Thursday, May 28, 2009

Spring 2009 E-Newsletter Issue #6

Important Dates


June 10th- Study Day (no academic classes scheduled, but IESL students have finals)

June 12th- Commencement

June 15th- Last day of instruction

June 19th- Grades available online

June 22nd- Summer classes begin



IP Office Hours during the Break and First week of Summer Quarter?


Yes, the IP Office will be open, but there will be no walk-in advising available on Thursday or Friday, June 18th and 19th. During the first week of the summer quarter we will have extended hours. Walk-in advising will be available from 8:00am to 5:00pm.



Tuition Due Date

Tuition is due by the first day of each quarter and the late fee is $95. Pay early to avoid last-minute credit card or other banking problems.




Are You Registered for Fall?




If you are returning to GRCC you should be registered already for fall quarter. If you are leaving for the summer and plan to return, print a copy of your fall class schedule and keep it with your I-20 as an extra document to show immigration if needed. You probably won't need it, but it may help if you are questioned.






Join us at the International Student Graduation Celebration!
IP Students – You are cordially invited to a Graduation Celebration! Please join us in celebrating your accomplishments, and all of your hard work at GRCC!
When: Friday, June 12th
Where: IP Office
Time: 3:00-4:45pm






Swine Flu: Is it safe to travel to the US?According to the World Health Organization (WHO): “Yes, WHO is not recommending restrictions on travel related to the outbreak of the influenza A(H1N1) virus. Today, global travel is commonplace and large numbers of people move around the world for business and leisure.” http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/travel/en/index.html

At Green River, we have had no reported cases of swine flu. Just as with all types of flu, we are encouraging students and staff to follow proper health guidelines: wash hands regularly and stay home if not feeling well. This is the best way to prevent and contain any illness. US medical clinics and hospitals are well prepared to treat individuals should they become ill for any reason. There is no reason to worry about studying at Green River Community College.





Graduation: How to Prepare?


7:00 pm, Friday, June 12 at the White River Amphitheatre in Enumclaw. If you are participating in the ceremony please open the link and read the following instructions so you are prepared: www.greenriver.edu/commencement


Shuttle bus transportation will be provided for 75 Green River students on a first come, ticket-only basis from Student Life located on the second floor in the Lindbloom Student Center. Buses will depart from the AD Building Traffic Circle at 5:00 p.m. and return to campus after the event. Student ID is required.
Call 253-833-9111 ext. 2400 for additional information.
Deadline to reserve bus tickets is Tues., June 9.


Still need to order your cap & gown? Hurry!

Go to http://www.greenriver.edu/commencement/index.shtm for all the info you need. Many of you may still need to pick up your card at Enrollment Services in LSC and buy a cap and gown from the bookstore.




Leaving the USA soon or taking a Vacation Quarter for Summer?


Here’s a convenient checklist of things you need to be sure to take care of:


- Register for fall quarter (It's always a good idea to print and keep a copy of your fall registration with your I-20 for your return).
- Get your I-20 signed at least 2 weeks before you leave the USA.
- Inform an advisor about your vacation plans so GRCC can inform the immigration service of your plans (as required by F1 visa regulations).
- Buy a small present for your family back home, as appropriate.
- Make arrangements with CCA or your host family about what will happen to your room while you’re gone.
- Are you starting at university when you come back to the USA? Be sure to see an advisor to get the proper transfer paperwork. Bring in your acceptance letter from the university you’ve chosen. You should re-enter the USA using your new school’s I-20, not your old GRCC I-20. Be in contact with immigration advisors at your university to see what you need to do to get your new I-20 from them.



Clayoquot Summer Institute


Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Learning Community: Writing and Photographic Culture, Clayoquot Sound Institute


This course consists of eight on-campus meetings and seven days (July 12-19) in the Clayoquot Biosphere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in British Columbia, Canada. You will live in the field station at the Tofino Botanical Gardens, paddle Clayoquot Sound in traditional Nuu-Chah-Nulth dugout canoes, explore old growth forests, walk along coastal beaches with biologists and interact with the local Euro-Canadian and Nuu-Chah Nulth First Nations communities--all while examining them from an anthropological and historical perspective. In addition to attending performances by local poets, native storytellers, writers and photographers, you will be writing about and photographing the people and scenery of a spectacular environment. This course combines AMES, ANTH or S SCI 211 (Nuu-Chah-Nulth Indians) and ENGL& 236 or 237 (Creative Writing I and II) or Photo 111 (Beginning Digital Photography) for 10 credits. There is an additional program fee of $950.

For program application and more information, contact Cyndi Card, ext. 2160 or ccard@greenriver.edu.

