ISP MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

News and Updates for SRJC International Students

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Special ISP Event

Language Bites

Wednesday, November 18 | 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

Join SSU and SRJC students for a fun, interactive exchange of languages and cultures! Learn greetings, useful phrases, and cultural facts from around the world in quick, bite-sized lessons.

Present or just come to learn! Presenters will have 3–5 minutes to share anything about their language or culture. You can present on your own or with a friend. We’ll hold a prep meeting a week before the event to help you get ready.

Want to present? Contact us to sign up and let us know which language you’ll share and who will present with you.

Join Zoom Event

International Club Field Trip

Museum & Ice Skating

Friday, November 13 | 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Explore the Charles M. Schulz Museum, then enjoy ice skating and lunch at Snoopy’s Home Ice with the International Club! Meet at the museum at 11:00 a.m. Skating runs from 12:30–2:00 p.m.

Bring $17 for admission and skate rental, your Student ID, and a packed lunch or money for the Warm Puppy Café. The Club is applying for an ICC grant to help cover costs, but funding is not yet confirmed.

SRJC will not provide transportation. Contact the Club about possible carpools, or take CityBus Route 1 from campus to Coddingtown and walk to the museum. Ride free with your SRJC Student ID and current validation sticker.

Spring 2027 Registration Reminders

Priority registration begins November 23! Eligible F-1 international students receive Priority 2 registration beginning Monday, November 23 at 7:00 a.m. Complete SRJC Orientation and have an Education Plan on file to qualify. Good-standing and unit-limit requirements also apply. View the priority registration schedule.

Plan your spring classes. The Spring Schedule of Classes and registration time tickets will be available by midnight on November 3. Check your individual time ticket in Bear Cub Hub to confirm when you can register. Review the schedule again before registration, as classes may change. Watch the time ticket tutorial.

Meet with a counselor. Schedule a counseling appointment to update your Education Plan, confirm your remaining requirements, and choose spring classes and backup options.

Is spring your final semester? If you need fewer than 12 units to complete your degree or approved certificate, meet with your counselor and contact ISP to plan a Final-Term Reduced Course Load (RCL). You must receive ISP approval before enrolling below full time. Transferring without completing an SRJC degree or approved certificate does not qualify. Review RCL requirements.

Fall withdrawal deadline: November 15. The last day to withdraw from a semester-length Fall 2026 class with a “W” is Sunday, November 15. Short-term class deadlines vary. Contact ISP before dropping any class that would put you below your F-1 enrollment requirements.

Transfer Opportunities

Explore Your Future at SFBU. San Francisco Bay University transfer visit, Monday, November 23, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., ISP Conference Room, Plover Hall 526. Drop in to meet Enrollment Counselor Zahra Soltani and learn about transfer advising, scholarships, and small classes. Students are pictured talking with an advisor.

San Francisco Bay University Visit

Monday, November 23 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Plover Hall 526

Explore your transfer options at San Francisco Bay University (SFBU) in Fremont! SFBU offers programs in Computer Science, Business, and Psychology, with small class sizes, personalized support, and scholarship opportunities for international students.

Meet with Enrollment Counselor Zahra Soltani to learn about transferring up to 90 academic credits, admissions requirements, scholarships, and career services, including guidance on internship and OPT opportunities.

Drop in anytime during the visit to ask questions and learn how SFBU could fit your transfer plans!

F-1 Visa Regulation Reminders

Review these important reminders to maintain your F-1 status this fall:

Is Your I-20 Expiring?

Check the Program End Date on Page 1 of your Form I-20. If it ends soon, but you need more time to finish your program, contact ISP now. Meet with your counselor for an updated Education Plan and prepare updated financial documents.

Your extension must be approved before your I-20 expires. Start at least two weeks early to allow time for documents and processing. Extensions require a qualifying academic or medical reason.

Request a Program Extension

Traveling During Winter Break?

Before traveling outside the U.S., submit a Travel Authorization Request and check your passport, F-1 visa, and travel signature on Page 2 of your I-20. Travel signatures are generally valid for 12 months for continuing students and 6 months during OPT, and must be valid when you return.

Carry a printed, signed I-20 in your hand luggage and plan to return before spring classes begin January 19, 2027. Request any needed signature early, before the winter closure. Graduating or applying for OPT? Contact ISP before making travel plans.

Request Travel Authorization

Graduating in December? Plan Your Next Steps

Completing your program in Fall 2026? Contact ISP now to discuss your plans:

OPT: Interested in working in your field after graduation? Begin planning now. You must receive an OPT recommendation from ISP before applying to USCIS, and you cannot begin working until authorized.
Transfer: Once accepted to another U.S. school, submit your admission letter and Transfer-Out Request so ISP can arrange your SEVIS transfer within your grace period.
Departure: Students who successfully complete their program while maintaining F-1 status generally have a 60-day grace period to prepare to leave the U.S. For a December 18 completion date, this ends February 16, 2027. This period does not authorize employment or re-entry after departure.

Schedule an ISP Appointment

More information is available on our visa rules & regulations webpage. If you have any questions about these rules and regulations, you can book an appointment or email Becky Alvarez at ralvarez@santarosa.edu.

Important Dates & Deadlines

Date	Description
Thursday, November 5	SRJC Scholarship Application Deadline
Wednesday, November 11	Veterans Day – no classes; District closed
Sunday, November 15	Last day to drop a semester-length class with a "W"
Thursday, November 26 – Sunday, November 29	Fall Break – no classes; District closed

Future dates and deadlines can be found on the Academic Calendar.

Questions?

ISP Advising

F-1 status, enrollment requirements, travel, employment authorization, or Form I-20 questions

Appointments

Academic Counseling

Choosing classes, changing a major, or updating an Education Plan

Appointments

Schedule an appointment or visit the ISP office in Plover Hall, Room 527. We are happy to help!

SANTA ROSA JUNIOR COLLEGE | international.santarosa.edu