Monthly Archives: November 2021

Croatia: Reflections 4 years later

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By: Logan Kludt

I studied abroad on the Croatia Biology program in Rijeka, Croatia during the summer of 2017. While overseas, I primarily studied immunology with my classmates and graduate students from SCSU at the University of Rijeka. The primary reason I was able to study abroad, was because the opportunity allowed me to graduate a semester early. As someone who relied heavily on scholarships and financial aid, this was an important detail in my decision to study abroad.

Photo taken at Plitvice National Park. Photo shows (from L to R) Logan Kludt Lawrence, SCSU 17′ Alumna; Ana Mihatovic, University of Rijeka Alumna; Andrea Majstorovic, University of Rijeka Alumna.

While it’s been a handful of years since this endeavor, I reflect fondly over the experience. One of the most valuable experiences I had was being able to complete group work with a mixture of American and Croatian students, where everyone was motivated to do efficient and quality work, with the primary purpose to learn. I still stay in contact with the individuals I closely worked with, and it was a fantastic way to build friendships.

Photo taken in Smiljan, Croatia at Nikoli Tesla’s birthplace. Photo shows (L to R) Logan Kludt Lawrence (SCSU ’17), Erica Rehnblom (SCSU ’18), Dee Yang (SCSU ’17), and Katherine Schimnich (SCUS ’18).

In addition, Croatia is an absolutely beautiful and remarkable country. The SCSU faculty leader that led this program, Dr. Marina Cetkovic-Cvrlje, grew up in Croatia; she was an outstanding host and teacher while visiting. My favorite non-academic excursions were visiting Nikoli Tesla’s birthplace and exploring Plitvice National Park.

Logan participated in the Croatia Biology Summer program.

W-9 Forms

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Many students recently received a notice from the State of Minnesota requesting either Social Security (SSN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN) information (specifically a W-9S form). This form is sent out annually in a courtesy effort to anyone for whom University records does not have said information on file. Here is some clarity and context:

Is the form real and do I need to take action?
Recipients are understandably cautious when asked for personally identifiable information like SSN or TIN. The W-9S form you received is indeed accurate and sent out from the State of Minnesota in accordance with tax laws and securing necessary information.

Who needs to fill out the form?
Returning the W-9S form is only necessary if you intend to include tuition paid in any upcoming tax return. Since tuition paid information is distributed at the start of every calendar year (via the standard 1098-T form), if your record does not include SSN or TIN information you would not receive the 1098-T form properly.

As such, if you do not intend to include tuition paid information or will not be filing tax return information, no action is needed.

Is the form really due back 10 days after I receive it?
The W-9S form outlines “return to the requestor’s address within 10 days of receipt,” which understandably yet unnecessarily creates a potential sense of unease or panic in the recipient.  Please note there is no 10 day return requirement.

When is the form actually due?
Should you wish to include tuition paid on a 2021 tax return next year, the window for having your SSN or TIN on file is December 31, 2021, to ensure receipt of the 1098-T form in January/February (although you can still update through March 2022 in order to file taxes by the standard April deadline).

The form contains helpful information beyond this summary, so please review accordingly.

Landmarks.

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Landmarks.

By: Jack Newman

Why should you use landmarks?

Whether you plan to travel on foot or by car, using landmarks is a great way to not get lost. When I traveled around England and Scotland I mostly walked to my destinations. I did not have an international plan on my phone so I tried to use my data wisely as it was quite expensive to turn on. I was able to make my way around by using landmarks around the city. These can be both large and small structures – the key is to find something that helps you remember your path. I use large structures to get a sense of where I am in the city or town.

Jack studied abroad to St. Cloud State at Alnwick during the Spring 2020 semester.

For example: Edinburgh Castle. In Edinburgh, it is very easy to see Edinburgh Castle from wherever you are. Just look up! You should see the castle in the city center. From there, I could roughly see where I was in the city. In the case of Edinburgh, the train station is very close to the castle so following it will lead you to transportation.

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