Feb. 2, 2024
Greetings, Students & Scholars!
Happy Groundhog Day! Did you know that Americans will tune in once a year to watch a groundhog predict the weather? And today is the day! But is the groundhog ever right? And, honestly, what even is a groundhog? And why would anyone think it can predict the weather? Check out some cool history about today and its local roots! No matter the weather, we've pulled together some great events happening this week. We hope you enjoy this issue of the OIE "Friday Greetings" email.
OIE & CMU News & Events
OIE Advisor Update
Effective this spring semester, some of our OIE Advisors have changed the departments/colleges that they advise. Check our OIE staff page to find your OIE Advisor! You can schedule either an in-person or Zoom appointment with your OIE advisor using the online scheduler tool.
CMU OIE & CPDC Employment Authorization Overview
Are you a new international student in the U.S.? This presentation is for you! On Friday, Feb. 16, from 12 to 1 p.m., join OIE and CPDC staff to learn the basics of employment authorization. This presentation will cover a variety of topics, including what employment authorization is and when you need it. J-1 and F-1 students can learn what is needed to work on and off campus during their time at CMU. We will also cover the basics of OPT, STEM OPT Extension, and Cap-Gap Extension and learn to identify the difference between employment and volunteering. Register in advance for this session.
Fix-it Fair: Mending Workshop
Do you have shirts missing buttons or pants that need hemmed? Don't throw them out... bring them to the Fix-it Fair! On Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 3 to 6 p.m., check out this sustainable resource in the Sustainability Studio in Hunt Library. Menders will be available to help you repair your items and make them good as new. Don't have anything needing repairing, but want to learn? Stop by to learn a few new mending skills! Learn more about this event.
Connect with us on Social Media
Join us on Twitter! Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest announcements and all things OIE related. You can expect the same great content, including all things OIE, news and events, our Friday Greeting round-up, and more. As always, you can reach out directly to OIE by emailing us at oie@andrew.cmu.edu. We hope to see you there!
Our Pittsburgh Picks
Lift Every Voice
On Saturday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m., check out a concert that pays tribute to the spirit and richness of Black music in America—and its enduring strength in times of tumult and trouble. Join the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, conductor Anthony Parnther, and special guests for an evening that uplifts and amplifies community. The concert features Grammy Award winner Oleta Adams, whose gospel-rooted voice has graced many era-defining albums. The Lift Every Voice Unity Choir, conducted by Nikki Porter and trombonist Cooper Cromwell-Whitley, joins the program to make hearts and voices soar. Plus, arrive early at 6 p.m. to experience the exhibit "I Too Play: Unveiling the History of Black Classical Musicians in Pittsburgh" and stay late to hear a Jazz Ensemble from AAMI (Afro-American Music Institute) in the Grand Lobby of Heinz Hall. Learn more about this event.
Harmony in Tradition: The 27th Greater Pittsburgh Lunar New Year Fair and Show
It's almost the Lunar New Year! On Sunday, Feb. 4, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., check out a mesmerizing Lunar New Year celebration where ancient Chinese traditions meet Pittsburgh's vibrant performing arts landscape, creating a world where cultural diversity shines! Spend the afternoon immersed in an experience that brings together ancient traditions and contemporary aesthetics, fostering our community's collective and collaborative spirit. The event is divided into two segments: the Fair and the Show, each presenting an exciting array of movement, music, and tradition. Advanced event registration and ticket are required; museum admission is included with an event ticket and is not a part of the ArtPass program. Learn more about this event.
Black History Month: The Women of the Pittsburgh Courier
On Thursday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m., hear from Duquesne professor Dr. Pamela Walck on her research on the women of the Pittsburgh Courier, once the most widely-circulated Black newspaper in America. Launched in 1907, the Pittsburgh Courier was published weekly for nearly sixty years. During that time, the Courier became known for its dedicated news reporting, promotion of Black novelists and poets, and editorial support for social progress. Dr. Walck is researching a book on the Courier's women writers and editors, focused on the paper's years under publisher Jessie Vann. Learn more about this event and register in advance.
SnowFest 2024
Let it snow! On Saturday, Feb. 3, from 12 to 5 p.m., join the fun at the annual SnowFest at Boyce Park! Kids ages 5-12 can compete in the Mini-Junior Olympics for skiing and snowboarding. Or put your engineering skills to the test in the Cardboard Box Snow Tubing Derby. Prizes will be given to the top three participants in each category, and the whole family can enjoy live music and free hot cocoa at the Lodge. Or just hit the slopes and enjoy some local skiing or snowboarding! Learn more about this event.
Have an Event or Announcement for Friday Greetings?
If you have an event or announcement that you wish to submit for inclusion in OIE's Friday Greetings newsletter, please submit it to ES-Communications@andrew.cmu.edu. Information should be submitted by Wednesday at 5 p.m. EST for inclusion in the following Friday's newsletter.
CMU's Office of International Education distributed this email. You are receiving it because of your status as an international student or scholar.
Carnegie Mellon University
Office of International Education
5000 Forbes Ave, Cyert Hall, Suite 101
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
www.cmu.edu/oie