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NEW THIS WEEK:

MYISSS IS NOW AVAILABLE!

Last week, we sent F and J students invitations to login to our a new web-based tool - MyISSS (pronounced My I-triple-S).

We're excited to see that many students have logged into their accounts and submitted requests in our new platform!

We have more information about using MyISSS on our website.

EXPECT DELAYS

The transition to the new software will take us some time and attention. Although the software is live for your use, we are still launching and there will be delays as we replace our old workflows with new ones.

There will be no advising appointments available through this week to support training and development for advising staff. Advisors will be responding to emails and processing requests during this time, but unable to schedule 1x1 appointments. Seek information on our website or email us at uwiss@uw.edu for support.

VIRTUAL DROP-IN MYISSS SUPPORT

MyISSS is new and we understand that you may have some questions about using the software. We're offering three sessions of virtual drop-in support to help you access and navigate the new platform.

Please note that we can only address questions related to accessing and navigating MyISSS during these drop-in sessions. Questions related to pending requests, your immigration status, or other ISS services should be submitted via our contact form, email, or by making an appointment with our advising team.

Join ISS staff for 1-on-1 virtual drop-in support from 1 – 2 PM, February 16th – 18th. Find more information and zoom link on our events page.

COMING SOON

Join us from 2-4 PM on February 28th for drop-in DS-2019 Travel Signatures for J-1 students. Come by Schmitz Hall Room 490 with your DS-2019 - no appointment necessary!

ISS SERVICES DURING WINTER 2022

All advising and student services will be offered virtually this quarter.

ISS Reception Desk Hours

Monday - Thursday
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Virtual Front Desk
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Schmitz Hall 459

Friday
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Virtual Front Desk
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Virtual Front Desk

Advising Appointments

The link to book appointments is published on our website.

Students should prepare to choose the type of appointment they need - the first step in booking will be choosing the category of question to discuss with an advisor or member of our staff.

You will be prompted to log into your Outlook account when you access our booking calendar. Use your @uw.edu credentials to log in and view available appointment types and times. We do not offer same day appointments or cancellations.

Virtual Front Desk

Staff are available to help you navigate the website, connect you to important resources, and provide general assistance. Staff will admit one student at a time to the Virtual Front Desk – we appreciate your patience! Find more information on our website.

COVID-19 TESTS FOR ISHIP MEMBERS

ISHIP members have several ways to get tested for COVID-19 at no out-of-pocket cost.
Get no cost at-home test kits
  • At an in-network pharmacy. Find an in-network pharmacy near you by signing in to your account on lifewiseac and searching Find a Doctor.
  • Online at gov. Limit one order per household.
  • Online through ExpressScripts. Set up an account and get a kit shipped to your home.
For information about how to accurately complete a self-test, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Get reimbursed
If you do pay for a COVID test, you can get reimbursed for the cost by submitting a claim form.
  • Download and print the claim form
  • Fill out the form
  • Follow the directions and send the completed claim form to the address on the form
Additional information on submitting a claim form for reimbursement:
  • You may submit a claim for up to eight individual tests per covered family member every 30 days.
  • Reimbursement is limited to $12.00 per test, including tax and shipping/delivery charges (up to a $12 maximum).
  • Tests must be used by members who have COVID symptoms or who have had direct exposure. They may not be used for the purpose of attending school, work, travel, or events.
  • The test must be approved, or granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Check the EUA lists for approved Molecular and Antigen home test kits. Search “OTC” to limit results to eligible tests.
Go to a testing site
Check out these links to find an in-person testing location near you:

REPORTED SCAM TARGETING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

UWPD_INT'L_STUDENT_Fraud_Scam_Bulletin_12272021

REMINDERS

WORKING ON CAMPUS?

F and J students must be aware of the rules that cover the basics of on-campus employment for their visa categories - make sure that you have the

Here are some helpful links:

J-1 ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT

Make sure you have requested authorization with your AROs in ISS! An ISS Advisor will need to report your on-campus employment in SEVIS. You can request this authorization by completing our form.


SIGN UP FOR UW ALERT

The University of Washington has developed UW Alert to disseminate information via email, text messages, loudspeakers, website banners and other means, as needed, to keep the campus community informed during emergencies and situations that might disrupt normal operations.

We strongly encourage all students to sign up for UW Alert today!

LATE COURSE DROP PERIOD & THE ADVISOR ASSISTED DROP

You now have two options if you need to drop courses:
Please review the detailed instructions on the university registrar's website for more information.

