July 2025 Newsletter

International Students & Scholar Services

Keep your Personal Contact information up to date in CougarNet

Don’t forget to log into CougarNet to report your cell phone number and any changes to your contact information. Visit our website and follow the instructions to update your information now if you haven't done so already.

NOTE: Campus departmental addresses, P.O. boxes, and foreign addresses are NOT acceptable for immigration purposes.

If you are a currently enrolled student and have applied for a change of status, please notify us by emailing isss@siue.edu along with a copy of your USCIS approval and/or card (if applicable) within 10 days of the approval date.

Fall Registration

Fall registration for all students is open. International students in F-1 and J-1 status must register for and complete a full course load each semester unless they have been approved for a reduced course load. Full-time summer enrollment is 3 credit hours, and it cannot be an online course if it is your final semester. Visit the SIUE registrar website for more information about registration dates and deadlines. 

Continuing international students enrolling for the Fall 2025 semester must be enrolled in a full course of study by Friday, August 15, 2025.

Final Semester Reminder

Students who are entering their final semester this summer must be enrolled in at least one on-campus class. For graduate students who are enrolled in a thesis or project the course must meet on-campus not only online or via zoom. If the course does not meet on-campus, students will be required to enroll in an additional on-campus course to meet immigration regulations.

Students have a 60 day grace period after the end of their program and can do one of the following things to maintain their F-1 status:



• Apply for OPT
• Travel within the U.S. (do not travel outside of the U.S., as you cannot re-enter the U.S. during this period on your F-1 visa)                   
• Transfer to another SEVP-approved institution
• Start a new program at SIUE
• Change your visa status (if eligible)



Students who need more time to complete program requirements and their I-20 program end date is ending, need to apply for an extension before their I-20 ends. For an extension, regulations require that the delays are caused by compelling academic or medical reasons, such as changes of major or research topics, unexpected research problems, or documented illnesses. An extension cannot be done for sake of employment or to take a course not required for your program. No extensions will be granted if a final term reduced course load has been issued.

Ready to Apply for OPT?

If you are completing your degree requirements in Summer 2025, apply for OPT!

OPT Eligibility Requirements and Timeline

In order to be eligible for OPT, the following must be true:

• I have maintained my F-1 status.
• I have been enrolled full-time for at least two consecutive semesters.
• I am in my final term enrolled in required courses for my degree program.
• I have at least a 3.0 GPA if I am a graduate student or a 2.0 GPA if I am an undergraduate student.
• I have not been approved for OPT in the past at the same degree level or at a higher degree level.
• I have not used 12 months of full-time CPT
• I agree to report to SIUE via the OPT Reporting Form within 10 days of any change in address or employment status regarding your employment.

For more information about applying for OPT, please refer to this page on our website: SIUE Optional Practical Training.

Apply to be an International Student Ambassador Today!

We are looking for students to assist our new international students during Fall Orientation 2023. The Fall 2025 International Student Orientation will take place on Wednesday, August 13th!

Becoming a Student Ambassador is a great opportunity to develop leadership skills, build your resume, and meet new people from all around the world!

Student Ambassadors will also receive a free t-shirt, lunch, an official certificate and a $20 meal card!

To be considered, apply by Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 by 12:00pm. 

Eligibility: Please note that because ambassadors will be answering questions about SIUE processes, information, and services available to students, only students who have been attending SIUE for a semester or longer will be considered. 

Samara's International Market

Samara's International Market is now open! The market is located at 501 St. Louis St, Edwardsville, IL 62025.

Make sure to check out their selections that SIUE students helped curate!

Assistantship Listings

If you are a graduate student, check out the opportunities to work as a GA, TA, or RA in different campus departments. More assistantship are being posted each week, so keep checking back.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

SIUE offers more than 450 undergraduate and graduate awards provided by generous donors, professional organizations and University partners.

Cougar Cupboard's Summer Hours

The Cougar Cupboard will be open during summer. Summer hours will begin the week after finals and will end the week before school starts in the fall.  



Check out the Cougar Cupboard webpage for more information.

Questions? Email the Cougar Cupboard at cougarcupboard@siue.edu 

Follow the Cougar Cupboard on Facebook and Instagram for updates!  

Learning Support Services

Learning Support Services (LSS) is an instructional support unit for all students at SIUE. Learning Support Services is home to the Tutoring Resource Center, Writing Center, and Supplemental Instruction. The center is dedicated to helping SIUE students prepare and excel in the classroom. You can make an appointment with the Learning Support service by calling (618) 650‑3717 or email learningsupportservices@siue.edu.