (student, faculty, or staff) who has made an impact on the lives of women locally and globally to be recognized and celebrated on this special day.  No accomplishment is too small, no experience insignificant! 

• For more information on who can be nominated, submission guidelines, and an application visit www.uncc.edu/oip/intwomenday.htm  or contact dvmedei@email.uncc.edu.
   
• Please submit nominations by Monday, March 12, 2007.
   

 WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE!  This event is open to all faculty, staff and students at UNC Charlotte.
 

8.  Tax Filing Deadline is April 15^th

All international students (F-1 & J-1) who resided in the US during 2006 are required to complete federal tax forms.   

If you were employed in 2006, you must file both federal and state tax forms.  These forms and instructions are available in the ISSO, College of Health & Human Services Building, Room 202.   

If you were NOT employed in 2006, 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