ISO STUDENT NEWS

Saturday, November 2, 6:30 - 11 PM 📍 Feldman Ballroom

Attend Rochester Indian Association's annual extravaganza of the vibrant festival of lights with performances by graduate students and University groups, mouthwatering Indian delicacies, and a zestful dance party! Click here to express interest in the event.

ISO would like to remind all international students that they must have appropriate employment authorization before beginning work in the U.S.

On-campus employment: F-1 and J-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the school year while maintaining their immigration status. No special authorization is required for on-campus employment for F-1 students. J-1 students must complete additional documentation with the ISO for on-campus employment. Students who are in their final term and have a Reduced Course Load (RCL) authorization from ISO (allowing them to be enrolled in less than a full-time course load) are still not permitted to work more than 20 hours per week.

Any off-campus employment for both F-1 and J-1 students must be specifically authorized and documented.

Please note that any time an international student works for a non-UR employer while the student is physically in the U.S., they must have a U.S. employment authorization, regardless of the location of the employer. For example, if a student wants to work remotely (from the U.S.) for an employer located outside the U.S., this is still considered off campus employment and requires authorization.

Without proper work authorization, off-campus employment would be considered a violation of your immigration status! If you engage in unauthorized employment (e.g., work off campus without CPT or OPT authorization, continue working after the authorization end date, work more than 20 hours per week on campus when school is in session, etc.), ISO will have no choice but to terminate your F-1 or J-1 status. You will have to leave the U.S. and will not be able to complete your academic program or work after graduation under student practical training authorization (e.g., OPT, Academic Training).

For more information about what constitutes “employment” (and how it is different from volunteering), please read ISO website.

If you have any questions or doubt about your activities, please make an appointment with your ISO advisor so we can assist you.

Friday, November 1, 11 AM 📍 Zoom

If you are a current F-1 international student who is interested in pursuing an internship, then this employment workshop is for you! This workshop provides a detailed overview of factors F-1 students should consider before pursuing an employment opportunity in the United States during their academic program. This workshop explores what is considered employment, paid versus unpaid activities, and the various types of on- and off-campus work authorizations F-1 students may be eligible for during their academic program. This workshop will also offer detailed guidance on applying for F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Click to register for the CPT workshop.

Friday, November 8, 12 PM 📍 Hybrid (ISO First Floor Classroom & Zoom)

International students are often targets of scams in the U.S., but there are many strategies you can use to protect yourself from scammers. In this hybrid webinar, we'll discuss common types of scams impacting international students, red flag scammer tactics, and methods to avoid getting scammed. We'll also look at some scam data collected over the past few years about the impact of scams on international students at the University of Rochester. Click here to register for this workshop.

Friday, November 15, 12 PM 📍 ISO First Floor Classroom

Want to get a refresher on academic honesty before the end of the semester exams and final papers are due? Emma Rarich, Assistant Director of Academic Honesty, Policy, and Education, will be coming to the International Services Office to discuss the importance and nuances of academic honesty in an interactive, in-person forum. Lunch for this event will be provided, including food from Pita with halal and vegetarian/vegan options. Click here to register for this workshop.

Join the University of Rochester in celebrating International Education Week (IEW) from November 18-22, part of a nationwide initiative by the U.S. Department of State. This year’s theme, Embracing Global Narratives, highlights the power of intercultural awareness and the integration of domestic and international students. Featured events include an international food festival, a study abroad showcase, career workshops, a book discussion, and more! Check out the ISO-led events below as well as the full IEW events calendar!

Monday, November 18, 1-4 PM 📍 Rush Rhees Library, Welles-Brown Room

International Student Appreciation Day honors the many contributions of international students across the country! Join the ISO and the International Students and Scholars Advisory Board (ISSAB) in celebrating with cake, coffee, and conversation! Free tickets for this event go on sale at 7 pm on Thursday, October 31st.

Friday, November 22, 2-3:30 PM 📍 Rush Rhees Library, Welles-Brown Room

Share your thoughts on how the novel Exit West by Mohsin Hamid reflects issues of migration and cultural identity across different cultures. Whether you’ve read the book or are simply curious, everyone is welcome! Please try to read the book beforehand—copies are available through the campus libraries. Registration for this event is now open.

Wednesday, November 20, 5-7 PM 📍 Feldman Ballroom

Celebrate IEW by savoring flavors from around the world at the ISO's International Food Festival! Featuring dishes from local restaurants, this event offers a unique opportunity to taste a variety of international cuisines right on campus! Brought to you by the International Services Office, Center for Education Abroad, Burgett Intercultural Center, Warner School of Education & Human Development, and Wilson Commons Student Activities. Free tickets for this event go on sale at 7 pm on Thursday, October 31st.

Friday, November 22, 4 - 6 PM 📍 Hirst Lounge

Formerly the ISA Global Fair, this year's International Fair is a collaboration between the International Services Office and International Students' Association to bring together multicultural student organizations and intercultural/global offices to celebrate IEW! Join in interactive activities provided by various student organizations and eat snacks from around the world to learn more about the world cultures represented by the different student organizations from around the University of Rochester. There will also be some fun passport activities and giveaways as well! If you would like your student organization to table and represent your culture, you can sign up to table here. Free tickets to attend this event will go on sale at 7 pm on Thursday, October 31st.

Tuesday, November 26, 5-7 PM 📍 Feldman Ballroom

The UR International Services Office invites you and your guests to its annual Thanksgiving Dinner! Thanksgiving is a North American holiday during which family and friends come together to express gratitude and share a traditional meal. We hope you'll join us for a free catered dinner and the opportunity to connect with the UR international community. Tickets will be released at 7 pm on Thursday, October 31st.

Email: isop@rochester.edu
Website: iso.rochester.edu
Phone: 5852752866