See GRCC Summer Schedule for more info.http://www.greenriver.edu/courses/schedules.shtm




IESL
Finals Week Schedule:Monday, June 8th – Regular IESL Classes
Tuesday, June 9th – *Grammar Final Exam 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
*Reading/Writing Final Exam 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 10th – *Listening/Speaking Final Exam 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 11th – Grade Day in MDA @ 2:30 p.m.
Friday, June 12th – IESL Level 5 Graduation in MDA @ 1:00 p.m.
*Check with your instructors for location of final exam
Summer Quarter:Get your schedules for summer quarter after 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20th
First day of the quarter is Monday, June 22nd



Volunteer Opportunities


Are you looking for more volunteer opportunities? Check out the “Volunteer” section of the IP Advising page on Angel (see Campus Resources below). There are links to volunteer websites as well as descriptions of long-term volunteer internships in Auburn.





YARD SALE
Location: CCA outside Townsend Center - weather permitted, otherwise CCA Community Room
Date: Saturday, June 13th 2009. Time: 9:30 – 2 PM
FREE entrance
Things for sale include: lots of clothes, kitchenware (plates, glasses,…), furniture, games, books (textbooks, comics,…), electronics (headphones, speakers,…), stationery, accessories (bags, necklaces,… ), bedroom stuff, bathroom stuff and many others.
We have popcorn, cotton candy, and sno-cone. We also have Volleyball Tournament 10 - 1 PM the same day and BBQ is available.
Come with CASH only to find your great deals. Let’s join us at this lively event!!!



Summer Activities



Campus Safety

* GRCC Safety Alert- Subscribe to GRCC Safety Alert and keep informed of Campus emergencies, safety issues and inclement weather emergency closures. This is a FREE service available to all GRCC students. Click here to learn more and to subscribe.

* Send a Red Flag- GRCC has an information reporting system. Please click here to report any suspicious behavior or security threats on campus. In a true emergency please call 911 first to contact the police, the fire department or to get emergency medical help.



Campus Resources

IP Advising on ANGEL

Counseling Services

The Math Learning Center

The Writing Center

Library Reference Chat

Campus Corner Housing


Contact Information

IP Telephone 253-288-3300


Alvin Tai: ttai@greenriver.edu

Jessica Galán: jgalan@greenriver.edu

Sarah Hamilton: shamilton@greenriver.edu

John Tankersley: jtankersley@greeniver.edu


If you have any feedback or comments regarding this newsletter, please email ipadvising@greenriver.edu

Disclaimer: Green River Community College has made reasonable efforts to provide in this schedule information that is accurate at the time of publication. However, the college reserves the right to make appropriate changes in procedures, policies, calendars, requirements, programs, courses, and fees. When feasible, changes will be announced prior to their effective dates, but the college assumes no responsibility for giving any particular notice of any such changes. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to create any offer to contract or any contractual rights. Green River Community College does not discriminate against anyone based on race, ethnicity, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, religion, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or status as a disabled person or veteran of war, in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Students needing an alternative medium for communicating must contact Disability Support Services in Educational Planning, ext. 2631. Limitation of Liability: The college's total liability for claims arising from a contractual relationship with the student in any way related to classes or programs shall be limited to the tuition and expenses paid by the student to the college for those classes or programs. In no event shall the college be liable for any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including but not limited to, loss of earnings or profits.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Spring 2009 E-Newsletter Isuue #5

Important Dates

May 22nd- Last day to submit pass/non-credit petition to Enrollment Services.
May 25th- Memorial Day (campus closed)
May 26th- Last day to officially withdraw from spring quarter. All registration transactions must be completed.

Tuition Increases

Starting Fall 09 qtr
Insurance is increasing from $186 to $195
Tuition – from $2650 to $2750
Fees – from $129 to $134
Please make sure to check your schedule for an updated amount before making the payment for your tuition & fees.

When is Tuition Due? Are you Confused?

Tuition is always due for international students on the first day of class. You may want to pay early to avoid the long lines at the cashier's office on the first day of the quarter, or pay online using online services.

ANGEL is Here to Help!

Are you going to apply for university this Fall or Winter? Have you done your research? Or are you overwhelmed by all the information you need for transferring? ANGEL is here to help!

Your advisors have created a website where you can have direct access to the transfer information of your need. It is on ANGEL. ANGEL is a on line system which all GRCC students have the access to.

To log on, go to http://greenriver.angellearning.com/ Your log on user name is your GRCC e-mail user name and your password is your student ID number. After you have logged on, click on "IP Advising" under "Community Group". ANGEL will save half of your time on your university research!

For detail instruction to log on http://www.greenriver.edu/elearning/newpages/angel.htm


Transferring Soon?


Come in to the IP Office to get your I-20 transferred properly. You will need a letter of acceptance from the new school and we will help you with the rest of the paperwork.


