From: VISA Office
Date: August 25, 2021
Subject: ISS News, August 25, 2021: Welcome [Back], Check In with ISS, Important Start of Semester Reminders, CWRU COVID-19 Website, Study Abroad Fair, Career Fairs, Good Vibes, and More


IS

August 25, 2021

____________________________________________________________________

in this issue:

  1. SEVP Guidance for the Academic Year
  2. Registration & Your Visa Status
  3. COVID-19 Protocols
  4. Chat with ISS During Advising Hours
  5. Manage Tuition Payments & More
  6. Features
  7. Campus Happenings
  8. Other Opportunities
  9. Good Vibes Only
  10. Welcome [Back] to CWRU!
  11. ISS Closed- Monday, September 6
  12. Grads: Waiver of Registration Information
  13. AsiaTown Shuttles

____________________________________________________________________

ISS Staff is available to students, without an appointment, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday during advising hours:

11am to 1pm- through virtual advising available online

1pm to 3pm- through in-person advising in the office

There are no advising hours on Wednesday.

____________________________________________________________________

If you need to speak with an advisor outside of our advising hours, please send an email to international@case.edu to schedule an appointment. Please provide your full, legal name and a brief description of the nature of your appointment when you contact us.

cwru spelled out by student body

Welcome [Back] to CWRU!


We are so glad you're here!

For all new international students and students starting new programs, we know that this is a very exciting time for you- classes are starting, you're getting to know Cleveland, you're learning about the United States and American culture, and you're making new friends- but remember to check in with ISS as soon as possible through your TerraDotta account at visas.case.edu. Checking in online is the first step you must complete to properly maintain your F-1/J-1 student visa status.

For all returning international students, please complete this very brief survey and don't forget to report on any substantive changes to your academic plans and personal contact information since last semester.  There are many electronic forms here to help you report changes and you can update your address and emergency contact information in SIS.

Whether you're a new or continuing student, we're happy to have you here. We look forward to working with you while you study here at CWRU!

cwru sign on binary walk way

SEVP Guidance for Academic Year 2021-2022

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) would continue to apply its flexible guidance through the 2021-2022 academic year. As a result, international students will be able to engage in distance learning that exceeds existing regulatory limits in light of the pandemic’s ongoing public health risks and safety concerns. 

ISS’ Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates website now includes information about the SEVP Guidance.  Please take your time when reading this information and pay particular attention to how the status of your SEVIS record in Spring 2020, when the COVID-10 guidance was released, determines your options for maintaining status now.

We understand that this information is complicated and can affect students’ academic plans.  We also acknowledge that students may need assistance in evaluating their individual circumstances for maintaining status.  ISS is here to help.  Email your questions to international@case.edu and we will do our best to support you.

register spelled out with scrabble tiles

Registration & Your Visa Status

ISS just wants to remind you that, as international students, you are required to be properly registered for a full-time course load while you're studying in the United States as an F-1 or a J-1 student. This is mandatory by US Federal Regulations.

There are very few exceptions to full-time registration requirements and only ISS can determine whether you qualify for one of them.  Always register for full-time and never drop below a full-time courseload without first speaking with an advisor in ISS.   Improper registration could have serious consequences, including termination, for your visa status.

If you have already completed coursework abroad through online learning during previous semesters, you must still be registered full-time unless ISS determines that you qualify for an exception. 

We will be verifying each student's registration over the next several weeks. If we detect a problem with your registration or have questions, we will be contacting you by email. It's extremely important that you follow up with us promptly and work to quickly resolve the matter so that your visa status is not negatively impacted.

If you have questions, never hesitate to contact our office at international@case.edu or get in touch during advising hours!

don't forget written on post it notes

Grads: Waiver of Registration Information

If you are a graduate student planning to submit a Waiver of Registration , it is essential that you understand the impact of this decision on your visa status. The Waiver of Registration is an administrative process of the university, but does not fulfill federal regulations that stipulate a requirement to be properly registered at all times. Proper registration is required to maintain your visa status and if you are not properly registered, you need to take other steps to maintain your visa status.

Keep in mind:

  • By virtue of submitting a Waiver of Registration, ISS is obligated to shorten the length of your I-20 to reflect the Drop/Add deadline. Your legal status in the US actually becomes shorter because it is now based on this Drop/Add deadline rather than your future intended graduation date.
  • In order to maintain your visa status after submitting a Waiver of Registration, you must, in a timely manner, either apply for OPT or make arrangements to begin a new academic program.

