Dear international students,
Greetings from the
Office for International Students & Scholars (OISS)! To our returning international students, welcome back to the University! To our 200+ newest students, we are so pleased that you have joined our vibrant and supportive Blue Hen community! Whether you are presently in the United States or you are taking classes remotely, we hope that you have all settled in and are ready for a successful fall semester.
As you may already know, the University of Delaware has a long and rich tradition of hosting international students from all parts of the world. We have a strong support structure to assist you with the challenges you may face throughout your program. Although the COVID-19 global pandemic has led us to change our usual plans and ways of doing things, please be assured that we are committed to providing all of our students with a high-quality education. Like our partner offices, OISS is here to make sure that you have a successful experience throughout your program.
As you get ready to begin your new academic year, I write with a few important reminders. As always, I encourage you to regularly check your UD email and the OISS website for important information regarding your immigration status, and for great opportunities to be involved in a series of programs and events.
Immigration Reminders
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Your I-20 or DS-2019: If your F-1 or J-1 program has started, always make sure that your I-20 or DS-2019 form is current and valid. If your document will expire in the near future and you plan to continue your program beyond the end date, please extend it before the expiration date. Your immigration status will be at risk if you do not extend your document before it expires. Read more.
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Updating Your U.S. Address: If you are in the U.S., please make sure that you have an updated local U.S. address in UDSIS. It is your responsibility to update your information within 10 days of the change. See instructions.
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Full-Time Enrollment: If your F-1 or J-1 program has started, please make sure you are registered full-time in classes every semester (9 credits for graduate students, 6 credits for Graduate Assistants,12 credits for undergraduates). If you need to drop below full time, you must complete a reduced course load form and obtain approval from OISS before September 15. If you drop below full course load without authorization, your I-20/DS-2019 will be terminated. Find the reduced course load form on the Undergraduate and Graduate Students forms page.
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Employment: As an F-1 or J-1 student, you may be eligible for employment opportunities such as on-campus employment, F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT or J-1 Academic Training. Before engaging in work or volunteer opportunities, F-1 and J-1 students should always contact OISS. Read more.
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OISS FAQs: OISS continues to monitor events surrounding the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. To ensure that you stay informed on current information, please review the Fall 2020 Updates and FAQs as it is updated frequently with new guidance from the University and federal agencies.
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Social Security Numbers: The Social Security Administration (SSA) is operating by appointment only. Due to COVID-19, you must have a scheduled appointment to enter an office. You will be required to follow SSA safety guidelines when visiting their office for your appointment. Read more.
Getting Involved
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International Coffee Hour: Our favorite weekly OISS tradition might become your favorite, too! Join us on Zoom every Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. EST for connections, conversation and fun with the global community!
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1743 Welcome Days: The University of Delaware welcomes the start of the fall semester with 1743 Welcome Days through September 6, 2020. From academic orientations to guest speakers, wellness programs and live DJs, browse the 1743 Welcome Days calendar to get connected with clubs, events and services across campus.
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Curricular Practical Training Workshop: International students who will participate in ANY internship or required off-campus work opportunity must apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). This immigration workshop on September 16 from 12 to 1 p.m. EST will explain the process for seeking CPT approval before you start work or an internship.
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Evening Career Discussions: Join the Career Center and OISS throughout the semester starting on September 23 from from 5 to 6 p.m. EST for a series of discussions and workshops to build skills, develop your resume and prepare for your career.
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Calendar of Events: Please make sure to check the OISS Calendar for a number of other workshops and events scheduled for you throughout the semester.
On behalf of OISS and the global team at UD, I look forward to working with you during the semester ahead and hope that you will reach out to us with any questions or concerns. As always, we can be reached by phone at (302) 831-2115 or at
oiss@udel.edu.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ravi Ammigan
Associate Deputy Provost, International Programs
Office for International Students and Scholars
