Now take a breath and get some rest!

End of Semester Reminders

If you have thoughts about traveling abroad during the summer, be sure to ask yourself these important questions, visit the links if you need to take action, and take the effects of COVID-19 into consideration as you make your plans:

Do I need to extend my I-20 or DS-2019? If you do, read more under the Frequently Asked Questions Section.

Do I need to transfer my F-1 or J-1 SEVIS Record? If you do, read more under the Frequently Asked Questions Section.

Am I fully prepared to travel during the break so that I can return to campus smoothly?  In addition to having your I-20 or DS-2019 signed for travel, which you can read about here, if you’re an F-1 or J-1 student, please:

• check the validity of the visa in your passport. US Embassies and Consulates have suspended services worldwide and there could be significant delays in visa issuances.  This delay could significantly affect your ability to return to the United States.
• be aware of travel restrictions.  Travel restrictions are changing as the situation with COVID-19 evolves.  Unless travel restrictions loosen or lift entirely, it could be very difficult to enter the United States.
• make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months into the future at all times.  Many government agencies are reducing and suspending services. Passport issuance could be an issue in your home country.  Please prepare as early as possible if you need to apply for a new passport.

Do you have more questions that you need help answering? Get in touch with ISS staff during advising hours or by email before you leave campus.

Celebrate Commencement with Yard Signs, Facebook Frames, GIFs, Instagram Stickers and More

ISS Closed- Monday, May 31

The University will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 31.

In the event of an emergency, please follow the protocol listed on our website.

Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, June 1.

Graduating Students- Important Tax Info to Ensure You Get Your 2021 W-2

When CWRU generates your W-2 for the 2021 tax filing year, it will be sent to your Permanent Address as listed in SIS. Please take a moment to verify that your correct Permanent Address is listed in SIS (make any updates as needed by December 15) to ensure that you'll receive your W-2.

If your Permanent Address is current, but you would prefer to have your W-2 sent to another address, it is necessary for you to include that address under the W-2 Override option in SIS no later than December 15. Using the W-2 Override function will maintain the integrity of your Permanent Address information and ensure that you receive your W-2 at the different, preferred address.

Remember it is your responsibility to file taxes each year and that W-2 is a critical document for that process.

Please contact Payroll if you have questions about receiving your W-2.

Learn About How University Health and Counseling Services (UH&CS) Will Extend Service for Graduating Students

OPT & CPT Workshops

If you're still planning to apply for OPT or CPT, don't forget to complete the required workshop, which goes over in detail the application process, student responsibilities, and other important considerations.  Workshops are available online to complete at your convenience.  Advisor-led workshops will resume in the Fall.

For more information about OPT and CPT, visit our website. Please be sure to very carefully read all of the information there and to contact ISS if you have any additional questions with which staff can assist.

COVID-19 Vaccine Verification Platform

CWRU will be launching an online module that allows users to enter the dates of their vaccine doses and upload pictures of their vaccination cards.  You can read Interim President Cowen's and Provost Vinson's message to learn more about this initiative.

Beware of Scams

During the spring, particularly around tax time through university commencements, scams are common. ISS wants to make sure that international students are aware of these scams and know how to protect themselves.  Visit our website for more information.

CWRU Take Two- ISS Closing Early on Fridays in June & July

CWRU Take Two is back on Fridays in June and July so staff will be unavailable as of 3 p.m.. and appointment times will be adjusted to end earlier in the day as well. Please plan any Friday visits accordingly.

Regular Friday business hours will resume in August.

ISSNews Summer Schedule

After Commencement, ISS will continue to publish and send ISSNews to all international students, but not every Wednesday since activity slows significantly during the summer.  Please continue to check your CWRU email regularly and read through any ISSNews publications that we do send out. They will include information that is important to be aware of as student visa holders!

ISS will resume its weekly ISSNews publication in August as we all prepare for the Fall semester.

GSC's May Professional Development Conference

Topic:  Emotional Intelligence
Presented by:  Maria Volkova
When:  Wednesday, May 19th at 5:00 PM EST
Where:  via Zoom!  Register on Campus Groups here

At the end of the workshop, $250 in Amazon gift cards will be raffled off!  Ten lucky attendees will each receive a $25 gift card.

GSC Summer Professional Development Fund

In the past, the PD Fund has typically been awarded to subsidize conference fees, travel and lodging to conferences and interviews for internships, jobs, and residencies. However, in light of the United States’ current COVID-19 travel restrictions, GSC is refraining from using the fund for travel-related expenses. Instead, GSC will focus on funding virtual conference fees, virtual workshop fees, application fees, and other forms of online professional development. The PD fund is managed by the Director of Professional Development, guided by the PD Fund Committee, and processed by the Graduate Student Council.

The application closes at 11:55 PM on Monday, May 31st, 2021.

For Summer 2021 funding, students may apply for reimbursement for any experience occurring between May 7th, 2021 to August 25th, 2021.

Cleveland Metroparks Trail Challenge 2021