International Engagement Newsletter
Weekly Update
Weekly updates for Friday September 4th - Sunday, September 13th
Staying Connected while we are Social Distancing
The Office of International Engagement is pleased to announce a series of Zoom meetings, "Zoom with IE", to help us stay connected with you as we continue to practice social distancing. In these meetings, we will discuss a topic, invite campus partners to participate and answer your questions. Students can submit questions before the meeting by emailing Sarah at shabtemariam@uca.edu. These meetings will be held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of September, October and November at 4:00 PM CST. Be looking for your invitation to participate in the first meeting on September 8th where we will discuss the beginning of the semester and the COVID preparations that have been made on campus!
Topic: Adjusting to classes/campus and COVID Preparations at UCA
Time: Sep 8, 2020 04:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/94399275222?pwd=WTA5a2hxMk1pNmExbmZnakxTbHFDZz09
Meeting ID: 943 9927 5222
Passcode: mt9rcX
INSURANCE MATTERS
WE WANT YOU TO STAY HEALTHY!
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Are you going to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)? If you are graduating in December, it is important to attend one of the informational meetings via Zoom on September 15 or 17, X Period. An invitation link will be available soon. Learn about what you can and can't do during OPT. the application process and the employment process. There are significant changes this year including an increase in the application fee as of October 2nd. Application packets will be available for pick up at International Engagement starting September 11. Application processing appointments will start on September 18th. Link to OPT webpage: https://uca.edu/international/student-services/employment/off-campus-employment/opt/
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Looking for on campus study locations?
UCA Library hours after Labor Day:
Mon-Thur 7am-9pm, Fri 7am-5pm, closed Sat, Sun 2pm-9pm.
Monday, September 7th
Wednesday, September 9th
Sunday, September 13th
Food Delivery for FREE!
Hurry! Deadline fast approaching!
Saturday, September 19th
SCAM Alert!!
Please never give anyone your personal information over the phone.
Are you Graduating in December? Plan Ahead!
Will you be graduating in December? It is always good to plan ahead. Here are some things to take action on as soon as you begin the semester:
1. Apply for Graduation - although plans for the December graduation ceremony are not finalized, you still must apply for graduation to have your degree requirements reviewed and to set up delivery of your diploma. Undergraduates: On myUCA, go to Essentials - Current students, select the Graduation Application icon. Graduate students: https://uca.edu/graduateschool/graduation/
2. Optional Practical Training - if you are going to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), informational sessions will be held September 15 and 17th. The first date for application processing appointments is September 18th. It is very important to apply early. On October 2, 2020, USCIS is raising the application fee from $410 to $550. To submit your application with the lower fee we must process it no later than September 30th. The OPT Reference Guide is available under the "Employment" tab on the International Engagement webpage.
3. Continuing Your Studies - if you plan to apply for Graduate School or another academic program, apply early. All admission offices are operating more slowly due to COVID-19 restrictions and limited staff.
4. Sash Ceremony - we will be giving all international graduates a home country sash. Stay tuned for how and when the sash ceremony will take place.
Exceptional Needs Request
Arkansas Fun Fact
The 3.03-carat Strawn-Wagner found at Crater of Diamonds State Park
In 1990, Shirley Strawn dug up a lovely, clear, 3.03-carat white diamond at Southwest Arkansas' Crater of Diamonds State Park. In 1997, she had it cut into a clear, 1.09-carat, round brilliant. She then had it graded, and it proved to be a flawless, 0/0/0 gem that was perfectly flawless in cut, color, and clarity. It has been deemed a one-in-a-billion diamond. It was set as a solitaire in a unique ring made of pure platinum and pure, 24-karat gold. For many years now it has been on public display at the Crater of Diamonds' Visitor Information Center for all to see. Many people may assume that if diamond deposit is open for visitors to search and keep the diamonds they find that only small, industrial diamonds can be found there. But that just simply is not he case. Many, large, superb, high-quality diamonds are discovered there by lucky, park visitors. This rare, gem diamond stands as a testament to the fact that valuable diamonds can be recovered from this unique, state park.