News from International Services

Spring Events Calendar Features International Student Career Week in April

The International Services Office will host a number of events during the spring semester, highlighted by its "International Student Career Week," April 12-15. On the opening day of the week, Yoku Shaw-Taylor, M.A.'90, B.A. '89, a senior operations research analyst with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection, will present "The Other African-Americans: Contemporary Caribbean and African Immigrants in the United States." Shaw-Taylor also will co-present, with Merrick School of Business Management Professor Regina Bento, "Ph.D. Information Seminar: Is a Doctoral Degree in Your Future?," on the same day. (Attendance details below.)

After earning his undergraduate and graduate degrees at UB, Shaw-Taylor went on to earn a doctorate degree in the Sociology of Medicine from George Washington University. He also completed post-doctoral study at the Harvard School of Public Health in Methods in Health Outcomes Research. From 2002 to last year, he served as a research scientist at the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago office in Washington, D.C.

Shaw-Taylor has advised the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health on cross-cultural health care and linguistic and cultural competence in health delivery systems. He has taught at UB, UMUC, Goucher College and George Washington University.

Upcoming International Services Office events include:

International Student Walk-In
Every Wednesday through May 12
4-5 p.m. in BC 485
Counseling Services Office (www.ubalt.edu/counseling)

Optional Practical Training/OPT Seminar for F-1 Students Graduating in Spring and Summer 2010
Thursday, Feb. 25
3:30 - 5 p.m. in BC 221
OPT may be one of your visa options if you are an F-1 student completing your degree requirements this semester. Come learn how and when to apply through the ISO to USCIS, the latest OPT regulations and a few tips on conducting a successful job search. OPT application packets will be available. All F-1 students are invited. Presented by Wendy Burgess, director, International Services Office.

Tax Compliance Information Seminar for F and J Students and Exchange Visitors
Thursday, March 18
3:30 - 5 p.m. in a venue to be announced
This seminar provides basic information on the tax form filing obligations of F-1 status holders who were in the U.S. in 2009, including those who did not work. An ISO mailing will precede this seminar. Deadline for filing your form(s) is April 15. Presented by Wendy Burgess.

International Student Career Week
 
"The Other African Americans: Contemporary African and Caribbean Immigrants in the U.S."
Monday, April 12
12:30 - 2 p.m. in BC 143
Presented by Yoku Shaw-Taylor.
(Brown bag lunch seminar with desserts and beverages provided.) R.S.V.P. by Friday, April 9 to intlservices@ubalt.edu.

"Ph.D. Information Seminar: Is a Doctoral Degree in Your Future?"
Monday, April 12
3:30 - 5 p.m. in BC 143
Yoku Shaw-Taylor and UB Management Professor Regina Bento will discuss the doctoral degree process in the U.S., and how international students can get involved.
 
Individual 20-Minute Free Student Consultative Appointments with a Visiting Immigration Attorney
Tuesday, April 13
9:20 a.m. - noon in AC 111
 
"Employment Options After OPT"
Tuesday, April 13
3:30 - 5 p.m. in BC 143
Arthur Serratelli, an immigration attorney with Vandeventer Black, will speak about visa options for working in the U.S. after F-1 Optional Practical Training/OPT, including U.S. employer sponsorship for H-1B Temporary Worker status. 

"Job Search Strategies"
Wednesday, April 14
3:30 - 5 p.m. in BC 143
Malka Weintraub, UB Career Center counselor, will help international students with the decisions, clarificaitons and transitions they must make in order to advance profesisonally.

Individual 20-Minute Free Student Consultative Appointments with a Visiting Immigration Attorney
Wednesday, April 14
9:20 a.m. - noon and 2:20 - 5 p.m.; both sessions in AC 111
 
International Alumni Career Panel
Thursday, April 15
3 to 5 p.m. in BC 143
Get OPT and career tips from a panel of UB international alumni at this popular annual event.
 
UB Spring Block Party: International Student Association Food Booth
Thursday, April 22
11 a.m. - 6 p.m. in Gordon Plaza
Join UB's Student Council for the annual Spring Block Party, featuring live music, games, food, beverages and fun.
 
Laurence Short Academic Award for International Students 2009-10 Presentation
UB's annual Merit Awards Banquet
Sunday, May 2
3 - 6 p.m. in the Lyric Theater
This event honors UB students for outstanding achievement in academic performance and leadership. Congratulations to international graduate students Ausra Liaukeviciute (first place), Ibidunmade Layi-Ojo (second) and Chioma Mbanugo (third). Tickets go on sale in April in the Rosenberg Center for Student Involvement. 

Look for further announcements from the International Service Office in the Daily Digest, the University Events Calendar
and in your UB e-mail account. Contact the office at 410.837.4756 or by e-mail to intlservices@ubalt.edu.