February 2001
Contents
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A Message From The Office of International Programs
As stories of the ongoing tragedy in the western Indian state of Gujarat mount,
the staff of the Office of International Programs wishes to offer its heartfelt
condolences to the Indian community on our campus. Stories such as those describing
more than one hundred Indian children losing their lives while marching in
a parade cannot help but affect us all at a deeply human level. In commemoration
of the many lives lost in this great national tragedy, the Office of International
Programs will be flying the flag of India at half-staff this coming week,
January 29 - Feb 3rd, in front of our offices at Barnard Hall. (The flag will
not be flown during inclement weather).
For the India Association web site and earthquake updates: www.olemiss.edu/orgs/ia
The Office of International Programs would like to thank the staff of Student Housing and Residence Life for providing 2 semester passes and 10 free individual movie passes to be given away to the first international students that come by the Office of International Programs Office and request them.
February
2 Remember The Titans
An American Football movie about two high schools, one black and one white,
undergoing forced integration in 1971. Starring Denzel Washington.
9 Charlie's Angels
They're beautiful, they're brilliant, and they work for Charlie. In a smart,
sexy update of the 70's TV show from celebrated music video director McG,
Charlie's Angels revolves around three female detectives as intelligent and
multi-talented as they are ravishingly gorgious and utterly disarming.
16 Bounce
No current information available.
23 Pay It Forward
Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, and Haley Joel Osment star in enlightening drama.
March
16 Exorcist (re-issue)
Extremely scary scenes. Not recommended for children!
23 Unbreakable
From the creator of the Sixth Sense comes a film where a man walks away from
a train wreck where everyone was killed...Is it just freak luck or spiritually
scary? Starring Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson.
30 Proof of Life
Romantic drama. When an American working in a South American country is kidnapped,
a kidnap and ransom speical agent works with the man's wife to free him. Starring
Meg Ryan.
April
6 Vertical Limit
High adventure in a mountain climbing expedition gone wrong.
20 What Women Want
Mel Gibson stars as Nick Marshall, a competititive advertising Executive known
for his chauvinistic commmercials. His ideas become outdated and inappropriate
when women become the largest consumer demographic. After a freak accident,
Nick suddenly develops the ability to understand what women are thinking and
what they want.
SOCCER SIGN-UP!
Now's your chance to show off your soccer skills and strut your stuff! Sign up for football (soccer) to challenge the Croft Institute for International Studies students. Perhaps our Croft friends are interested in learning more about international students' athletic abilities. Contact Jeremy Mills at jcm145@msn.com to sign up before the Feb. 10th deadline.
Ole Miss Outdoors Adventures
|
Arkansas Backpacking |
Feb. 9-11
|
$45
|
| Kayak Roll Clinic (5 slots left) |
Feb. 15
|
$12
|
| Buffalo Weekend Canoeing |
Feb. 24-25
|
$45
|
| Kayak Roll Clinic |
Mar. 15
|
$12
|
| Climbing Day Trip |
Mar. 17
|
$25
|
| Wolf River Canoe Day Trip |
Mar. 18
|
$25
|
| Kayak Roll Clinic |
Mar. 29
|
$12
|
| Weekend Climbing Trip |
Mar. 31-Apr. 1
|
$45
|
| Rafting Day Trip |
Apr. 7
|
$25
|
| Kayak Roll Clinic |
Apr. 19
|
$12
|
| Weekend Kayak Workshop (4 slots) |
Apr. 21-22
|
$50
|
| Kayak Day Trip |
Apr. 22
|
$20
|
| Intermediate Kayak Workshop |
Apr. 28-29
|
$65
|
The above trips include all equipment and overnight trips include sleeping bag and tent. To register or get more information call Ole Miss Outdoors (915-5591).
University Theatre
Feb. 8, 9, 10
Dancing at Lughnasha (Fulton)
Brian Friel's multi-award winning play manages to be warm, funny, sad, and
uplifting as it examines the daily joys and sorrows of a family of Irish women.
Though each woman's story is very personal, the play touches on universal
aspects of the human condition. You'll laugh, cry and be reminded of what
is good about being human. The whole family will enjoy it.
Mar. 29, 30, 31
Cabaret (Fulton)
First as a novel by Christopher Isherwood, then as a play by John Van Druten,
and finally as a musical by the renowned team of John Kander and Fred Ebb,
This edgy look at how Germany danced and drank and looked the other way while
the Nazi party quietly took control has mesmerized audiences. The decadence
of Berlin is found in the Kit Kat Klub presided over by a chalky-faced Emcee
whose cynicism is both enlightening and frightening. Against the background
of the Klub, two love affairs play themselves out to a tragic end. This show
contains some of Kander and Ebb's greatest music-"Wildommen," "Tomorrow
Belongs to Me," and of course "Cabaret," to name a few. The
overwhelming success of its recent revival proves that CABARET is one of those
rare musicals that deserves to be called a classic.
