New Proposed Rule to Eliminate Duration of Status

To Our International Students

The Office of International Student Services (ISS) has been receiving many questions about the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) new Proposed Rule, published on September 25, to eliminate duration of status for F-1 and J-1 students and their respective dependents. You can find a summary here that breaks down DHS’ 256 page proposal into very clear, digestible key points.

The Office of International Student Services (ISS), others at the university, and our colleagues at institutions across the country are reviewing the proposed rule now. It is very complex and it will take some time to understand fully all of the information that is currently available. I am sure we will also find aspects of the proposal about which we have questions and will need further guidance and clarification from DHS.

Please know that nothing about this proposed rule is yet final. The proposed rule will go through a comment period, open for 30 days. Once the proposed rule is finalized, it usually takes effect 30 days in the future and it is not until that effective date that the changes become law. As our summer experience shows, the proposal the U.S. Government makes is not necessarily going to take effect as is—or at all. That said, we are evaluating the proposal closely

We know that this proposal has the potential to affect students’ and their families’ lives significantly. ISS staff will keep you informed and continue to support you in any way we can as this situation continues to develop.

Please stay in touch with ISS and continue to check your @case.edu email addresses regularly. Feel free to email us at international@case.edu.

Best Regards,

Marielena Maggio, M.A.
Director, International Student Services, PDSO & ARO
 

Orientation With ISS

Did you miss orientation materials provided by ISS?

The orientation materials review the most fundamental rules and regulations in order to help you maintain your visa status as well as resources that ISS provides to enhance your time at Case Western Reserve University

If you have not viewed the information already, be sure to do so now by logging into Terra Dotta here.  Information about culture shock is also available to students who would like to learn more.

OPT & CPT Workshops

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 3-5 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.

Virtual OPT workshops led by an advisor have been scheduled and information about required registration, attendance, and the application process can be found on our website under the OPT section. ISS staff is still planning the virtual CPT workshops with an advisor and more information will be shared through ISSNews when it is available.

Welcome from Mayor Frank Jackson

Study Abroad Scholarships Available for 2021 Programs!

The Office of Education Abroad is accepting applications for Spring 2021, Summer 2021 and Fall 2021 study abroad programs - and has scholarships available for those terms!

Students are encouraged to get a jump on their plans to become successful in a global marketplace by planning for an affordable study abroad experience now!

Applications for Spring 2021 study abroad programs are due September 15 and scholarship applications for Spring 2021 are due October 1.

You can find more information here.

During the week of September 28, the #webelonghere movement at CWRU has organized a zoom protest.  All CWRU students are invited to participate in this protest and you may notice your classmates' zoom profile pictures looking different if they are participating.  

Starting September 28, students will make their zoom profile picture a photo of a Black victim of police brutality with the name of that person clearly displayed. 

Students will turn off their cameras during all classes and display the image.

Students will participate in classes, but only by unmuting themselves, not by turning on their camera.

For more information, please reach out to the #webelonghere movement at CWRU.

Admission Collecting CWRU Undergraduate Stories

Hi from CWRU's Office of Undergraduate Admission!

We know that our current students’ experiences are important to high schoolers considering CWRU, and we know you have great insiders’ information to share.

Share your thoughts and you could be featured on our website, in print publications, emails, social media and more to help recruit the next class of CWRU students.

Just two quick steps:

1. Complete this form.
2. You’ll get an email with instructions to share a photo and super-quick video

Please share this message with your friends and members of your student organizations. The more the better!

Questions? Email Melissa Persensky, associate director for recruitment and strategic initiatives, at mje48@case.edu.

Steve Spangler's Biggest Experiment Yet

Steve Spangler is a best-selling author, educator and Emmy award-winning science communicator who finds the most creative ways to make science fun.