From: Danielle Clarizio
Date: March 10, 2020
Subject: Week 7: Updates & Reminders for ISSS


Hi First_Name,

Seven Down, Seven to Go!

The end of this week marks the half-way point in the semester. While we know that is good news to some, many of your are experiencing an uptick in academic pressures. To those of you who are feeling overwhelmed with midterm exams, papers, presentations and projects, we are sending out positive vibes to you! 

When you return from Spring Break you will have just seven weeks left of the semester. Time flies when you're having fun, eh? As ever, I wish you a successful academic week and a Spring Break full of fun, memories and good health!

A Message from the Chancellor Regarding COVID-19

You should have received a message today with the following content:

As we approach the upcoming spring break at the end of this week, many of our students, faculty and staff are looking forward to a well-earned break from the pace of the academic year.

Personal travel plans may be part of your activities, and we would like to remind you of the serious situation with COVID-19 coronavirusas it quickly evolves. In many countries, there may be new entry and exit control measures, and even quarantines implemented with very little notice during the coming weeks. Currently, thereare several areasin the U.S.with localized outbreaks as well. These actions could severely impact your plans and/or delay your return home with personal cost.

Because this situation is likely to continue to rapidly change in the weeks ahead, we highly encourage you to check both U.S.Department of State and Centers for Disease Control websites to find updated guidance for your destination as well as for those areas you may plan to visit.

Even if you are not traveling, we encourage all students to follow healthy practices. Aside from the coronavirus, we are also in the height of flu and cold season.
It is not too late to get a flu shot. The flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu.

  • Stay home if you are not feeling well-Call your medical provider or health facility before been seen
  • Social Distancing: limit close contact ( 6 ft/2 meters).
  • Avoid contact with sick people
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
There is also a section of our website dedicate to COVID-19, you can view it here: https://www.uwstout.edu/covid-19-coronavirus-planning-and-preparedness

F-1 Students: Is Your Travel Signature Up-to-date?

Whenever you leave the US with the intention of returning, you will need to have an updated Travel Endorsement (page 2 of your I-20). Don't wait until the last day to update your travel signature! It's not too early for you to update travel signatures for Spring Break and/or end of semester travels. Travel Endorsements (signatures on Page 2 of your I-20) are valid for 12 months. If you are planning to travel outside of the US with the intention of returning, please check to see that your signature will still be valid on the date of your return. 

What to do if you are travelling and...:

  • You don't have ANY travel signature: bring your I-20 to the OIE so we can sign it
  • Your travel signature is valid until at least March 24, 2020 (for Spring Break travel): you don't need to do anything right now but, but you could still get an updated signature if you want to. 

J-1 Students: You Need a Travel Signature if you are leaving the US during Spring Break!

With all that is going on with Coronavirus, I expect that none of your are planning to leave the US during Spring Break. If you are leaving the US during the break, you will need me to sign your DS-2019. Please email me ASAP so that we can update your document.

Volunteer to Help at Empty Bowls

On Saturday, March 28, the doors of the Menomonie High School Commons will open at 11 a.m. for Empty Bowls 2020. The event organizers need our help! Please sign up to help make this a successful event. You can sign up here: Volunteer Sign Up

If you prefer to attend as a guest, rather than a volunteer, you can purchase tickets in advance $15. With this you will get hand-crafted bowl (made by your fellow students) Or you can paye just $5 for just the meal. Tickets can be purchased online here:

Get your ticket(s) online today! 

This popular, family-friendly fundraiser is a long-standing annual tradition for many folks to enjoy a bowl of delicious soup accompanied by fresh-baked bread and desserts while listening to local musicians and visiting friends in support of neighbors in need. Empty Bowls also features unique handcrafted bowls and stupendous silent auction — including lovely handmade quilts — along with children’s activities, a bake sale, raffles and more.

Fall 2020 International Student Tuition Scholarship Applications Due May 1, 2020

Current recipients of the International Student Tuition Scholarship are required to have all scholarship application materials completed and submitted by 4:30pm on May 1, 2020. Late applications will NOT be accepted. 

As a reminder, a completed application consists of two parts:

  1. the completed application form
  2. Global Involvement Forms covering your 20+ hours for this semester

All of these forms are available for pick up from the OIE any time during our opening hours (8:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday).

A note about Volunteer/Global Involvement opportunities: To date I have posted at least 50 hours worth of Global Invovement opportunities on CONNECT. I have posted for all major volunteering opportunities that I am aware of in this semester and I do not expect any more major opportunites to come up.

Scholarship recipients are required to identify their own opportunities; please use the resources available to you on CONNECT, through student orgs, and through the community to identify appropriate opportunities. Please plan ahead to avoid a scramble at the end of the semester when there are fewer opportunities for students.

Events

Tuesday, March 10
Start End   Event         Location
5:30pm 8:30pm "Get Out" Film Screening and Discussion Harvey Theater
6:00pm 7:00pm Stout Model UN Meeting Tuesday Micheels Hall Room 294
7:00pm 9:00pm Lead Belay Clinic Stout Adventures
7:30pm 9:30pm Hand Drumming Session APPA 313
Wednesday, March 11
3:00pm 6:00pm Devil's Punch Bowl Cleanup Devil's Punch Bowl
5:00pm 6:00pm Wednesday Night Striking 221 Mat Room, Johnson Fieldhouse
5:00pm 6:00pm GreenSense Meeting - Roadside Cleanup Jarvis- Room 103
6:00pm 7:00pm Minecraft Server on a Raspberry Pi Fryklund 201S
7:00pm 9:00pm Springo! MSC, Terrace
Thursday, March 12
5:00pm 12:00am Sewing With no Tears TBD
6:30pm 8:00pm Conjugate strength training seminar Johnson fieldhouse 247a/b
Friday, March 13
10:00am 10:10am 10 minute meditation University Library Room 217
12:45pm 2:00pm Salat ul jumu'ah- Friday Prayer Session Merle Price Commons, Gilbert Creek Room
1:00pm 2:00pm Spring Break: Canoeing Everglades Everglades National Park
Monday, March 23
1:00pm 5:00pm Art + Design Week MSC Ballrooms + Great Hall