Apr. 26, 27, 28
Showstoppers (Fulton)
Once again we will end out season with a dazzling collection of the best songs
and dances from the best musicals ever to grace the stages of Broadway and
London's West End. This one is terrific fun for the whole family and a perfect
way to finish our 200-2001 season.
Student Tickts: $3.00
Call the Central Ticket Office (First Floor, front entrance of the Union) for tickets or more information (915-7411).
University Artist Series
Feb. 12
Porgy and Bess (7:30 Fulton)
Student Cost: $3.00
"Porgy and Bess," George Gershwin's masterpiece of American musical
theatre, deals with love, passion, and crime on Charleston's Catfish Row in
the 1930's. This New York-based company of 65 has toured worldwide to high
acclaim.
Apr. 3
Bonnie Rideout-Scottish Trio (8:00 Fulton)
Student Cost: $3.00
One of the finest and most fiery Scottish fiddlers of our time, Bonnie Rideout
(with guitary and percussion accompaniment) charms audiences with dance tunes,
bagpipe marches, and ancient Gaelic melodies, each reflecting the rich musical
tradition of the Highlands.
Call the Central Ticket Office (First Floor, front entrance of the Union) for more information (915-7511).
Piano Series at Ole Miss
Feb. 27 (8:00 Meek)
Wang-Rodgers Piano Duo
Featuring Busoni, Dukas, Saint-Saens, and Rachmanioff
Mar. 19 (8:00 Meek)
I an Hominick
Featuring Beethoven, Hummel, Schubert, and Medtner
Mar. 29 (8:00 Meek)
Oxford Piano Trio
Chamber works with guest artists
Apr. 2 (8:00 Meek)
David Brunell
Featuring Beethoven, Schumann, Rachmanioff, and Ravel
Apr. 11 (8:00 Meek)
Diane Wang
Featuring Haydn, Chopin, Debussy, and Albeniz
All concerts are free and open to the public.
Call the Dept. of Music for more information (915-7268)
Thacker Mountain Radio
Every Thursday from 5:30-6:30 at Off Square Books a different live performance is featured. Come see the live show or tune in your radio to Bullseye 95.5 FM. Off Square Books is located just off the Square, a few doors down the street between Square Books and As Seen on TV.
Community Banquet
Pack 146 will hold its annual Blue and Gold Banquet on Tuesday, February 27 from 6-8 p.m. at North Oxford Baptist Church. Each group of Cub Scouts is choosing a foreign country to feature at their table during the banquet. For entertainment we would like to have a few groups or individual international students who would be willing to perform dances, songs or music during the short entertainment part of the banquet. If you have native costumes, that would add even more to the program. There will be a meal served to those who attend to provide entertainment and if anyone needs help with rides, transportation can be arranged. If you would be able to help us out or if you have other questions, please e-mail me at tropp@teclink.net or call me at 234-7846. Sylvia Tropp
Valantines Day Feb. 14
Remember the one you love.
History of Valantines Day
IT MAY NOT be fair to say that Valentine's Day has its origin in antiquity, but there were romantic spring holidays (GAMELION and LUPERCALIA) and a St. Valentine or two. Gamelion (mid-January to mid-February) was called Gamelion, the "Month of Marriage." A sacred marriage (hieros gamos) was celebrated at the end of the month to mark the marriage of Zeus and Hera. Preparation included purification. Februarius, in Rome, was also a month for purification -- in preparation for the new year which began in March. Houses were swept, and sprinkled with salt and spelt. The word Februarius itself comes from a word meaning purification or purgation. Twin themes of purification and fertility come together in the Roman holiday called Lupercalia. Priests (luperci) of two colleges (Quintilii and Fabii) met at the cave where the she-wolf supposedly nursed the founding twins Romulus and Remus. Vestal Virgins offered their holy salt cakes. Priests sacrificed a dog and a goat, and smeared the animal blood on two boys who, clad only in a bit of goatskin, later led a band of revelers (luperci) whose antics included whipping bystanders with a goatskin strip (februa). Women so whipped -- even barren ones -- were thought to become fertile. The priests may also have paired up youth of both sexes who were to stay paired up for the remainder of the year. (About.com <http://ancienthistory.miningco.com/homework/ancienthistory/library/weekly/aa021098.htm>)
International Student Scholarships, Grants and Other Financial Aid Sources
To all international students: Go to the following web address for information on scholarships, grants and other financial aid sources for international sources: www.isoa.org
Intensive English Move
The Intensive English Program has moved its offices to Hill Hall. The move has been implemented in order to put the classroom and administrative spaces under one roof. The instructors and the coordinator will then be in a position to be more involved with the students outside of class time and be able to address questions and concerns much more efficiently. The Intensive English Program facilities have just undergone extensive renovation, including extensive painting and the installation of new carpets. Coordination of the Conversation Partner program and administration of the SPEAK test for international teaching assistants has also moved to Hill Hall. Andrew Barnette is Coordinator of the IEP and can be reached at atbarnet@olemiss.edu or 915-1560.
