From: VISA Office
Date: November 27
Subject: VISA News: Thanksgiving, Gratitude, Amish Country, Winter Career Expo and MORE


VISA news header

VISA Office Information

The VISA Office is open 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday. We are located in Crawford Hall, Suite 215.

We have virtual chat advising available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11am to 1pm. Access virtual chat from our website here.

You are also welcome to contact us for an in-person, phone, or virtual appointment. Please email visa@case.edu to request an appointment or schedule from our website here.

Thanksgiving Holiday Closure

The University will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29.  VISA Office staff will be unavailable on those days.  Please plan accordingly for this break if you need assistance from the VISA Office.

For dining options, please see this link.

Normal business hours will resume on Monday, December 2.

keep calm the semester is about to end meme

End of Semester Reminders

Start preparing for the end of the semester and see if you have to take action on your I-20 or DS-2019.

If you need to extend the program end date on your I-20 or DS-2019:  Please visit our website and scroll down to "request new I-20 extension" or "request new DS-2019 extension" and provide your advisor information in the request.
Undergraduates: list your Dean in Undergraduate Studies
Graduate students: list your academic advisor.

If you need to transfer your F-1 or J-1 SEVIS record: Visit our website for the transfer out request.

If you need to get a new travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019: To submit a request for travel signature, visit our website and scroll down to "request new I-20 reprint or travel signature request" or "request new DS-2019 reprint or travel signature request."  You can also read about travel and re-entry for F-1 and J-1 students here.

Check the validity of your visa stamp in your passport and make sure your passport is valid at all times.  Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months into the future.

Do you have additional questions? Get in touch with VISA Office Staff by stopping by our office from 8:30am to 5pm, Monday-Friday, or emailing us at visa@case.edu.

Title IX Training Reminder

A reminder that all students, faculty, staff, and postdocs are required to complete mandatory Title IX training through the Office of Equity. If you have not already done so, you can find information on accessing appropriate training at https://case.edu/equity/prevention-education/training/required-annual-title-ix-training. 

Training must be completed by December 6. 

OPT and CPT workshop branding telling students that workshops are available online

OPT & CPT Workshops

The VISA Office offers Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Workshops to discuss the application process, student responsibilities, and other important considerations.

It is important to be well informed before you apply. It is also important to apply early!

You must complete an OPT workshop before beginning the OPT application process.  We strongly recommend that you attend a workshop as early as possible if you plan to apply for OPT this semester, as it takes several months to process. You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT.

CPT is for currently enrolled students.  You must have a job offer before applying for CPT, and you may not begin work until you have CPT authorization in place, which can take 2-3 weeks to process. You must attend a CPT workshop or view the CPT presentation online before beginning the CPT authorization process. 

You can view the CPT presentation online here.

OPT Workshops

You can view the OPT presentation online here.  Please click on a session below to register and access the Zoom link for a live session:

Wednesday, December 4, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm: Webinar Registration - Zoom
Friday, December 13, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm: Webinar Registration - Zoom

OISRE Updates

OISRE Office Information

The Office of International Student Resources & Engagement (OISRE) helps international students adapt to life in the US. They offer support services and plan events for international students and the campus community.

OISRE is open Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. They also have drop-in hours on Thursdays from 11 am to 1 pm in Tomlinson Hall, Room 143.

You can reach them at international@case.edu or call 216-368-2517.

Check their website for events. If you see an activity of interest, click on the link and pre-register in CampusGroups so they can get an accurate headcount for shuttles, etc.

OISRE and The VISA Office would like to extend our gratitude to you, our CWRU international student community. We value your perspectives, talents, and cultural insights that help make CWRU and our lives better. Again, we appreciate, value, and respect you and hope you enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday. Take time to relax during the fall break.

