From: VISA Office
Date: November 3, 2021
Subject: ISS News, November 3, 2021: New Presidential Proclamation, ISAC Town Hall, Daylight Savings Time, Diwali, OPT & CPT Workshops, Flu Shots, Good Vibes, and More


IS

November 3, 2021

____________________________________________________________________

in this issue:

  1. OPT & CPT Workshops
  2. Features
  3. Campus Happenings
  4. Other Opportunities
  5. Good Vibes Only
  6. End of Semester Reminders
  7. Daylight Saving Time Ends November 7
  8. ISS' Thanksgiving Holiday Hours
  9. Presidential Proclamation: Effective Nov. 8 Travelers to the US are Required to be Fully Vaccinated

____________________________________________________________________

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.

white house clip art

Presidential Proclamation: Effecitve Nov. 8 Travelers to the US are Required to be Fully Vaccinated
 

We write to make sure you are aware of federal changes to international travel requirements that take effect Monday, Nov. 8.

Last week President Joe Biden issued a proclamation that lifts blanket bans on travel from certain countries and instead applies consistent standards expected of travelers entering the U.S.—including specific requirements for those who are “non-citizen nonimmigrants.”

The proclamation indicates that travelers in this category—which includes F-1 and J-1 student visa holders—must be fully vaccinated to enter this country, with some limited exceptions.

For the purposes of these new standards, ‘fully vaccinated’ means that non-citizen nonimmigrants have received the complete dosage of vaccines authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the World Health Organization—as well as those whose effectiveness has been confirmed by an independent body—at least two weeks earlier. These include vaccines from: Moderna, Pfizer, Janssen/Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca/Oxford, Covishield, BIBP/Sinopharm, and Sinovac.

Proof of such vaccination will be required—and a negative COVID-19 test result within three days of travel—before boarding an international flight into the U.S.

Those who may be excepted from the vaccine requirement are those who can prove that they are: under 18 years of age; have medical contraindications for vaccines; are coming to the U.S. for emergency or humanitarian reasons; and/or coming from countries with exceptionally low vaccine availability, per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Unvaccinated individuals permitted to enter the U.S. because of an exception still must provide a proof of a negative COVID-19 test, but within just one day of travel.

If you have doubts about your ability to return to our campus based on this proclamation or other factors, we urge you to consider staying in the U.S. to reduce the risk of disrupting your education at CWRU.  If you are an undergraduate student who wishes to remain in on-campus housing during Winter Break, please email housing@case.edu for more information.

We appreciate that these requirements can feel complex, and that you may have questions about them. For questions relating to vaccination itself, please first visit the CDC webpage regarding the President’s proclamation. If you still have vaccination questions, please email the university at covidvaccine@case.edu.

Please know that International Student Services continues to closely monitor federal developments and will update you as additional information becomes available. For now, if you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to ISS by phone at 216.368.2517 or by email.

keep calm the semester is about to end meme

End of Semester Reminders

If you have thoughts about traveling abroad during the break, be sure to ask yourself these questions:

Do I need to extend my I-20 or DS-2019? If you do, read more under the Frequently Asked Questions Section. Undergraduates, be sure to list your Dean in Undergraduate Studies on your request and graduate students, you should list your academic advisor.

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

Do I need to get a new travel signature on my I-20 or DS-2019? If you do, you can read about that process and other factors related to travel and reentry for F-1 and J-1 students.

Also,

  • check the validity of the visa in your passport. US Embassies and Consulates have limited services available 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 all travel-related policies. Travel requirements are changing as the situation with COVID-19 evolves, including a new Presidential Proclamation requiring travelers to be fully vaccinated in order to enter the US.  Be sure that you are monitoring all requirements for entry to the United States and complying with university policies related to vaccination and travel to minimize the risk of disrupting your education at CWRU.
  • make sure your passport is valid 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.  There are certain benefits for which F-1 students apply when they are in the United States and the agencies that oversee those benefits often require applicants to have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months into the future.

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.

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

OPT & CPT Workshops

ISS is offering Optional Practical Training (OPT) and CPT Workshops to go over in detail the application process, student responsibilities, and other important considerations.

Being well informed before applying for either authorization is extremely important and applying early is critical!

USCIS is publishing that it takes 3-5 months to process submitted OPT applications. Plan to complete a required OPT workshop as early as possible to be best prepared. Remember, you do not need to have a job offer to apply for OPT!