Congratulations!
The Office of International Programs would like to congratulate Gokkan Karahan, Visiting Assistant Professor of Economics from Turkey, along with Dr. William F. Shughart II of the School of Business Administration, for being awarded a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to determine factors that have led to greatly increased caseloads in U.S. Federal District Courts.
Health Insurance Claim(s) and Question(s)
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR INSURANCE? On February 14, 2001 an insurance representative from your insurance company, McKinley Financial Services, will be in the Office of International Programs to answer your questions. Please stop by the Office of International Programs between 9:00am and 11:00am to meet your insurance representative and ask questions regarding your insurance policy. For further information, please contact Susanne Young, International Student Advisor, at extension 7404 or sbyoung1@olemiss.edu.
Many of your questions and / or problems regarding your health insurance claim(s) may be answered and / or resolved with a telephone contact to Susanne Young, International Student Advisor at 915-7404, email: sbyoung1@olemiss.edu. Insurance For Your Dependents Enrollment forms are available for dependent health insurance coverage. Eligible dependents include your husband/ wife and children who are under age 21. Medical bills can be very expensive in the United States. It is strongly recommended that your dependents have health insurance. It is required if they are here in J-2 status. Come to the Office of International Programs to get forms or to ask questions. For questions about the International Student & Scholar Health Insurance Plan contact: Susanne Young, International Student Advisor at 915-7404, email: sbyoung1@olemiss.edu
On October 17, 2000, President Clinton signed into law legislation that affects H-1B workers. Some of the important changes include increased quota for new H-1B petitions to 195,000 per year for fiscal years 2001, 2002 and 2003. Workers hired by higher education institutions and related/affiliated nonprofit entities and nonprofit and governmental research institutions will be exempt from the annual H-1B limit. Some workers will be able to extend H-1B status beyond the normal six year limit. Persons in valid H-1B status who wish to change employers will no longer have to wait until the second petition is approved before beginning work with the second employer, but will only need to wait until the second petition is filed.
Permanent Residency Change
In the same legislation that affected H-1B workers, is a change that applies to those who have filed an adjustment of status application. If the adjustment of status application has been pending for 180 days or more, a person can change jobs and/or employers if the new job is in the same or a similar occupational classification as the one for which the petition was originally filed.
To view the complete text, see this website:
http://www.shusterman.com/s2045txt.html
Any students graduating by the end of the Fall 2000 semester and wishing to apply for optional practical training are encouraged to visit the Office of International Programs to receive an OPT application and watch the mandatory video. Please gather all OPT application materials listed on page one (1) of the "Optional Practical Training" application packet (i.e., photos, recommendation from advisor, transcripts, $100 money order, etc.) before scheduling an in-person appointment with Susanne Young, International Student Advisor at 915-7404, email: sbyoung1@olemiss.edu.
The INS has a hotline, 1-800-375-5283, for information on immigration benefits and services. The centralized telphone information service, part of the INS's National Customer Service Center (NCSC) initiative, is intended to help people avoid visits to INS offices, and it is also expected to allow local offices to focus on and improve services that can only be provided locally. The menu of options provides basic eligibility and how-to information and the ability to order forms. People requiring additional information are transferred to customer service representatives, and more complex inquires are then forwarded to INS information officers. The INS plans to add, during the next two years, 800 services such as checking the status of pending applications, reporting address changes and rescheduling fingerprinting and interview appointments.
Applications are available in the Office of International Programs. Representatives from the Social Security Administration will be at the Oxford City Hall on the Oxford Square every 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. You need to bring a complete application form, your I-20 or IAP-66, and your passport. Application forms are available in the office. A lot of your social security problems can be solved over the phone. Please contact the Social Security Administration office in Tupelo, Mississippi with any questions and/or concerns by phone (662) 842-6582 or fax (662) 841 2895.
The Office of International Programs is offering you a chance to become involved in Planet Partners, formerly World Without Borders. By participating in Planet Partners you will be able to join an American family or student in various fun activities [football games, dinner or lunch, shopping, movies, theater, trips to Memphis, and much more] at least once a month. Planet Partners also gives Americans a chance to learn about your culture. There are many American families wanting to get involved with the international community. We think this will be a fun way to get to know more about American culture. Let Susanne Young, the International Student Advisor, know soon if you are interested or if you know of someone else who is interested in becoming a part of Planet Partners.
You can call Susanne at 915-7404 or email her at sbyoung1@olemiss.edu.
International Student and Scholar Listserv Subscribe/Unsubscribe
This list serv will help you stay informed of special programs and key issues specific to the international student and scholar community at the University of Mississippi. The Office of International Programs strongly urges you to subscribe. If you have any questions, please contact Shannon Sumrall at 915-7404 or ssumrall@olemiss.edu
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Site updated January 29, 2001.