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⇒ Student & Scholar Advising ⇒ Faculty, Staff, & Visitors ⇒ J-1 Scholars ⇒ Scholar Newsletter: February 2009

Scholar Newsletter: February 2009

What’s New?

iStart Improvements:

The Office of International Services is continuing to make improvements to the iStart system, making it more convenient for visiting scholars and host departments to use.  Recent additions include the online J-2 request form, and additional instructions for host departments.  J-1 scholars can continue to use iStart for Travel Signature Request, Change of Local Address, and Replace Lost Document.  Host departments can continue to utilize the applications for new J-1 applications, as well as extensions.

Important Dates

April 15—Tax Day:

If you were paid by a US employer for your work in 2008, you must file taxes (state and federal) by April 15, 2009.  The February Scholar Luncheon will provide basic information, and VITA help sessions will be announced on the OIS website in the coming months.

Scholar Profile

Each month, we recognize the activities and accomplishments of one of our visiting scholars.  We hope this information will be interesting and help you get to know others on campus.  This month, our featured scholar is Emmanuel Asampong.

A native of the central region of Ghana, Emmanuel Asampong arrived at IU in September 2008.  He is a J-1 Research Scholar, here for one year, hosted by African Studies and the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER).  His research is focused on mental health issues in HIV/AIDS.  He explains, “Research on HIV/AIDS is often focused on only medical issues.  My research takes a more comprehensive approach and includes the study of the individual, as well as the family and caregivers.  Currently, I am researching on the topic Psycho-social morbidity for persons infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.” He will present “All Die Be Die?  A Lesson for HIV/AIDS Research & Intervention” on April 21, 12–1:00pm at Woodburn 218.

Emmanuel earned a BA (Honors) in Psychology and a Master of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology, both from the University of Ghana (Legon, Accra).  He now teaches at the University of Ghana, in the School of Public Health, and he is also working towards a Ph.D.  His research interest is focused on mental health in the context of public health.  Emmanuel and his wife Phyllis have two children—a daughter, Naana (4) and a son, Paapa (1).

We asked Emmanuel to share more about his experience at IU:

Q: What are some things you enjoy about IU?

A: The teaching, supported strongly by research.  I have sat in on some classes, and I notice how the papers follow the modality of the teaching.  This gives people the ability to see and apply theories to practical situations.  Also, people do not have a lot of information about Africa, especially in health.  I enjoy being able to contribute to discussion and teach them about Africa.  Also, I must thank Samuel (Obeng, Director of African Studies), Michael Reece (Center for Sexual Health Promotion), Helen (Harrell), Maria (Grosz-Ngaté) and everyone in African Studies and HPER.  They have offered me such a wonderful reception and made me feel at home.

Q: Are you involved in any activities?

A: I attend meetings of the Bloomington International Students Ministry (BISM) and it’s the meeting that is referred to as DUNIA, meaning “where the world comes together.”  (For more information, visit www.iubism.org/dunia.htm)

Q: What are your plans after your program at IU ends?

A: I will return to Ghana, to my teaching.  I think I will impact my students with all I have learned here.  My experience here will benefit the school, the department, and the students, and hopefully lead to development of new programs and enrichment for everyone.

Q: What advice do you have for other scholars, especially those new to IU?

A: Just take it so serious.  IU is a place to be; from talking and listening to others, I am convinced of this, in spite of the harsh weather.  Focus on what you came here to do, and do it well.  Be open to new ideas; only then can you be convinced of what you need to do.  Motivate one another to do better.  We all want a better world.

J Regulation Reminder

Apply for an Extension Prior to the DS-2019 Expiration:

If you wish to extend your IU program beyond the dates of your current DS-2019, you must request a program extension at least 30 days before your DS-2019 expires.  All extension requests must be submitted to OIS by your host department.  Research Scholars or Professors may request extension up to a maximum of five years program participation.  Specialists may stay up to one year, and Short-Term Scholars may stay up to six months.

Upcoming Events

Scholar Luncheon:

Thursday, February 19, 2009, 12–1pm at the International Center (111 S. Jordan Ave.) Our guest will be Jimmy Lee, Coordinator of VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Advisory).  If you are interested in attending, please email intlcent@indiana.edu by Monday, February 16th.

Scholars in the School of Music:

Daniela Candillari and Casey Robards will present a Faculty Recital (Marx: Italienisches Liederbuch) on Sunday, February 1, 2009, 5:00pm at Ford-Crawford Hall.  Admission is free.  Giovanni Zanovello will present “Gift Transactions and the Circulation of Music in Late 15th-Century Florence” as part of the Musicology Colloquium Series on Friday, February 6, 2009, 12:30–1:30pm at the Music Library M267.  Admission is free.  Ronald Zollman will serve as conductor for the IU Opera Theater’s presentation of Cendrillon (Cinderella), February 6, 7, 13, and 14.  For more information about these and other events, visit the Jacobs School of Music website.

Things To Do

National Girls and Women in Sports Day:

Sunday, Feb 8, 2009 at Assembly Hall.  Exhibitions and demonstrations are free from 10:30am–12:30pm.  Admission to the women’s basketball game is $5 for adults and $3 for youth.  Tickets can be purchased on the day of the game or in advance by calling 866-IUSPORTS (866-487-7678).

25th Annual Arts Week:

Events will be offered February 19–March 1, showcasing the extraordinary wealth of creative work going on at Indiana University and in Bloomington.  For a list of events, see the Arts Week website.

Contemporary Gospel Groups of the African American Choral Ensemble:

Sunday, Feb 22, 2009 at 5:00pm at the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, Grand Hall. Three contemporary gospel groups honor and preserve the vocal traditions of black gospel music, as part of the Choral Ensemble.
Web site: www.indiana.edu/~aaai

A Mission in China:

Wednesday, Feb 25, 2009, 12:15–1:00pm at the IU Art Museum.  Join William Colling, the son of Captain John and Alice Colling, as he talks about his father’s mission in China, in conjunction with the installation of Chinese Socialist Realist prints in the Asian art gallery, on the second floor.
Web site: www.artmuseum.iu.edu

Mathers Museum Workshops:

Family Craft Day “Motifs from Asia” will be Saturday, February 14, 2–3:30pm.  A Native American Bead Workshop will be offered on Saturday, February 21, 1:15–4:15pm.  Family Craft Day “Motifs from South America” will be Saturday, February 28, 2–3:30pm.  For more information, visit the Mathers Museum website.

Did You Know?

Groundhog Day

is a holiday celebrated in the US and Canada on February 2nd.  In weather lore, if a groundhog (also known as a woodchuck or marmot) emerges from its burrow on this day and fails to see its shadow because the weather is cloudy, winter will soon end.  If, on the other hand, it is sunny and the groundhog sees its shadow, the groundhog will supposedly retreat into its burrow, and winter will continue for 6 more weeks.  Since the release of the 1993 film Groundhog Day, the phrase is sometimes used in English to mean “the same thing over and over again” particularly in reference to unpleasant repeating cycles.

Source
Photo source

Valentine’s Day

or Saint Valentine’s Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14.  In the West, it is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine’s cards, presenting flowers, or offering confectionery.  In some elementary schools, children decorate classrooms, exchange cards, and eat sweets.  The greeting cards of these students often mention what they appreciate about each other.  The rise of Internet popularity is creating new traditions, such as e-cards.

Source

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