What's New?
April 2008 - NEW OPT RULES
On April 3, 2008, The Department of Homeland Security announced the publication of an Interim Final Rule that makes significant changes to Post-Completion Optional Practical Training for F-1 students.This rule took effect upon publication of the rule in the U.S. Government’s Federal Register of April 8, 2008.
Highlights of the New Rule:
- The current 12-month limit on OPT will be extended by 17 months, for a total of 29 months for certain STEM degree holders ONLY
- The H-1B “Cap Gap” is eliminated by extending OPT employment and status for those who are beneficiaries of an H-1B petition with an October 1 start date (available to ALL OPT participants)
- The filing deadline for initial OPT applications is changed (applies to all OPT participants)
- There are new reporting requirements for students and employers (applies to all OPT participants)
- Post-Completion OPT will now be dependent on employment. Only limited periods of unemployment will be permitted (applies to all OPT participants)
For detailed information click here
The International Education Center Launches New Website!
After months in creative renovation we're finally ready to show off our efforts. Go ahead - browse the left hand navigation bar and check out all that we have to offer! Many thanks to Jonathan Woolson and Nick Mahoney for being so patient with us through this whole process. Who knew there were so many decisions to make!
Please, let us know what you think, Mary Sasso is ready to take your questions, comments and suggestions so we can make our new website even better!
Announcements
Ben Weidman received a partial scholarship to study in Coast Rica this fall from the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.
Spring 2008 SUNY Fredonia Scholarships announced
Mei Zheng - LAI Award
Katie Hite - Winch Scholarship
Jason Mellen - Deming Scholarship
Congratulations from the International Education Center!
Newsletter
Spring 2008 Newsletter
If you would like to contribute to our next newsletter please check out our Volunteer Opportunity page for more information!
Events Calendar
AUGUST
August 18 - 24, New International Student Orientation. Mandatory for all undergraduate International Students.
Monday & Tuesday Only - Airport Pickups. Please email itinerary to Janet Reid.
Wednesday - Friday - International Student Orientation
Saturday & Sunday - Campus Wide Student Orientation
August 23, Saturday, Welcome Back Party for SUNY Fredonia International Students
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Returning Fredonia International Students
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM New International Students
Mary Sasso's House, please call or email for more information.
SEPTEMBER
September 2, Breakfast for Faculty Returning from Fredonia Summer Programs
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM, President's Conference Room
September 30, SUNY Fredonia Study Abroad Fair
Come meet with students who have studied abroad, representatives from foreign universities, and International Education Center Staff to explore the endless study aboard possibilities!
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, McEwen Hall (near 3 Corners Cafe)
OCTOBER
October 27 - 31, Academic Advising Week
International Education Center Staff will attend advising appointments for study abroad students and will email registration information. If you are currently studying abroad - check your Fredonia email for updates.
NOVEMBER
November 17 - 20, International Education Week
Look for international events on campus all week long!
DECEMBER
TBD, International Student Holiday Reception, open for all International Students
President Hefner's Residence
December 4, 2008 - Pre-Depature Orientation - 6:00 - 8:00 PM
For all students going on a spring or other SUNY J-Term study abroad program. This excludes study abroad students traveling with Fredonia Faculty over J-Term; your orientation is with the professor leading the trip.