ISS Parent/Family Orientation Dr. Laurie K. Cox Assistant Dean and Director International Student Services (ISS) ISS Staff are here to help Many of the ISS staff have lived, studied and worked abroad They enjoy meeting and helping international students and learning more about them and their home countries. Nothing would please them more than to help your sons and daughters achieve their academic and personal goals. ISS Services and Programs Support Advice Programming Advocacy UW-Madison: The International Student Experience YouTube video designed and filmed by UW-Madison Student and now Alumnus, Pahoua Xiongm/watch?v=T3C9gLlj k4wm/watch?v=T3C9gLlj k4w Orientation Passport Must be valid at all times In most cases, to enter the United States, students must carry a passport that is valid for at least six months after the date they enter or reenter. Visa Can expire in U.S. Only needed to enter the U.S. Cannot be renewed inside the U.S. I-20 Document needed for travel each time an international student leaves the country and needs to re-enter the U.S. Eventually the U.S. Federal Government is expected to discontinue the use of these paper documents. We will inform our students in advance of this change. Enrollment Enroll full time during fall and spring semesters. 12 credits for undergrads Summer enrollment is usually optional If students are thinking about dropping a class, encourage them to come to ISS first and talk to an advisor Sometimes international students are allowed to drop below 12 credits but only for very specific reasons and only with their academic advisors permission On-Campus Employment No written permission needed for on campus employment. Up to 20 hrs/wk during fall & spring semesters. Not restricted during vacation periods (winter, spring & summer breaks). Travel Valid passport Valid visa page (in the passport) I-20 or DS-2019 endorsed for travel Other things to remember when traveling: Security and background checks sometimes make the visa application period longer. New visa applications in some countries may take a few weeks during busy periods. Apply early for visa renewals over the summer to avoid delays in returning to Madison. Social Security Numbers Only students who have jobs are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). Students need a letter from ISS in order to apply for an SSN. Your son or daughter may visit ISS or our website:to learn more about how to apply for a Social Security Card. Service with a smile: Encourage students to consult with ISS if help is ever needed: In person: Red Gym, Room 217 ByVia the web: Shopping Trip to West Towne Mall ISS Shopping Trip Saturday August :30pm Buses leave from in front of the Chazen Museum, at 800 University Avenue every half hour. New International Student Reception Please encourage your students to attend the New International Student Reception A great way to make new friends Friday August 30 from 3-5pm in the Wisconsin Institute of Discovery, Town Center There will be many live dance performances by international students and delicious food and drinks. Your daughters and sons are very important to us We want them to achieve their academic and personal goals. We want them to enjoy their university experience and feel connected to the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Please encourage them to always contact us if they have any questions or problems. Thank you for your kind attention. Any Questions? Presenter: Dr. Laurie K. Cox Assistant Dean and Director International Student Services
