Foothill I-News

In the Spotlight...

International Transfer Day: February 21, 2008

Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 21, 2008.

International student admission officers from over 30 universities will come to Foothill College to assist you with any of your transfer questions. Representatives from many of the University of California (UC) campuses, California State University (CSU) campuses and California private universities will attend. The event will take place in the Campus Center from 12:00 pm until 3:00 pm. In addition, there will be workshops providing helpful information about international student admissions.

For more information, see the article below in the Transfer & Career Corner section or contact the Transfer Center. We look forward to seeing you there!

Immigration & Administration

All International Students Required to File Tax Forms For 2007

The United States tax system requires every nonimmigrant present in the U.S. in 2007 (even for a day), WHETHER YOU WORKED OR NOT, to file a form with the Internal Revenue Service. This also applies to your spouses and dependents/children on F-2 visas.

The forms that you need to file depend on your status. For federal tax purposes, you must first determine whether you are considered a RESIDENT or a NONRESIDENT alien. If a student spends more than 5 years in the United States in F-1 status, he/she will be considered a resident alien and must be taxed like a U.S. citizen. Note that any part of a calendar year in which a student is present in the U.S. counts as a full year. If you determine that you are a resident for tax purposes, you will not be able to use CINTAX (see below).

Note: The International Student Office is not able to provide individual tax advice.

However, our office will continue to offer a service exclusively for international students – FREE ACCESS to CINTAX software. The software provides an easy and user-friendly way to prepare your federal tax returns online in under 20 minutes. Since there is a limit on the number of people accessing the software, international students will have to request a password in advance on a first come first served basis. You can obtain the free password now by completing an online request form. If you are having any doubts or questions about what you should do, please wait for complete issue of the Tax Edition of I-NEWS in the beginning of March.

Deadlines: If you worked in 2007, the last day to meet your federal and California state tax obligations is April 15, 2008. If you did not earn any income in the U.S. in 2007 or for spouses and dependents/children, your deadline for filing a federal Form 8843 is June 15, 2008.

Employer documents: In order to fill out your federal and state tax forms, you will need the following forms depending on the income you receive: W-2 and/or 1042-S. These forms will generally be mailed to you by your employer by January 31 of this year. If you worked in 2007 and do not receive a W-2 and/or 1042-S by the middle of February, you should contact your employer’s payroll department. MAKE SURE THAT YOUR EMPLOYER KNOWS YOUR NEW ADDRESS IF YOU RECENTLY MOVED.

For questions about your W-2 and/or 1042-S forms if you worked in Foothill College and to change your address, you should contact the Financial Aid and Student Employment office at 650-949-7470.

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Credit for Academic Skills and Human Performance (HP) Classes

Many international students register for 1-unit Academic Skills or 1-unit Human Performance classes in order to have a minimum of 12 units for the quarter.

When you don’t complete the required number of hours or assignments, you may be surprised to find out that you have been dropped from the class and have fallen below 12 units.

Students assume that if they don’t complete all of the assignments, exams or class hours, they will receive a grade of NP for the class. Often, this assumption is incorrect. If you do not meet the requirements of the class, it may be regarded as if you have not participated in the class enough, and your instructor may drop you.

Often you may not realize that you have been dropped and are below 12 units until you receive an email about it after the term has ended. Remember that dropping below 12 units is a violation of immigration regulations that causes serious immigration problems for students. This also puts undue pressure on the faculty teaching academic skills and human performance classes to change the grade to a P or NP so that the units can be counted toward the 12-unit requirement. In addition to causing serious immigration problems, failing to complete 12 units will result in the loss of on-campus and off-campus employment and complicate the process of transfer to another school in the USA.

It is not appropriate for students to try to pressure faculty to change a grade when the student has failed to do his or her part by completing all assignments, exams and required class hours. As in all other classes at Foothill, it is the student’s responsibility to complete all of the assignments, take all of the exams and meet the attendance requirements for the class.

If you decide to skip classes, assignments or exams, you should discuss the matter with the instructor in advance to find out the consequences. This information is usually contained in the “green sheet” or class policies that you get at the beginning of the quarter. Regardless of the class, you should not expect faculty to change a “withdrawal” or a “drop” to some other grade if you have not complied with the requirements of attendance, taking exams and submitting assignments.

