Dear New Paltz Student,
We present the November 15, 2024 edition of The Globe!
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The Globe is our International Student Newsletter. It is usually sent bi-weekly (every other week) on Fridays. In the Globe you will find announcements from the International Student Programs office. Important reminders, information on events and more.
As always, please read all information under Announcements and Reminders carefully as it may pertain to policies, mandatory requirements, or other information necessary for International Students.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Events & Opportunities
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Announcements and Reminders
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Events and Opportunities
International Educational Week (IEW)
IEW November 18 - 22, 2024 is observed across the US and in over 100 countries worldwide. It's a time to celebrate and highlight all the rich cultures that we have on our SUNY New Paltz campus. Check out our full calendar of events available during IEW.
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CIP Thanksgiving Luncheon
Join us for Thanksgiving; The Center for International Programs invites you to share a Thanksgiving meal with us as we wrap up International Education Week (IEW). There will be entertainment, games and prizes! Come share in this uniquely American holiday. See below for details on how to register!
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International Students Holiday Trip to New York City
New York City may be one of the most beautiful cities during the holiday season, and there is plenty to see and do to get everyone in the holiday spirit. You do not want to miss this trip.
- Date: December 7, 2024
- Depart: 10:00 AM from Parking Lot #28, Rte. 32
- Pickup from NYC: 8:00 PM
- Cost: $30
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New Paltz ENGAGE-listed Events
New Paltz ENGAGE is our campus platform for clubs, organizations, and events. Click Events at the top to see a list of upcoming activities. Keep checking their page as new events are added all the time!
- Check out the many, many events that are on ENGAGE!
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Announcements and Reminders
International Student Programs Office/Advising Hours
The International Student Programs office in VH 201 is open Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. International Student Programs offers walk-in advising hours on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00am - 1:00pm for all international students.
Dr. Kathleen Geher, Director of the Dual Diploma Programs hosts walk -in office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00pm - 3:00pm. No Appointment necessary. Dual Diploma students can schedule an appointment with Dr. Geher here! You can also email her at geherk@newpaltz.edu to schedule an appointment outside of her normal office hours.
Jeff Pollard, Exchange & Visiting Student Advisor, also hosts walk-in advising hours on Wednesday from 2:00pm - 4:00pm, or email him at pollardj@newpaltz.edu if you would like to schedule an appointment outside of these hours.
Registration reminders for F-1 Students
As we approach course registration for Spring 2025, please remember international students have (F1) status requirements that relate to your academics!
Full-time enrollment requirements
All international students must maintain full-time status
"Full-time" may differ depending on your program
- All undergraduate degree, MBA and MFA: 12 credits or more
- All other graduate degree: 9 credits or more
- An exception to full-time enrollment is made in your FINAL SEMESTER only and requires approval
Method of Instruction
- Only ONE online course counts toward the full-time registration requirement each semester.
- The majority of your courses must be seated and/or hybrid each semester.
- In your final semester, if you are only taking one course, it cannot be online only.
Practicum, Internship, Fieldwork courses, and CPT approval
If you are registering for a course in the spring that has practical experience attached to it, you must remember to get CPT authorization BEFORE you begin any type of off-campus opportunity. For example, if you are registering for Practicum, Internship, Fieldwork, or an Independent Study that has an off-campus component, you must get CPT authorization before you begin your internship/practicum/fieldwork. You can learn more about this at our CPT workshops and by reading the information here.
If you have questions or concerns about this, please contact International Student Programs.
Thanksgiving and Travel Signatures
Thanksgiving Break
- There are no classes Nov. 27-29! We hope you enjoy your break!
International Student Programs Offices Closing
- The International Student Programs offices will be closed Nov. 28 & 29 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday and will reopen at 8:30am on Monday, Dec. 2.
- Our office will process all student requests and respond to emails when the office reopens.
Reminder for the Break
- University offices are closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 28 and most offices will likely be closed or short-staffed on Friday, Nov. 29 too, as many people take off the day after Thanksgiving to travel, rest, and/or spend time with loved ones.
- For life threatening emergency assistance on campus call University Police at 845-257-2222, off campus call 911, or go to your local hospital's Emergency Room.
- In the event of a mental health emergency call the Psychological Counseling Center (PCC) office line, 845-257-2920. After hours or on the weekend, call the same office line and follow the prompts to reach their answering service, who will then contact a PCC counselor to return your call.
Travel Signatures
- If you are planning to travel abroad, please remember to get a travel signature on your I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019(J-1 students).
- Travel signatures for the Thanksgiving Break should be requested by Monday, Nov. 25.
- Travel signatures are valid for 6 months and are required for re-enter into the US after traveling abroad.
- You will also need a valid visa and your passport must be valid at least 6 months into the future of your return date.
- You do not need a travel signature if you are traveling within the US
- You do not need an updated travel signature if you have received one within the last 6 months.
J-1 STUDENTS: You can request your travel signature at Travel Abroad & Travel Signature, or you can come to the International Student Programs office with your DS-2019 to meet with Jeff Pollard on Wednesdays 2pm - 4pm or by appointment.
All international students who plans to apply for OPT must attend at least one OPT workshop. Please see the full listing of our Fall semester workshops for F1 and J1 students here!
Please reference the Fall 2024 Academic Calendar for important dates throughout the semester including deadlines, holidays, and finals. (Protip: Bookmark it!)
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The Campus Food Pantry
The New Paltz Food Pantry is a 501c3 organization that responds to hunger on the SUNY New Paltz Campus
Most food pantries are community-based organizations that provide free or low-cost food and other essential items to individuals. Food pantries play a crucial role in addressing food insecurity and providing support to those facing economic hardship. Food pantries aim to alleviate immediate hunger and provide emergency food assistance to those in need. They often distribute non-perishable items like canned goods, pasta, rice, and other staples, as well as fresh produce when available.
If you or a fellow student are in need of food assistance, consider using the on-campus food pantry, or other food pantries in our community.
In addition to the on-campus food pantry, here is information about local food pantries in the New Paltz area.
St. Joseph's Church: Food assistance available, please bring photo ID. You can receive assistance once a month.
New Paltz Methodist Church: Free Fresh Food is a pop-up food giveaway that takes surplus goods and makes them available to anyone who stops by.
Family of New Paltz: Family of New Paltz Food Pantry
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International Student Union
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The international student community contributes to the diversity of campus culture and community engagement. We believe that Globalization is an integral part of New Paltz's teachings and social activities.
Want to learn more about the International Student Union (ISU) or join?
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Tip of the Day
If you are thinking about traveling outside of the US during the thanksgiving break check to see if you need a travel signature!
Quote of the Day
“It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.”
- Charles Spurgeon
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