PARENT’S NEWSLETTER

February 2008

Presidential Primary Debate A Success!

A message from FAU President

Frank T. Brogan

"History was made at Florida Atlantic University as we stepped onto the national stage to perform a service of high value to the entire nation. Thank you to the University community and everyone involved for your patience, cooperation and enthusiasm for an event that went extraordinarily well."

FAU was center stage as millions of television viewers watched the live broadcast of the Republican Presidential Primary Debate on January 24, 2008.

National and local media outlets used FAU as a back drop for pre- and post-debate coverage including MSNBC's "Hardball with Chris Matthews." (Above, left to right: NBC's Chris Matthews, Chuck Todd and Joe Scarborough)

NBC News senior vice president and debate co-moderator Tim Russert greeted the audience prior to the debate with the words, "Go Owls," which drew rousing applause from attendees in the debate hall.

FAU's Student Union not only served as the location of the debate, but also the hub for more than 400 members of the media who were credentialed to cover the event.

FAU Debate in the Media

Sun-Sentinel
• FAU officials say national attention from debate will pay off in long run
• Presidential debate notebook
• FAU students debate political coverage
• FAU president to give his tickets to debate to students
  
Palm Beach Post
• FAU has its day during Republican debate
• Debate Winner: FAU
• Students get peek behind scenes
• Students talk to TV crews and wait for debate at FAU's Boca campus
  
Scripps Treasure Coast Papers
• Presidential candidates debate in Florida on Thursday
  
Miami Herald
• FAU students' time to shine
  
University Press (FAU)
• Coverage from FAU's student newspaper
    
MSNBC
• "If It's Thursday..." by Brian Williams
• Brian William's Video Blog 

To read more about the debate, please visit this link: http://www.fau.edu/debates/
To see the Photo Gallery of the Debate, please go to this link: http://www.fau.edu/debates/gallery1.php

Calendar of Events

Boca Raton Campus

Study Abroad Fair Feb. 5

The Office of International Programs will host its spring Study Abroad Fair on Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Breezeway on the Boca Raton campus. FAU study abroad programs will be highlighted. Also in attendance will be some of the University's affiliate partners as well as vendors. This is a great opportunity for students to talk with someone about study abroad opportunities. For more information, please contact Tania R. Tucker-Kraus at trtucker@fau.edu or 7-3227 or see http://www.fau.edu/goabroad . (Please note- many people fear that study abroad is very expensive, yet some programs cost the same or even less depending on financial aid than studying on campus. Plus the benefits and experience are immeasurable. Students who participate in Study Abroad are often more satisfied with their collegiate experience and better prepared for the job market after graduation).

Career Day 101 Feb. 5

The Career Development Center will host "Career Day 101" on Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Senate Chambers of the Student Union on the Boca Raton campus. presented by Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Stein Mart. This workshop, sponsored by Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Stein Mart, includes strategies on how to prepare for a job fair, how to network with employers along with a visual presentation on dressing for success.   Visit www.cdc.fau.edu for more information.

Ash Wednesday Communion Service Feb. 6

An Ash Wednesday Communion Service will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 12:15 p.m. in the Today & Beyond Wellness office, SS-222 (over the Breezeway food court). Ashes will be distributed. All are welcome to attend this service, which is sponsored by the Newman Club.

Summer 08 Co-Op

Get an overview of the Co-Op program and how to apply
Date: Wednesday Feb. 6 ^th
Time: 2-3pm
Location: EG101 (Akhurst Room)
Sponsored by the Career and Development Center

Spring 2008 Career Day Feb. 7

FAU's Spring 2008 Career Day will be held on Thursday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the FAU Arena on the Boca Raton campus. Career Day is a job fair for full-time, part-time, co-op and internship opportunities. More than 120 organizations will be recruiting at the job fair.   Business dress is required to attend the job fair.   Students should bring plenty of resumes! To view a list of participating organizations attending, visit www.cdc.fau.edu . Even if your student isn't graduating for a few years, this is a great way for them to get experience (or even a summer job or internship.)


Symphony Orchestra with Concerto and Aria Competition Winners

Date: Saturday Feb. 23 ^rd
Time: 8pm
Location: University Theatre
Sponsored by the Department of Music

Etiquette Lunch

Learn how to eat at professional meetings and interviews (Free Food). Need to RSVP
Date: Wednesday Feb. 27 ^th
Time: 12-2pm
Location: Eleanor R. Baldwin House (President's Mansion)
Sponsored by the Career and Development Center

For more events and happenings on all FAU campuses, please visit www.fau.edu/success/CampusCalendars . You will find all sorts of activities like Football games, Resume/Writing Workshops, Symphonies, Jazz Band presentations and so forth.

German Club

The German Club exists now nearly 4 years.   They have events frequently, where they engage German and non-German students with their culture.   Last Thursday, they invited a guest speaker from the German American Business Chamber of Florida to talk about job/internship opportunities for students.   They also had events with a German Theater Group in the Fall of 2006.   Movie nights and other interesting activities are among the many services this group offers to the FAU community.

