News, Alerts, & Announcements

ISSS Newsletter for International Students

February 3, 2008


Announcements

Tips for Living in the U.S.: How to Protect Your Cash

It is never a good idea to carry on your person or keep in your home or car large amounts of cash.  You should only carry or store as much cash as you will need for a few days or one week.  Money that you will use for rent, tuition or fees should be kept in a bank account.  In 2005, two UB international students lost large amounts of cash due to fire and theft.  We do not want that to happen to you!

If for some reason you need large amounts of cash, you should purchase traveler’s checks since they can be replaced if lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.

Tips for Living in the U.S.: Renter's Insurance

Did you ever think about what you would do if you lost your belongings due to fire or if your possessions were stolen or damaged? You can protect yourself from loss due to fire or theft by purchasing renter’s insurance.

For information about what renter’s insurance covers, where to buy it, etc., please visit www.buffalo.edu/intlservices/pdf_files/RentersInsurance.pdf.  Protect yourself! Learn about renter’s insurance today.

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Upcoming Events

"Out of Status: A Film on Immigration after 9/11"

Hallwalls and the Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. will present Sanjna Singh’s and Pia Sawhney’s documentary film "Out of Status: A Film on Immigration After 9/11".

Date:  Thursday, February 7
Time:  7:00 p.m.
Place:  Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, 341 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo

The documentary examines the lives of four families (including a Pakistani family from Buffalo) affected by post-9/11 immigration policies.  “The human cost of misguided, patently racist policies,” writes Variety, “is revealed through four families caught in a limbo world of forced or threatened deportations.”  The film, which had its world premier at the 2006 Rotterdam Film Festival, was nominated for an Amnesty International DOEN Award for its focus on human rights.

After the film, there will be a panel discussion moderated by Sophie Feal, Supervising Immigration Attorney of the Volunteer Lawyers Project and the organizer of this event.  Feal organized the event to create awareness of the growing concerns of noncitizens in this country.  “In my twenty-year career in immigration law,” writes Feal, “I have encountered these situations countless of times when a U.S. citizen falls in love with a noncitizen, befriends a noncitizen, or even hires a noncitizen as a nanny or a housekeeper and considers him or her part of the family.  In these instances, the desire to keep this person near is paramount, but the laws don’t always allow for it, or at least not without some degree of sacrifice.”

This event is sponsored by Hodgson Russ, LLP.  A portion of the ticket sales will go to the Volunteer Lawyers Project.  Tickets are $7 general and $5 students.

For more information, contact Hallwalls’ Media Arts Director Carolyn Tennant at carolyn@hallwalls.org or 348-7593.

"Free Tickets to Vocal Recital at UB"

The UB Music Department, with support from The Marilyn Horne Foundation, is pleased to present Jesse Blumberg, baritone, in recital at UB this week.

A limited number of free tickets are available to interested international students.  Present this e-mail announcement at the Slee Hall ticket office on Mondays - Fridays from 9:00-4:00 to get your free ticket.  Tickets will be available on a first-come, first served basis until they are gone.

Jesse Blumberg, baritone with Thomas Bagwell, piano

Saturday, February 9
8:00 p.m.
Baird Recital Hall (250 Baird), North Campus

Mr. Blumberg’s program will be:

Beethoven: Adelaide
Schumann: 4 Selections from Kerner-Lieder, Op. 35
Korngold: Nachtwandrer, Das Staendchen, Liebesbriefchen, Sonnet fuer Wien
Stanford: La Belle Dame Sans Merci
Poulenc: Carte postale, Avant le cinema, Tu vois le feu du soir
Liebermann: Music .... and more!

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ISSS Trips & Activities

Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding

Have you ever wanted to try downhill (Alpine) skiing or snowboarding? If your answer is "YES," come join ISSS for a day of downhill skiing and snowboarding. You select the activity and skill level you prefer. Downhill skiing and snowboarding are a great way to enjoy the Buffalo winter and take advantage of the snow.  Come join us!

Date:  Saturday, February 9
Meeting Time:  8:15 a.m. (Flint Loop)
Return Time:  6:30 p.m. (Flint Loop)
**Cost:  $38 (first-time skiers), $43 (first-time snowboarders), $53 (experienced skiers), $58 (experienced snowboarders)*
Sign-Up Deadline:  12:00, Friday, February 8

* An optional equipment insurance charge of $1 is also highly recommended.

**The cost of the trip includes round-trip transportation, complete equipment rentals, a lesson from a professional, and a ticket to ski or snowboard all day!

To reserve a place on this trip, download a reservation form from www.buffalo.edu/intlservices/pdf_files/DownhillSkiing.pdf or pick one up in our office and return it along with the fee (cash only, nonrefundable) to ISSS, Talbert Hall 210, North Campus.  Please bring exact change.  

