STUDENT NEWSLETTER
Spring Quarter #8 - June 1-5, 2009
PLEASE TAKE THE PROGRAM SURVEY!
The Campus IEP Program Survey for Spring 2009 is now online. Please take a few minutes to respond to the survey. This is your chance to tell us how you feel about the IEP and to suggest ways to make the program even better.
You should have received an email from James Evans, Director of Campus Programs, with information about how to take the survey. The survey link is:
https://catalysttools.washington.edu/webq/survey/jcody/77939
Enter your UW student ID number, starting with zero, then take the survey. It should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Your responses to the survey will remain confidential. Thank you.
IMPORTANT U-PASS UPDATE
Due to increased transit costs, the price of the student U-Pass will be increasing to $99.00 beginning Summer Quarter 2009. Although this is double the current cost of a U-Pass, students will still save up to $138 over what the general public pays for transit passes. So the U-Pass is still a great deal, and we continue to encourage our students to take advantage of this program.
Source: http://uwnews.org/uweek/article.aspx?id=48641
IEP END-OF-QUARTER CEREMONY!
We will be celebrating the end of the Spring Quarter THIS Friday, June 5th, at 1:30 p.m. in the HUB Auditorium. Please come and join your friends and teachers to congratulate the graduates and the outstanding students. There will be a reception with food following the ceremony. Seating is limited, so please be there *on time* to get a seat.
CHECK YOUR I-20!
This is a reminder to check the expiration date on your I-20 (in section #5). If your I-20 is expiring at the end of this quarter and you are planning to continue studying in Summer Quarter, you need to request a program extension and bring an updated bank statement to Marissa or Sean BEFORE the end date on your I-20. You must request an extension at least two weeks before the program end date. Call 206-543-6242 to make an appointment with Marissa or Sean. If you plan to transfer to another program or college, you will also need to turn in a Transfer Out form and proof of admission to the ELP Office in the UW Tower.
WHAT DOES TAKING A BREAK MEAN?
If you have been in the U.S. for at least nine months, you *may* be able to take a break next quarter if you plan to return to full-time studies after the break. In order to take a vacation quarter (break), you must have permission from a DSO. You must meet with an advisor on Campus or Ellen Calvert or Barbara Hansen Downtown BEFORE the end of this quarter if you want permission to take a break.
Some students decide to take one or two classes during their break. The advantages of this are that you will keep using your English and you will be eligible for benefits such as the UPASS and the resident tuition price for a regular class.
You can also purchase Lewer medical insurance while on break. See Marissa Liu, Student Services and Immigration Advisor, if you have any questions. You may contact her at aid@extn.washington.edu, or by phone at 206-543-6242.
TRAVEL TIP
If you plan to travel around the U.S. during the break between quarters, it is very important to carry all of your personal documents (passport, visa and I-20) with you. You may be asked to show them at an airport, bus station or other location to identify yourself and prove that you are in the country legally. If you have questions, please contact Marissa or Sean.
A MESSAGE FROM THE STUDENT SERVICES & IMMIGRATION ADVISORS
We hope all of you have a wonderful summer. It's been our pleasure to work with you this quarter, and we hope to see you again soon. If you are going home to your country or transferring to another school, we wish you good luck in your future! If you are returning to ELP, we look forward to seeing you next quarter!
A MESSAGE FROM THE ACADEMIC ADVISOR
The Academic Advisor, Holly Shi, is available to help you with the application process to US colleges and graduate schools: how to select a college, how to apply, how to register for the TOEFL, and other questions about U.S. college or graduate school admissions. Office hours are Monday - Friday, 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. in the UW Tower. Please call the English Language Program Reception (206-543-6242) to schedule an appointment. I look forward to seeing you!
GET TO KNOW THE ELP STAFF...
Each week we will include a profile of an ELP teacher or staff member in the Essential Newsletter so you can get to know more about us.
Bob Messina has been an instructor in the UW English Language Program since 1985. He has also taught English in the countries of Iran and Indonesia, and was a Peace Corps volunteer in Malaysia. He has also visited Italy several times, but he still only speaks "tourist" Italian.
UPCOMING FIUTS ACTIVITIES
- Lake City Farmer's Market, Thursday, June 11, 3-7 p.m. FIUTS will table at the Lake City Farmers Market to recruit for host families. If you are in the neighborhood be sure to stop by to learn how to get involved!
Do you have questions about FIUTS or FIUTS Activities? Email
info@fiuts.org or visit the FIUTS office in HUB 302-B.
FUN THINGS TO DO AROUND SEATTLE
Bicycling- Pedal Seattle. Seattle has been ranked among the top five destinations for bicycling by Bicycling magazine. Travelers can see many of the city's top visitor attractions by renting bikes by the hour. Or, take a half-day guided sightseeing tour; itineraries feature popular neighborhoods and attractions such as Discovery Park, Ballard Locks, Green Lake, Washington Park Arboretum and Myrtle Edwards Park.
Fremont Fair is located in the funky and friendly Fremont neighborhood-Seattle, Washington's own
"Center of the Universe." Now in its 38th year, Fremont Fair returns to celebrate the Summer Solstice and the best of our community: art, spirit, sharing, celebration and working together to help each other. During Fair weekend, people from all walks of life come together to shop, eat, drink, perform, smile, dance, run, converse,
debate, groove and parade. **June 20th and 21st