The German Club takes part in the Festival of Nations, Multilingual Festival, and so many more diverse programs.   They have a yearly “Oktoberfest” (German traditional party), End-Semester BBQ, Breezeway Tables in order to provide information for FAU students and to encourage the FAU community to be more active!  

Their club-email is: faugermanclub@yahoo.com

Current president: Ulrike Unger

They meet bi-weekly on Mondays at Starbucks around 12.15pm.

Festival of Nations (Fall 2007).

Summer Financial Aid Application available Feb 1st

1.  Do you need Financial Aid for the SUMMER 2008 semester?

The SUMMER 2008 Financial Aid application will be available exclusively online beginning February 1, 2008. The application is located on MyFAU
Apply early because funds will be available on a first-come first-served basis.  In addition to 
submitting the Summer 2008 Financial Aid application online, students must meet the
following requirements:

(1)   The applicant must have completed a 2007-2008 FAFSA and must have it on file in the FAU Office of Student Financial Aid,

(2)   The applicant must have NO unsatisfied document requirements, and 

(3)   The applicant must meet all other general aid requirements (including admission to an eligible degree program and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress criteria).

Visit the Financial Aid website ( http://www.fau.edu/finaid) and click on the"Summer Financial Aid   info" link for more details on SUMMER 2008 Financial Aid information.  
 
To confirm that the Office of Student Financial Aid has received your Summer 2008 Financial Aid application , log on to MyFAU and click on the "View 2007-2008 Financial Aid Information" link.
Under the Financial Aid section, select Student Requirements.  
 
Financial Aid awards for SUMMER 2008 will be viewable on MyFAU beginning the
first week in March.  Processing time may vary, so allow at least two weeks before you are awarded.
 
2.  Reminder to fill out the 2008-2009 FAFSA

This is to remind you that if you have not already applied for federal student aid for the 2008-2009 school year, you can do so now using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the Web: http:///www.fafsa.ed.gov.  When it comes to receiving financial aid, it is essential that you apply early.  The earlier you apply for financial assistance, the better chance you have of receiving the maximum amount of funds for which you may be eligible. The FAu priority deadline is March 1, 2008 (see Important Dates section of the Financial Aid website).  

By completing the FAFSA, you may be able to take advantage of various sources of federal, state, and institutional aid, including grants, scholarships, student employment and loans. REMEMBER:  The FAFSA is NOT automatically renewed each academic year. Students will need to apply for the upcoming academic year each January 1st.  

If you are interested in work study (student employment), please be sure to check the appropriate box.   You will not be awarded these funds unless you specify that you are interested on the FAFSE .  In addition, make sure to complete the planned housing code (on Step 6, Housing Plan, on your FAFSA) with your appropriate housing status, since leaving this section blank could result in uderfunding .  

FAU  School Codes:  (Boca Campus:001481, Davie Campus:  E00584, Jupiter/PSL Campus:  E00830).

You will need your Federal Student Aid PIN to access your 2008-2009 FAFSA on the Web application that is pre-filled with much of your application data last year. If you have forgotten your PIN, you can request a duplicate by going to www.pin.ed.gov and selecting “Request a Duplicate PIN."  You may select one of the following delivery methods: view an online display of your PIN; receive an e-mail with your PIN; or receive your PIN by U.S. postal mail. If you select postal mail, you will receive your PIN by mail within 7-10 days after requesting it.

Remember, your PIN gives you access to your personal information on the Web and also allows you to sign student aid documents electronically.  To protect the confidentiality of your application data, you should never share your PIN with anyone, even if that person is helping you to complete your FAFSA. If you have questions about your FAFSA, online help is available at
www.fafsa.ed.gov.  You can also contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) and a customer service representative can assist you.

Office of the Month

International Student and Scholar Services

Mission Statement

The mission of the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is to provide essential services and programs to assist international students, visiting scholars and their families at Florida Atlantic University. By supporting the needs of individuals involved in international educational exchange, we help to promote a culturally diverse learning environment and enrich the quality of teaching and research at FAU.

Our services include orientation, cultural programs and counseling on immigration, academic, social, cultural and personal concerns. Staff in the ISSS office serve as a resource to the university community and provide services and counseling expertise aimed at guiding individual students and scholars through the complexities of the U.S. government visa regulations.

The ISSS acts as a liaison with U.S. Congress and federal agencies such as the BCIS, USIA, U.S. Department of State, Department of Home-Land Security, as well as foreign governmental agencies and international exchange organizations. Further, we provide opportunities for the sharing and appreciation of cultures represented on our campus.

The ISSS is committed to welcoming international students, scholars and their families and facilitating their transition to life at Florida Atlantic University.

