September 6, 2023

In this issue:

1. Welcome new VISA Office Director
2. Drop/Add Deadlines
3. New Students, Look Around Your New Homes
4. OPT & STEM OPT Students - Reporting Updates
5. Tips for Staying Safe
6. Study Abroad Events
7. Farm Stand at University Farm
8. Spoken English Language Programs - SELP
9. University Health and Counseling Services - Important Updates
10. Sundaes on Mondays
11. Planters & Succulents
12. Career Fair
13. University Circle- Pedestrian Safety Advisory Meeting
14. Things to do in Cleveland in September

VISA Office Information

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

Virtual Chat Advising:
Monday, Thursday, and Friday
11am to 1pm- available online

Appointments are also available. If you would like to make an appointment to speak with an advisor, please send an email to visa@case.edu to request an appointment. Please provide your full, legal name and a brief description of the nature of your appointment when you contact us.

Welcome Ms. Marin Ritter, New Director of the VISA Office

Marin Ritter is the new Director of the Visa & Immigration Services & Advisors (VISA) Office. A practicing immigration lawyer since graduating from CWRU School of Law in 1996, Marin gained extensive experience in complex employment-based nonimmigrant and immigrant visa matters, representing colleges and universities, research institutions, nonprofit organizations, multinational corporations, and closely-held businesses. She is excited to come back to CWRU, and looks forward to helping students, faculty, and staff with their immigration needs.

Marin also holds a BA in English from Oberlin College, and an MLS from the University of Maryland. She spent a year studying abroad at the University of Durham in England, which made her a devoted tea drinker for life. A Cleveland native, Marin lives in Cleveland Heights with her family and two standard poodles named Shaun and Sneaky Pete. When she’s not working, she’s cooking or baking, researching her family tree, writing novels, or binge-watching Marvel movies.

Pay Attention to the Drop/Add Deadlines

New Students, Look Around Your New Homes

Living spaces in the US may be very different from those in your home countries. Please pay attention to the differences to avoid problems with landlords or the University.

Common differences:

There are no drains in the floors of bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc.

Water on the floor will damage carpet and wood floors

Water on the floor will likely go down the walls into apartments on lower floors and damage walls, ceilings, etc.

Windows may be sealed shut. If they are, do not open them

Walls are usually painted drywall, not cinder block and whitewash

Appliances may be electric or gas

Quiet hours may be strictly enforced

Heat may be controlled by the landlord or management company rather than by you

Pet policies are strictly enforced

You may be held financially responsible for any damage you cause, even if you cause it by accident

Lease agreements are binding contracts for the length of the lease—follow the terms of your lease agreements carefully

If you encounter a problems with on-campus housing, please notify your RA or the Housing Office immediately. If you encounter a problem with a landlord or management company, please feel free to contact the VISA Office for help.

OPT & STEM OPT Students- Reporting Requirements

Reporting related to your personal contact and employment information is a critical part of maintaining status while authorized for either OPT or STEM OPT. Our Student Forms and Resources section of our website has links to forms and information you need to maintain status on OPT and STEM OPT. See the information here to ensure that your visa status is protected!

Study Abroad Information

Campus Happenings

Farm Stand at University Farm

School’s back in session and summer’s coming to a close, but the harvest is still going strong at the Case Western Reserve University Farm. 

Members of the university community are invited to stop by the bi-weekly farm stand to pick up a variety of fresh-picked vegetables, herbs and mushrooms at low prices. The farm stand will be open Saturday, Sept. 9, from 9 a.m. to noon at the farm’s greenhouse (37125 Fairmount Blvd., Hunting Valley).

University Health and Counseling Services: Important updates

The following dates are walk-in flu immunization clinics open to all CWRU, CIA and CIM students and CWRU faculty and staff. For those who'd prefer a scheduled time, appointments are available on Friday's from 9am-11:30am & 1-3:30pm. Make an appointment online at myhealthconnect.case.edu. 

Upcoming dates: 
Sep. 22 9am - 11:15am - HEC: Samson 3rd floor, Alcove

Sep. 27 9am - 11:30am - TVUC Senior Classroom

Sep. 29 9am - 11:15am - HEC: Samson 3rd floor, Alcove

For location information please visit the UH&CS website. 

Free STI Testing: Every month September - November UH&CS will offer FREE STI Screening. Screening for GC/Chlamydia and HIV. Walk-ins are welcome, no registration necessary.

STI screening is open to all CWRU, CIA, CIM, and KSU Podiatry students, undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. 

STI Screening Dates & Registration Links

Wed. Sep 20, 12PM - 3PM

You can also view dates and register (though not required) on UH&CS's Campus Groups page.

 

Rethinking Anxiety & Depression

In this fast-paced, 3 session workshop intended to help increase understanding of Anxiety and Depression. The goal is to provide you with some skills to recognize and manage symptoms you may be experiencing. Students should attend all three sessions. Rethinking Anxiety and Depression will meet in-person in the Counseling Services Group Room.

Sessions will be held Thursday, September 21, September 28, and October 5  at 3:00pm.

Register on the UH&CS Campus Groups page. 

 

Wellness Wednesday: Food Security

Come learn about the importance of addressing food security on CWRU's campus with Assistant Dean of Students and Case Manager, Allison Gillis. We will discuss resources available on campus, state, and the local Cleveland community.

Date: Wednesday, September, 27th 
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM 
Location: OMA, Sears Library, 409

To register for this event please use this registration link.

 

T.H.I.N.K. 

Talk. Help. Identify Signs. Navigate Resources. Kindly Refer

T.H.I.N.K. is a suicide prevention training to help people recognize warning signs and assist others who may be having suicidal thoughts. This training is available to all CWRU students, faculty and staff. 

September is Suicide Prevention Month. If you want to learn about how to identify warning signs, starting a conversation with someone you are concerned about, and what resources to direct a friend, peer, or student in need of support, please consider attending one of out T.H.I.N.K Trainings. 

If you are interested in attending, please see below for September's THINK Training Schedule.

Dates and Registration Links:

To view all dates throughout the semester and register, please visit the UH&CS website. 

Other Opportunities

Things to do in Cleveland in September:




Waterloo Arts Fest

Sept. 9

Immerse yourself in Cleveland’s art scene during the Waterloo Arts Fest. This annual event, held in the Waterloo Arts and Entertainment District, features works by local artists, art vendors, live music, food, performances and art activities. The event will be held from noon to 7 p.m. on Waterloo Road between Calcutta Avenue and East 161st Street.

The event also is an opportunity to check out the revitalized neighborhood’s many galleries, shops and other businesses.

See what’s in store.

Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival

Sept. 14–22

The Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival puts a spotlight on productions made by minority filmmakers. 

This year, the festival is composed of 62 films—approximately half of which are features and half are shorts—shown over nine days, all with the goal of challenging negative stereotypes through positive messaging. 

Some screenings will be free, while others will require paid tickets. In addition to the showings, the festival will include workshops and opportunities to speak with filmmakers.

Check out the film schedule and learn more about the festival.
 

Downtown Cleveland Restaurant Week

Sept. 7–14

Get a taste of Cleveland by trying out one of our city’s prominent culinary hotspots during Downtown Cleveland Restaurant Week. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s food scene or wanting to try something new, there are options that will appeal to just about any palate. 

Offered at prix-fixe pricing, various restaurants will participate in the week with unique menus during lunch, dinnertime or both. Participating restaurants include House of Creole, Pickwick and Frolic, Mabel’s, The Centro, Southern Tier Brewing Co. and many more.

Take a peek at the menu options and pricing.