Welcome to the new International Students starting their degree program and Welcome Back to International Students who are returning to study at St. Thomas.  In the aftermath of the tsunami, the world is rushing to address the devastating loss of life and destruction.  The St. Thomas community is also very concerned about the communities affected by the life-changing tsunami.  On February 15 there will be a memorial service held in the St. Thomas Chapel in honor of the tsunami victims and their families.  In addition on Feb. 15, there will be a tsunami panel discussion with representatives from the countries affected talking about their communities and describing life before and after the tsunami and representatives from the scientific community and non-profit groups who are supporting the communities affected by the tsunami.  We invite all of you to attend both of these events.  Additional information about rooms and times will be posted in the upcoming e-newsletter and on the OISS website.

 

As you all are aware, OISS continues to receive immigration changes and regulation updates.  We will continue to update you via your St. Thomas email, the weekly e-newsletter, and the OISS website of any immigration changes.  Each Fall and Spring Semester, all F-1 and J-1 visa students  must enroll as full-time students at St. Thomas.  This means F-1 and J-1 undergraduate students must enroll in at least 12 credits and F-1 and J-1 graduate students must enroll in at least 6 credits each Fall and Spring Semester.  F-1 students on OPT are not required to enroll in credits and may not begin a new degree program during OPT.  Students who intend to apply for an exception to the full-time rule (i.e.: graduation term, medical reason, etc.) must complete an Exception Form by February 11, 2005.

 

If you have questions about your immigration status or need any other assistance, please contact OISS at oiss@ssthomas.edu or 651-962-6650.

 

Best regards for a successful Spring Semester!

Apply to be an international mentor

Do you remember how nervous you were when you left your home country to study at St. Thomas? How did OISS help prepare you for your studies here? Did we do a good job or a bad job? Was something you wished we would have done to make your adjustment here easier?

Well, stop dreaming about it and be a leader! We want you to apply for an International Student Mentor for this coming Fall 2005 and show us what you know.

Click here for Job Responsibilities, Training and Development, Eligibility and Contract Information. Applications are due February 15th at noon.

Want to learn more about leadership opportunities at UST? Come to the Open House and talk with student leaders about their experience!

Thursday, February 3, 2005
12:00-1:00pm in Campus Square, lower level Murray Herrick Campus Center

Pahoua Yang
Assistant Director