All off-campus and out-of-country activities related to research, teaching, or consulting should be authorized prior to participation. Review with ISSA before engaging.

Join ISSA on a day trip to Chicago in the Spring! Sign up for the Chicago River Architectural Boat Tour (limited seating), visit Millennium Park, Navy Pier, the Chicago History Museum, or Eataly Chicago. We will end the trip with a stop at H-Mart, an Asian grocery store chain.

When: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Where: Board Bus at McKenna Hall 
Time: 8:30 am - 8:30 pm (bus boards at 8:30 am, departing promptly at 8:45 am (EST))
Cost: Option 1: $35 per person (covers round-trip transportation and Chicago RiverBoat Tour)
          Option 2: $20 per person (covers round-trip transportation only)

Deadline to register is Friday, April 17, 12 Noon

Join us for our April Scholar Coffee Hour, where we will visit the Digital Visualization Theater (DVT) and enjoy a presentation.

Whether studying or interested in geological sciences, biological sciences, biochemistry, physics, astronomy, art, or philosophy, at Notre Dame’s DVT, the sky is no limit.  

When: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Where: 215 Jordan Hall
Time: 3:00 pm-4:00 pm 

Stay after the presentation, and enjoy snacks and conversation

This event is open to all scholars, faculty, and staff. Please feel free to bring a guest with you. 

Deadline to register is Friday, April 3, 12 noon

Event: First Fridays-Game On
Date & Time: Friday, April 3, 2026, 5:00-9:00 pm
Location: Downtown South Bend on Michigan Street, between Washington & Jefferson

First Fridays features live music, dining, and retail specials. Here you will also find art receptions, kid-friendly activities, and much more. Most events are free.

Event: Zoo Luminate
Date & Time: April 22- May 31, 2026, Wednesday - Sunday, 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Location: 500 S. Greenlawn Ave., South Bend, IN 46615
Cost: Ages 2 and under-Free, General Child-$18, General Adult $22

Rooted in traditional Chinese lantern art, Zoo Luminate is a visually stunning cultural experience featuring large-scale, illuminated lantern installations inspired by centuries-old Chinese craftsmanship. In partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, an internationally recognized producer of authentic Chinese lantern festivals, the Potawatomi Zoo will come alive with more than 60 handcrafted lantern displays, each reflecting the creativity, symbolism, and artistic heritage of Chinese culture.

Event: 24th Annual International Food Festival
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 2:00 - 5:00 pm 
Location: Indiana University South Bend (IUSB) 1700 Mishawaka Ave, South Bend, IN 46615
Cost: $10 

A grand celebration of diversity with amazing food and performances

In observance of Easter, the ISSA office will close at 2:00 pm on Thursday, April 2, 2026. In-person services will resume on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Scholar advising hours are via appointment only. A J-1 Scholar appointment can be scheduled with Cynthia or an H-1B/O-1/E-3/TN/PR employees appointment with Erin via ISSA@nd.edu.