Sign up for TOEFL Now!
If you plan to start applying to Universities this fall, you should be aware that many schools require a TOEFL score. Check the school websites to know what they require. If you need a TOEFL score Register for TOEFL early to reserve your seat locally. In recent years many students who waited until fall to register were shocked that they were not able to test in WA State because the seats were full. Even some of those who registered early found that their test date was cancelled the day before testing. Always check your email before the test date. A few of those students also traveled out of State to take the test. Don't let this be your story! Register and test early!


Traveling?
Get that I-20 signature before leaving the country, if you plan to return to GRCC. Don't forget and don't wait until the last minute!


New Class Added



Psych 209 research methods course. It will be offered online this summer. This class will not be offered again until the next academic year 2010-2011, or possibly 2011-2012 if we offer it in the summer.


IP Job Opening

IP is looking for a new Indonesian Student Assistant in the Marketing department. Applications are available in the IP office now. Application deadline is May 29th.
See job description and requirements here.

UW Admission News
The notification period for all international transfer students is from May through early July. Students who applied for summer quarter will receive a decision in late May or early June and all other applicants will be notified in mid to late June. The School of Business generally makes their decisions in late May or early June.


For IESL Students
· Students can access their schedule for Summer Quarter on-line Saturday, June 20th after 12:00 p.m.
· Study Day, June 10th, IESL Classes will be in session. You must attend your finals!
· Please pay any outstanding fees (C
CA, library, parking, etc) as soon as possible. Level 5 students will not be able to graduate and Level 1-4 students cannot register until all fees have been paid.
Important Dates:

June 8-10: IESL Finals (regular Grammar class and regular Listening/Speaking class on June 8)
June 11: IESL Grade Day @ 2:30 p.m. in MDA, TOEFL Scores can be picked up in IVA-101 after you get your grades
June 12: IESL Level 5 Graduation @ 1:00 p.m. in MDA



Yard Sale
Date: Saturday, June 13th, 2009. Time: 9:30am – 2pm. **Set up starts at 9am**
Location: Outside the Campus Corner Apartment (weather permitting – otherwise CCA Community Room) which is located at the corner of 124th Ave SE and SE 320th St., right across the park and the baseball field.
Sign up fees: $5 students/ table, $8 non-students/table **2 people maximum/ table**
Sign up fees go to International Student Foundation Scholarships.
Sign up deadline: Friday June 5th 2009 at 4pm in Student Programs LSC 2nd floor.


Summer Activities


Campus Safety
Students: please avoid taking the shortcut between Gentry Walk and Campus Corner Apartments because this area is secluded. Remember, there is a Safety Ride service available
What is Safety Ride? An escort and ride Sunday-Thursday from dark to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from dark to 2 a.m.
Who is it for? Students who live at Campus Corner Apartments and students who walk to and from nearby apartment complexes
Where do they drive? To local convenience stores (Circle K and Shell). To and from CCA to neighborhood apartments
How does a student request? Contact Campus Safety Office at 253-288-3350. Please call 5-10 minutes before you need a ride.
This service is FREE.

* GRCC Safety Alert- Subscribe to GRCC Safety Alert and keep informed of Campus emergencies, safety issues and inclement weather emergency closures. This is a FREE service available to all GRCC students. Click here to learn more and to subscribe.
* Send a Red Flag- GRCC has an information reporting system. Please click here to report any suspicious behavior or security threats on campus. In a true emergency please call 911 first to contact the police, the fire department or to get emergency medical help.

Campus Resources
IP Advising on ANGEL
Counseling Services
The Math Learning Center
The Writing Center
Library Reference Chat
Campus Corner Housing

Contact Information
IP Telephone 253-288-3300

Alvin Tai: ttai@greenriver.edu
Jessica Galán: jgalan@greenriver.edu
Sarah Hamilton: shamilton@greenriver.edu
John Tankersley: jtankersley@greeniver.edu

If you have any feedback or comments regarding this newsletter, please email ipadvising@greenriver.edu
Disclaimer: Green River Community College has made reasonable efforts to provide in this schedule information that is accurate at the time of publication. However, the college reserves the right to make appropriate changes in procedures, policies, calendars, requirements, programs, courses, and fees. When feasible, changes will be announced prior to their effective dates, but the college assumes no responsibility for giving any particular notice of any such changes. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to create any offer to contract or any contractual rights. Green River Community College does not discriminate against anyone based on race, ethnicity, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, religion, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or status as a disabled person or veteran of war, in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Students needing an alternative medium for communicating must contact Disability Support Services in Educational Planning, ext. 2631. Limitation of Liability: The college's total liability for claims arising from a contractual relationship with the student in any way related to classes or programs shall be limited to the tuition and expenses paid by the student to the college for those classes or programs. In no event shall the college be liable for any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including but not limited to, loss of earnings or profits.