the
VILLAGER
March 2015 • Vol 65 • No 3
ing!
Sp
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In This Issue...
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Resident Spotlight
Community Event
2014 Tax Assistance
University
Apartments
175 Hawkeye Drive
Iowa City, IA 52246
319.335.9199
M-F 8:00 AM—5:00 PM
[email protected]
After Hours: 319.325.4747
or if no answer: 319.335.9170
Office Staff
Helen Baker
Apartments Manager
Brian Fotsch
Apartments Coordinator
Community Assistants
Alison
Hawkeye Drive 337
Lauren
Hawkeye Drive 511
Kailey Hawkeye Drive 645
Published by
Classified ads, articles, letters to the editor, suggestions, etc.
The University of Iowa
are due to the University Apartments Office by the 20th day of
University Housing & Dining Office of each month to be published in the next month’s issue.
University Apartments
The University of Iowa’s Nondiscrimination Policy
UH&D seeks to create an inclusive and welcoming environment by celebrating human differences and advocating for
equity in our policies, practices and programs. All civilly-expressed opinions and ideas are welcome at events.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with
a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact University
Apartments in advance at 319-335-9199.
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Resident Spotlight
Munir Nayak
Munir Nayak was born and raised in Kashmir, which is located in the
northwestern region of southern Asia. Kashmir, referred to by some as
“heaven on earth”, is covered with beautiful green high-altitude mountain
ranges and is the producer of Cashmere. Before
coming to the University of Iowa, Munir attended
Cornell University to study Civil and Environmental Engineering. There, he caught interest in hydrology, water resources, and systems optimization. He is now pursuing his PhD in Civil and Environmental engineering in hopes of becoming a
professor back in Kashmir with his parents.
Munir enjoys relaxing with friends or studying at Java House downtown. He also takes advantage of the free Cambus rides for easy transportation and a great way to meet new people. In his free time, Munir plays
cricket, badminton, soccer, tennis, and occasionally goes swimming.
Living in Hawkeye Drive has been a joy for Munir. Coming from a culture where all his neighbors knew his name and occupation, Munir has really enjoyed the community and the availability of the University Apartment
Office. The convenience of the Cambus and the HTRC has also been a great
benefit.
Go out and meet your neighbors and
learn more about great people like
Munir! If you would like to be featured in the Villager, please call or
email the University Apartments
Office and set up an interview time!
CA-Lauren Schrock
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March 2015
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Events This Month
Mar. 4
Peace Corps Week Info Session, 7:00-8:15 PM, University Capitol
Centre International Programs Room 1117 (see next page)
Mar. 8
Daylight Saving Time begins at 2:00 AM, move clocks ahead one hour
Mar. 8
Sunday Fun Day: When the Wind Blows (make wind socks), 2-4 PM,
Storytime Room , Iowa City Public Library
Mar. 14
The Bolshoi Ballet: Romeo and Juliet, 2 PM, The Englert Theatre, 221
E. Washington St., Iowa City
Mar. 15-22 Spring Break!
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Mar. 20
First day of spring
Mar. 24
Community Event: Pizza and Bingo! 5:30-7:30 PM, 723 Hawkeye
Drive Community Room (see next page)
Mar. 30
Top Chef: Downtown, 5-8 PM, Hotel Vetro, 201 S. Linn St., Iowa City,
fifteen downtown restaurants will showcase their dishes and desserts
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Peace Corps Info Session
Peace Corps Volunteers who have served in various
decades in the last 54 years will share their experiences living, learning, and working overseas. Many
details of service such as communication home, training and how to become a volunteer has changed
over time. However, the essential mission of promoting peace and friendship has remain unchanged.
Date: Wednesday, March 4th from 7:00 - 8:15 PM
Location: University Capitol Centre International Programs Room 1117
Cost: FREE
Bingo & Pizza Night
Join us for some fun and
food as we play Bingo and
eat pizza. Great
prizes awarded
to those who
get a Bingo!
Date: Tuesday, March 24th from 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Location: Community Room, 723 Hawkeye Drive
Cost: FREE
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Spring Break Tips
Leaving the country…
If you’re leaving the country you’ll need a passport. You might also need a Visa depending
on your destination. You can check that here. These are not quick and easy documents to attain, so file your application about 6 months before going on a trip abroad. Safety has a lot
to do with what you pack when traveling abroad. Don’t bring flashy valuables (like expensive jewelry) and dress conservatively so you don’t stick out too much. And do your homework
beforehand about your destination, keeping in mind you are subject to the laws of the country you visit.
While swimming…
Jumping into the water without a lifeguard is putting yourself at risk. Even the most experienced swimmer can get caught in an undertow. In case you get caught in a rip current, don’t
bother swimming against it. Instead, swim parallel to shore until the rip passes. Try to stay
within the designated swimming area and always swim with a buddy. Also know the flag
system for water safety:
-Red Flag: Stay out of the water because of strong undertow and riptides.
-Yellow Flag: Use CAUTION in the water. There are some undertow and riptides possible.
-Blue Flag: Calm water. Swim safely.
In hotels…
Reserve a room that’s above the 1st floor but below the 6th floor. Why? First floor rooms are
easier to break into, and rooms above the sixth floor are sometimes too high for fire ladders
to reach. If safes are provided, definitely use them for any valuables you may have. Keep
doors and sliding doors locked, and don’t let anyone into your room unless you can trust
them. Make a mental note of where the nearest fire exits and stairwells are located in case
you need to evacuate.
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Helpful Reminders
Mail
Residents are issued 2 mailbox keys during apartment check-in.
Mailboxes are located along Hawkeye Drive. The mailbox number will
match the apartment number. Only mail delivered by the US Postal
Service will be placed in the mailboxes. Packages shipped by carriers
such as UPS or FedEx are delivered to the resident’s apartment. The
University Apartments Office cannot accept
or sign for residents’ packages.
Do not leave junk mail or mail from previous tenants on top of the mail boxes. The
mail blows away and creates a significant
litter problem. Dispose of unwanted mail
appropriately. If you receive mail for a previous tenant(s), simply
write “RTS” (return to sender) and place the mail in the outgoing
mail slot.
Stair and Hallway Obstruction
The State Fire Safety Regulations Code, enacted by the State of Iowa, demands that all walkways, hallways, stairs and landings be
kept clear for the purpose of providing a completely clear exit at all
times. No tricycles, bikes, overshoes, baby strollers, boxes, rugs,
plants, lawn chairs, charcoal lighter fluid, etc., are to be left outside
any individual apartment. University Apartments staff reserves the
right to remove any obstructions that create a hazardous condition
or that tend to create an unsightly appearance. Furthermore, any items labeled
with University Apartments stickers will
be removed if they are left in the improper area regardless of proper labeling.
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2014 Tax Assistance
ISSS sponsors Non-Resident Alien Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (NRA-VITA) workshops for UI international students
and scholars. Workshop volunteers
are certified by the Internal Revenue
Service (IRS) to assist international
students and scholars in using the
Windstar software and preparing
non-resident tax returns. Volunteers
can also answer questions
about State of Iowa tax returns and
Form 8843. NRA-VITA workshops are open to current University of Iowa nonimmigrant international students and
scholars and those who were present at the University of Iowa
during the 2014 tax year. NRA-VITA workshops begin in
March. The 2015 (TY2014) schedule is available on this tax
workshop webpage. Questions about international student/
scholar tax issues can be directed to [email protected] (link
sends e-mail) . Federal Tax deadline is April 15th. Iowa’s tax
deadline is April 30th.
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