Tools Search
Main Menu

ISO Student News: 10/01/2021

Table of Contents

  1. Important Reminders for Address Requirements (more)
  2. Travel Considerations and Resources (more) 
  3. The Language Center - Conversation Hours (more)
  4. UCC International Student Drop-In Support Group in October (more)
  5. Upcoming UR Events (more)

Important Reminders for Address Requirements

 As a reminder, international students are required to notify the ISO of any address changes within 10 days. Current students must report address updates via UR Student, according to specific ‘Usage Tag’ requirements for ISO. Students pursuing post-completion employment should use the appropriate reporting tool online.

For current students: When updating your address in UR Student, please do not modify the effective date of your address. The default for the effective date is today’s date; please do not change this to a future date.

If you add a future date to your address, the system won’t allow you to make any additional edits until that future date. To fix the issue, you will need to file a University IT Help Desk ticket so the Help Desk can rescind your previous transaction. This will require you to then re-enter the address using the guidelines provided at the top of the page in UR Student.

The ISO appreciates your prompt attention to any address issues. Please contact us if you have any additional questions or concerns.

(top) 

Travel Considerations and Resources

We understand that many students continue to think carefully about the risks and rewards of travel currently. Please understand that these are personal decisions, with no standard right or wrong outcome for every situation. Please monitor UR’s COVID-19 Travel Guidelines and please consider the following topics and resources for your own decision making.

  • US Travel Restrictions: Since travel restrictions are subject to change, we recommend that you access updated information directly from relevant government agencies, including, but not limited to the CDC, Department of State, and New York State Health Department.
  • COVID Testing, Monitoring, and Vaccination: Please review UHS’ policies on vaccination, testing, monitoring, and quarantine.
  • Travel Documentation: As with any travel, it is important that you carry the necessary documents for your destination and/or your return to the US. This includes your unexpired passport, current Form I-20 or DS-2019, valid F or J visa stamp, your most recent I-94 Admission Record, and supporting documents such as proof of financial support, enrollment, work authorization, pending immigration benefits, etc. As a reminder, your I-20 or DS-2019 travel signature must be current when you enter the US and expires one year from the date it was last signed. For those on OPT/STEM, your travel signature expires six months after it was last signed. If you need an updated validation signature for travel, you may request a replacement document via URcompass.
  • Availability of US Consular Services: If you need to apply for a new visa sticker in order to enter the US, you will need to plan around visa wait times at your destination. Your choice to travel should be informed by Consular service options and your personal timing needs.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present uncertainty around travel. We encourage you to research your options, discuss with family and loved ones, and think through alternatives in case your plans need to change. Please continue to monitor the COVID-19 Resource Center for guidance from the University of Rochester, and contact ISO if you have additional needs.

(top) 

The Language Center - Conversation Hours

The Language Center at the University of Rochester works with students, faculty, and staff to promote the current languages offered on campus and raise intercultural awareness. The Language Center is currently offering conversation hours, tutoring opportunities, and online resources for students, faculty, and staff. More information and schedules can be found on the Language Center website. 

(top) 

UCC International Student Drop-In Support Group in October

The University Counseling Center (UCC) continues to offer a virtual drop-in support group for international students bimonthly during the month of October. These drop-in sessions are open to all active UCC students on Tuesdays at 2:00 PM: 10/14 and 10/28 via Zoom. This group will be a safe space for international students to share their experiences and connect with others.

(top) 

Upcoming UR Events

LGTBQ Leadership Lecture Series: Paul Kawata, executive director of the National Minority AIDS Council, will discuss his work in addressing difficult questions about the impact that race has on ending the HIV epidemic in America, coupled with the impact and response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The lecture takes place Thursday, October 14, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. EDT in the Feldman Ballroom and via live stream. Register here to attend.

Koru Mindfulness Classes: Did you know that a daily mindfulness practice can help to decrease perceived stress, improve quality of sleep, self-compassion, mood, and academic performance in both college and graduate students? Learn the fundamentals of mindfulness meditation during the next Koru mindfulness four-week workshop. In this 4-week workshop series, participants will learn about and practice two new meditation techniques weekly and bring more mindfulness and gratitude into their lives. Four sessions are beginning in October. Registration is required. Open to all undergraduate and graduate students. Brought to you by the Mindful University Project.

Depression Screenings: On Thursday October 7, UCC will conduct drop-in depression screenings for students at Eastman Student Living Center from 11am-1pm and in Friel Lounge on the River Campus from 2pm-4pm. Stop by our screening tables to pick up a quick form, then meet with a UCC staff member who can help you see if you are at risk for depression and, if appropriate, offer suitable recommendations to help and learn various self-care practices to help you thrive! Open to all undergraduates and graduate students. Hosted by the University Counseling Center and Health Promotion Office.

(top)

________________________________
Prepared by: ISO Student Services