For ways to use the power of gratitude each day, try these:

  • If you could thank one person in your life, who would it be and why? Take action and actually send a thank you card to that person in your life. Acknowledge the impact they have had on you, your family, or friends and show your gratitude in writing.
  • Start a Gratitude Journal and write three things you’re grateful for each day.
  • Volunteer for a local charity or food bank as a way to express gratitude and give back. For a list of opportunities, go to the CWRU Center for Civic Engagement (CCEL) and check out their webpage on locating volunteer opportunities.
  • Share a recipe of your favorite traditional Thanksgiving dish or international dessert with someone.
  • Check out these TED Talks and books on gratitude:
    • Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier by Robert Emmons
    • TED Talk: Want to be Happy? Be Grateful by David Steindl-Rast
  • Creating a Gratitude Jar: Write down what you are grateful for throughout the year, then open the jar at the next Thankgsgiving!

Black Friday
 

The day after Thanksgiving, or Black Friday, is regarded as the first day of the traditional holiday shopping season.  Retailers often offer special reduced prices, and it is the busiest shopping day of the year in the US.

See this link for more information: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/live/black-friday-2024-deals-shop-the-best-sales-from-amazon-apple-walmart-target-wayfair-macys-and-more-143054967.html

Experience the Heart of Ohio's Amish Country

Did you know that Ohio is home to the second largest Amish settlement in the U.S.?  With roots dating back to 1808, over 80,000 Amish live across 74 vibrant communities in the state.  Discover how the Amish have preserved their heritage through sustainable living and a simpler way of life by joining us for a visit to an Amish community in Middlefield, Ohio.  Just 45 minutes southeast of Cleveland in rural Geauga County, Middlefield offers a glimpse into the Amish way of life.

The Highlights:

-Tour an Amish home

-Meet a blacksmith (farrier)

-Speak with a skilled buggy maker

-Enjoy a delicious lunch at Mary Yoder’s Amish Restaurant

-Shop for homemade cheese and other unique items

 

When: Saturday, December 7, 2024 (weather permitting)

Time: 9 AM to 3 PM

What’s Included: Transportation, lunch, and all activities for one convenient price!


Don’t miss this unique cultural experience to see how traditions thrive —spaces are limited.  Sign up now:  https://community.case.edu/ISRE/rsvp_boot?id=2262947 
(Please note: tickets are nonrefundable)

Cleveland Talent Alliance Winter Career Expo

 Use your holiday break to get a leg up on launching your career at The Cleveland Talent Alliance Winter Career Expo presented by Cleveland Leadership Center and Greater Cleveland Partnership. You’ll gain critical skills and advice for setting your career off on the right foot, make connections with prominent leaders at local employers, apply for a summer internship, and more!

December 16, 3 - 6 pm
CrossCountry Mortgage
(2160 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114)

Schedule
3:00 p.m. Registration opens
3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Career expo
3:20 – 5:00 p.m. Professional development breakouts
3:20 – 5:40 p.m. Leader lounge
5:40 – 6:00 p.m. Online job platform launch

Cost
FREE

Professional development breakouts include:

  • Interviewing in Today’s World: Tips for In-Person and Virtual Settings (Sponsored by Oatey Co.)
  • The Need for Networking: Best Practices for Building Relationships
  • Shameless Self-Promotion: Communicating Who You Are and Why You’re Needed
  • Fine Tune Your First Impression: Advice for Improving Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Register here: https://talent.clevelandtalent.org/wintercareerfair

WinterLand Tree Lighting Ceremony - Nov 30

Kick off the holiday season at Downtown Cleveland's WinterLand Tree Lighting Ceremony at Public Square! Bring your family and friends downtown on Saturday, November 30th for music, food, entertainment, holiday activities, and fireworks. As always, Santa will make an appearance.

SCHEDULE
Ice Skating at the Cleveland Foundation Skating Rink: 12 PM - 10 PM
Pre-Show Activations: 3 PM (Food trucks, face painting, and holiday wreath toss)
Live Stage Show: 4-6 PM
Ice Show: 4:30 PM
Tree Lighting Ceremony: 6 PM
Fireworks Spectacular: Immediately Following Tree Lighting

For the most up-to-date happenings and information on WinterLand, please visit https://winterlandcle.com/lighting-ceremony-1 and follow Downtown Cleveland on social media.

If you would like to promote your event or opportunity through VISA News, please make a complete submission (including flyers, images, details, etc.) for consideration by noon on Monday to visa@case.edu. The VISA Office cannot guarantee that all submissions will appear in the newsletter, as space is limited, but staff will review all timely submissions for consideration.