Spring 2021

As we approach November and the transition to remote classes and exams after Thanksgiving, I know many students are also making plans for next semester.  Please be sure that you are reading all of the information that the university is sending to you by email related to Spring 2021.  In October alone, there have been a number of messages sent about everything from the academic calendar and flu shots to fall move-out and winter break housing.  If you miss a message in your inbox, you can always find it here on the COVID-19 Campus Communications page.

As of this writing, the spring 2021 semester will look very similar to this one in terms of dual delivery of instruction and reduced on-campus housing. As the university continues to finalize its plans, expect to receive more messages related to registration, accommodations for time zones, and other considerations.  There have been many lessons learned from the Fall and the university is actively seeking ways to improve students’ academic and co-curricular experiences in Spring.

Many students have asked about how they will maintain their status in Spring 2021.  ISS is still waiting for guidance from SEVP. We know that this lack of guidance adds to your stress levels and makes it very difficult to plan.  ISS staff members regret that we are unable to provide you with what you need to feel confident about your plans for the future. As soon as that information is available, ISS will share it with students. Please be sure to stay in touch with ISS. Remember, we communicate through email to your @case.edu address as well- please, check it regularly- and will post messages to the Communication Corner, COVID-19 Updates, and ISSNews.

Because of the lack of SEVP guidance that exists right now, ISS strongly encourages students to consider remaining in the United States through winter break. There is also uncertainty about how the flu season will further complicate the effects of the pandemic; how lock-downs and entry restrictions will continue to affect students’ abilities to travel; and how limited service at U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide may affect visa issuances. This combination of factors- could make it extremely challenging, if not impossible, for you to return to the United States in the near future. Please take all of these circumstances- the known and unknown- into consideration as you make a decision that is best for you.  ISS will be here to support you in any way that we can.

OPT & CPT Workshops

Virtual, advisor-led OPT and CPT workshops have been scheduled and information about required registration, attendance, and the application process can be found on our website!

ISS is offering Optional Practical Training (OPT) and CPT Workshops to go over in detail the application process, student responsibilities, and other important considerations.

Being well informed before applying for either authorization is extremely important and applying early is critical!

USCIS is publishing that it takes 4-6 months to process submitted OPT applications. Plan to complete a required OPT workshop as early as possible to be best prepared. Remember, you do not need to have a job offer to apply for OPT!

You do need to have a job offer before applying for CPT authorization and you are not eligible to begin your experience until you have proper authorization in place. It can take several days to become authorized.

For more information about OPT and CPT workshops- online workshops are also still available for students' convenience- and other details about these authorizations, visit our website. Please be sure to very carefully read all of the information there.

Beware of Scams

ISS wants to make sure that international students are aware of these scams and know how to protect themselves.  Visit our website for more information.

GRADS: Credit 101!

This year, GSC's annual Professional Development Conference has been revamped in a different format! Instead of a one-day event in the spring, we are creating monthly virtual seminars, each with a different subject of discussion. The hope is to give graduate students flexibility and to build on professional development over the course of a year. Our third workshop in the series is coming up this week, Wednesday, October 28th at 6 PM EST, and we would love for you to join us. If you're looking to learn more about the basics of credit, this seminar is for you!

Register on Campus Groups here and the join via Zoom.

PhD Candidates: Feeling of Belongingness Survey

This is a survey for a doctoral research methods class investigating feelings of belongingness in graduate students at Case Western Reserve University. It will take about 7 minutes to complete the survey. Your answers will be treated anonymously and will be kept confidential. The results of the study are expected to be presented as a class exercise and shared with CWRU staff.

This survey is for a required research methods class for Gaby and TC's (the researchers) PhDs at the Weatherhead School of Management. The goal of the exercise is to develop our own survey, collect data, and analyze it. Gaby and TC wanted to make this exercise meaningful by trying to understand belongingness for graduate students at Case Western Reserve University.

Please reach out and contact tce18@case.edu if you have any questions or if you would like any other information. We really appreciate your help!