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Change of Residence Address, Email and Phone: Immigration Requirements

Immigration regulations require that F-1 students provide the school with current and reliable contact information. This includes residence address, email address and telephone number. The residence address must be the place where you actually live; therefore, it cannot be a post office box address or someone else’s address unless you actually live there.

If you change your address, email and phone number, the regulations require that you provide the new information to the school immediately so that we could notify the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) within 21 days of the change. This information is required by DHS because it must be able to contact the student if necessary.

Failure to provide updated information to Foothill is considered a violation of immigration regulations. If you have changed any of the information and not reported it to the school, you should report it to us immediately even if it is beyond the 21 day reporting period. We will report the information to DHS but not the fact that it was late.

Updated information about your address, email and phone number is important to you and to us because we often have to contact students quickly and we may be unable to do so if it is incorrect. If we can’t communicate with you, it may cause problems for you because you do not get the information or do not get it in a timely manner.

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Check Your Student E-mail Accounts

E-mail is the primary way for the International Student Office to contact F-1 students. When we send an email to a student, we have the right to assume that it has been received unless it is returned to us by the ISP or host. If you tell us that you never received an email that we sent to you, but we see that it has not been returned to us, we must assume that it was received by you.

Very Important: Many times our emails inform you of a potential immigration violation and give you a specific date by which it has to be corrected. If you don’t read your email and don’t correct the immigration matter by the deadline, your immigration violation will be reported to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and it will automatically terminate your F-1 status.

Some of the reasons for not receiving the emails:

The student states that he or she does not open the email account very frequently or simply does not read emails and now relies only on text messaging via a cell phone or PDA.
The student has some type of filter, and email messages coming from the International Office Staff , International Student Office and International Programs go directly to junk mail or trash. Please set your settings accordingly so that you may be able to see our messages.
The message is too long for the type of email account, or for some other reason the email goes directly to junk mail or trash.

The International Student Office is going to continue using email as the primary method of contacting students. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you frequently check your junk mail, check your incoming email and eliminate any other barriers to receiving and reading emails.

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Insurance Company Contact Information

Programs & Events

Valentine’s Dance on February 14 at 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Click Here For Flyers

Cloud 9, Love & Protect: A Valentine’s Day Dance Party!

In honor of AIDS Awareness Week, the International Programs Office, International Student Connection, Black History Month, ASFC Activities Board, and Health Services will be hosting a Valentine’s Dance.

There will be a DJ from Wild 94.9, decorations, international refreshments, a raffle, a free photographer, and of course…dancing! Everyone is encouraged to dress in Valentine’s Day colors (pink, white, red, or black) and dress to impress!

When: Thursday, February 14 (there is no school on Friday!), 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Where: Campus Center Dining Room

This event is open to all students and the public. Tickets cost $7.00 in advance with your OwlCard and $10.00 without, and are available for purchase in the ASFC Smart Shop and the International Student Office (Room 5922).

For more information, call 650-949-7105, visit Student Activities, or write to InternationalStudentConnection@gmail.com.

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Free Tickets to Upcoming Celebrity Forums

David Gergen – Wednesday, February 13 at 8:00pm in the Flint Center at De Anza

This veteran strategist has served as a top advisor to Presidents of both parties, including Nixon, Ford, Reagan, George H. W. Bush and Clinton. He is a political contributor to CNN and appears frequently as a political commentator on television shows. He is now a Professor of Public Service at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

As a special service to international students, free tickets for the David Gergen Celebrity Forum will be distributed in Room 5403 starting at 2:00pm on Friday, February 8. The number of tickets is limited.

Andrew Weil – Wednesday, March 5 at 8:00pm in the Flint Center at De Anza

This Harvard-educated physician, referred to as “America’s Best-Known Doctor,” is an authority on health, healing and alternative medicine. His Time Magazine articles, PBS specials, and best-selling books inspire people to live healthier lives.

Free tickets for the Andrew Weil Celebrity Forum will be distributed in Room 5403 starting at 2:00pm on Friday, February 29. The number of tickets is limited.

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St. Patrick’s Day Coffee Hour

Volunteer for International Night Extravaganza: May 22, 2008

International Night Extravaganza is coming again in May. This is an annual celebration of cultures from around the world through music, dance, fashion shows, and international food. This year’s International Night will be on Thursday, May 22 from 6:00 pm -9:30 pm.

