Dear international students and scholars,

I am writing to assure you that your health and safety are our top priorities, and also to provide you with an update as COVID-19 (or coronavirus) remains an evolving situation. University of Delaware officials are working closely with federal and state authorities to monitor the spread of the disease and reduce risk for our campus community.

The University has put together a dedicated COVID-19 resource page to help you stay safe and informed. The latest information is available 24/7 on this University website: www.udel.edu/coronavirus. The University has also opened a call center for questions that arise regarding coronavirus response and specific campus concerns. The COVID-19 Call Center at UD, available at (302) 831-1188, will be staffed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, questions may be emailed to [email protected].

As an international student or scholar, we understand that you have a number of unique questions and concerns, whether you are on campus or abroad this semester. As a result, the Office for International Students and Scholars has developed answers to the Frequently Asked Questions below.

Frequently Asked Questions

IF YOU ARE IN THE U.S.

As an international student, how will taking online courses affect my immigration status? 

UD’s switch to online classes amid COVID-19 concerns will not impact international students on F-1 and J-1 visa status following procedural adaptations that were recently announced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of State. Typically, international students may only enroll in one online class toward a full course load, but new guidance from federal agencies are allowing schools to provide online instruction for international students on a temporary basis. If you have any questions about your visa status in the U.S., please contact an immigration services advisor at OISS to discuss your situation.

Can I still access support services such as immigration advising and assistance with my CPT and OPT applications from OISS ?

 

University offices and OISS remain open. Immigration Services Advisors at OISS are available to meet with you by appointment, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. OISS staff can also assist you via email ( [email protected]) and phone (302) 831-2115. Please be reminded that you can contact the UD Call Center at (302) 831-1188 or [email protected] with questions and concerns. It is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

I have plans to travel over spring break, should I go? 

University-sponsored travel to all international locations is prohibited through the end of the spring semester. The University strongly discourages personal international travel, including during Spring Break. Members of our community are reminded to register all travel plans with the University’s Office of Risk Management on this form.

International students and scholars required to travel home for personal or urgent reasons should contact OISS for further guidance.

I am an international student or scholar nearing the end of my status. My plan was to return to my home country. I would prefer to stay in the U.S. for now. What are my options? 

IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE THE U.S.

I am currently in my home country and unable to return because of COVID-19 travel restrictions, what should I do? 

International students who are currently enrolled in online classes or have an approved Leave of Absence will be contacted by OISS with advice on their immigration status and what they will need to do to return to their campus studies. Please keep in mind that students planning to return to campus for the summer or fall 2020 sessions will need to be enrolled full-time in on-campus courses, and have a valid visa and I-20/DS-2019 to return to the U.S. Please contact OISS ( [email protected]) for any specific questions regarding students’ immigration or visa status. 

If you are a new international student who was not able to start your program at UD this semester, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions (for new undergraduate students) or Graduate College (for new graduate students) to defer your program start date at UD. 

Visiting Scholars should notify their host department about their travel delay, and contact OISS Scholar Services ( [email protected]) to adjust their SEVIS record and immigration status accordingly.

I would like to return for the summer session, what should I do? 

Students who would like to return to UD to take summer classes should contact OISS ( [email protected]) and work with an immigration services advisor at OISS to verify eligibility before re-entering the U.S. for summer session courses. 

Can I travel to another country before traveling to the U.S.?

The current travel restrictions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention require 14 days of quarantine for anyone who has been to a level 2 or 3 country within the past 14 days. Due to the rapidly changing dynamics surrounding the spread of COVID-19, we advise that students wait until travel restrictions are lifted before attempting to return to the U.S. There have been reports that students who have attempted to transit through other countries were not allowed to board their flights to the U.S.

I am having difficulty paying my tuition by the deadline due to related bank closures in my country. What should I do?

We understand that many services are affected by delays right now. For questions about financial implications or UD scholarships, please contact Student Financial Services at [email protected] or (302) 831-2126. Graduate students with questions about UD assistantships or scholarships should contact the Graduate College at [email protected] or (302) 831-6824. 

IF YOU ARE WONDERING ABOUT NEXT STEPS

Will the university cancel programs and events on campus? 

In order to reduce any health risks to our campus community, some large campus events are being suspended, rescheduled or moved to online formats. By reducing the level of risk now, we hope to return to a normal programming and event calendar as soon as possible.

Will on campus housing stay open if classes are suspended?

Students have the option of remaining in the residence halls during this time. Residence halls will remain open, and Dining Services will provide meals as needed. Students who choose to leave campus for the break should take whatever personal and academic materials they might need to complete the semester online. For questions, please contact Residence Life & Housing at (302) 831-4663.

I am feeling very anxious about the COVID-19. What should I do?

UD offers a number of resources should you need someone to talk to. International students and scholars are encouraged to contact the Center for Counseling & Student Development at (302) 831-2141 or (302) 831-1001 if they are concerned for this situation and the impact it may be having on their loved ones back home. For health-related concerns, contact Student Health Services at (302) 831-2226. For after-hours emergencies, please call 911 or contact University Police at (302) 831-2222.

What is being done to ensure that people and groups are not stigmatized? 

It is important to remember that the physical health of our community is equally connected to the social and mental health of our community. If you feel you have been discriminated against, please contact UD's Office of Equity & Inclusion at (302) 831-8063 or via email at [email protected]. At UD, we work hard to put our values of supporting members of our community into practice – from all races, nationalities and individual backgrounds – welcoming them with kindness and compassion, especially at a time like this when we collectively monitor the health of our community.

Please do not hesitate to contact our office if you have questions about your visa status in the United States or require any assistance during your stay at the University of Delaware.  

With best wishes,

Dr. Ravi Ammigan

Associate Deputy Provost for International Programs

Executive Director for International Services

You are receiving this email as a member of UD's international community. You can verify this email is legitimate by contacting the Office for International Students & Scholars at (302) 831-2115 or by emailing  [email protected] . 

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