Dear International Students:
I hope you have heard the good news that President Snyder shared Monday about the federal government’s agreement to rescind guidance jeopardizing students’ visa status if they took all online courses. The Office of International Student Service (ISS) is extremely pleased by the reversal—and relieved for all of you.
As part of the agreement, the government agreed to go back to the guidance issued in March, which permitted international students to take all online courses without affecting their visa status for as long as the COVID-19 crisis continued. We are waiting to hear more details from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), and will update you as soon as that information becomes available.
To say that this past spring has been challenging is an understatement. I have heard from so many of you about your frustrations and the upheaval you have experienced. I have also heard more gratitude and witnessed more resiliency than I could ever imagine in a situation like this.
Thank you for your patience and understanding over the past several months as we all endured the disrupted spring semester and continue to wait for more information about the fall semester. Our students from every part of the world are remarkable people and we are so fortunate to know you and be a part of your student experience.
Please continue to check your @case.edu email address and our website for the most current information available. I look forward to being in touch again soon!
Marielena Maggio
Director, International Student Services