Messages 

Below are several emails that have been sent to FIU international students.

• March 7, 2022 - Temporary Protective Status Information Session-This Thursday!

  Dear International Students from Ukraine,

  Hello from the ISSS Office.

  Temporary Protective Status for Ukrainian Students

  Ukraine was designated for Temporary Protective Status (TPS) by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  TPS provides protection from deportation and employment authorization for Ukrainians currently in the United States. Read more here:

  Secretary Mayorkas Designates Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status for 18 Months

  Attend this TPS Information Session this Thursday!

   

  Once again, do not hesitate to reach out to us and continue to check our website for updates and additional information.

  ISSS Contact Information:

  Telephone: 305-348-2421 (24/7)

  Virtual Office, Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - noon and 3-4 p.m.

  Email:isss@fiu.edu

  Office Locations: SASC 230 (MMC)/WUC 363 (BBC)

  ISSS Website: Resources and updates-Ukraine-Russia Conflict

  We are thinking of all of you.

• March 2, 2022 - Support for our Ukrainian students, faculty and staff and all those affected

  Support for our Ukrainian students, faculty and staff and all those affected (Sent March 2, 2022) 

  Dear members of the university community,

   The free world is watching with great pain and consternation as Russian military forces continue to attack Ukraine. The loss of life and the destruction of cities and towns at the hands of the Russian military, as well as the displacement of innocent Ukrainians due to this conflict, are unacceptable and heartbreaking.

  At FIU, we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine as they valiantly fight for peace and democracy in their homeland, and with all those who find themselves entangled in this crisis because of the actions of the Russian government. We also strongly condemn Russia’s senseless and unacceptable actions, which have troubling and far-reaching implications in Ukraine and across the globe.

  We understand that for many of our students who hail from Ukraine and nearby countries – and for faculty and staff members with ties to the region - these are very difficult times. Their families back home are in grave danger – some fear losing their lives, their jobs, their homes. This crisis has also brought on significant economic hurdles for our students. At FIU, we are taking proactive steps to communicate directly with those who are impacted to ensure they get the assistance they need. Students who are negatively impacted by these tragic circumstances and are in financial need should email eaid@fiu.edu.

  In addition, we are providing opportunities for students, faculty and staff impacted by this crisis to learn about the situation and its potential ramifications, express their worries and obtain the support that they need. Today, FIU Global Learning and the Sigma Iota Rho Honors Society hosted Urgent Dialogue: Russian Invasion of Ukraine. We will share details about additional events and conversations in the coming days.

  If you find yourself in need of support, please reach out. FIU Student Health & Wellness offers several avenues of support, including our Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), which can be reached at 305-348-2277, and the FIU Panthers Care team. Faculty and staff may call the Office of Employee Assistance (OEA) at 305-348-2469 or email at oea@fiu.edu.

  As we continue to provide support to our university community, I believe it is also important that, as an institution of higher education, we embrace our responsibility to educate our students and our community about issues of global impact. Moments in history like the current war give us an opportunity to reflect on the ideals of freedom and democracy, and on the role that each of us plays in ensuring they prevail.

  Sincerely,

  Kenneth A. Jessell

  Interim President

• February 28,2022 - Support for our Students and Scholars- A Financial Resource and Food Pantry Information

  Support for our Students and Scholars- A Financial Resource and Food Pantry Information (Sent February 28,2022)

  Dear International Students and Scholars from the Affected Area of Conflict in Eastern Europe,

  We have good news for you and we hope this helps mitigate your concerns and your needs. Please see this message from the Office of Scholarships at FIU:

  *****************************************

  If you are currently in need of emergency assistance, you may apply for emergency funds through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). To apply for these funds visit https://go.fiu.edu/eaidrequest

  The team of the Office of Scholarships will review your request and reach back to you within 7 business days. For questions or concerns, contact the Office of Scholarships directly, they are the ones handling this process and the funding. Contact Information:

  Janelle Fraga

  jfraga@fiu.edu

  Emergency Aid Relief Specialist

  Office of Scholarships

   

  ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

  For additional resources, please review below:

  Food Pantry: The pantry is available to all currently enrolled students. No proof of need is required and students can access the pantry once a week taking up to 10 pounds of food each visit at the following distribution locations: Modesto Maidique Campus Pantry Location: GC 319 Phone: 305-348-6995 or 305-348-3204 BBC Campus Pantry Location: WUC 256 The purpose of the food pantries is to serve FIU students in need. The pantries are available to students on both campuses. Both are run by the Center for Leadership & Service. The pantries are donations based, which means that all the food distributed comes from donations made by staff, faculty, members of the community, and student groups.

  Technology Needs: Students may request laptops and wifi hotspots from the FIU Libraries. If you need a laptop, https://library.fiu.edu and click "devices" on the home page or go to https://library.fiu.edu/DeviceCheckout.

  Need more guidance? If you need to connect with additional campus resources due to ongoing hardship or concerns, please reach out to the Dean of Students Office. You can call 305-348-3396 or e-mail dos@fiu.edu to get in touch with someone from their team. For more information about the Dean of Students Office, please visit PanthersCare.fiu.edu.

  ****************************************************

  Our dear students, we wish you the best, and please stay in touch. We will continue to inform all of you of the resources that may become available as the days go by.

  Best, 

  ISSS Team 

• February 28, 2022 - A Message from ISSS-Support for our Students and Scholars

  A Message from ISSS-Support for our Students and Scholars (Sent  February 28, 2022) 

  Dear FIU International Students suffering from the Conflict in Eastern Europe,

  As the Executive Director of the FIU Global Mobility Office, and on behalf of the whole ISSS Team, I wanted to reach out to you and offer our genuine and heartfelt support in light of the unfortunate and challenging events that are taking place in Eastern Europe.

  We realize that there might be a chance that you, your family members, friends, or acquaintances may have been directly or indirectly impacted by this situation, and we want to remind you that our team is here to help you navigate these troubling times. We hope that by doing this together, we can at least alleviate the sense of helplessness that we all feel in the face of these unfortunate events that many times are so beyond our control. Please feel free to call us or come and visit our office if you need to speak with on one us.

  Also please know that FIU provides support to the whole community in times of distress through its Counseling Center, so feel free to reach out to them too if you feel you need to speak with one of their counselors. They can be reached by phone at 305-348-2277 or you can visit their website.

  We are at the moment trying to ascertain the best ways to provide the support that you may need in light of the difficulties in your countries or here in the United States, and please rest assured that we will keep you informed at all times on the resources that we may be able to make available to you.

  Please remain calm and patient as we navigate this situation together.

  ISSS Contact Information:

  Telephone: 305-348-2421 (24/7)

  Virtual Office, Monday to Friday 10-12 noon and 3:00 to 4:00 pm (https://go.fiu.edu/virtualoffice)-

  Email:isss@fiu.edu

  Office Location: SASC 230

  Best, 

  Dr. Parra 

• February 24, 2022 - Support for those affected by Russian invasion of Ukraine

  Support for those affected by Russian invasion of Ukraine (Sent February 24, 2022)

  Dear members of the university community:

   On Thursday morning, the Russian military launched an invasion of Ukraine. Members of the university community who feel impacted by this crisis should know that resources are available to help.   

  Students may reach out to FIU’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), 305-348-2277. Additional resources are available through FIU Panthers Care.

  Faculty and staff may call the Office of Employee Assistance (OEA) at 305-348-2469 or email at oea@fiu.edu.

  The Office of International Student and Scholar Services will communicate directly with students from the impacted area, as additional guidance becomes available.

  Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need help. At FIU, our priority is our university community’s well-being, especially during difficult times.