Office of International Programs

NEWSLETTER

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND HAPPY NEW SEMESTER!
WELCOME TO OIP I-NEWS!

ISSUE 2: JANUARY 8, 2008

The purpose of this e-newsletter is to provide our international students and scholars in F-1 and J-1 status with timely information to ensure that you maintain valid legal immigration status and submit all applications for employment and changes in a timely fashion.

As always, for detailed information you should refer to the OIP website at http://academic.shu.edu/oip/ .

PRE-REGISTRATION: As you are planning your schedule for the Spring 2008 semester please remember these important tips below:

Ø Reminder to maintain full-time enrollment status

In order to maintain your F-1 visa status, you must be registered as a full-time student during the academic year. For graduate students this means registering for at least 9 credits per semester. For undergraduate or ESL student, this means registering for at least 4 classes (3 credits each) for a total of 12 credits per semester.

Please note that ESL & remedial classes count toward full-time enrollment but may be non-credit bearing or credits which do not apply to your degree. Please also note that auditing or repeating a class does not count towards full-time status. Also, making up incompletes from a previous semester does not count in current or future semesters as credits towards full-time status.

Ø Are you eligible for part time enrollment approval?

Students in F-1 and J-1 status are eligible for part-time enrollment approval in the limited circumstances below. It is not enough for your academic advisor to approve your less than full time enrollment; you must obtain PRIOR approval from the OIP.

§ Last semester: If this Spring 2008 will be your final semester and you only require less than full time status in order to graduate

§ First Semester: it is your first semester in the U.S., and your department recommends part-time study in addition to English-language courses (Academic coursework must be at least half-time)

§ First Semester: it is your first semester in the U.S., and you need to adjust to American teaching methods or the U.S. educational system

§ First Semester: it is your first semester in the U.S., and you were improperly placed at the wrong course level

§ Medical Reasons: you have a medical problem accompanied by medical documentation which requires temporary reduction in course load (may be used up to 2 semesters)

If you fall into any of the above categories you must complete the Part-Time Enrollment Form and have your academic advisor sign it. You must submit it to the OIP for review for prior approval to dropping below a full course-load.

Ø Completing Thesis, dissertation or Practicum?

Doctoral students who have completed all coursework and are currently working on their dissertation (matriculation continued status) are considered pursuing full-time equivalent status. Please have your advisor submit documentation of your current status via oip@shu.edu.

Graduate students are also considered full time if they are:

o A teaching or research assistant

o Working full time on thesis after completing all coursework

o Taking coursework and doing required internship or fieldwork which constitutes a full course of study according to the graduate catalogue

Ø Traveling Overseas for the break?

Are you traveling overseas during the break? Don’t wait until the last minute to ensure you have the proper travel signature. Please obtain or renew your travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019. Travel signatures are valid one-year from the date or the end of your status whichever is sooner. If you need a travel signature, please be sure to bring your I-20 / DS-2019, passport and I-94 card to the OIP. Travel Instructions

Ø Graduating this semester or Completing Early?

If you will graduate this semester and will not apply for Employment Authorization, please complete the Departure Form. If you intend to apply for Post-Completion Optional Training follow directions below. If you complete your stay prior to the date indicated on your I-20 or DS-2019, please inform the OIP by completing the Departure form.

Ø Interested in Applying for Post Optional Practical Training

Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
If you are interested in pursuing professional level work in your field after you complete your studies you must apply PRIOR to the completion of your program. However, we strongly suggest that you do so at least 90 days prior to completion of your program to avoid any processing delays.

Please visit the following link Optional Practical Training Instructions for further information on the application procedures, required fees and forms that must be submitted to the OIP for review.

Ø Check your documents!

Please be sure to review your immigration documents regularly. Is all of the information current? Have you changed your name, country of citizenship, major, program level, source of funding or program end dates? Is your passport valid at least six months into the future? If you are traveling is your visa stamp expired?

If any information has changed please visit the OIP during our immigration advising hours for assistance.

Ø UPCOMING OIP EVENTS

Mandatory International Student and Scholar Orientation: January 11, 2008, Walsh Library, Beck Room A, from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Breakfast will be served. Bring copies of your passport, I-20 and I-94. You will be given very important information which will help you maintain your status while in the US.
International Studies Abroad & St. Joseph International University, Torino, Italy: On-Campus, January 21, 2008, 10:00am to 2:00pm. A representative from ISA and St. Joseph’s in Torino will be in the Cafeteria in the University Center from to provide information on study abroad options.

We hope that you have found this issue of the OIP I-NEWS helpful. Your adherence to the immigration regulations and important deadlines will assist us in serving your needs in a more efficient manner.

We welcome your questions and comments at oip@shu.edu.

The OIP Staff