Spring Semester 2009 Schedule of CIC Programs
Cranwell is closed every Thursday from 8:00am to 1:00pm for Staff Development.
Join us each Friday at 12:30pm for the weekly birthday celebration –
everyone is welcome, especially if you are celebrating a birthday that week!
JANUARY 2009
January 12-16th Welcome Week All Week
Description: All new international students are required to arrive this week to check in, complete university procedures, and attend mandatory orientation (January 16). Welcome Week also includes assistance with securing off-campus housing, purchasing necessary items for a new home, a daily home-cooked lunch, and opportunities to connect to the VT community.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Cranwell International Center, 231-6527, gambrel@vt.edu
January 16th Mandatory Orientation 9:00am-12:00noon (all students)
1:00-5:00pm (ugrads only)
Description: All F-1 and J-1 visa holders are required to attend the morning orientation session which will cover important immigration regulations. Ugrads are also required to attend the afternoon session, which will review VT student policies and success issues.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Cranwell International Center, 231-6527, gambrel@vt.edu
January 16th Welcome Dinner and Community Potluck 5:00-7:00pm
Description: All new international students are invited to join Cranwell Staff members and Blacksburg community members for this free welcome dinner. Transportation home afterward will be provided.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu
January 20th Classes Begin
January 20th Social Security 10:00am-12:00noon
Description: A representative from the Social Security Office comes to the Cranwell International Center the third Tuesday of every month from 10:00am-12:00noon. Non-resident aliens must bring their passports and visa papers. United States citizens must bring proof of birth. Anyone over the age of 18 must come in person to make an application.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Cranwell International Center, 231-6527, gambrel@vt.edu
January 23rd Café Cranwell 8:00-10:00pm
Description: Café Cranwell is a coffee house dedicated to VT community, featuring free coffee beverages, tea and tasty treats. Join us for board games, good music and lively conversation.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Jenny Quijano Sax, 231-6527, jquisax@vt.edu
January 26th English Conversation Group Facilitator Training 4:00-6:00pm
Description: Cranwell’s English Conversation Groups are designed to provide members of the international community in the New River Valley area with the opportunity to become more comfortable communicating in and navigate the daily routines of their foreign context. To prepare those who have volunteered to lead these fun and informal groups, Cranwell requires attendance at this two-hour training session, which will go over the program’s philosophy and expectations, and offer useful facilitation strategies and resources.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Jenny Quijano Sax, 231-6527, jquisax@vt.edu
January 28th CISO Delegate Meeting 6:30-8:00pm
Description: Delegates from CISO member organization meet to discuss the CISO constitution revisions, discuss spring programming, and get details regarding International Street Fair plans.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu or Jenny Quijano Sax, 231-6527, jquisax@vt.edu
January 28th International Night 8:00-10:00pm
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Jenny Quijano Sax, 231-6527, jquisax@vt.edu
January 30th Volunteer Training 12:00-1:00pm
Description: Open to all volunteers and prospective volunteers. Come learn more about Cranwell and gain necessary information and skills to maximize your volunteer experience with the Cranwell International Center. Advance registration required.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu
FEBRUARY 2009
February 2nd-13th English Conversation Group Check-Ins
Description: A Cranwell Staff member will visit each conversation group during this two-week period to provide support and answer questions.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Jenny Quijano Sax, 231-6527, jquisax@vt.edu
February 6th Open House for International Faculty and Staff 4:00-6:00pm
Description: International faculty and staff are invited to the Cranwell International Center to inaugurate the New Year over coffee, tea and light refreshments. Family and children are most welcome!
