Office of International Student Services Newsletter
Week of September 12th 2006

 Volume IV, Number 2
In This Issue

· Health Insurance Waiver Deadline is September 20
· Join International Alumni for a panel and a free lunch!
· Go Global with CultureLink!

Important Information

· Full-time enrollment deadline of Sept 15
· Notice for students transitioning from F-1 to H-1
· Start applying for OPT if you are graduating this December

Upcoming Activities

· Sep 16 - Explore the State Capitol with the mentors
· Sep 20 - Health Insurance Waiver Deadline
· Sep 22-24 - International Alumni Reunion

Interesting Articles

· Campus safety awareness: Theft prevention tips
· Locker rentals available in the Commuter Center

Contact Us
oiss@stthomas.edu
 Phone: 651 962-6650
 Fax: 651 962-6655
Office: 161 MHC
http://www.stthomas.edu/oiss

How to send us news
Health Insurance Waiver Deadline is September 20

Because of the rising costs of medical expenses and the limited insurance coverage of many out-side insurance policies, the University of St. Thomas requires that F-1 and J-1 visa students purchase the University of St. Thomas Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan. www.sas-mn.com. All F-1 and J-1 visa students will automatically be charged for this insurance on their UST student account each Fall and Spring Semester. 

Students who intend to waive this insurance must do so by September 20, 2006. For more instructions, please visit our website at http://www.stthomas.edu/oiss/insurance.

Join International Alumni for a panel and a free lunch!

St. Thomas will host its first International Alumni Reunion here on-campus on September 22-24. All international students are invited to attend the Panel Discussion (on September 23, 10 – 11:30 am) where UST international alumni will discuss:

  • focus on career development;
  • short presentations from alumni on how their lives changed after UST;
  • reverse culture shock when they returned to their home country;
  • how they have adjusted being in the US

Also, all students who attend the Panel Discussion will receive a complementary BBQ lunch following the panel. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by emailing intlreunion@stthomas.edu so we can have an idea of how many students will attend.

For more information regarding the reunion, please visit the website at http://www.stthomas.edu/oiss/intlreunion 
 

Go Global with CultureLink!

Dear students,

Welcome to the University of St. Thomas! In addition to great academic programs, St. Thomas offers lots of exciting social opportunities. One of them is the CultureLink program organized by the Office of International Student Services (OISS).

Let me invite you to join the CultureLink program. CultureLink is an exciting opportunity to make new friends on campus, share your culture, as well as learn about American traditions and life at St. Thomas.

It’s fun and easy to be the CultureLink partner!

  • Fill out the application form at www.stthomas.edu/oiss/culturelink

  • Get connected to an American student, Faculty/Staff member, or an American family who are looking forward to getting to know you.

  • Schedule meetings with your CultureLink partner at your free time to talk about each other’s cultures.

  • Discover interesting places in the Twin Cities with your CultureLink partner.

  • Celebrate CultureLink events with other program participants.

  • Learn about different cultures while having fun!

If you a like meeting new people and want to share your culture, join the CultureLink today!

Don’t delay! American students are looking forward to meeting you!

If you have any questions, please refer to the program website or contact OISS for more information.

Sincerely,

   Arina Negoda
   Graduate Student Assistant
   Office of International Student Services