Membership Meeting (last one for the school year)
Wednesday, April 28th @ 5:oo PM
Reading Room/Graduate Lounge
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What: A presentation: “Medical Relief in Haiti – 9 days in Leogane”
When: Thursday, April 1, 5pm-6:30pm
Where: Campus Center, room# 165
“Medical Relief in Haiti – 9 days in Leogane”
Pierre Rouzier, MD, a family physician at University Health Services (UHS) recently spent 9 days in Leogane, Haiti, providing medical relief for the victims of the earthquake. Leogane was the epicenter of the earthquake, where 90% of all buildings have been destroyed and people are living in shanties and tents. Hear Dr. Rouzier talk about the care his team delivered and the current situation in Haiti.
This event is co-sponsored by the GEO International Student Caucus and University Health Services.
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Career Workshop for International Students Only
March 9 & 24, 5-7pm, Cape Cod Lounge, Student Union
The Career Services, GEO International Student Cacus, and the International Programs Office will be hosting a series of career workshops for international students. These workshops are aimed at helping international students learn best practices for seeking jobs in the U.S. See below for details:
WORKSHOP 1: Mar. 9, 5-7pm, Cape Cod Lounge, Student Union
Theme: Job Searching, Resume Writing, and Cover Letters
- Where to search for jobs (Websites, Networking, Other)
- What you need to prepare (Resume and Cover Letter)
- How to prepare application package (highlighting your skills)
Bring your resumes for professional review by Career Services
Hear success stories from other international students
WORKSHOP 2: March 24, 5-7pm, Cape Cod Lounge, Student Union
Theme: Interviewing Skills
- Learn about the cultural differences when interviewing American style
- Expectations the employer will have and questions you should ask
- Learn how to respond to immigration related questions
If time allows we will actually practice interviewing!
Graduate Employee Organization (GEO)
Securing your jobs protecting your rights!
Graduate Employee Organization (GEO)
Securing your jobs protecting your rights!
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Upcoming Events
What: Legal Issue Forum for International Students
When: November 19, 2009, 5:p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where: Cape Cod Lounge, Student Union
GEO’s International Student Caucus, in collaboration with Student the Legal Services Office and International Programs Office, presents: LEGAL ISSUES FORUM for International Students on November 19, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Cape Cod Lounge, Students’ Union.
The goal of the forum is to address the many legal concerns that international students have regarding various aspects of their stay in the US, including:
Student immigration issues
· Student visa types and what they may allow, and how to change them
· Student spouse and visa stipulations
· Working (on campus/off campus)
· Post doc and further academic training, visa and academic statute of limitations
· Extending student visa, etc
Basic legal/civil rights as non-permanent residents
· Domestic violence and rights of accused and abused spouse
· What to do in case of an arrest
· Rights as tenants (stipulations of lease & legal recourse)
Any other issues you wish to ask about
Forum format:
· Brief presentation by legal experts who will then answer your questions
· Students may submit questions via email ahead of event to: international@geouaw.org
· Students may submit questions anonymously by dropping them in a sealed the pink box in the GEO office
· Students may also ask questions at the forum
Panelists:
Joseph P. Curran, Esq. of Curran and Berger Immigration Law
Bernadette Stark, Senior Staff Attorney, Student Legal Services Office
Nancy Condon, International Scholar Advisor, International Programs Office
Light refreshments will be served
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Upcoming Events
What: International Graduate Students’ Reception/Party
When: Monday, September 7, 2009 starting at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Campus Pond Lawn (across from Du bois Library)
Fun Level: High
Pizza, Cookies, Drink,
Music, Games, Prizes
Interesting Conversation,
GEO Information & Stories
International Student Caucus
International students make up a significant portion of the Graduate Employee Organization (GEO) membership. Thus, the International Students’ Caucus was developed to address the unique needs and issues of international graduate community members in their roles as students and employees of the university. Such issues may include but not limited to: unfair labor practices relating to their status as international students; immigration and civil rights; xenophobia; and cross-cultural challenges. In carrying out its core functions, the International Students’ Caucus will work with International Students, GEO leadership and the university administration to monitor and resolve these issues. Overall, the International Students’ Caucus will work to promote the interests and welfare of international graduate students who are GEO members.
International Students Caucus focuses on:
- Cultural/social activities & networking: to develop and maintain a vibrant international student coalition
- Legal and civil rights advocacy: to inform international students of their right under the law and to protect them from discrimination; or to help international students take legal recourse when their rights violated
- Liaising with IPO: to form a stronger bond with incoming and returning international students; to ensure that a system is in place to adequately inform students of their rights and responsibilities as part of the graduate community
- Labor Grievance: to serve on the grievance committee that protects against unfair labor practices relating to students’ status as international students
- GEO liaison: to help coordinate international students’ participation in GEO activities, as well to monitor GEO actions and by-laws to ensure representation of interests of international students
Note: different members of the caucus may be nominated (or volunteer) for each of the above roles
If you are interested in participating in the International Students’ Caucus please contact us at international@geouaw.org or 413-545-0705
Benefits of GEO membership
- Health and dental
- Subsidized/reduced health premiums
- Free dental coverage (reduced premiums for family)
- Labor
- Transparent employment process
- Fair hourly wages
- Vacation/time off
- Decent working conditions
- Grievance
- Right to due process
- Clear grievance rights and procedures
- Academic fees
- Tuition fee waivers
- Fair/reasonable auxiliary fees
- Anti-discriminatory & anti-harassment principles based on:
- Race
- Gender
- Sexuality
- Nationality
- Graduate community-building
- Caucus & committees:
- ALANAA; Women’s; International students; queer
- Family advocate
- Caucus & committees:
Helpful Links for International Students:
Graduate Students Labor Contract
http://www.geouaw.org/wiki/index.php5?title=Our_Contract
Graduate Appointment Policies and Procedures
http://www.umass.edu/gradschool/assistantship/Policies.htm
What to do if you have problems as a student worker
http://www.geouaw.org/?page_id=3
GEO Representative in your department
http://www.geouaw.org/wiki/index.php5?title=Departments_and_Stewards#Academic_Departments
International Programs Office
http://www.ipo.umass.edu/index.cfm/
University Health Services
Enrollment Statistics (International Students)
http://www.umass.edu/oapa/publications/factbooks/statistics/FB_ss_10.pdf
