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MIT | ISO | International Students Office
ISO Newsletter
August 27, 2021
ANNOUNCEMENTS
All MIT international students required to do Fall 2021 Online Check-in

View short video explaining the process

New and Continuing students should upload documents on iMIT


We are asking ALL MIT International Students (New AND Continuing) to complete the Online Check-In Procedure. *Note: You can complete eforms 1 and 2 before your arrival to the US.

The Online Check-In process should be completed in iMIT as follows: 

  • Login to iMIT (http://imit.mit.edu): Select “Upon Arrival” menu, then Select “Fall 2021 Online Check-In” 
  • ALL Students: Complete section “1. Student Status” and section “2. Student Category” (New/Transfer or Continuing Student) now, even before arrival to the U.S.
  • New/Transfer Students (arriving to the U.S. to begin in-person study in Fall 2021):  Complete section “3. Online Check-In Forms” only AFTER your arrival in the U.S.
  • Continuing Students (pursued in-person coursework in the U.S. at MIT in Spring 2021 or earlier): Complete section “3. Online Check-In Forms” either AFTER your arrival in the U.S.
      

If any questions arise, please feel free to contact the ISO (iso-help@mit.edu). Thank you for your assistance and we look forward to the Fall semester with you.
 

NOTE:  If your plans for Fall 2021 change after submitting the Online Check-In, PLEASE return to iMIT and CANCEL the previous submission and resubmit the new eform to confirm your plans.

MIT Updates Vaccine Information and Returning to Campus Guidance
MIT continually updates its guidance on vaccine information and guidance for return to campus (including testing, masking, dining, indoor activities, and related issues) for the Fall 2021 semester for students, faculty and staff. 

Please be sure to review the updates on the MIT Now website:
https://now.mit.edu/
https://now.mit.edu/policies/reentry-to-campus-students/

The MIT Medical vaccine information page has also been updated, including updates to the FAQ (including a specific section on commonly asked questions from international students). Please review the Vaccine Information page/FAQhttps://covidapps.mit.edu/vaccine-information
Reporting in iMIT Your Scheduled Visa Interview AND Visa Approval Information
Report on iMIT 
Don't forget to update once visa is approved
In order to help track visa processing experiences at U.S. Embassies/Consulates around the world, and to help advocate for our students, we ask for your assistance in reporting when you have secured your visa interview appointment and when you receive your visa.

You can complete this reporting in iMIT with the following steps:
*Login to iMIT (https://imit.mit.edu)
*Click on the left-hand menu “Admissions”
*Click on the button “Visa Interview & Approval”
*Select the appropriate E-Forms, complete the information, and click “Submit”

Please note that if your visa interview appointment changes, please go into iMIT and submit a new “Visa Interview Scheduled” eform.  Thank you very much for your assistance.
J-1 Students Working On-Campus in Fall 2021- request authorization in iMIT
ISO verification for J work authorization is required every year
A reminder to all students in J-1 status (Form DS-2019) who will be working on-campus in Fall 2021 (including research and teaching assistantships, fellowships, other on-campus positions), you need to request an updated authorization from the ISO in SEVIS. J-1 regulations require that the ISO verify each year if a J-1 student is working on-campus.

The process to request the J-1 On-Campus Employment authorization is very easy:
(1)  Login to iMIT (https://imit.mit.edu)
(2)  Select the left-hand menu “J-1 On-Campus Work Authorization”
(3)  Read the instructions and complete the eform  (start date for RA/TA/Fellowships will be 09/01/2021 unless your job starts at another designated date)
(4)  Click “Submit”The ISO will complete the notification in SEVIS and send you a letter via email for your records.If any questions arise, please feel free to contact your ISO Advisor.
Thank you for your assistance.
Limited In-Person Office Hours for Fall Semester at ISO
The ISO has resumed limited in-person office hours for the Fall 2021 semester beginning Monday, August 9. In-Person services will be primarily to support emergency issues only

*ISO Advisors will continue to conduct appointments remotely via Zoom, and can be reached by email and by phone.  

**Visa documents will continue to be requested and processed online via iMIT, and the documents will be sent to students electronically (if possible) or via express mail. 

***Most orientation and programming will be offered online, with limited in-person events as allowed.

In-Person/Walk-In Office Hours (emergency situations):
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Wednesdays: 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Please continue to consult the ISO website (https://iso.mit.edu) for extensive resources and guidance, and instructions on online/remote support services. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the ISO by email (iso-help@mit.edu) or by phone (617-253-3795) or contact your ISO Advisor directly. 

