February 26, 2020   |   Week 7 

Determining STEM Extension Eligibility 

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Every school qualifies STEM majors differently, based on the school’s curriculum. A student who is on an F-1 visa has the opportunity to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) following their graduation if s/he meets the eligibility criteria. However, students with STEM majors have the opportunity to extend their OPT time by 24 months with STEM OPT Extension. Eligibility for STEM OPT Extension includes, but is not limited to:

  1. Student is currently on OPT
  2. Student’s CIP Code (listed on your I-20 under Major 1 or Major 2 as a 6-digit number XX.XXXX) can be found on the STEM Designated Degree Program List
  3. Student submits the application for STEM OPT Extension BEFORE the end of his/her Post-Completion OPT

It is important to make sure your major is up-to-date on your I-20. For students who are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity or simply learning more, you can speak with an ISSS advisor during Walk-In Advising times, listed at the bottom of the newsletter.

STEM OPT Extension Guide

Student Spotlight: Meet Kingsley Akinola

A brilliant finance student in his junior year, Kingsley Akinola brings a worldly perspective to KSU with his unique background. Lagos, Nigeria is populated with over 20 million people of intertwining cultures, and it is the place Akinola calls home. Akinola says Lagos is filled with diversity, and what he loves the most about Nigeria is the hustle. “Everyone is always hustling, and the hustling culture is inspiring,” he says. 

Article written by Mary Elliott, Office of Global Education Spring 2020 Intern

Read the Full Profile

We Want to Highlight YOU

Want to be our student spotlight? We will highlight someone every week throughout the academic year. If you are interested in being interviewed, email Mary Elliott at mellio19@kent.edu by putting "International Student Profile" in the subject line.
Check out previous student profiles
here.

Code of Conduct

The Kent State University Office of Student Conduct strives to provide timely, impartial and appropriate outcomes in an atmosphere conducive to educational growth and positive student development.
Read the Code of Conduct

Student Multicultural Center

The Student Multicultural Center (SMC) offers all members of the KSU community the opportunity to have experiences outside of the classroom that will enhance their awareness of social and cultural differences. They provide support to underrepresented students by holding events on campus throughout the school year to raise awareness. For more information visit the SMC's website.
Student Multicultural Center

Student Accessibility Services

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) strives to create accessible and inclusive experiences for students with all types of disabilities as they learn, live, and work at Kent State University. Students are given the help and resources they need to ensure they succeed throughout their academic career. To learn more about SAS or to schedule an appointment, visit their website.
 
Student Accessability Services
February 29th
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers at 5 pm in the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Have you been to see the Cleveland Cavaliers play yet? The event is only $30, which includes your ticket, a tour of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, and transportation. Join us by registering here.
 
March 3rd
Students of Color Abroad from 5-6:15 pm in the Kent Student Center room 310C
What really happens when people of color travel all over the world? Join us to share in the experiences of international and domestic students of color who travel for fun, education or to engage in cultural connections. 300 FLASHPerks available. Snacks and beverages are provided. No registration required.

 
March 15th
Cleveland Monsters vs. Rochester Americans in Cleveland at 3 pm
Register now to go to see the Cleveland Monsters hockey team in action. Transportation and your ticket are included in the $10 registration fee. Register here.

 
March 18th
Cultural Café with the Philippines & Georgia from 4-5:30 pm in the KSC Ballroom Balcony
Learn about different cultures and enjoy some food at our monthly cultural café! No registration required.

March 19th
Sign & Dine from 1:30-4 pm in the OGE Lobby
Get your I-20 or DS-2019 signed for travel before Spring Break 2020! While you are here in OGE, enjoy some snacks and hang out with the ISSS Advisors. No registration required.

April 15th
Culture Café with Panamanian & Deaf Cultures from 4-5:30 in the KSC Ballroom Balcony
Learn about different cultures and enjoy some food at our monthly cultural café! No registration required.

April 30th
Sign & Dine from 1:30-4 pm in the OGE Lobby
Get your I-20 or DS-2019 signed for travel before summer break! While you are here in OGE, enjoy some snacks and hang out with the ISSS Advisors. No registration required.

May 1st-4th
50th Commemoration of May 4, 1970
Events will begin on Friday afternoon, May 1, and continue through the end of the traditional noon commemoration on Monday, May 4. No final exams or classes will be scheduled. 

