Editor鈥檚 Note: The ISSS Newsletter is distributed monthly. Between monthly newsletters, please follow us on Facebook and/or Instagram to learn more about programs, events, and updates.
Contents:
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- Reminder of ISSS Availability
- New International Student Orientation Information
- Full Time Course Enrollment for Spring 2025 Semester
- Save the Dates: Spring 2025 International Coffee Hours!
- Save the Dates: Spring 2025 Global Networking group (GNG) Events!
- International Health Insurance Team is Now Accepting Insurance Fee Waiver Requests
- Important Travel Information
- 2024 Income Tax Information
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1. Reminder of ISSS Availability
Advising Hours & Updates:
The office of International Student and Scholar Services holds advising hours on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10:00am to 11:45am and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. Please visit the ISSS website for updates.
Special Notice Regarding ISSS Unavailability:
On Monday, January 20 the ISSS office will be unavailable for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday. Please visit the ISSS website for additional updates regarding availability.
2. New International Student Orientation Information
New students are starting to arrive to begin their studies for the Spring 2025 semester!
International Student Orientation activities will take place on Thursday, January 16. The first event will start at 8:30am in the ISSS Office (Old Champlain Hall, Floor 1R). Additional information on the International Student Orientation schedule is available here.
3. Full Time Course Enrollment for Spring 2025 Semester
The add/drop deadline for the Spring 2025 semester is Monday, February 3, 2025 You must be enrolled in a full-time course load by the end of the add/drop deadline in order to maintain a valid immigration status. If you will not be enrolled full-time, you will need to submit a Request for Reduced Course Load form to the ISSS Office.
4. Save the Dates: Spring 2025 International Coffee Hours!
Save the date for the four Spring 2025 International Coffee Hour events! ISSS will be hosting these events with other campus offices that support our international community. Be sure to join us for an informal social program! All are welcome!
| Spring 2025 International Coffee Hours | |||
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Wednesday, February 5 3:00-4:30pm Old Champlain Atrium |
Wednesday, March 5 3:00-4:30pm Old Champlain Atrium |
Wednesday, April 2 3:00-4:30pm Old Champlain Atrium |
Wednesday, May 7 3:00-4:30pm Old Champlain Atrium |
If you have any questions about International Coffee Hour, contact Annie Smith (dsmith66@binghamton.edu), ISSS Programming Coordinator.
5. Save the Dates: Spring 2025 Global Networking Group (GNG) Events!
The 黑料视频 GNG aims to promote meaningful interactions between current students, develop intercultural communication skills, and strengthen community among students. The program also strives to be as inclusive as possible - all members of the 黑料视频 community are welcome to come to GNG events and there is no strict commitment. GNG is simply a series of casual, fun social events for globally minded Bearcats. To get further updates on the events themselves, please complete our mailing list sign-up . All are welcome!
| Spring 2025 GNG Events | |||
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Cookie Decorating Friday, February 14 2:00-4:00pm Old Champlain Atrium |
Board Game Afternoon Tuesday, March 18 2:00-4:00pm Old Champlain Atrium |
Flower Pot / Rock Painting Thursday, April 10 2:00-4:00pm Old Champlain Atrium |
Scavenger Hunt Tuesday, April 22 2:00-4:00pm Old Champlain Atrium |
6. International Health Insurance Team is Now Accepting Insurance Fee Waiver Requests
The International Health Insurance Team is now accepting requests from those who believe they meet the requirements for an international health insurance fee waiver. In order to qualify for a waiver of the fee you must:
RAs/TAs/GAs with health insurance (NYSHIP or Empire Blue) will no longer be automatically waived from the standard SUNY International student insurance policy, as was the case in previous semesters. Any student with an active I-20 who wishes to file an application for a waiver from the standard international student health insurance plan will need to complete an international health insurance waiver e-form. You will be notified if your waiver is approved and your charges will be adjusted accordingly.
Please note that a submission does not guarantee approval. A full review of your policy must be conducted to ensure compliance. Approved waivers are valid for one semester only. Students must submit a health insurance waiver request every semester. The deadline for submission of a waiver request is February 15, 2025. No exceptions are granted.
7. Important Travel Information
The ISSS Office recommends that you continue to use caution when planning travel outside the United States. Travel restrictions have the potential to affect your ability to return to the United States. If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the US for an indefinite amount of time.
If you choose to travel outside the United States:
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- Ensure that you have all of the required documents to return to the U.S. Review the detailed instructions on our Travel page for more information.
- If the signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 will be more than 12 months old (6 months for students on OPT or STEM OPT) when you return to the U.S., you should visit the ISSS office for an updated signature before you leave. If you are not able to visit the office in person, or if you do not have your most recent I-20 or DS-2019, you can with an updated signature online. Don鈥檛 wait until the last minute to request a travel signature. You can visit the ISSS for an updated travel signature anytime the office is open.
- Understand any travel restrictions or requirements that may apply based on where you are traveling.
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If you have any questions regarding travel, please email isss@binghamton.edu.
8. 2024 Income Tax Information
If you were in the U.S. in F or J status between January 1, 2024 鈥 December 31, 2024 you are required to file taxes, even if you earned no income in the United States. Information and instructions on how to file taxes will be available by mid-February on the ISSS website. A special edition newsletter focused on Taxes will also be circulated mid-February to provide additional detailed guidance.
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