Announcements

Middlebury College in Vermont

Upcoming Programming for International Students

Friends of International Students (FIS) Host Program Information Session

• Do you wish to experience life outside Middlebury College?
• Would you like to meet people in the local community?

If so, we invite you to discover more about the FIS Host Program. Join us for an upcoming Zoom session to find out how you can connect with a local host during your time at Middlebury.

Pre-Arrival

Returning students from LOA (leave of absence): Please check back soon for the upcoming Spring return F-1 status sessions.

Incoming new students: Our Pre-orientation program for first-year students will include a pre-arrival Questions and Answers Meeting. Check back after mid-October. We look forward to seeing you there!

Fall Programming

For Seniors

OCT 04 - 3.30 to 5PM US ET — So You Are a Senior, Now What? Virtual Information Session

All December 2024, February 2025 Finishers and May 2025 Graduates are strongly encouraged to attend this VIRTUAL session to learn about important time-sensitive actions related to your senior year, your options after graduation, and how to maintain your F-1 status after you graduate. 

Contact ISSS at isss@middlebury.edu if you missed this session and did not receive the recording. The recording was emailed to all seniors on Monday, October 7, so please check your email!

For First Years 

OCT 16 - 5-6.30PM US ET — International Pre-orientation Reunion Celebration — Location: Redfield Room in Proctor Dining Hall (upstairs; signs will be posted) — REGISTRATION REQUIRED - please see your email from ISSS with the registration form; contact ISSS with any questions.

Reconnect with your PAL team, other PALees, your Student Coordinators, and ISSS. 

NOV 01 - 3.30-4.45PM US ET — Winter Workshop — Location: Crest Room, MCC

Learn about Vermont winter, how to dress, things to prepare for, fun activities offered to students. Whether this will be your first-ever chance to experience snow or not, this workshop will be informative and fun!

For Everyone — ISSS Express Events + Other Opportunities — Location: Service Building, 2nd Floor, Room 209 (or where otherwise indicated)

OCT 16 - 4.30 to 5.30PM US ET — Study Abroad and your F-1 Status 

A study abroad advisor will join us to share information about Middlebury Study Abroad and an ISSS advisor will discuss how this option can impact your F-1 status. This session is ideal for first-years and sophomores.

OCT 31 - 3-4.30PM US ET — Stop by ISSS for some Halloween goodies. 

More information to come, but ISSS may become spooky (or sweet!).

NOV ISSS Express Date to be determined — check back later this month

DEC 06 - 3 to 4.30PM US ET — Destress with the pets of ISSS! Stop by for some or all of the event to say goodbye to ISSS before the Winter Recess, get and give some love to the pets, speak with an advisor, get a travel signature, and/or pick up documents from ISSS. 

For Exchange and TA (Teaching Assistant)

OCT 18 - 2.45-5PM US ET — Apple picking 

DEC 04 - 4-6PM US ET — End of Semester Celebration

Off-campus training/employment authorization sessions

OPT Q&A Sessions -All meetings use the same Zoom information

Zoom link: https://middlebury.zoom.us/j/92358103729?pwd=EWsdaWjt1zLqiXT1ovaRCFNgvESbMV.1 

Meeting ID: 923 5810 3729

Password: 027863

October 24 at 3pm (ET)

November 15 at 12:30pm (ET)

December 3 at 3pm (ET)

Important Housing and Selected Academic Calendar Dates

Break Housing

• The residence halls stay open for Thanksgiving, February and Spring breaks, and students staying will be asked to complete the break form. No approval is needed to stay for these breaks, but students must sign up to stay on campus. Thanksgiving break registration will be available in late October.
• Winter recess housing will be limited, and an application will be available later in the semester. You must be approved to stay over the winter break, and there are no dining services available. 
• Facilities and Residential Life staff may enter rooms during breaks to conduct safety checks, perform work needed, and ensure the building is closed appropriately. 

Middlebury Institute in California

Upcoming Programming 

Off-campus training/employment authorization sessions

• For F-1 students:

OPT Q&A Sessions -All meetings use the same Zoom information

Zoom link: https://middlebury.zoom.us/j/92358103729?pwd=EWsdaWjt1zLqiXT1ovaRCFNgvESbMV.1 

Meeting ID: 923 5810 3729

Password: 027863

October 24 at 12pm (PT)

November 15 at 9:30 am (PT)

December 3 at 12pm (PT)
  

• For J-1 Students:

  • Academic Training Information Session (for off-campus employment authorization) 
    
    No sessions are scheduled at this time.

    Note: J-1 students need ISSS authorization to work on campus. Email ISSS before working.
     

General Announcements

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) & International Programs and Off-Campus Study (IPOCS) represented Middlebury well at the NAFSA: Association of International Educators-Region XI Conference held in Manchester, NH from Oct. 18-20, 2022. See highlights below. 

1. As NAFSA Region XI Chair for 2022, Assistant Director of ISSS Christy Fry oversaw the first in-person regional conference for international educators in New England since fall 2019. With 276 attendees (42% were first-time participants), it was a resounding success! Two pre-conference workshops and more than 45 sessions and events took place over the three days. Christy led the 22-person regional team in offering an engaging conference that provided opportunities for professional development, networking, plus social and self-care events. Two of three regional awardees were from Middlebury! (See the PIE News post about the conference and see below for photos.)

2. Data Systems, Engagement & Operations Manager Loren Scott was recognized with the Rising Professional Award for his engagement in and contributions to the field of international education, which range from offering conference sessions at the regional and national level, being selected as a RISE Fellow and NAFSA Academy participant, providing input to articles, webinars, and trainings for Peace Corps and other organizations, assisting at a week-long intensive English program for children in Costa Rica, and more.

3. Associate Dean and Director of ISSS Kathy Foley was nominated by colleagues who represent many different institutions and was chosen for the Sally M. Heym Award. This recognition celebrates the many ways Kathy has elevated her staff, the field, and peers across the region. A leader and mentor who is trusted for her astute and compassionate guidance and support, Kathy joins this select group of 25 leaders in our region who are making (or have made) a difference in international education since the award’s creation in 1996.

4. Middlebury’s Christy Fry and Loren Scott co-led a Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Roundtable session. Fifteen participants actively engaged in dialogue and discussion about lived experiences and best practices for making our field and our offices more attentive to DEI principles. The conversation also focused on identifying effective ways within Region XI and NAFSA to operationalize the many ideas generated.

5. Middlebury C.V. Schools Abroad showcased our 37 sites abroad and our 13 language schools at the Exhibit Hall. Assistant Director of University Relations Catherine Pierattini and Director of our School in Puerto Rico Teresa Peña-Jordán met with conference attendees to discuss opportunities for students to participate in our programs.

Middlebury Schools

**Stay tuned for updates.**

Updated 10/01/2024