Services & Programs

Academic Support

• Provide information and referral to on-campus student services and programs
• Advise university community on academic requirements for International students
• Advocate with university community on behalf of International Students
• Authorize dual enrollment requests for International Students
• Authorize Curricular Practical training (Co-Op)
• Authorize on-campus employment for International Students
• Authorize Optional Practical training for International Students
• Authorize Academic Training for J-1 students

Cultural and Social Adjustment

• Authorize Request for Social Security Card
• Advise non-eligible students of alternatives to Social Security Card
• Assist with cultural adjustment
• Advocate the Host Family program
• Provide information and referral to community resources
• Provide advice and support with family issues
• Foster inter-cultural communication by facilitating social and cultural events and activities e.g. Festival of Nations in the Spring and the Sundance Festival in the Fall
• Encourage identification and communication with home country by endorsing on-campus international clubs

Maintenance of International Student Status

• Provide general information regarding BCIS requirements for International Students and Scholars
• Assist with preparation of BCIS documents pertaining to International Students and Scholars
• Advise and assist the university community with BCIS requirements for International Students and Scholars
• Serve as liaison with employers regarding Curricular and Optional practical training
• Maintain, revise, prepare and process BCIS required documents for International Students and Scholars

Office Location & Hours

Phone Number: 561-297-3049
E-Mail: ISSS@fau.edu

A Representative is available at the Davie Campus Admissions office every Tuesday from 12 Noon to 3pm for Spring and Fall semesters ONLY.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLAR SERVICES

UP-COMING EVENTS  – SPRING 2008

OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT)

Boca Raton Campus
Wednesday, February 20, 2008   -   2:00 – 3:30 p. m.
Venue:   BU 104

Davie Campus
Thursday, March 13, 2008, 2:00-3:30
Venue:   LA 132

IMMIGRATION SEMINAR - H1B UPDATE

Boca Raton Campus
Monday, February 25, 2008, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Venue: BU 208 (Business Department) Boca Raton Campus
Presenter:   Grant Kaplan – Immigration Attorney

Staff Information

Festival of Nations

Festival of Nations is a celebration of various cultures inviting students from different countries to share their heritage while creating a sense of community. The Festival is an educational opportunity for all students to appreciate the rich variety of cultures represented on our campus through a fashion show featuring ethnic clothing, dancing to a variety of international music and sampling the flavor of exotic foods. This takes place every year during the spring semester.

The participants are usually from the diverse international clubs in F.A.U.
Festival of nations is funded by the Student Government & Cultural Diversity Committee.

International Clubs at FAU

ASSOCIATION OF LATIN AMERICAN STUDENTS
alasfau02@yahoo.com
Advisor: Terry Mena, 954/236-1001, DVE LA 117

BAHAMIAN STUDENT ASSOCIATON
bsa73@hotmail.com
Advisor: Ingrid Jones, 7-3049, SO 301

CARIBBEAN COUNCIL
tamikaltmoore@cs.com
Advisor: Ingrid Jones, 7-3079, SO 301

CARIBBEAN STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
www.geocities.com/fau_csa
fau_csa@yahoo.com
Advisor: Glen Campbell, 7-2690, Bldg 22 RM122

EUROPEAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION
fauesa@yahoo.com
Advisor: Mary Toland Burgoyne, 7-2559

FILIPINO STUDENT ASSOCIATION
kalv9032@fau.edu or IcalystaI@aol.com
Advisor: Marc Rhorer, 7-2545, FLH 114

HINDU STUDENTS COUNCIL
ram_grad@yahoo.com
Advisor: Dr. P. S. Neelakanta, 7-3469, S&E 462

SPICE (Indian Student Association)
www.sga.fau.edu/spice
fau_spice@yahoo.com
Advisor: Hari Kalva, 7-0511, S&E 422

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CLUB
fauisc@hotmail.com
Advisor: Chris Persand, 7-2005, CM 172

JAMAICAN ASSOCIATION
www.sga.fau.edu/ja
jafau1962@cs.com
Advisor: Dianne Campbell, 7-3049, SO 301

KONBIT KREYOL
www.konbitkreyol.com
KonbitKreyol@hotmail.com
Advisor: Michael Chambers, 7-3959, SSB 224

MULTICULTURAL STUDENT COALITION
www.fau.edu/student/msc/activities.htm
pbyrd@fau.edu
Advisor: Pamela Byrd, 7-3995, SSB 224

MUSLIM STUDENT ORGANIZATION
website - coming soon
msofau786@yahoo.com
Advisor: Dr. Mohammad Ilyas, 7-3454, S&E 308

STUDENTS FOR ISRAEL
jkomorov@hotmail.com
Advisor: Marianne Sanua, 7-1103, AH 149.

STUDENTS UNITED FOR AFRICA
sua_fau@hotmail.com
Advisor: Dr. Gerald Scott, 7-3225, FLH 213C

THAI STUDENT ASSOCIATION
www.fau.edu/tsa
tsafau@yahoo.com
Advisor: Dr. Vichate Uviyvchiav, 561/338-1650, S&E 456

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO UNITED
tatu@itrini.com
Advisor: Lochan Balroop, 7-2033, RD 7

TURKISH STUDENT ASSOCIATION AND FRIENDS
www.turklerfau.cjb.net
ogoktug@hotmail.com
Advisor: Walid Phares, 7-3215, SO 3841

UNITED ASSOCIATON OF CHINESE STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS
bwu@cse.fau.edu
Advisor: Hangi Zhuang, 7-3413, S&E 458

YOGOSLAVIAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION
veljko@bellsouth.net
Advisor: Cathy Webb, 7-3734, UC 202

For more information on the ISSS, please visit this link:   http://www.fau.edu/student/isss