Upcoming OIE Winter Break Closure

As we prepare for the upcoming Winter Break, we are writing to remind you of our closure for the holiday period and remind you of ways to protect yourself from scams.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Scams

Holiday periods often generate an increase in reports of scams. Scams can take many different forms, including Social Security Number (SSN) scams, pyramid schemes, or gift card scams. It is never a good idea to conduct business over the phone with callers you do not know, including for offers of employment or discussions regarding employment. For additional information and tips about protecting yourself from scams, read this news article. If you are ever in doubt about whether or not something is a scam, do not hesitate to contact University Police at 412-268-2323.

Winter Break Closure

OIE will be closing early on Thursday, Dec. 22, at 2 p.m. Additionally, the university, including OIE, will be closed from Friday, Dec. 23, until Monday, Jan. 2, for Winter Break. We will re-open on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

During this time, OIE staff will not regularly check email or answer our office phones. In case of an emergency while the university is closed, please call University Police at 412-268-2323. Emergency situations might include being denied entry/re-entry to the U.S. or detained by a government official. For all other issues, including the need for an updated travel signature, OIE will be happy to assist during normal business hours once the university has reopened. 

If you have additional travel questions, we encourage you to review the travel tips and guidance posted on the OIE website. You are always welcome to schedule an appointment with an OIE advisor for when our office re-opens in January should you have more specific questions.

We wish you all good health and a safe holiday season, and we look forward to connecting in the New Year!

Take care,

OIE Staff