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ISSS Workshops

"H-1B Visas: An Information Session"

Tuesday, February 5
12:00-1:15
Capen Hall 31, North Campus

Are you a student who would like to know more about work options after OPT?  Come learn what an H-1 B visa is, who is eligible for it, what the steps are for obtaining an H-1 B visa and so on.
Presenter:  Ellen Dussourd, International Student & Scholar Services

"Your Immigration Status: Rights, Responsibilities & Consequences"

Friday, February 8
3:00-5:00
Clemens Hall 120, North Campus

Do you know your rights at the border, in your home and on the street?  Do you know what happens if you fall out of immigration status and what your options are if you are caught?  This session discusses immigration law and policies that apply from the moment Immigration & Customs Enforcement agents knock on the door to arrest a nonimmigrant who is out-of-status, through detention and immigration court, to the time the individual is placed on a plane home.  Come find out about detention and removal hearings, including posting bond and relief against removal.
Presenters:  Sophie Feal, Esq., Supervising Immigration Attorney, Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. / Lev Kubiak, Acting Special Agent in Charge, and Peter Hoelter, Group Supervisor--SEVIS Investigations, Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland SecurityBack to top


Academics & Study Skills Workshops

"Research Design for Projects Involving Human Subjects"

Wednesday, February 6
2:45-3:45
Norton Hall 17, North Campus

This workshop is ideal for student researchers involved in social sciences and clinical research.  Come to this lively discussion to learn about special design considerations for projects involving human subjects.
Presented by the Center for Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities, UB

"Study Skills"

Thursday, February 7
4:00-5:00
Park Hall 275, North Campus

This workshop will focus on tools and resources that undergraduates can use to better manage their time, as a component of academic success.
Presented by the College of Arts & Sciences and Student Advising Services, UB

“Coping with Test Anxiety”

Thursday, February 7
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Student Union 145C, North Campus

If you go blank or get tense when taking exams, this workshop is for you. Come learn to manage anxiety more effectively so that you can improve your performance on upcoming exams.
Presented by Counseling Services, UB

“Utilizing the Electronic Library in Your Research”

Monday, February 11
3:00-4:00
Capen Hall 127, North Campus

Receive hands-in tutoring in effective library usage.
Presented by the Center for Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities, UB Back to top


Career Workshops

Technical Resume Writing and Cover Letters

Tuesday, February 5
2:00-3:00
Student Union 145A, North Campus

Learn how to write a unique resume and individualized cover letter to help you secure employment in the field of engineering or computer science.
Presented by Career Services, UB

“Resume Writing”

Tuesday, February 5
3:30-4:30
Capen Hall 259, North Campus

Learn how to construct and tailor your resume to that specific position you want to land.  We’ll focus on how you can best market yourself and get your foot in the door for an interview.
Presented by Career Services, UB

“Financing a Medical Education”

Tuesday, February 5
3:30-5:00
Student Union 145A, North Campus

You’re excited about the prospect of attending one of the professional health schools but are not sure how you will afford it!  Additionally, you need to think about budgeting and living within your means.  If this describes you, be sure to attend this workshop and receive valuable information regarding financing your advanced education.  An expert from the Office of Financial Aid who specializes in medical and dental school aid will be speaking, and detailed handouts will be distributed.
Presented by Student Advising Services, UB

“So, You Want to Be a Doctor, Dentist, Veterinarian, Optometrist, Podiatrist or Chiropractor?"

Wednesday, February 6
1:00-2:00
Student Union 145A, North Campus

If you are a freshman or sophomore, or perhaps are just beginning to explore these health professions, come to this workshop to discover what you can be doing NOW to prepare.  Learn how you can become a competitive applicant for admission to the professional health schools.
Presented by Student Advising Services, UBBack to top


Wellness & Recreation Workshops

No Announcement

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Leadership Workshops

"Take the Leadership Challenge!"

Tuesday, February 5
4:30-5:30
Student Union 235, North Campus

Are you a student looking to take your leadership skills to the next level?  Take the Leadership Challenge!  Based on the book by that title, this workshop will allow students to self-assess their strengths and areas needing improvement.  Learn how to go beyond the basics of communication and decision-making and begin to “challenge the process.”
Presented by Student Leadership and Community Engagement, UB

"Establishing and Maintaining Credibility as a Community Leader"

Friday, February 8
5:00-5:50
Student Union 235, North Campus

Credibility is about how leaders earn the trust and confidence of their constituents.  Before you can lead you must serve.  Learn what people expect from their leaders and the actions leaders must take in order to intensify their constituent’s commitment.
Presented by Student Leadership and Community Engagement, UB

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Diversity Workshops

No Announcement

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Announcements

Important Announcement about Optional Practical Training

"Update on the 17-Month OPT Extension"