OPT applications must be submitted within the 60 day grace period following the new Drop/Add deadline. Don't forget, it takes an average of 90-120 days for an OPT application to be processed. If you wait too long to apply, you're not likely going to be authorized for your full 12 months of OPT.

If you intend to begin another academic program, to maintain your current F-1 status (and SEVIS record), your new academic program must start within 5 months of the Drop/Add deadline. Any program beginning later than 5 months will result in you falling out of status.

If you do not intend to maintain your status either through OPT or continued education, you are required to leave the United States within 60 days of the Drop/Add deadline. Remaining in the US beyond the 60 day grace period can have extremely negative consequences such as fines and being barred from the US in the future.

Please get in touch with ISS if you have additional questions or concerns. We are here to help!

closed sign image

ISS Closed- Monday, September 6

The university will be closed on Monday, September 6 in observance of Labor Day. ISS will be closed as well.

Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, September 7.

covid 19 website image

COVID-19 Protocols for Fall Semester & Three Weeks of Testing

On August 19, President Kaler and Provost Vinson wrote to the university community with an overview of the university's current protocols.  You can read the message on the COVID-19 Communications page.

You can also read about the university's plans for three weeks of COVID-19 testing requirements.

For the most up-to-date information and resources, continue to visit:

Please continue to keep in touch with ISS.  Staff are here to help you.  If we do not know how to answer your question, we'll help you find someone who can.  Be sure to check your case.edu email address regularly too- this is the university's main form of communication.  Now is the time to stay informed!

virtual advising chat box

Chat with ISS Staff During Advising Hours

Have a question? Need Support? Connect with an ISS staff member during Advising Hours.

Virtual Advising is available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., EST. The chat box (it looks just like the picture) will be available on our website.  Please keep in mind that the advisor may be assisting multiple students, so we do appreciate your patience.  During virtual advising, an advisor might determine that your situation requires a visit to the office or even an appointment to best serve you.

In-person advising is available 1 to 3 p.m., EST. Come by the office then (no appointment needed) to meet with an ISS advisor.

You can request an appointment by emailing international@case.edu. Please be prepared to briefly describe the nature of your appointment when you contact us so that we can prepare. Same-day appointments are not generally available; an appointment for the next business day is typically the earliest we can schedule.

Outside of Advising Hours, students can drop off and pick up paperwork at the front desk, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.   Anything that requires interaction with an advisor needs to happen during Advising Hours, through whichever method is most appropriate.

Advisors are looking forward to chatting with you online and in-person!

tuition payment information sign

Manage Tuition Payments & More


The SIS Finances User Guide provides you with a step-by-step look at how to manage tuition billing and financial services at Case Western Reserve University. Get started here!
asiatown shuttle

Features

Welcome party flyer
Study Abroad What's Next flyer

EVENT

CWRU Study Abroad Fair

Friday, September 10
10:00am - 2:00pm
Private Location (rsvp to display)
Link
Add to Google Cal,Outlook,Yahoo,iCal

We invite you to participate in our 2021 CWRU Study Abroad Fair! The event will be held in-person outdoors on the Case Quad with the university's safety measures in place.
Meet providers, talk to study abroad alumni and ask all your questions!
Study Abroad CAN fit into your time at CWRU!
RSVP

Campus Happenings

welcome back picnic flyer

EVENT

Founding an Artificial Intelligence Company: Andrew Lonsberry, Co-Founder & CEO, Path Robotics

Wednesday, August 25
12:00pm - 12:45pm
Zoom link
Add to Google Cal,Outlook,Yahoo,iCal

Join us August 25 at 12 p.m. EST via Zoom as part of the Case Western Reserve University Entrepreneurship Speaker Series for a conversation with Andrew Lonsberry, co-Founder of Path Robotics. He will discuss founding and leading an artificial intelligence company. 

Lonsberry is the co-Founder and CEO of Path Robotics, an artificial intelligence company based in Columbus, OH that focuses on the industrial manufacturing sector. He is currently obtaining a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a PhD in continuous space learning and adaptive real time control at CWRU.

We will also be broadcasting this event and future events to LinkedIn Live on CWRU Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship's LinkedIn page on August 25 at 12 p.m. EST.
RSVP

EVENT

Know Your Neighbors Community Palooza

Saturday, August 28
2:00pm - 5:00pm
East Bell Commons: 11610 East Boulevard Cleveland, OH 44106, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
Link
Add to Google Cal,Outlook,Yahoo,iCal

Join us in welcoming new and returning CWRU students back to campus, while also welcoming local residents and businesses from vibrant local Cleveland and East Cleveland neighborhoods to campus! Join us in a movement to build community between CWRU and local communities -- this free outdoor gathering is just the start.