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Jenny Quijano Sax, 231-6527, jquisax@vt.edu
February 9th Service Learning Training 3:00-4:00pm
Description: All service learning students must attend one of the three Service Learning trainings to learn more about the Cranwell International Center and gain important information to maximize their service learning experience. Advance registration required.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu
February 10th Service Learning Training 4:00-5:00pm
Description: All service learning students must attend one of the three Service Learning trainings to learn more about the Cranwell International Center and gain important information to maximize their service learning experience. Advance registration required.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu
February 13th Service Learning Training 3:00-4:00pm
Description: All service learning students must attend one of the three Service Learning trainings to learn more about the Cranwell International Center and gain important information to maximize their service learning experience. Advance registration required.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu
February 13th Conversation Partner Social 4:00-5:00pm
Description: Informal social gathering for participants in the Conversation Partners program.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu
February 16th Volunteer Training 4:00-5:00pm
Description: Open to all volunteers and prospective volunteers. Come learn more about Cranwell and gain necessary information and skills to maximize your volunteer experience with the Cranwell International Center. Advance registration required.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu
February 17th Social Security 10:00am-12:00noon
Description: A representative from the Social Security Office comes to the Cranwell International Center the third Tuesday of every month from 10:00am-12:00noon. Non-resident aliens must bring their passports and visa papers. United States citizens must bring proof of birth. Anyone over the age of 18 must come in person to make an application.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Cranwell International Center, 231-6527, gambrel@vt.edu
February 17th CISO Delegates Meeting 6:30-8:00pm
Description: Delegates from CISO member organization meet to discuss International Street Fair deadlines and policies.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu or Jenny Quijano Sax, 231-6527, jquisax@vt.edu
February 20th Spring Carnival Social 6:00pm-9:00pm
Description: Each spring semester, the theme of our social event highlights international culture through music, dance, food, and more. This year, the theme of the event, as suggested by members of the Council of International Student Organizations is Carnival. This event is open to all international students. Conversation Partners, English Conversation Group Leaders and Participants, International Friendship Program participants, CISO members, and international VT faculty and staff are especially invited. The event is co-sponsored by the Council of International Student Organizations.
Location: Graduate Life Center, Multipurpose Room
Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu or Jenny Quijano Sax, 231-6527, jquisax@vt.edu
February 23rd International Street Fair and International Week
Lunches Registration Forms Due 5:00pm
Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu
February 26th Cranwell Global Ambassadors Program Info Session 7:30-8:00pm
Description: Come learn more about the Cranwell Global Ambassadors Program at this hour-long information session and pick up an application. Cranwell Global Ambassadors are student leaders charged with the dual mission of welcoming new international students to the Virginia Tech community and mentoring them, and spreading awareness about other countries and cultures on campus and in the broader community. We encourage returning Study Abroad students, students who have a strong interest in learning about the world, and international students who have been at the university for at least one semester to apply.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Jenny Quijano Sax, 231-6527, jquisax@vt.edu
February 26th Café Cranwell 8:00-10:00pm
Description: Café Cranwell is a coffee house dedicated to VT community, featuring free coffee beverages, tea and tasty treats. Join us for board games, good music and lively conversation.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Jenny Quijano Sax, 231-6527, jquisax@vt.edu
TBD Council Meeting 12:00—1:00pm
Description: Cranwell International Council Meeting
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu
MARCH 2009
March 2nd International Street Fair Registration Forms Due kkkkkkk5:00pm
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhInternational Street Fair Menus Forms Due
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhKitchen Request Forms Due to Cranwell International Center
Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu
March 2nd Undergraduate Plan of Study Workshop 4:00-5:00pm
Description: There’s so much involved with getting into college that once you’re here you might overlook an important element of planning – creating a course schedule. This workshop will help you explore options make choices vital to obtaining your degree. The Plan of Study will help keep you organized and keep your goals in sight!
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Jenny Quijano Sax, 231-6527, jquisax@vt.edu
March 4th Midterm Relief Soup 12:00noon-3:00pm
Description: Midterm stress and cold weather getting you down? Come to Cranwell for a hearty bowl of hot soup and fresh bread to stimulate those brain cells!
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Jenny Quijano Sax, 231-6527, jquisax@vt.edu
March 9th Cranwell Global Ambassadors Program
Applications Due 5:00pm
Contact: Jenny Quijano Sax, 231-6527, jquisax@vt.edu
March 7th-15th Spring Break
March 16th Global Ambassadors Interviewed
Contact: Jenny Quijano Sax, 231-6527, jquisax@vt.edu
March 17th Social Security 10:00am-12:00noon
Description: A representative from the Social Security Office comes to the Cranwell International Center the third Tuesday of every month from 10:00am-12:00noon. Non-resident aliens must bring their passports and visa papers. United States citizens must bring proof of birth. Anyone over the age of 18 must come in person to make an application.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Cranwell International Center, 231-6527, gambrel@vt.edu
March 17th CISO Delegate Meeting and International Street Fair Safety Training 6:30pm
Description: Training required by the Health Department for ALL International Street Fair participants who are serving food. Delegates meet to finalize details for the International Street Fair
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu or Jenny Quijano Sax, 231-6527, jquisax@vt.edu
March 19th Conversation Partners & English Conversation Groups Potluck 6:00-8:00pm
Description: Participants in the Conversation Partners Program and English Conversation Groups are invited to Cranwell to share a dinner together. ‘Potluck’ means that all participants bring a dish to share (a main dish, dessert, salad, side dish, or bread). Cranwell will provide drinks, plates, cups, utensils, and napkins.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu or Jenny Quijano Sax, 231-6527, jquisax@vt.edu
March 19th International Night 8:00pm
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Jenny Quijano Sax, 231-6527, jquisax@vt.edu
March 20th International Women Leadership Panel 3:00-5:00pm
Description: Join us for this Women’s Month event highlighting international women’s reflections on their leadership experiences. Cosponsored by CISO (the Council for International Student Organizations).