You do need to have a job offer before applying for CPT authorization and you are not eligible to begin your experience until you have proper authorization in place. It can take several days to become authorized.

Virtual workshops led by an advisor have been scheduled and information about required registration, attendance, and the application process can be found on our website under the OPT and CPT sections.

daylight savings time Fall Back image

Daylight Saving Time Ends November 7

In the United States, Daylight Saving Time will end on Sunday, November 7 at 2am. That means that we will set out clocks back (or fall back) by 1 hour, making the time 1am. Please make sure that you are aware of how this change will impact your classes and appointments!

Enjoy the extra hour of sleep on November 7!

Happy Thanksgiving text with cartoon turkey

ISS' Thanksgiving Holiday Hours

The university will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26. 

The Center for International Affairs and ISS may have changes in availability in November and will continue to provide updates.

Please plan accordingly for this break (and the upcoming winter break) if you need assistance from ISS.

Normal business hours will resume on Monday, November 29.

During the week of Thanksgiving, ISSNews will not be sent out. 

Features

EVENT

ISAC Town Halls

Monday, November 1 at 12:00pm
to Thursday, November 4 at 8:30pm
TBD
Link
Add to Google Cal,Outlook,Yahoo,iCal

International students - come meet the International Student Advisory Council! ISAC is here for you. Get to know the ISAC members, learn about their plans, share your concerns and challenges with them, and discuss issues important to you!

The International Student Advisory Council was created by the Office of International Student Services to improve support for and engagement with international students at CWRU.

Choose 1 of the 3 events -- register for Zoom links to the 2 virtual events.
RSVP
Cleveland Bucket List Flyer

Campus Happenings

campus aerial view

Thinking About Graduate School? Attend the Grad/Professional School Fair on November 4

EVENT

Game Night: Trivia Edition

Thursday, November 4
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Kelvin Smith Library, Room 215, 11055 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States
Link
Add to Google Cal,Outlook,Yahoo,iCal

It's the last KSL Game Night of the semester! We're finishing the semester with a game of trivia!

If you don’t have a team (up to 6) no worries, we’ll match you up with other trivia pros when you arrive or you can play solo! For those who don't want to participate in Trivia Night, the usual board games will be put out on the 2nd floor Dampeer Room.


Location: Kelvin Smith Library, Room 215 for trivia / Board Games in Dampeer Room
Time: 7pm

Questions? Please contact Kelvin Smith Library administration at KSL-mail@case.edu or at 216-368-2992.
RSVP

EVENT

Bridging The Gap: Explore Gap Year Opportunities

Friday, November 5
12:45pm - 2:00pm
Add to Google Cal,Outlook,Yahoo,iCal

Considering taking a gap year after graduation to research, scribe, serve, or intern before graduate school or entering the workforce? Come to this Zoom info session to learn how to take your career to the next level!

You’ll first hear tips from Post-Graduate Planning & Experiential Education about locating gap year opportunities, and then you’ll have a chance to learn about organizations of your choice through a couple different breakout sessions.

Attending organizations include:
ScribeAmerica
AmeriCorps Corps for Rural and Urban Success in Health
City Year
Teach For America
Cleveland Foundation Fellowship
Peace Corps
Northern Ohio Watershed Corps
Jesuit Volunteer Corps

Event is co-sponsored by the Center for Civic Engagement & Learning (CCEL) Executive Council, Post-Graduate Planning & Experiential Education, and The Upperclass Experience. You'll receive the Zoom link in a CampusGroups email after registering.
RSVP


roxboro school image from Cleveland.com

Volunteer as Mandarin Classroom Assistant

 
Friday, November 5
Start End   Event         Location
12:40pm 2:15pm Flexible Serves: Mandarin Chinese Tutoring (Fridays 12:40-2:15pm) Meeting location: CCEL (Tinkham Veale University Center, Suite 165)
Friday, November 19
12:40pm 2:15pm Flexible Serves: Mandarin Chinese Tutoring (Fridays 12:40-2:15pm) Meeting location: CCEL (Tinkham Veale University Center, Suite 165)
Friday, December 3
12:40pm 2:15pm Flexible Serves: Mandarin Chinese Tutoring (Fridays 12:40-2:15pm) Meeting location: CCEL (Tinkham Veale University Center, Suite 165)
Gayme Night flyer

EVENT

Fall Saturdays of Service November 6 & November 13

Saturday, November 6 at 9:00pm
to Saturday, November 13 at 5:00pm
Projects will take place both on and off campus, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
Link
Add to Google Cal,Outlook,Yahoo,iCal

The Center for Civic Engagement & Learning's (CCEL) will host two Saturdays of Service this fall on November 6 and 13. Open to all all CWRU students, this day of service, features on and off-campus projects throughout the day. Transportation is provided via walking, public transit, or CCEL minivan.

Registration will be opening soon! Projects will be listed individually here for registration and will provide detailed information. Spots are filled on a first come, first serve basis.
RSVP

EVENT

Diwali 2021 - The festival of lights

Sunday, November 7
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Thwing Excelsior Ballroom (229), 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
Link
Add to Google Cal,Outlook,Yahoo,iCal

Diwali is one of the most popular festivals of the Indian culture that is celebrated all over the country. This event is a grand celebration of the festival with the campus community with traditional Indian food, music and a lot of fun!
RSVP
washington dc image

Attend a Special Livestream Event with Michelle Obama, November 9

group study image

Become a Peer Tutor

Learn more about information sessions and the application process.

Once you attend an information session, you will be eligible to submit an application. The application opens Friday, Oct. 29 and is due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19.

If you have any questions about becoming a peer tutor, contact David Paulik, assistant director for academic resources.

flu shot flyer

Free Flu Shots Available

Get your free flu shot at one of the free walk-in clinics.

All participants need to bring their CWRU ID.

Please wear an outfit that allows the upper part of your arm to be easily exposed.

This schedule will be updated with various locations on campus where you can get your flu shot.

Spoken English Seminars

EVENT

Social Responsibility and Shakes!

Friday, November 12
12:45pm - 1:45pm
Thwing 201, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
Link
Add to Google Cal,Outlook,Yahoo,iCal

The CCEL student Executive Council and the Interfraternity Congress and Panhellenic Council invite you to attend “Social Responsibility and Shakes!” on Friday, November 12 from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. in Thwing Room 201! The event will feature a panel discussion of clubs on campus who promote social responsibility. It will be a great opportunity for students to learn more about these organizations on campus and ways that they can become involved, while also teaching socially responsible practices that can directly apply to their daily lives. Lastly, the first 45 attendees (preference given to those who register and arrive on time) will receive a free milkshake from Jolly Scholar! Snacks also provided.
RSVP

EVENT

Advocacy 101 with CWRU Alums!

Monday, November 15
6:00pm - 7:15pm
Add to Google Cal,Outlook,Yahoo,iCal

Interested in advocacy? Want to learn more about how to make change on issues of concern to you? Join the Center for Civic Engagement & Learning’s (CCEL) student Executive Council for a virtual CWRU alumni panel discussion spotlighting advocacy as a form of civic engagement that contributes to social change. Hear about alumni perspectives on what advocacy means to them and tools & tips for students engaging in advocacy.

Panelists Include:
-Olivia Ortega, Director of Advocacy at Greater Cleveland Partnership
-Amanda King, Founder and Creative Director of Shooting Without Bullets
-Akshai Singh, National Transit Justice Organizer at Alliance for a Justice Society

You'll receive the Zoom link in a CampusGroups email after registering.
RSVP

EVENT

Philanthropy 101

Friday, November 19
12:45pm - 2:00pm
Nord 400, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
Link
Add to Google Cal,Outlook,Yahoo,iCal

Are you interested in giving back to the community? Do you have philanthropic passions that you would like to pursue further but are not quite sure how to do so? Are you part of a student organization interested in learning tips on fundraising for causes you care about? Join CCEL’s student Executive Council and Ayla Sweeney, CWRU’s Director of Parent and Family Giving, for an overview on philanthropy and insights on successful fundraising strategies followed by a panel of student organizations sharing their fundraising tips. Sandwiches and snacks will be provided!
RSVP

Other Opportunities

Engl 146 flyer
Engl 147 flyer
Working in Canada flyer

This event is geared towards students with 2 years, or nearly 2 years, of STEM work experience.

Please note, not every person who registers will receive an invite due to capacity restrictions.

Cleveland Metroparks Trail Challenge logo

Cleveland Metroparks Trail Challenge 2021


Welcome to the 2021 Trail Challenge, a guest led program where you discover new trails throughout Cleveland Metroparks on your own, move to better health, discover the wonders of nature, and earn awards along the way! 

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!

BTS group shot

Pick Your Favorite BTS Songs to Reveal Which Member You're Most Like