Spring 2021 Plans - In the U.S. or Studying from Abroad?

In order for CIE to ensure we are accurately addressing your visa status needs, it is important we know who will be studying outside of the U.S. this spring. If you are not planning to study in the U.S. please let us know by emailing iss@madisoncollege.edu

Free Tax Help

It’s important to be aware that, as a nonresident student in the US, you’re legally required to file a tax return if you received US income during 2020.

And even if you didn’t work or receive income in the US, you’re still obliged to file a Form 8843 with the IRS.

Madison College has arranged free access to Sprintax Tax Preparation for you. Sprintax will guide you through the tax preparation process, arrange the necessary documents and check if you’re due a tax refund.

Sprintax was used by over 225,000 international students and scholars last year, and the average Federal refund received by eligible students was over $1,126.

All you need to do is:

1. Register and follow the simple instructions
2. Complete the online questionnaire
3. Enter your unique code: SpR20MDC51F in the box on the ‘Review your order’ page
4. Sprintax will prepare your tax return

Finally, once you complete the preparation process in the Sprintax software, you must print, sign and mail your documents to the IRS.

If you have any questions, the Sprintax team will be happy to help via their 24/7 live chat facility.

Important Academic Dates to Remember

• January 19 1st day of Classes
• January 19-25 Self-service SWAP period – Don’t drop, please SWAP!
• January 25-29 SWAP’s possible with instructor permission and assistance from Enrollment Center and CIE
• February 10 For 16-week classes starting on 1/19 – this is the last date to drop for a 60% refund have course will not be on your transcript. This date will vary by class length and start date so talk to your advisor before dropping!
• February 15 Graduating students should consider applying for OPT work authorization if interested
• February 24 Summer course registration begins
• March 1 UW-Madison Fall Admissions Application deadline
• March 8 Fall 2021 classes posted online
• March 24-April 14 Begin enrolling in Fall 2021 classes
• March 15-19 Spring Break
• March/April Students with an expiring I-20 should work with CIE to extend as needed
• April/May Students transferring to another college next semester begin I-20 transfer out process
• May 1 Classes can only be dropped up to the 90% point, for most classes this is on or before 5/1
• May 10-14 Finals Week
• May 14 Graduation

Must Remain Full-Time Hold

A hold preventing you from dropping classes has been added to your student account. You may still add classes, but to drop or swap a class follow the Dropping a Class instructions on the ISS webpage. This hold is intended to help F-1 students avoid losing legal visa status by inadvertently dropping below full-time enrollment without getting the necessary prior permission from CIE.

CIE Student Support Check-In

During this global pandemic, your success and safety is our top priority. This semester CIE will provide you additional opportunities to check-in with our staff to help ease the challenge of social distancing and virtual schooling. Whether you have questions regarding academic, social or emotional support, financial resources, or would just like time to talk, we are here for you.

In the coming weeks, look for emails and phone calls from our CIE colleague Linda Aroonsavath to offer you a CIE Student Support Check-In. As always, CIE continues to offer support through the Virtual Front Desk Hours, 1:1 advising, and information about resources and upcoming events in our bi-weekly newsletters. Your wellbeing and success has always been our highest priority. We want every student to achieve their goals.

Madison College Challenge

Do you have a business idea that you have been pondering or an opportunity that you would like to explore? Would you like help in developing your opportunity? Participate in the Madison College Challenge! The Madison College Challenge is an idea competition organized through the Center for Entrepreneurship. Get ahead of the competition, submit your idea TODAY!

Internship Fair & N.E.T. Sessions

Career & Employment Services
February 16-18

Meet virtually with employers to learn more about internships. Engagement and learn employment strategies and best practices in hiring.

Registration and Event Information here

Remember: Off-campus work is ONLY allowed with SEVIS-authorized permission from CIE and, in some cases, also the USCIS. Please review off-campus work permission options and request an appointment with CIE staff if you have questions.

Virtual Transfer Events

UW-Madison

• Application Events (1:1 appointment with Admissions Counselor) – 1/27, 2/11, 2/25
• Admissions Presentation with Transfer Counselor – 2/18 at 6pm
• Pre-Transfer Advising with representatives from multiple UW Departments – 3/11, 4/14

UW-La Crosse

• Transfer Information Session – 2/5 at 11am

UW-Whitewater

• Transfer Advising: General and College of Education and Professional Studies – 1/20
• Transfer Advising: General and College of Business and Economics – 2/24
• More to come!

Edgewood College (new link to be posted soon)

• Meet with a Transfer Counselor – 2/17, 3/25, 4/13, 4/28

UW-Milwaukee

• Appointments with a Transfer Specialist – 1/27, 2/10, 2/23, 3/11, 3/24, 4/6, 4/22

UW-Green Bay

• Appointments with an Admissions Counselor – 2/3, 2/18, 3/10, 3/31, 4/15, 4/28

UW-Platteville

• Appointments with a Transfer Counselor – 1/25, 2/11, 2/23, 3/10, 3/23, 4/8, 4/19, 5/5

More info here