This is a unique opportunity to share your heritage with the Foothill campus and the local community as well as learn more about other cultures. If you are planning to travel home during spring break, please consider bringing back traditional clothing, colorful costumes, or anything else to share your culture!

If you are interested in performing or volunteering to help plan this event, please contact Allison at LargentAllison@fhda.edu. or 650-949-7105. We will start forming a planning committee soon.

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Inside the International Student Office (ISO)

Darlene Culbertson Has Retired from Foothill College

Transfer & Career Corner

International Transfer Day on February 21

An exclusive opportunity for international students – a custom-organized event to help you realize your transfer aspirations. International student admission officers from over 30 universities will come to Foothill College to assist you with any of your transfer questions. Representatives from many of the UCs, CSUs and California private universities will be represented.

Thursday, February 21
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm: International Student Transfer Fair, Campus Center Dining Room
Information tables by over 30 universities.

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm: Session II: California Public University International Admissions Panel, Room 8338
Representatives from UC Davis and San Francisco State University will give an overview of international admissions in the California public higher education system.
Representatives from San Diego State, Sacramento State, Sonoma State, Cal Poly Pomona, and UC Merced will offer program highlights from their schools.

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm, Room 8338: SESSION II: Private University Admissions Panel, Room 8338
Stanford University and Menlo College will provide an overview of private university admissions.
Cogswell College, Golden Gate University, Menlo College, Mills College, Santa Clara University, St. Mary’s College, and University of the Pacific will highlight scholarship opportunities for international and domestic transfer students.

2:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Application Assistance, Student Lounge (Room 2313)
If you have already applied to one of the participating universities, you may have received an invitation to meet with the representative during this time. A dessert buffet is included.

Some of the participating institutions are:

Academy of Art College, Bethany College, Bellevue University in Washington State, Cogswell College, CSU Cal Poly Pomona, CSU (East Bay), CSU Long Beach, CSU Northridge, CSU Stanislaus, Dominican University, Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Golden Gate University, Menlo College, Mills College (TBA), National University, Notre Dame de Namur University, Sacramento State University, San Diego State University, San Francisco State University, San Jose State University (TBA), Santa Clara University, Sonoma State University, Stanford (TBA), St. Mary’s College, UC Davis, UC Irvine (TBA), UC Merced, UC Riverside, UC Santa Cruz, University of the Pacific, University of San Francisco, William Jessup University...and more!

Contact the Transfer Center if you have any questions: Room 8329, tel.: 650-949-7235. We look forward to seeing you there!

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New Guaranteed Transfer Agreement with UC Irvine and UC Santa Cruz

Scholarship Deadline: Thursday, February 14, 2008

International students are eligible for many of the scholarships offered by Foothill College. The deadline to apply is Thursday, February 14! All applications, a one page personal essay, and at least one letter of recommendation (unless otherwise noted) must be submitted to the Foothill Financial Aid Office by 3:00p.m. on February 14th. To view a full description of each scholarship, please visit the website

If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact Patricia Mondik in the Financial Aid Office (Room 8212), telephone: (650) 949-7245 or email MondikPatricia@foothill.edu.

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Financial Aid Workshops

Federal and state aid is not available to international students. However, information about scholarships applicable to international students will be given during the workshops.

Workshops will be held from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm on February 12, 13, 25, March 10 and from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm on March 4, 11 and 12.

All workshops will be located in Room 8330 (next door to the Transfer Center in the new Student Services Building). You may sign up in the Transfer Center, or email Maureen Chenoweth. Walk-ins are welcome too.

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Around Foothill & Beyond

Foothill-De Anza 3rd Annual Singing Contest

Co-sponsored by the Foothill Hong Kong Student Union and the De Anza Hong Kong Student Association, the Foothill-De Anza 3rd Annual Singing Contest, featuring Valentine's Day, is coming up on February 9th in the Foothill Smithwick Theatre. Among the 50+ contestants that participated in the semi-final, 14 have entered the final round, including 5 from our school! There will be raffles, games and performances in addition to the contest. So please come have fun and support our schoolmates!

Tickets cost $10 for individuals and $18 for couples and are now available at the Tutorial Center on M, W from 1:00 pm -5:00 pm and on T, Th from 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm. You can also reserve your tickets by contacting winniesy537@hotmail.com.

For more information, email long_lastinglove@hotmail.com.

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February is Black History Month

11th Annual Vietnamese Spring Parade in San Jose

March is Women’s History Month

Volunteers to Plan Heritage Months

Each year from January to June, Foothill campus is dedicated to honoring and celebrating different heritages. There are a wide variety of free and low cost activities open to community members.

January: Jewish Heritage Month
February: Black History Month
March: Women’s History Month
April: Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May: Latino Heritage Month
June: Gay/Lesbian Heritage Month

The heritage month committees are still seeking active participants to help plan and organize events. If you are interested in helping, please contact Student Activities at 650-949-7282 or stop by their office in the Campus Center by the ASFC Smart Shop.

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Ghana Study Abroad Program: Summer 2008

For much of its history, Ghana has played a pivotal role in West Africa. Developments in Ghana have influenced regional politics in historical, cultural, socio-economic and ecological terms. Additionally, Ghana’s history is a fascinating drama of alternating economic policies and is viewed as the “Gateway to Africa” due to western occupation and exploitation during the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade.

This campus abroad program will provide an opportunity for students from all academic disciplines to learn about the country and its people. Students will find that Ghana provides an excellent case study to examine gender, culture, economic issues, environmental protection, and public health care.

The application deadline is coming up soon for this exciting program offered through the Foothill and De Anza Colleges District Campus Abroad Program. International students are eligible to participate and should meet with an immigration advisor to discuss any concerns about traveling.

For a schedule of informational meetings and for more information, contact Art Turmelle at (650) 949-7614 or visit the website: http://www.foothill.edu/programs/campusabroad.html.

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Study Abroad in London, England: October 25 – December 7, 2008

Join professors Keith Lee and Marrietta Reber in London, England this Fall! Explore theatres, monuments, churches, museums, and galleries as London becomes an extension of your classroom.

Accommodations in homestays in a residential neighborhood in London
British Life and Culture Program focusing on historical, political, economic, and cultural aspects of contemporary Britain, including six weekly lectures and three local field trips.
Cultural program including two full-day excursions

For a schedule of informational meetings and for more information, contact Art Turmelle at (650) 949-7614 or visit the website.

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Advisor's Corner

Lunar New Year Celebration

Lunar New Year may refer to the beginning of the year in several calendars. It is commonly assumed that they are all based on a lunar calendar. However, this is not the case. Several cultures’ new year is based on the lunisolar Chinese calendar. These usually fall on or near the same day:

Chinese New Year
Korean New Year
Tet (Vietnamese New Year)
Tsagaan Sar (Mongolian lunar New Year)

Chinese New Year is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It is an important holiday in East Asia. The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th; this day is called Lantern Festival.

During the Lantern Festival, children go out at night carrying bright lanterns. In ancient times, the lanterns were fairly simple, for only the emperor and noblemen had large ornate ones. In modern times, lanterns have been embellished with many complex designs. For example, lanterns are now often made in shapes of animals.

The Chinese New Year celebrations are marked by visits to kin, relatives and friends, a practice known as "New Year visits." New clothing is usually worn to signify a new year. The color red is liberally used in all decorations. Red packets are given to juniors and children by the married and elders. All these festivities may vary from region to region and from family to family. (From: www.wikipedia.org).

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Presidents’ Day

The original version of the holiday was in commemoration of George Washington's birthday in 1796 (the last full year of his presidency). Washington, according to the calendar that has been used since at least the mid-18th century, was born on February 22, 1732. According to the old style calendar in use back then, however, he was born on February 11. At least in 1796, many Americans celebrated his birthday on the 22nd while others marked the occasion on the 11th.

By the early 19th century, Washington's Birthday had taken firm root in the American experience as a bona fide national holiday. Its traditions included Birthnight Balls in various regions, speeches and receptions given by prominent public figures, and a lot of revelry in taverns throughout the land. Then along came Abraham Lincoln, another revered president and fellow February baby (born on the 12th of the month). The first formal observance of his birthday took place in 1865, the year after his assassination, when both houses of Congress gathered for a memorial address. While Lincoln's Birthday did not become a federal holiday like George Washington's, it did become a legal holiday in several states.

Apparently, while the holiday in February is still officially known as Washington's Birthday (at least according to the Office of Personnel Management), it has become popularly (and, perhaps in some cases at the state level, legally) known as "President's Day." This has made the third Monday in February a day for honoring Washington and Lincoln, as well as all the other men who have served as Presidens. (From: http://www.patriotism.org/presidents_day/).

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