Advocacy Projects
MINT
MINT (Mentorship for INTernational Students) is a mentorship program designed by ISU to connect new incoming international students with more experienced international student mentors to provide guidance on adjusting to American college life in various aspects ranging from academics, social life, financials and more! Mentor and Mentee pairs will be assigned based on similar interests. This year, we intend to launch MINT for the 2024–2025 academic year in the summer to coincide with the first international student PREPARE program online sessions to attract more turnout and participation from the new incoming international student class.
iVOICE
The iVOICE program, a student-led initiative, aims to champion international student advocacy and facilitate a platform for sharing diverse perspectives and experiences. Developed in response to the need for enhanced understanding and support for international students, the iVOICE program also seeks to bolster advocacy and awareness regarding significant global issues. Ultimately, it strives to amplify the voices of international students and drive advocacy and awareness about critical global matters. The program's objective is to establish a structured platform for sharing diverse perspectives and experiences, fostering greater understanding and support for international students.
Letters to Home
With Letters to Home, members of the Cornell community can write letters and send them to their loved ones around the world. Participants don’t have to worry as writing materials will be provided and ISU will mail the letters to their intended destination free of charge. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to reach out to family and friends back home and to let them know that you are thinking of them. Everyone is welcome to drop by and to write a message to the people who matter!
Foreign Student Employment Program
International students were notified by the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment that the program had been defunded, and that they would no longer be able to participate in the Federal Work Study jobs. Thanks to ISU, the Student Assembly, and the overwhelming support shown by the international community, the Foreign Student Employment Program was reinstated by Martha Pollock on August 31st.
Mental Health Awareness Week
ISU has been a participant of Mental Health Awareness Week, held once a year in the fall semester. During this week, ISU provides free postcards and shipping for international students to send letters to their families and friends across the globe. In addition, ISU launched a “You Know You’re International When...” photo campaign in 2016 in order to raise international awareness on campus.
CPT Work Authorization
The Student Assembly passed a resolution to urge the Economics Department to restore Curricular Practical Training (CPT), a form of work authorization allowing international students to pursue summer internships. Ceasing to grant CPT’s would prevent many international students from starting an initial career in the US.
Financial Aid Campaign
Cornell University changed its financial aid policy from need-blind to need-aware for international students. ISU led a financial aid photo campaign in order to raise awareness for this issue and to showcase the diversity of international students at Cornell.
Events
Art Beyond Borders
ISU hosted a student gallery with Cornell Welcomes Refugees to raise awareness for refugee crises. The gallery featured artist and architect Mohamed Hafez, who is famous for his work centered around the Syrian civil war.
Noche De Musica
ISU hosted a semi-formal event to raise funds for relief from Hurricane Maria in the Caribbean. All proceeds of the event went towards Agricultural School in Mayaguez to fund agricultural center needs. Hosted in collaboration with the Puerto Rican Student Association, Noche de Musica featured dazzling performances by Sabor Latino, Yamatai and more as the event celebrated international music and dance.
Global Social
ISU hosted a social at the Big Red Barn in which students were able to meet new and returning international students from across the Cornell Community and learn about the impact they can have on campus.
International Gala
The annual International Gala, held at the Johnson Museum, is one of the largest student organized events on campus, attracting over 2000 attendees every year. During a night full of culture, food, and performances, the Cornell community is given an opportunity to experience and indulge in the celebration of cultures all around the world.
Bal de la Rose
ISU hosted an all-white charity gala to raise funds for relief from Hurricane Matthew in Haiti. Hosted in collaboration with the Haitian Students Association and Theta Delta Chi, there were over 200 attendees, and a total of $2,220 was raised and successfully donate to the Save the Children's Hurricane Matthew Children's Relief Fund.
International Film Festival
ISU and Theta Delta Chi co-hosted the International Film Festival. The festival was a one-night screening of live-action and animated short films, celebrating and showcasing the diversity of art and culture all around the world.