This post was originally sent to students by email on October 20, 2025.

Dear International Huskies,

Greetings from the CISS!  I’m reaching out with some mid-semester reminders and to let you know about some upcoming events. As a reminder, international students need to update the following information each semester:

• Address and Phone Number
• I-94 Admission Number
• Updated visa approval information

Review the Continuing Student Checklist and submit this required information today!

Are you struggling with your classes?  November 10, 2025 is the last day to withdraw from a course.  First year students may be eligible for a reduced course load from ISSS, but you must contact your ISSS advisor BEFORE November 10 to discuss your eligibility.

Are you traveling outside of the U.S. for Thanksgiving break or Winter recess? Report your upcoming travel to ISSS now and request your travel signature.  Print your most updated form I-20 with travel signature to carry with you when traveling.

How is your health and mental health?
As the weather gets colder, October is commonly when many students may start to get sick.  You may also be starting to feel homesick or lonely.  Don’t hesitate to take advantage of these Student Health and Wellness resources, so you can stay healthy.  If you are sick, it is important to reach out to SHAW and to let your professors know especially if you missed a class because of illness.  You will still be responsible for the work that you missed.

• SHAW Medical Services for illness or injury
• Let’s Talk multiple locations and times, but every Friday @ CISS from 1:15-2:15 pm
• Pet Therapy every Tuesday evening and the first Thursday of the month

Events Happening This Week

Monday 10/20/2025

Diwali @ UConn Waterbury
https://events.uconn.edu/event/1161732-diwali

Tuesday, 10/21/2025
SHAW Health Fair @ UConn Waterbury
https://events.uconn.edu/event/1296341-shaw-health-fair

Softball Speed Pitch Game
11:30-2:00 @ UConn Law School
https://events.uconn.edu/event/1469822-softball-speed-pitch-game

Multilingual Coffee Hour
3:00-4:00 pm at the CISS on the Storrs Campus.  Learn more here:
https://events.uconn.edu/event/1416334-multilingual-coffee-hour

Navigating the U.S. Job and Internship Search Panel for International Students
5:00-6:00 PM – Virtual, sign up and join online here:
https://career.uconn.edu/events/2025/10/21/navigating-the-u-s-job-and-internship-search-panel-for-international-students/

Every Friday – Let’s Talk @ CISS
1:15-2:15 pm at the CISS
https://studenthealth.uconn.edu/lets-talk/

Hartford Campus Soccer Club
Every Friday at 5:00 pm
https://events.uconn.edu/event/1237822-soccer

Best,

Arthur

___________

Arthur Galinat (pronounce my name)

(he/him/his)
Director, International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
UConn Global Affairs

This message was originally sent to international graduate assistants by email on October 14, 2025.

Dear International Huskies, 

This message is being sent to all international graduate assistants. If you are not graduating this term, the information may not apply to you, but is good for you to be aware of for the future. Federal government regulations allow graduate students on F-1 and J-1 visas to hold on-campus employment while they are pursuing their degree. If you will be a Fall 2025 graduate, you will no longer be pursuing your degree after December 14, 2025 and can no longer work on campus beyond that date.  

If you hold a Fall 2025 GA appointment at Storrs or a regional campus (excepting UConn Health), the final date of your appointment is January 7, 2026. If your degree is conferred in December and you hold an F-1 or J-1 visa and your assistantship appointment is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the Graduate Employee Union (GEU), the time between the degree conferral date and the appointment end date should be treated as time off. Please work with your supervisor to ensure that you finish the duties associated with your assistantship before your degree conferral date. You will still receive your full fall GA stipend. 

In addition, ISSS will be updating your I-20 or DS-2019 program end date to December 14, 2025 if you are graduating in December and hold a GAship this term. This means your grace period to depart the U.S., or your first eligible date to begin post-completion practical training will begin December 15, 2025. Please plan for this accordingly. ISSS will adjust your I-20 or DS-2019 end date automatically based on notification that you have applied for graduation, or at the time you apply for post-completion OPT (F-1 students) or Academic Training (J-1 students), whichever comes first. ISSS will notify you when your adjusted I-20 or DS-2019 is ready to download from your ISSS portal account.    

Please reach out to ISSS at international@uconn.edu if you have any questions about this guidance as it relates to your visa status, I-20, grace period, or practical training timeline.  

Arthur Galinat
Director, International Student and Scholar Services 

Leslie M. Shor
Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of The Graduate School