International Student Information

Services for International Students
The International Program Office is located in Parenzo Hall Office 138 and offers a range of services for international students who are in the United States on a visa.  These services include facilitating the admission process, providing pre-arrival information, academic advising, personal concerns, immigration advising, student life activities, student mentor program and cultural adjustment. The program also provides orientation for F-1 students and other visa students.

The International Program staff warmly invites you to visit us. The International Student Advisor (PDSO Primary Designated School Official) is available Monday through Friday to answer any questions you may have.  Remember that our office is always available to assist you while you are here.  We wish you success as you continue your education and learning in the U.S.

If you have any questions, please contact the International Program Office.

KEYS TO MAINTAINING YOUR LEGAL STATUS
As an international student you must abide by the following rules in order to maintain your status:

•  Possess a passport that is valid at all times.
• Attend the school/institution you were authorized to attend.
• Be registered full-time (12 credits per semester) during the fall and spring academic semesters. You are not required to enroll in classes during the summer semester.
• Maintain good academic standing as per College policy and making normal progress towards completing your program of study.
• Follow appropriate procedures to notify USCIS (U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services) if you transfer schools or if you change from one educational level to another.
• File for a Program Extension in a timely manner if you must remain in the U.S. longer than the time estimated for completion of your program as stated on your I-20.
• Check your documents to be sure they are in order before leaving the U.S., even for a brief trip, and be sure to have the proper documents to re-enter the U.S.
• Working without the proper authorization is a serious violation of your F-1 Status. It is your responsibility to comply with all applicable USCIS regulations. Therefore, do not assume that you are automatically eligible to work. Consult with your advisor before accepting any employment.
• Obtain proper authorization before engaging in any off-campus employment whether the employment is paid or non-paid. Please remember that working without proper authorization constitutes illegal employment, an offense that can lead to deportation.
• Limit on-campus employment or any authorized off-campus employment to a total of 20 hours per week during the academic semester.
• Refrain from any on-campus employment if/while you are out-of-status.
• File for Reinstatement in a timely manner if you have fallen out-of-status.
• Report promptly any change of address to USCIS.

For further clarification about any of the above, or if you wish to make sure you are maintaining legal status in accordance with your visa classification, please contact the International Programs Office.