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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