We have confirmed performances by Dhamakapella, MadJax, Kevin Conwell & The Footprints, and Case Kismat. Stay tuned as we announce our list of community vendors!

This event is being planned by Know Your Neighbors—a student-run campaign that works to build community between CWRU students and residents of local Cleveland and East Cleveland neighborhoods. The goal of the campaign is to "break the Bubble," recognize the negative effects of past historical outcomes and events, establish positive relationships between students and residents, and cultivate mutual pride.
RSVP
free access program image

Free Access Program

See What Cleveland Has to Offer - Free for CWRU Students

EVENT

Founding a Soft-Tissue Repair Company: Matthew MacEwan, Founder & CSO, Acera Surgical, Inc.

Wednesday, September 1
12:00pm - 12:45pm
Zoom link
Add to Google Cal,Outlook,Yahoo,iCal

Join us on September 1 at 12 p.m. EST via Zoom as part of the Case Western Reserve University Entrepreneurship Series for a Roundtable Discussion with Dr. Matthew MacEwan, Founder and CSO of Acera Surgical, Inc. He will discuss founding a soft-tissue repair company that was born from research and bold, patient-focused innovation. 

Dr. Matthew MacEwan is the Chief Science Officer at Acera Surgical, Inc. While an MD / Ph.D. student at Washington University in St. Louis, MacEwan began the nanofiber research that would one day become Acera Surgical, Inc. MacEwan received a BSE in Biomedical Engineering from CWRU in 2004.

We will also be broadcasting this roundtable and future roundtables to LinkedIn Live on CWRU Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship's LinkedIn page on September 1 at 12 p.m. EST. 
RSVP
career fair image

Virtual Fall 2021 University Career Fairs

Engineering, Technology and Science Virtual Career Fair

Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT

Employers who attend this event are interested in recruiting CWRU students and alumni who are seeking careers in the fields of engineering, computer science, natural sciences, and more.

Business, Arts and Service Virtual Career Fair

Friday, Sept. 24, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT

Employers who attend this event are interested in recruiting CWRU students who are seeking careers in the fields of business, social sciences, law/government, public service, art, and more.

Stay up-to-date on all career fair details on the Post-Graduate Planning and Experiential Education website.

Other Opportunities

county fair clip art

County Fairs in nearby Cleveland area

Nearby county fairs to Cleveland are highlighted.

Cleveland walls image

Cleveland Walls!


Over twenty local and national artists are descending on MidTown and surrounding neighborhoods through August 28 for the CLEVELAND WALLS! International Mural Program (a POW! WOW! Worldwide Production in partnership with LAND studio).

Join us for this week-long celebration that includes the creation of around 20 murals unique to our neighborhood, FREE family-friendly activities, performances, artist talks, and more!

Visit AsiaTown Saturday, August 28 from 2-4 p.m. at E. 31st and Payne Ave. to join in the celebration. Enjoy views of the artist Jet Martinez at Good Harvest and stop by E. 39th & Payne Mural with artist Dayzwhun.

See cultural performances by Lingyun Rising Star Acrobats, Stellar Acrobatic Dance Academy, and the Hmong Blooming Flower Dance Group. Learn Tai Chi with Sifu John Cosma and more!
FREE Henna
FREE Mini-Massage
FREE Shows
FREE Tai Chi
FREE Sidewalk Chalk for kids
FREE multilingual resources from Asian Services In Action and OCA Greater Cleveland.

For everything CLEVELAND WALLS! and to join the mailing list, visit midtowncleveland.org/clevelandwalls.
#clevelandwalls
#clevelandwalls2021
#powwowworldwide

Interested in Volunteering?  Sign up!

one world day flyer
connect in the city flyer

Connect in the City

This welcome event will be filled with activities exposing newcomers to what makes Cleveland so unique, uncovering opportunities to meet others, discover new experiences and establish long-lasting connections in an effort to anchor this talent pool in Cleveland. Here’s what you can expect:
•    Live DJ
•    Beer Garden
•    Food Trucks
•    Live Art
•    Scavenger Hunt, Games + Prizes
•    Meet & Greets with Employers
•    ...and so much more!

welcome week image for global cleveland

Good Vibes Only

During this very challenging time, ISS staff wants you to know that we are thinking about you- hoping you are safe, healthy, staying positive- and sending out good vibes!

In this section, we are including some things that we hope will make you laugh and smile, help you relax, be entertaining, give you something to do, etc.

This is a good vibes only section!

PhD Comics

phdcomics.com image
phdcomics.com image