Virginia Tech Tragedy - A Time to Talk and Share for International Students
Friday, April 20, 11:00 am in the Glacier Room of LSC

We are deeply saddened by the senseless shootings that occurred at Virginia Tech on Monday. Our thoughts are with the students, faculty, and staff as they deal with this tragedy. Even though this incident occurred many miles away, we understand that it is disturbing and has created strong reactions among students, staff, and community members even here at Green River.

Please know that GRCC will continue to provide a safe place for you to study and enjoy your international experience. The GRCC community has already taken additional steps to protect our campus. President Rich Rutkowski has requested an immediate increase in our campus security presence and has asked that additional campus safety planning be done.

We want to offer our support to help you cope with issues related to this tragedy. The IP Advising Team and the Counseling Center will host a special meeting to help international students talk about their thoughts, feelings, and reactions related to this incident. All international students are welcome and are encouraged to attend. If you are unable to attend or prefer to talk about your concerns individually, please come to the International Programs Office to see your advisor.

Advising Schedule

• Advisors will not be available this Friday, April 20 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. All advisors will be attending the Virginia Tech Discussion during this time (see above).
• There will be limited advising on Friday, April 27. Jessica and John will be available throughout the day to answer short questions during walk-ins.
• Sarah C. will be out of the office from Monday, April 23 - Friday, April 27.
• Alvin will be out of the office from Thursday, April 26 - Friday, May 4.
• There will no advisors available on Thursday, May 3 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.

If you need to see a specific advisor during any of these times, please plan ahead. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

Also, please remember that the IP office closes at 5:00 pm everyday. If you need to speak with an advisor, please come to the office well before 5:00 pm. If you are an IESL student, we encourage you to come to the office in the mornings or during your lunch hour rather than after your classes. That way we can ensure that your needs are met.

Spring Workshop Series from IP

OPT Workshop:

• Tuesday, May 1 from 9:00-10:00 am in TC 207 OR
• Wednesday, May 2 from 3:00-4:00 pm in IVC 101

Would you like an opportunity to work off campus and gain valuable work experience? Are you already planning to do OPT? If so, you are encouraged to attend the OPT workshop. Presenters will cover important details about how to get work authorization, as well as how to find a job, write a resume, and prepare for an interview.

International Student Transfer Workshop:

• Wednesday, May 2 from 3:00-4:00 pm in SMT 354 OR
• Thursday, May 3 from 11:00 am -12:00 pm in TC 207

This workshop will provide an overview of the university transfer process for international students, including university selection, class planning, test requirements, application details, and personal statements.

Transitioning to the University:

• Friday, May 4 from 3:00-4:00 pm in SMT 222

Transferring to the university is a very exciting time for students, but it also comes with a lot of change. This workshop prepares students to make a smooth transition to their new school and get started in a positive direction. We will discuss the changing environments, how to start a new social life, differences in your academic studies, and transferring your credits.

We look forward to seeing you during our Spring Workshop Series!

Transfer Information

University Transfer Fair for International Students

• Monday, May 7 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm in the Main Dining Area of LSC

Representatives from the following universities will be available to answer your questions and provide information about their schools and degree programs/majors. Please attend at any time during the fair.

Academy of Art University / Art Institute of Seattle / Bastyr University / Central Washington University / City University / Dickenson State University / Eastern Illinois University / Evergreen State College / Grand Canyon University / Hawaii Pacific University / Indiana University / Johnson and Whales University / Montana State University / Northern Arizona University / Pacific Lutheran University / Purdue University / San Diego State University / San Francisco State University / Seattle University / Seattle Pacific University / University of Montana - Missoula / University of North Dakota / University of Oregon / University of Puget Sound / University of South Alabama / University of Washington Evening Degree Program / University of Washington Tacoma / Western Oregon University / Western Washington University

Grand Canyon University Transfer Agreement
GCU has an excellent transfer program for Washington community college students. Besides having small class sizes, first class international advising, and reasonable tuition, GCU provides priority on-campus housing for all international students, guaranteed scholarships for international students who meet the admission requirements, and direct transfer agreements to ensure junior status upon arrival. GCU also offers degrees in Business, Nursing, Education, and more.

Please visit the GCU website for more information. A representative from GCU will be at the University Transfer Fair to answer your questions on May 7 (see above).

Additional Transfer Workshops from Educational Planning (these workshops are designed for domestic students, so please be aware that some of the information may not be relevant to your situation)

Please click here to see available workshops and sign up.