We look forward to joining you back on campus this Fall!
Receiving USCIS Notices on Pending OPT/STEM OPT Applications - Contact ISO
Contact your ISO Advisor
As a reminder to students, if you receive any notification from USCIS either regarding the rejection or denial, or a request for additional evidence, for an application (such as OPT, STEM OPT Extension, Change of Status, etc.), before you respond to that request from USCIS please be sure to consult with your ISO Advisor first. Such requests may require new documentation issued by the ISO.
ISO SPONSORED EVENTS
Networking in the American Context: Where, When, What, Why, & How
SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, September 23
12:00pm - 1:00pm

REGISTRATION OPENS AFTER SEPT 7, 2021


Does the idea of networking stress you out? Or worse, do you avoid it because it sounds so unpleasant? In this workshop, we’ll lay out the basics of networking, informational interviewing, and the expectations for professional relationships in the U.S. You’ll learn why a strong basis is crucial for your career first steps and how to go about mastering the art of networking in the US. 
 

This workshop is a collaboration of the International Students Office (ISO) and Career Advising and Professional Development (CAPD), as part of the Career Exploration Series in CAPD.  
 
Sign up required on Handshake: 
https://app.joinhandshake.com/events

REGISTRATION WILL OPEN AFTER 9/07/2021
REGISTER
MIT EVENTS & PROGRAMS
Online Zumba Classes With Liz
Mondays at 7:30 PM ET

Westgate is offering Zumba classes for the MIT community. The classes are online and free of charge. We would like to thank the MIT GSC Funding Board for sponsoring this event.

Mondays at 7:30 PM, starting on July 19 and ending on October 4, 2021.

Please sign-up to receive the Zoom link.

Online Yoga Classes With Neha
Thursdays at 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM ET

Westgate is offering Yoga classes for the MIT community. The classes are online and free of charge. We would like to thank the MIT GSC Funding Board for sponsoring this event. Thursdays at 7:30 PM, starting on August 12 and ending on October 28, 2021.

Please sign-up to receive the Zoom link.

MIT Sandbox: Info Sessions
August 31, 12:00 - 1:00 PM /
September 10, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
MIT Sandbox applications for new teams open on September 1st – join an info session to learn more
 
Did you know that MIT Sandbox provides funding and mentorship to help you explore your innovative idea as an entrepreneur?  Join us for an information session where you will learn more about the program and how Sandbox provides up to $25K in seed funding, mentorship, and training to support your entrepreneurial journey!
  • Not a competition
  • Open to all MIT undergraduate and graduate students from all schools
  • Focused on student-driven entrepreneurship
  • Supports students at all stages of the start-up process - from idea to launch
  • Applications are due by September 15th
Register for a virtual info session:
Learn more about the program
Introducing ELS Classes For Fall 2021










Wellness Events & Resources
SOME: Acronym for self-care
Sleep, Outside, Mindfulness, Exercise

Instead of an “all-or-nothing” approach to self-care, you can choose SOMEthing from the list and do SOME of it today. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to work for you. SOME activities signal to your body and mind that you are listening to, appreciating, and taking care of yourself. 
 

S is for Sleep: Sleep experts recommend creating a bedtime routine that allows the body and brain to slow down and prepare for sleep. Bedtime Unwind is a 13-minute routine which includes three simple stretches to relax before bed - or anytime you could use a mind-body break. 
Check out Bedtime Unwind here.
 

O is for Outdoors: An outdoor walk can boost creativity and focus. A study has found that both walking and being outside could lead to more creative thinking. While the association is not well understood, it is an easy-to-implement strategy.
 

M is for Mindfulness: Mindfulness practice: You have to eat anyway - might as well enjoy it mindfully! To start, simply look away from any technology and look directly at your food for a moment. Notice color and texture. Next, take in aroma. Finally, take one mindful bite and chew slowly and mindfully. Pay extra attention to the genius of your tongue.
 

E is for Exercise: You've probably heard this one a lot, but let this be another sign for you to workout while watching TV. You can do push-ups, crunches, jumping jacks, and squats while focusing on your show. Want an extra nudge? Bring your jump rope, dumbbells, resistance bands, or any other fitness tools near your TV to help remind you to use them.

COMMUNITY WELLNESS WEBSITE
MIT International Students Office
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Office Hours:
9:00-16:00 (M-F)
Closed (W) 10:00-11:30
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