News
Tax Reminders, OPT/CPT Drop Off Hours, and Employment Workshops This Week
Mar. 13, 2012
1 – Reminders: ISSO OPT/CPT Spring 2012 Drop Off Hours and Windstar Tax Software
2 – ISSO Open Mic: March 2012 Submissions due 3/31!
3 -Workshops: ISSO Employment Workshops this Week
4 - On Campus Events: Non ISSO Events
1 - REMINDERS: ISSO OPT/CPT SPRING 2012 DROP OFF HOURS AND TAX/WINDSTAR REMINDERS
ISSO OPT/CPT Spring 2012 Drop Off Hours
If you are planning to drop off your OPT or CPT application, the Spring 2012 ISSO times are:
Mondays 10am-1pm
Tuesdays 1pm-4pm
Thursdays 1pm-4pm
Fridays 10am-1pm
OPT Information: http://www.brandeis.edu/acserv/isso/current/employment/opt/index.html
Check List for OPT Drop-Offs: http://www.brandeis.edu/acserv/isso/current/employment/opt/opt_app.pdf
CPT Information: http://www.brandeis.edu/acserv/isso/current/employment/cpt/index.html
Check List for CPT Drop-Offs: http://www.brandeis.edu/acserv/isso/current/employment/cpt/cpt_application_check_list.pdf
If you have not attended an employment workshop, we would strongly encourage you to join us for one before you apply for CPT or OPT. See the schedule below for upcoming employment workshops.
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Windstar Tax Software access codes are available for purchase now!
Read ISSO's full tax email here: http://www.brandeis.edu/acserv/isso/news/january2012/taxes.html
Check out ISSO's Tax Information page here: http://www.brandeis.edu/acserv/isso/tax/index.html
This year, we have purchased the tax software program called Windstar, which helps international students and scholars file their U.S. Federal Income Tax Returns and Massachusetts State Tax Returns.
What is Windstar?
You can use Windstar if you are on an F-1 or J-1 visa, and have been enrolled as a student in the U.S. for less than five calendar years, or working in J-1 Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar, or Professor categories in the U.S. for no more than two calendar years. The ISSO has purchased 500 licenses with individual access codes for Brandeis international students and scholars to access the software.
How much does Windstar cost?
The cost to you is only $5.00. (Purchasing tax filing software programs on your own can be costly, averaging $35 and up).
When and where can I purchase Windstar?
Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm in the ISSO
In order to obtain an access code, you need to come by the ISSO in person to fill out a waiver form and pay $5.00. It would be very helpful if you can bring the exact amount in cash (we are unable to accept personal checks or credit cards). Once you complete the waiver form, the ISSO will send an email to with your Windstar access code and instructions on logging on to Windstar.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Returns are due at the Internal Revenue Service by Tuesday, April 17, 2012. If you use Windstar to file your return, you will need to print out your tax return form(s), attach the appropriate tax document(s), and mail it to the Internal Revenue Service by the deadline.
2-ISSO OPEN MIC
What have you experienced for the first time in the U.S. and/or Brandeis?
Email isso@brandeis.edu by end of the month with your submissions.
Feel free to include a photo!
In your email, indicate if you would like your submission to be anonymous or not!
Past submissions: http://www.brandeis.edu/acserv/isso/openmic/index.html
3-WORKSHOPS
Employment Options Beyond Practical Training with Attorney Richard Costa
March 14, 4pm
Location: International Lounge
Mr. Costa will speak on various visa options after F-1 OPT and J-1 Academic Training. He will provide an overview of the H-1B Specialty Worker Visa and an overview of permanent residency. He makes himself available for questions after the session, so it's a good opportunity for you to ask questions. Attorney Costa asked us to refer you to his website at www.rcosta.com to print out and bring along any particular information you are interested in.
All other Spring 2012 ISSO Employment Workshops will cover:
Curricular Practical Training (CPT, for F-1 Visa holders), 3pm-3:30pm
Optional Practical Training (OPT, for F-1 Visa holders), 3:30pm-4:30pm
Academic Training (AT, for J-1 Visa holders), 4:30pm-5pm
Friday, March 16
Tuesday, March 20
Wednesday, March 28
Location: Kutz 215
4 - EVENTS
Islam Awareness Week
3/12-3/16
For events and more information, see http://www.brandeis.edu/now/2012/march/islam.html
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Brandeis School of Creative Arts and MusicUnitesUS present:Making a Difference Through the Arts: The Practice of Cultural Advocacy
Tuesday, March 13, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Laurie Theater, Spingold
Refreshments will be served.
The stakes for cultural development work have never been higher. Join leaders in the practice of cultural advocacy as they share innovative programs that use the arts to sow transformative social change and strengthen social justice. Join a lively and inspiring dialogue as panelists share some of the strategies and lessons learned as cultural advocates in the 21st century.
Moderator: Theodore Levin, Senior Project Consultant, Aga Khan Music Initiative; Chair of the Arts and Culture Program, Open Society Foundations; Arthur R. Virgin Professor of Music, Dartmouth College
For information on other events related to the panel (March 12–13), visit musicunitesus.info/panel.html.
Sponsored by the Poses Foundation
Brandeis University
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“Tuesday with…Ellen Wright”
Tuesday, March 13, 4-5pm
Shapiro Lounge in Massell Quad
How do you become a master teacher?
Come talk with Psychology Professor Ellen Wright
Former Professor at Simmons College
Foprmer Junion High Science Teacher