Monday, May 23, 2016

PIER Newsletter May 23, 2016

In This Issue:

PIER Chair Announcements
Other PIER Announcements

PIER Chair Announcements

USCIS Proposes new fee hikes
USCIS published a proposed rule to adjust filing fees for their applications and petitions. The public comment period is open now and closes July 5, 2016.  Learn more about the rule on the Federal Register website. NAFSA created an easy to read chart on their website http://www.nafsa.org/Content.aspx?id=53755.  

NACUBO Briefing Paper: Widespread Tax Problems for International Students
The National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) submitted a briefing paper to the IRS regarding international students and scholars denied tax refunds or assessed tax bills. Read the full briefing paper here https://www.aau.edu/policy/article.aspx?id=17312.  

Reminder: All F and M students must have the redesigned form I-20 by July 1, 2016

Singer Rihanna’s New Scholarship Program
Singer Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation offers scholarships for citizens or natives of Brazil, Barbados, Cuba, Haiti, Grenada, Guyana, or Jamaica. Learn more here https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/claralionelfdn/instructions.php and more in this PIE news article http://thepienews.com/news/rihanna-announces-study-abroad-scholarship/.  

Reminder: USCIS Deadline for Eligible Current 17- Month STEM OPT Participants
Eligible 17-month STEM OPT participants must submit applications for an additional seven months of OPT to USCIS by August 8, 2016. SEVP’s Study in the States OPT STEM Hub has information regarding the requirements and links to USCIS on their website https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students-with-existing-17-month-stem-opt-extensions. Find more resources regarding the STEM OPT rule on the NAFSA website www.nafsa.org/stemoptrule.

Become a NAFSA Academy Coach!

The NAFSA Academy for International Education is now accepting applications for two coaches from Region XII for Academy Class 14. Academy coaches will have the opportunity to improve their mentoring and training skills, connect with other regional coaches and grow their NAFSA network, and most importantly, contribute to the professional development of international educators in their region. Becoming a NAFSA Academy Coach is a fun and rewarding way to become involved with NAFSA on a higher level!

Applications are due Mon, June 15. Visit the NAFSA Academy page to read more about becoming an Academy Coach and to download the application.

Region XII Annual Conference Call for Proposals

The early bird deadline is June 8, 2016. If you submit a proposal by June 8, 2016 and your proposal is accepted, you will receive a $40 discount on your registration when it opens! For more information, click here.

PIER Board Elections
Stay tuned as we will send out a ballot for the new PIER board nominees via Survey Monkey. 

Other PIER Announcements

PIER Meeting: Friday, June 24, 2016 at SDSU International Student Center

The final meeting of our 2015-2016 year will be at the San Diego State University International Student Center on Friday, June 24, 2016 at 2 p.m. Our two travel grant recipients will present and you will meet the new PIER board. 

Location and Directions: 
San Diego State University International Student Center
5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182 (the schools address).
A Google search of "V Lot, San Diego, CA 92115" will direct you to the ISC and Parking 11 (formerly Lot V). 

Searchable Google Address: V Lot, San Diego, CA 92115

Parking Passes: Attendees will be able to park in Parking 11 and upon arrival should pick up a parking pass from the SDSU International Student Center front desk to place in their car.

Do you have an item or job posting you would like to post in the PIER newsletter that is valuable to PIER members? Please email piergroupsd@gmail.com with your inquiry. Thank you. The PIER Board reserves the right to edit content.
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PIER Board
Chair - Kasey McCarthy, Gemological Institute of America
Chair-Elect – Eric Abutin, National University
Treasurer - Martha Delgadillo, EC San Diego
Membership Coordinator - LyKai Johnson
Communications Coordinator – John Akapito, National University