May 7th
International Student Graduation Reception from 4-6:30 pm in the KSC Ballroom
Celebrate with friends and family whether you are graduating or someone you know. If you are preparing to graduate, we will provide a free stole. Registration for this event will reserve your stole and will be open closer to the date of the event.
OGE Calendar of Events
March 3rd
Fulbright TEA Participants Technology Posters from 1-5 pm in White Hall Room 200, the Gerald H. Read Center
Fulbright TEA Scholars from Eastern Europe and Central Asia will share posters defining problems to be solved by creative uses of technology to improve the teaching and learning in their home schools. Countries represented will be Ukraine, Romania, Czech Republic, Hungary, Bosnia, Serbia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Turkey. FLASHperks will be available and snacks will be provided. Class sign-in process will document attendance. Refreshments will be served.
 
February 29th
"Around the World" Music Series at 8 pm in the North Water Street Gallery (300 N. Water Street, Suite H)
The HearthStone duo will present an evening of historical and contemporary Celtic music played on a variety of Scottish small pipes, Border pipes, Highland pipes, tin whistles, and Celtic harp. Their program will include music originating from the Scottish Highlands, Lowlands, and Islands, some from collections such as the William Dixon border pipe manuscript (dated 1733), which comes from Northumberland in the Anglo-Scottish border region. They will also play a few pieces of modern vintage, as well as a few Irish tunes. Learn more on their Facebook Event Page.

March 5th
Fulbright TEA Participants Media Literacy Present from 9 am-12 pm and 1-4 pm in White Hall Room 200, the Gerald H. Read Center
Fulbright TEA Participants will share their media literacy projects. Media Literacy is affecting their newer democracies, and these Fulbright international teachers will help lead the next generation on being more critical consumers of media. During their residency here at Kent State University, they have learned to combat disinformation, fake news, and propaganda. Teachers are from Czech Republic, Bosnia Herzegovina Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia, Northern Macedonia, Romania, Ukraine, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. FLASHperks will be available and snacks will be provided. Class attendance can be planned if requested. Refreshments will be served.

March 10th
International Women's Day

International Women's Day from 12-1 pm in White Hall Room 200, the Gerald H. Read Center
International students will present how women in their home country are moving and innovating for a better future. More information will be forth coming. FLASHperks will be available, and a light lunch as well.
 
April 9th & 10th
35th Annual Graduate Research Symposium in the Kent Student Center
Master’s students, doctoral students and post-docs are invited to present or perform at Kent State University's 35th annual Graduate Research Symposium. Poster presentations and fine arts performances will be scheduled for Thursday, April 9. Oral and session presentations will be held on Friday, April 10. 
Register by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 7th  for a chance to win awards for your presentation or performance. Questions should be directed to Srijana Bhandari at sbhanda3@kent.edu.

April 22nd
Earth Day
 
April 24th
Population Connection and Earth Day from 11 am-2 pm in White Hall Room 200, the Gerald H. Read Center
Population Connection (from Washington DC) will work with attendees on the latest global challenges with practical lessons, and activities. Participants go home with links and materials for use in the classroom. This program is designed for pre-service teachers at all levels and in any subject.

Population can be linked to global challenges ranging from traffic congestion and pollution to loss of biodiversity and climate change. These lessons engage students in many of the environmental, social, and economic issues impacted by population. Hands-on, engaging, and fun, these activities challenge students to tackle real global issues through data and graphic analysis, lab simulations, role-playing games, argumentative writing, and more. Each lesson can stand alone or easily be inserted into established units and course plans. Practical and many resources are shared. FLASHperks will be available, and a light lunch is provided.
May 1st-4th
50th Commemoration of May 4, 1970
Events will begin on Friday afternoon, May 1, and continue through the end of the traditional noon commemoration on Monday, May 4. No final exams or classes will be scheduled. 
KSU Calendar of Events

Spring 2020 Advising Schedule

Phone Walk-In Appointment SSN Signatures
Monday 1:30-4 pm Not Available 9-11:30 am & 1:30-4 pm Not Available
Tuesday 1:30-4 pm Not Available 9-11:30 am & 1:30-4 pm Not Available
Wednesday 9-11:30 am 9-11 am & 1:30-3:45 pm Not Available 11 am & 3 pm Only
Thursday Not Available Not Available Not Available Not Available
Friday 9-11:30 am Not Available 9-11:30 am & 1:30-4 pm Not Available

You can make an appointment via KSU Advising in your FlashLine. To reach us by phone, call +1 (330) 672-7980. If no advising is available, contact isss@kent.edu.
International Admissions Advising
Education Abroad Advising


Contact Us

Office of Global Education
International Student and Scholar Services
625 Loop Road
106 Van Campen Hall
Kent, Ohio 44242
Phone: +1 (330) 672-7980
Email:
isss@kent.edu
Website: www.kent.edu/isss
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