WEEKLY UPDATE – Nov. 25

As you wrap up your fall courses, our office wants to share a few end-of-semester reminders. As always, please email our office with any questions or concerns. Wishing you the best of luck as you prepare for your final exams!

A reminder that all F-1 students are responsible for completing their program on time. Failure to complete your studies at USF by your I-20 program end date is considered a violation of your F-1 student status. If you will not be able to complete your degree requirements by the program end date on your I-20, please make an appointment with your ISSS adviser to discuss your eligibility for an extension of your stay in the U.S. If you are eligible for an extension of your program, your request must be submitted at least ten business days prior to your I-20 program end date. View additional information »

If you are graduating earlier than the program end date listed on your I-20, then your program end date will automatically be shortened. The last day of commencement will be used as your new program end date. Keep this in consideration when determining your OPT eligibility. Contact your ISSS adviser if you have any questions.

Please note that the program end date listed on your I-20 also signifies the end of any student employment positions on campus.

If you are an F-1 student graduating this fall 2024, you may want to consider applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is a 12-month work authorization benefit that allows students to work in the U.S. in a job related to their field of study. Students can apply as early as 90 days before and up to 60 days after their program end date. Before you can apply for OPT, you must attend an OPT workshop. Sign up for our last OPT workshop of the semester on Dec. 4 »

Reminder: Students on OPT are eligible to purchase the USF student health plan per semester for up to one academic year. To determine eligibility, please submit a request to voluntarily purchase the USF student health plan. The form will be active on Saturday, Nov. 30. For questions, contact Health Promotion Services.

If you are graduating this semester, please complete this survey! All graduating students who fill out the survey will be entered into a raffle to win a USF Bookstore gift card. Additionally, students who are eligible can apply to receive an International Service Award pin. Students selected for the pin and gift card will be notified via email. Thank you for your participation, and congratulations on this exciting accomplishment!

Thursday, Dec. 5 | 12–4 p.m.
Gleeson Library

Preparing for finals can feel overwhelming, the Learning, Writing, and Speaking Centers (LWSC) are here to support you! At the Finals Study Session, you’ll have access to walk-in academic assistance from subject-specific tutors, Speaking Center coaches, and Gleeson’s reference librarians, all ready to help you feel confident and prepared for finals. To keep you energized and motivated, we’re also providing free coffee and cookies!

Tuesday, Dec. 3 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m. PST
Online

Mindfulness is intentionally observing our thoughts and feelings in the present, non-judgmentally. This seminar is primarily an experiential training where you will have an opportunity to try different mindfulness techniques. Mindful self-awareness can help us gain perspective, listen better, and step back to consider decisions more clearly and intentionally, rather than reactively. Led by Concern EAP.

Register Now » 

Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Gleeson Plaza

World AIDS Day, observed on Dec. 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. There have been a lot of advances toward the fight against AIDS, but stigma and discrimination still exist. That's why it's important to raise awareness, continue to show our support for those living with HIV, and remember those who have passed. 

The ISSS office will close early on Wednesday, Nov. 27, but ISSS staff members will be available virtually until 4 p.m. ISSS will remain closed on both Thursday, Nov. 28, and Friday, Nov. 29, for the university holiday. 

If you are requesting an immigration document or letter from our office, remember that we request ten business days to process requests. Make sure you plan accordingly so you have enough time to receive your document before you need it. All ISSS requests should be submitted through the MyISSS student portal (log into your MyISSS account, go to Requests & Documents, and select the appropriate icon on the right side of the page). You can view our MyISSS Student Handbook for assistance with your submission.

Click the Chat with ISSS button on the bottom, right corner of the ISSS website, and the ISSS team can assist you with your inquiry.

Appointments can be made online. Appointments are booked in 20-minute increments.

Our podcast focuses on mindfulness, diversity, and inclusion, featuring episodes that cover diverse topics. Subscribe for engaging narratives, consistent audio quality, and a cohesive visual identity, and join us in building a mindful and inclusive USF community.

Thank you for reading the weekly ISSS Newsletter! To submit content for future newsletters, please complete the ISSS Newsletter Intake Form by 10 a.m. on the Monday of the week before the newsletter's release. While all submissions will be reviewed, inclusion in the newsletter is not guaranteed.