Office of International Programs

Office of International Programs

International Campus Update

April 25, 2003

Headlines

TRAVEL WARNING DUE TO SARS OUTBREAK: The University recommends that faculty, staff, and students not travel to mainland China, Hong Kong, and Vietnam at this time and that those currently in the region return to the U.S. as soon as possible. This is similar to the approach taken by most other Big 10 institutions. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and the State Department are also all warning against travel to the region. For more information: http://www.international.umn.edu/news/2003/sars.html

ARRIVAL DATE LIMITATION: Due to new federal regulations, international students can arrive in the U.S. no more than 30 days prior to the start of their academic program (compared with 60 days previously). Colleges will need to schedule orientations within this time period, taking care not to conflict with the dates of the mandatory International Student Orientation Program (ISOP), organized by International Student and Scholar Services. For 2003 ISOP dates, go to http://www.isss.umn.edu/new/isop/newly/doccheck.html

RECEPTION FOR INTERNATIONAL GRADUATES: Friday, May 2, 3:30-6 p.m., Humphrey Ballroom, Radisson Hotel Metrodome. A short program begins at 4:30 p.m. No reservations are necessary. Family members, friends, and advisers are also welcome to attend. For more info: http://www.isss.umn.edu/issssearch/onestopservices/services/graduation/default.html

INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORY: A new International Directory is online at http://www.international.umn.edu/directory/. This site is also accessible via a link on the U-Twin Cities home page. The directory is a collection of University international resources systemwide. University departments are encouraged to submit additional links to be added to the site in order to make this a comprehensive listing of international resources at the University.

INTERNATIONAL PROFILE: International Profile is a new publication, available in print and online, that provides an overview of international activities at the University. The International Profile, created by the Office of International Programs, is available online at http://www.international.umn.edu/directory/profile.html.

CHINESE VISA CHANGES: The Chinese Embassy and consulates in the U.S. will no longer accept mailed visa applications, effective May 1, 2003. Applicants are required to go to the visa office in person or entrust a relative, friend, or visa agent to go in their place. Call the China Center at 612-624-1002 for suggestions on visa agents near the consulate in Chicago. Also note that visa fees have been raised to match the rates charged by the U.S. for visas to China. A multiple entry visa valid for six months is now $100.

GLOBAL ADVISER:

The April issue of the Global Adviser newsletter has been distributed to faculty and advisers around the Twin Cities campus. The issue highlights new study abroad scholarship development, study abroad safety, and the new administration's support for study abroad and study abroad curriculum integration. Find the Global Adviser online: http://www.umabroad.umn.edu/globaladviser.

STUDY ABROAD LEGISLATION: The Minnesota State Legislature is considering a bill that would make study abroad mandatory for students who wish to become foreign language teachers. For more information:http://www.house.mn/hinfo/sdaily/2003/topics/highereducation401.htm

International Education After September 11

VISA DOCUMENT PROCESSING: Due to complications with the new SEVIS system, departments are encouraged to allow as much time as possible for staff at International Student & Scholar Services to process visa documents. (Note: ISSS is closed on Tuesdays to process more than 4,000 SEVIS documents before the August deadline.) SEVIS information: http://www.isss.umn.edu/SEVIS/SEVIS.html

INTERNATIONAL ADMITS DOWN: The number of applications from prospective international graduate students is down 24 percent compared to this time last year. The number of international graduate students admitted to University programs is also down. At this point in the year, it is likely that the number of international graduate students enrolled next fall will be down from last year. See Daily article: http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2003/04/23/5727

Campus and College News

EAST ASIAN LIBRARY: The Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Chicago has donated 388 titles in 684 volumes of Chinese language materials to the University’s East Asian Library. Consul General Xu Jinzhong presented President Bruininks a list of the donated books during his visit on April 17. More than half of the items are Chinese language study and teaching materials. The donation also include tapes, CD-ROMs, videocassettes, slides, and Chinese modern literature. The China Center has assisted with this project since 2001.

GLOBAL STUDIES: The Institute for Global Studies is hosting a talk, "Haiti: Historical Contexts of the Current Crisis," by Ruben Joanem and April Knutson on Wednesday, April 30, 3:00-4:30 p.m. in 246 Social Sciences.

MINNESOTA INTERNATIONAL CENTER: For more information on the following events, go to http://www.micglobe.org/ or call 612-625-4421. Reservations are generally required for MIC events.

Funding Opportunities and Announcements

JUDD FELLOWSHIPS ANNOUNCED: Walter H. Judd International Graduate & Professional Fellowships have been awarded to 20 University students to study or conduct research abroad. A complete list of winners and their project proposals is available at: http://www.international.umn.edu/news/2003/juddfellows.html

DUNN PEACE SCHOLARSHIPS ANNOUNCED: Dunn Peace Research Scholarships have been awarded to three University students to fund research projects abroad. The winners are:

PEACE CORPS FELLOWS/USA PROGRAM: Peace Corps Fellows/USA Program cooperates with more than 30 universities to offer returned volunteers financial assistance to pursue graduate studies in a variety of subjects. Through internships, returned volunteers help meet the needs of underserved U.S. communities. More info: http://www.peacecorps.gov/gradschool/fellows

University of Minnesota
International Campus Update
Vol. 4, No. 4

Office of International Programs
Assoc. Vice President: C. Eugene Allen
Editor: Jennifer Schulz

Interested persons may request to receive this newsletter as an e-mail update by contacting the editor at schul160@umn.edu or calling 612-624-0557.

The next issue will be sent in May. International Campus Update welcomes submissions. Please send items to be included to schul160@umn.edu or call 612-624-0557.