A new semester is underway, and we hope you had a restful break and feel ready to settle into the weeks ahead✨
**IMPORTANT** for F-1 Students on STEM OPT STEM OPT Reporting Update STEM OPT reporting is now available through the OISS Student Portal.
Email submissions are no longer required.
All required reports (6, 12, 18, and 24-month evaluations) must now be completed in your student portal. Step-by-step instructions are provided to guide you and make the process easy.
Reminder:
Any employment changes must be reported within 10 days, including submitting a final evaluation for your previous employer and a new Form I-983 from your new E-verified employer before a new I-20 can be issued.
NOTE: The CGE Office will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and on January 20, 2026 for New Student Orientation.
- The Office of International Students and Scholars |
Sprintax Discount Code SOLD OUT - Interest Form OPEN
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| If you have already purchased a code, you may ignore this message. Thank you to everyone who showed interest in Sprintax discount codes. At this time, all Sprintax discount codes are SOLD OUT.
If you did not purchase a Sprintax code and would still like to be considered in case additional codes become available, please complete the interest form linked below. Submission does not guarantee availability.
Note that the tax filing deadline is on April 15. |
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Back Outside! New Year's Bash |
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Friday, January 23, 2026
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Kingsmen Park
Welcoming students back to campus with Back Outside!: New Year’s Bash! Join the ASCLUG Programs Board in Kingsmen Park for music, food, games and more to celebrate the start of a new semester and reconnect after winter break.
Whether you’re returning refreshed or just getting back into the groove, this event is the perfect way to ease back into campus life.
This event is part of the ASCLUG series |
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**Your story matters and we want to celebrate it! INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SPOTLIGHT** |
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Every international student and our alumni has a story worth sharing, from classroom achievements to leadership moments and life-changing experiences in the U.S. The International Student Spotlight celebrates your journey, your growth, your voice, and your perspective, both during your studies and beyond graduation.
Whether you’ve led a project, found creative ways to adapt to life in a new culture, or made your mark on campus, in your workplace, or in the broader community, we want to hear from you!
Check out our last Spotlight article of Ruslan Korchagin - Linked here
Interested in being recognized?
We invite you to fill out the International Student Spotlight form. |
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You're not alone! Support is Always Available |
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Being an international student comes with opportunities, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. Between exams, world events, cultural adjustments, and everyday life in a new country, it’s completely normal to feel stressed or uncertain.
Your mental health and well-being matter just as much as your academic success. Taking care of yourself is an important part of thriving both in and out of the classroom. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we encourage you to reach out and use the support and resources available to you. Asking for help is a sign of strength, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!
24/7 Virtual Mental Health Support with TimelyCare: No matter where you are or what time zone you’re in, TimelyCare offers 24/7 access to virtual counseling, mental health services, and wellness resources.
Coping Strategies for Stressful Times: We encourage you to explore the CAPS Resource for valuable coping strategies. |
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MPOWER Scholarship: Women in STEM |
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Scholarships are awarded annually to female international/DACA students currently enrolled or accepted to study full time in a STEM degree program at an MPOWER-eligible international study program in the United States.
Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
Awards: Grand Prize: US $5,000 First Runner-Up: US $2,000 Second Runner-Up: US $1,000
Eligibility Requirements:
Be accepted at, or enrolled in, a full-time degree program at an MPOWER-eligible school in the U.S. (CLU is eligible; check the approved degree list)
Be an international student allowed to legally study in the U.S, as applicable: For study in the U.S., this means that the applicant meets one of these criteria:
- Has a valid visa that permits study in the U.S.
- Is protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- Is a U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder)
Click below to learn more about the Women in STEM Scholarship! |
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Missed last week's OISS Weekly? Here is our #ICYMI section. |
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Any request? Submit it from your OISS Student Portal and
allow 7-10 business days for processing |
Note from OISS: Some topics in this newsletter may involve immigration or legal considerations. This information is for general purposes only and is not intended to serve as formal legal advice. Please consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation. |
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©2026 California Lutheran University |
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