Test Anxiety Workshop

When you take a test do you get sweaty palms, headaches, upset stomach? Do you feel like your mind goes blank even though you studied for hours? Find out how to overcome test anxiety. The Counseling and Health Services office will have a test anxiety workshop for students interested in getting practical tips on study habits, time management, self-care, and stress reduction. Learn how to be a better test-taker in any class!

• Tuesday, April 24 from 12:00-1:00 pm in the Rainier Room of LSC

2007 Graduation Ceremony

If you are planning to graduate soon, you may want to attend the 2007 Graduation Ceremony. Follow these steps to sign up to walk in the graduation with your peers, faculty, and staff:

• Apply for graduation by filling out a degree application (available in the IP office)
• Fill out a graduation card at Enrollment Services (LSC 277) (photo ID is required)
• Each graduate will get up to four tickets for their guests
• Purchase your cap, gown, and tassel at the Paper Tree Bookstore ($20)
• Attend the rehearsal on Friday, June 15 at 1:30 pm in the Main Dining Area of LSC

The graduation ceremony is on Friday, June 15 at 7:00 pm in the Gymnasium. Graduates must line up in the Main Dining Area of LSC at 6:30 pm.

More detailed information will be mailed to all students who apply for graduation (first step above). You can also talk to your advisor for more information.

Applying for your High School Completion Diploma

If you are planning to earn your high school diploma soon, please go to the IP office to meet with Debbie VanHoy and apply for your diploma. Please do NOT go directly to Enrollment Services in the LSC to do this.

Public Behavior Expectations - A Message from Ross Jennings

We have received a complaint from a local citizen that persons she believes to be international students have been bothering her on the bus. While we have no way to independently verify her claim, I believe this may be a good time to remind everyone of our high expectations for behavior in public. I believe that most international students behave exceptionally well in public, and follow the basic rules of society. For that you have my high appreciation. There are, however, exceptions. I expect all of our international students to be respectful of others on and off campus. Thank you for being excellent ambassadors for your countries and for our college. 

Ross Jennings
Executive Director
International Programs

Activities and Volunteering

Thank you for coming to the Ice Cream Social on April 6th. We had a lot of returning and new students (More than 350!!!). We hope you enjoyed the sunny day with ice cream. Once again, thank you very much for coming and hope to see you at other activities!!! 

Yuki, Steve, Gabriella, and Taek
GRCC International Student Ambassadors

Table Tennis Club
Come experience the challenge and fun of table tennis. Meetings are held every Wednesday from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm in the CCA Community Room. To sign up, send your full name and student ID to (tabletennisgrcc@hotmail.com).

Volunteer at Auburn Pregnancy Aid
Friday, April 20 from 8:30-11:30 am
FREE! Sign up in Student Programs in the LSC.

A Melody in Spring
Thursday, May 3 from 1:00-2:00 pm in the Performing Arts Building (Rehearsal Room)
If you can play ANY instruments and would like to perform at the concert, contact Yuki at (yikeda@greenriver.edu) as soon as possible. This is the last concert of the 2006-2007 year so please come and join us!

One World Taiko - performance and volunteering
Friday, May 4 from 12:00-1:00 pm in the Commons in front of LSC (if it rains, it will be in MDA)
Japanese traditional drums performance. Come and enjoy the show. 

Volunteer opportunity at the One World Taiko…
I need volunteers who can help during the performance and  wear traditional clothes from your countries. Please contact Yuki at (yikeda@greenriver.edu) if you want to volunteer.

Volunteer for the Family Fiesta in Auburn
Friday, May 4 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 am
FREE! All volunteers will get a t-shirt. Sign up in Student Programs in the LSC.

Spider-man 3 at IMAX
Friday, May 4 from 5:00-11:00 pm (movie starts at 7:30 pm) at Pacific Science Center in Seattle
$7 students, $10 non-students. Tickets are limited! Sign up in Student Programs in the LSC.

Volunteer for Auburn Clean Sweep
Saturday, May 12 at 7:00 am
FREE! Get a pancake breakfast and volunteer in downtown Auburn. Sign up in Student Programs in the LSC.

Casino Cruising
Saturday, May 12 from 10:00 pm - 1:30 am
$25 students, $35 non-students, $45 couples
Wear semi-formal clothes and play casino games. A dance floor, games, music, and snacks will be provided. For more information, contact Yuki at (yikeda@greenriver.edu).

Visit the GRCC Events Calendar for more activities and events.

Contact Information