Foreign Exchange: October 2002

Volume 7, Issue 1, 0ctober 2002

Foreign Exchange, the official newsletter from the Office of International Students has new look and a new and better way to get to you. We hope that you find it useful and enjoy it. Please feel free to send us suggestions and/or ideas for the upcoming issues. Writers, news, and stories are always welcome!

As many of you already noticed, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and the State Department continue to pass new regulations and regulations that affect all international students.

As new laws pass, we will keep you updated via this newsletter, so make sure you read each issue carefully for the new regulations may affect your stay here in the United States.

VISA LOTTERY: Many of you might not know about this program, but the US goverment has an annual visa lottery program in which they "raffle off" green cards to people from different countries. Not all coutries qualify, but you might want to check into this program if you would like to get a green card. This program is FREE and you should not have to pay any fees to anyone to participate –be aware of those internet sites that charge you money to submit you application. To find out how to apply for this program or get more information, please visit the official 2004 Visa Diversity Lottery Program web site. If you would like to participate in this progam, you MUST APPLY no later than November 6, 2002.

SEVIS, or the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is a new nationwide database that will monitor the issuance of I-20's by colleges and universities throughout the United States. Although all the details for this new database have not been finalized by INS yet, La Sierra University has already purchased the new software and will undergo a system upgrade in the next few weeks.

"We plan to be in full INS compliance by January 30, 2003," said Jennifer Tyner, the school designated official and Vice President for Student Life.

Once SEVIS is up and running properly, we will re-issue I-20's to all the students who are currently attending LSU. YES, the new I-20 look different and YES, you will need a new I-20 to come back to the U.S. once the INS converts to this new system.

As we have more details, we will keep you posted. For now, do not worry, study hard, and get good grades! :)

Jennifer Tyner, VP Student Life If you have an I-20 from La Sierra, you most likely already know her signature. Yes, Jennifer Tyner is the Designated School Official (DSO) and the Vice President for Student Life here at LSU.

Tyner started working with international students back in 1995, and since then she has made tremendous impact not only in the lives of several international students, but also at La Sierra University.

She enjoys scrapbooking, reading, and drinking Starbucks non-fat hot chocolate. She's married to Matthew and has two daughters, Emma (3) and Sophia (1)

You can meet Mrs. Tyner in the Administration Building, Rm. 202.

At a Glance

This year's International Student Orientation (which is required), will be October 21, 2002 in the Cactus Room, in the Commons at 5 pm.

Door prizes and free calling cards will be given to the first 50 people.

Tuesday Tunes: Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29 @ Eagles Nest. 8-10pm

Signs of Life: Oct. 8-10 @ the LSU Church. Attendance is required. 11am.

"Monday Mania" Billiard Competition: Oct. 14 @ the Student Center. 8-10pm.

Assembly by Departments: Oct. 15. @ different locations. Contact your department for your location. 11am.

Creative Cooking: Oct. 21
@ Angwin Hall. 5pm.

School of Business Retreat: Oct. 25-27 @ the mountains. Sign up in at SBM.

"Monday Mania" Billiard Competition: Oct. 28 @ the Student Center. 8-10pm.

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