ISHIP VIRTUAL FRONT DESK

Through Winter 2022, the ISHIP Office is offering remote services through the Virtual Front Desk. The Virtual Front Desk will be open daily. Our Drop-in Advising will be primarily through the Virtual Front Desk times indicated below. You may also book one-on-one virtual appointments with the ISHIP Counselor by emailing the front desk staff at stdins@uw.edu.

Virtual Front Desk Schedule – Winter 2022
  • Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM PST
Staff will be available to help you navigate the ISHIP website, connect you to important resources, and provide general assistance. Staff will admit one student at a time to the Virtual Front Desk – we appreciate your patience!

Drop-In Advising

Sessions with the ISHIP Counselor will be available through the Virtual Front Desk on Mondays and Thursdays.

During these blocks, the ISHIP Counselor will be available for 10-minute consultations. There will be no counseling staff at the Virtual Front Desk outside of these hours.

ZOOM LINK:https://washington.zoom.us/j/8197411645

NEWS FROM CAMPUS PARTNERS

UNITE UW Spring 2022 Applications Open

Unite UW connects domestic and international students at the UW through a unique seven-week program. Each Unite UW section has 30 participants who are paired up (domestic-international) for weekly cultural bonding activities. Small groups of pairs, led by a facilitator, will meet outside the program to encourage further cultural exchange. This complimentary program is offered every quarter in the academic year, and is not credit bearing.
If you see yourself as a leader and you enjoy leading small groups, have a passion for relationship building, and like to initiate activities, you can apply to be a Unite UW facilitator.
Join Unite UW for a fun, meaningful, and transformative experience!

More info and the calendar can be found on the Unite UW website.

Connect with Students & Young Professionals from Mali as a FIUTS Ambassador

Interested in media, leadership, cultural exchange, and French? FIUTS is seeking up to 10 French-speaking UW students to serve as Ambassadors during an upcoming virtual exchange with students from Mali in the new FIUTS Media Literacy and Leadership Program! The time commitment includes three 1.5-2-hour synchronous meetings along with asynchronous communication between February 23rd-May 25th.

Ambassadors are a critical piece of the program and act as peer mentors, cultural liaisons, friends, and student leaders. Ambassadors learn new skills, build their resumes, make international friends, and have fun! ALL current University of Washington students are eligible to apply. Interested students can apply at www.fiuts.org/ambassadors. Contact Jason Evans (jason@fiuts.org) with questions. Application deadline is February 18th.

UPCOMING EVENTS & DEADLINES

  • As we prepare for a new quarter, be sure to review the add/drop deadlines & tuition deadlines.
  • CIRCLE Events:
    • CIRCLE of Friends: ”Paint Your Love” Valentine’s Crafts
      Location: HUB141
      Date: Tuesday, February 15
      Time: Drop by anytime between 5:30-8:30pm

      Come celebrate Valentine’s with CIRCLE of Friends, to take some love language quizzes and express your love through arts and crafts!

      No RSVP is needed, though please bring your husky card and wear masks. Limited quantity of 3”x3” mini canvas for you to paint are first come, first serve.
    • Community Conversations: Cross-Cultural Dating and Relationships (Virtual Panel)
    • Wednesday, Feb 16, 2022, 7 – 8 p.m.
      https://www.washington.edu/circle/calendar/?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D157078118
      Join us for a free-flowing online discussion with the LiveWell Peer Health Educators as we explore the nuances of relationship dynamics across borders.
      As any of us who have formed relationships across cultures know, subtle differences in perception and expectation can cause unexpected friction--however, they can also introduce us to new horizons in how we experience the world together. What makes a relationship healthy? How does where we grew up affect how we perceive relationships? How can we navigate different expectations and experiences together?
    • CIRCLE of Friends: Lantern Festival Celebration
      Location: HUB141
      Date: Thursday, February 17
      Time: Drop by anytime between 5:30-8:30pm

      The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Lunar new year (and Spring Festival). Join CIRCLE of Friends to celebrate this festival by making rice pudding (take home to cook), origami tiger, Chinese knots, and traditional cloth patterns. You will also get to play some traditional childhood games with old and new friends.

      No RSVP is needed, though please bring your husky card and wear masks. Limited rice pudding materials are first come, first serve.
  • February 16, 17, 18; 1-2 PM
    • Having trouble accessing or navigating your MyISSS profile? Join ISS staff for 1-on-1 virtual drop-in support.
  • February 28, 2-4 PM
    • Schmitz Hall 490: Drop-in DS-2019 Travel Signatures for J-1 students

Need more information? We offer on-demand and live resources to help answer your questions! Let us know how we're doing by filling out our feedback form.

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