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu
March 16-28th Service Learning Meetings
Description: All Service Learning participants will schedule a one-on-one meeting with a Cranwell Staff member during this two-week period to provide support and answer questions.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu
March 23rd Global Ambassadors Announced
Contact: Jenny Quijano Sax, 231-6527, jquisax@vt.edu
TBD Council Meeting 12:00—1:00pm
Description: Cranwell International Council Meeting
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu
April 2009
April 4th International Street Fair 11:00am-4:00pm
Description: The International Street Fair is one of the most colorful and bustling events of the semester. On Saturday, April 4th, College Ave. and Draper Rd. turn into a crowded marketplace. This event, held from 11:00am-4:00pm, is a great opportunity for adults and children of all ages to come and learn about different countries. Exotic dishes and even some tongue twisting names are traded in a festive mood. The participating international organizations bring their best to your taste buds, while the performers make you move with their native folkloric rhythms. Arts and crafts from countries around the world are also a part of this beautiful display.
Location: College Avenue and Draper Road (Rain location: Squires Student Center)
Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu
April 4th-10th International Week All Week
Description: The schedule of International Week events can be found on CISO's website.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu
April 5th International Reunion TBD
Description: The Cranwell Center is planning an International Alumni Reunion, to be held in conjunction with the 50th Annual International Street Fair. On Saturday, April 4th you can check in at our Hospitality Tent at the International Street Fair and then plan to attend the brunch for the International Reunion on Sunday, April 5th. More details will be forthcoming on our Facebook page about registration and activities.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Belinda Pauley, 231-6527, bpauley@vt.edu
April 7th Global Ambassadors Program Orientation Meet and Greet 5:00-7:00pm
Description: Global Ambassadors selected for the 2009-10 school year are required to attend this informal orientation session. Come and meet your fellow ambassadors, Cranwell staff, and learn more about the exciting program you are about to engage in.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Jenny Quijano Sax, 231-6527, jquisax@vt.edu
April 18th CISO participates in the BIG EVENT
April 21st Social Security 10:00am-12:00noon
Description: A representative from the Social Security Office comes to the Cranwell International Center the third Tuesday of every month from 10:00am-12:00noon. Non-resident aliens must bring their passports and visa papers. United States citizens must bring proof of birth. Anyone over the age of 18 must come in person to make an application.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Cranwell International Center, 231-6527, gambrel@vt.edu
April 23rd CISO Delegates Meeting—Elections 6:30-8:00pm
Description: Delegates from CISO member organization meet to elect the officers for 2009-2010.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu or Jenny Quijano Sax, 231-6527, jquisax@vt.edu
April 24th CISO Participates in Relay for Life
TBD Council Meeting 12:00-1:00pm
Description: Cranwell International Council Meeting
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu
MAY 2009
May 1st & 2nd World Cup Soccer Tournament TBA
Description: Each spring Virginia Tech celebrates internationalism and diversity in a friendly intercollegiate soccer tournament, called the VT World Cup. Any Student, Faculty, or Alumni of a Virginia University or College is welcome to create a team and register for the tournament. All participants must have a valid student/faculty/alumni ID from their institution. No Exceptions. Friday, May 1st is World Cup Draw and Conversations on World Soccer. Saturday, May 2nd is the World Cup Soccer Tournament. To register, visit: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1238616412276.
Location: Virginia Tech campus
Contact: worldcup@vt.edu
May 13th Celebration of Accomplishments and Contributions jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj4-6:00pm
Description: This is a special cook-out at Cranwell to celebrate the accomplishments or our international graduates and the work of our honored volunteers. 5:00pm: Volunteer Recognition and Dedication
Location: Cranwell International Center jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu
May 19th Social Security 10:00am-12:00noon
Description: A representative from the Social Security Office comes to the Cranwell International Center the third Tuesday of every month from 10:00am-12:00noon. Non-resident aliens must bring their passports and visa papers. United States citizens must bring proof of birth. Anyone over the age of 18 must come in person to make an application.
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Cranwell International Center, 231-6527, gambrel@vt.edu
TBD Council Meeting 12:00-1:00pm
Description: Cranwell International Council Meeting
Location: Cranwell International Center
Contact: Rachel Christensen, 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu