Visit ISSS on the Web! http://isss.binghamton.edu

Editor’s Note: Have you changed your address?  Report your new US address to the Office of International Student and Scholar Services and fulfill your federal SEVIS responsibilities at the same time.  Visit the following web link: http://isss.binghamton.edu/forms/addrChange.html

Staff in the Office of International Student and Scholar Services will be unavailable until 9:30am on Wednesday, August 16 while they attend a Division of Student Affairs event.

CONTENTS:

1. Arrival of New International Students
2. ISSS Staff Availability During the Week of August 21
3. Now Available for All BU Students: Personal Property Insurance Coverage
4. Does a F-1 or J-1 Student Need a Social Security Number Before Beginning Employment?
5. International Student Festival Coming September 8 - 17

1. Arrival of New International Students

Next Monday, August 21 will be the first day of new international student orientation. The Office of International Student and Scholar Services thanks the many students who have assisted our new arrivals. International Student Orientation check-in will be in the University Union Old Union Hall from 10:00am to2:30pm on August 21.  There are different orientation schedules for graduate students, undergraduate students, exchange students and Dual Diploma students from Turkey.  All of the orientation schedules may be viewed at: http://isss.binghamton.edu/admission/orientation/index.html  then, just click on the appropriate link for the student type and from there, click on “program events.”

The orientation program features special presentations on the immigration regulations that all new students are required to know. We wish our new students "welcome" and much success with their academic program.

A representative of the Social Security Administration will be on campus to accept Social Security Card applications from new students on Tuesday, August 15 from 10:00am to Noon in University Union Room 101 and again during orientation, on Wednesday, August 23 in the University Union Mandela Room from 10:00am to 2:00pm.  Please note that F-1and J-1 students must present their department funding letter or written proof of on campus employment in order to apply for a Social Security Number.

The Social Security Administration has requested that new students not apply for social security numbers at their downtown offices, but instead do so at the sessions set up for international students on campus.

Although Orientation is still a week away, many new international students have begun to arrive on campus. If you happen to meet a new student, please be sure to direct them to the office of International Student and Scholar Services. Although ISSS will not be photocopying visa documents until Orientation, ISSS is recording new student arrivals and distributing their very helpful early arrival information sheet. ISSS looks forward to welcoming another large entering class of new international students this Fall!

The Registrar's Office is processing student id cards for international students this week, but it is essential that any new international student going to the Registrar's Office identify him or herself as a new international student to receive this service.

2. ISSS Staff Availability During the Week of August 21

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services will be open for regular office hours throughout the week of August 21. However, most staff will be away from the office during much of the week, participating in various New Student Orientation activities.

This means that obtaining appointments, document processing and responses to e-mails may take somewhat longer than usual while staff takes care of the newest class of international students. ISSS thanks you for your patience and understanding!

3. Now Available for All BU Students: Personal Property Insurance Coverage

Those students who were at Binghamton University in January may remember the fire at Riviera Ridge Apartments in Vestal.  Two buildings were closed as a result of the fire and students lost many personal items.  

This year, a special personal property insurance coverage to protect your possessions is being offered by the University to registered students.  Based on the value of your items, you can select insurance coverage with policy amounts ranging from $2000 to $20,000.  The cost to purchase the insurance varies according to the coverage you select.  The least expensive coverage, $2000, is available at an annual cost of $55.00 (less than $5.00 per month), based on a $50 deductible.  The next highest amount, $4000 of coverage, is available at an annual cost of $75. Your property is covered both on campus and in your off campus apartment or residence hall.  Coverage is provided world wide, including property placed in storage.  Your property will be insured for theft, vandalism or malicious mischief, accidental discharge of water or steam, damage while being transported, fire, lightning, smoke, and other hazards.  This includes prote ction for personal computers, televisions, electronics, furniture, clothing, appliances, etc.

The insurance pays the full replacement value for the property, or the cost of repairing it.  Certain items, such as jewelry, watches and gold, is limited to $1000 per loss.  Automobiles are not included in this coverage.

A brochure that describes the personal property insurance will be included in the orientation folders given to new international students.  Brochures are also available in the ISSS.  The information may be found on line at http://www.haylor.com/student  Once you reach that page, click on “personal property protection.”  You may also purchase the policy on line.  If you have any questions about the policy after reading the information, call Haylor, Freyer and Coon toll free at 1-866-535-0456.

4. Does a F-1 or J-1 Student Need a Social Security Number Before Beginning Employment?

Most students in F-1 or J-1 status are aware that in order to apply for a U.S. Social Security Number, you must be able to present proof of employment (such as a department funding letter or some other letter verifying employment).  But staff in the ISSS have been asked if the reverse is true, meaning, do F-1 or J-1 students need to have a Social Security Number in hand before work can commence.

The answer is no!  A Social Security Number is not required to begin employment.  However, once employment has commenced, the employee must apply for the Social Security Number and report their number to the employer as soon as the number is received, so that the employer can update the record for tax reporting purposes.

5. International Student Festival Coming September 8-17

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