Kent State Office of Global Educaiton
ISSS Updates
Registration and Reduced Course Loads
Registration and Reduced Course Loads (RCL)
In order to maintain your F-1 status, you need to be registered for a full-time course registration. Each level and the number of credits required are below.
  • English as a Second Language: 17 credit hours
  • Undergraduate/Bachelor Level: 12 credit hours and at least 9 of those are in-person or traditional courses, not online
  • Graduate/Master/Doctoral Level: 8 credit hours and only one course can be online
There are some cases where a student does not require a full-time course load. Our  Reduced Course Load (RCL) webpage explains the different scenarios where students may qualify. Some common ones include final semester before graduation, thesis/dissertation coursework, or medical issues. Review our  guide to learn more, but make sure to apply for an RCL BEFORE falling below full-time registration because it can affect your immigration status negatively . If you have questions about your registration or RCLs, please speak with an ISSS Advisor this week via email or Walk-In Advising.
December Graduates: Your Options and OPT
If you are graduating this semester, it is time to decide whether you want to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or something else. There are four different options available to you once you complete your program. You have until February 17, 2019 to decide whether you would like to:
  • Apply for OPT;
  • Apply to a new program at KSU;
  • Transfer your SEVIS to a new institution and start a new academic program; or
  • Return home.
Many of our students choose to apply for OPT, which allows you to work for one year following your graduation, but the application process can be confusing. In order to prepare you for OPT, if that is what you choose, we have one more OPT Workshop this semester on December 11 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm in Room 019 in the Library.
 
Program Extensions: Who Needs Them and Why?
F-1 and J-1 students are required to maintain their status by completing their program in the specified time given on either their I-20 or DS-2019. However, if the student's I-20 or DS-2019 will expire before the student graduates and the student is able to present information that more time is needed to complete his or her academic program, the student may be eligible for a Program Extension. The guidelines stipulate that a student is eligible to apply for an extension if there was a change in the academic plan, an unexpected research problem, a documented illness, or for other compelling academic issues. Do you think you might need more time to finish your academic program? Discuss your estimated graduation with your Academic Advisor and, if you do, please complete the Program Extension Request Form.

Contact an ISSS Advisor to answer any additional questions.
Library & Technology Workshops
In conjunction with Information Services, the Library offers technology workshops and workshops on topics such as Avoiding Plagiarism, Citation Management and How to Write a Literature Review. Click on the links below to view workshop times and locations.
 
ISSS Advising Hours for Fall 2018
Appointments can be made in KSU Advising through our  website.

Appointment slots are available every day of the week except Thursday.

Walk-In Advising 
Wednesday
9:00 am to 11:30 am  
Last sign in at 11:00
1:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Last sign in at 3:45

Call-In Advising 
Monday  
9:00 am to 11:30 am
Tuesday
1:30 pm to 4:00 pm 
Wednesday
9:00 am to 11:30 am 
Thursday
No advising 
Friday  
1:30 pm to 4:00 pm
 
Contact Us: 
Phone: 1-330-672-7980 
Email: isss@kent.edu 
Campus Location: Van Campen Hall 
Address: 106 Van Campen Hall, 625 Loop Road, Kent, OH 44242-0001 
106 Van Campen Hall
International Student News
December 5, 2018  |  Week 15
International Student Showcase: Meet Gergis Henin
Gergis Henin is an international exchange student from Beni Suef, Egypt. He is an exchange student, so he is only attending Kent for one semester and will return to Egypt to complete his bachelor's degree. He chose to study accounting when he started college but is now hoping to complete a master's degree in a different field.

Egypt is a country in North Eastern Africa with a long and rich history. Nowadays, it is a developing country with many traditions tied to its history and culture. Muslims and Christians live in peace within the country and each hold customs of their own. "Egypt is not as developed as the United States, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to study here because that means better wifi," Gergis added with a smile.

Interestingly enough, the name Gergis means farmer in Greek. He reflects, "I grew up on a farm and was a farmer, ironically. I was destined to be a farmer, basically, and I wanted to support my family. I lived in a small town and there weren't many job opportunities." When he was old enough to go to college, he attended a governmental college and studied education. He applied for a scholarship to attend a different school in a larger city, and he was accepted. At the American university where he was accepted, he studied in the Arabic Academy and decided to major in accounting. Now studying accounting for two years, he feels that he is not very passionate about this career, even though he excels in it. He applied for another scholarship to be able to study abroad in the United States and he was fortunately picked as a recipient. The program partners with Kent State and several other universities in the U.S. but Kent State was the best fit for Gergis and his discipline.

Now that he is attending Kent State, he is taking classes that are not at all related to his major. He says, "I know that when I graduate, I may not continue with accounting so I want to find something that I am passionate about while I'm here. Maybe I will find something I love that I can incorporate into accounting. Who knows?" Classes like photography, art, and marketing are what fill his schedule this semester. He doesn't have much time to get involved on campus because his classes are very time-consuming and there are always assignments to be done. However, in his free time, he enjoys volunteering at a Lutheran church in town to serve food and supplies to the homeless.

One piece of advice that Gergis has for international students would be to not waste time. He cautions, "A lot of students find things to do to kill time, but that doesn't help you in the long run. Find a way to invest your time, and you will be so much more successful at the end of your time here. I am always watching YouTube videos on how to use new applications and helpful tools. I try to invest my time in everything I do, and I know that at the end of my time here, I will thank myself."

When he finishes his semester, Gergis will return back to Egypt and receive a certificate for his time spent here. He is trying to earn good grades in all of his classes because he wants to be able to apply to a graduate school in the U.S. once he graduates in Egypt. He is unsure where he would like to go, or even what he wants to pursue his masters in. However, one day he aspires to go to Harvard, have a Ph.D., and own his own business.

If you'd like to connect with Gergis, check out his Facebook and his Instagram.

Telling Stories with Pictures
Often, we think communication is just through words. But communication is also very visual. If you are interested appearing in a Kent State University ad or video campaign please email, Don Vana at dvana@kent.edu, to schedule a time to stop by the Office of Global Education for a quick reference picture for both current and future campaign consideration.
 
It's a powerful way to support one another and who knows you might become famous in the process!
Upcoming Events
Terry Boyarsky: Classical Expressions of the Folk Tradition
Saturday, December 8 | 7:30 pm
North Water Street Gallery
300 North Water Street, Suite H, Kent, OH
Boyarsky's program, entitled "Classical Expressions of the Folk Tradition," will feature rarely heard music from Bartók to Bach, all inspired by ethnic dance and music from the villages of Armenia, Afghanistan, Rumania, Russia, and more, many displaying unusual modes and meters.

The event will feature hearty and delicious home-cooked Eastern European foods (served at no additional charge), including borscht, blini, and kvass.

The concert will start at 8:00 pm and precede with light food and drinks at 7:30 pm.

$10 suggested donation or pay what you can
International Graduation Reception
Thursday, December 13 | 4:00 to 6:00 pm
Center for Service and Alumni Engagement
Attention December graduates! As you prepare for commencement, we hope that you take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments. Graduation is a milestone; in just a few weeks, you will join the ranks of over 241,000 former students as proud Kent State University alumni.

The International Graduation Reception is held every year to celebrate you! Enjoy free food and drinks and take pictures in front of Kent State branded backdrops with your friends and family. If you ordered a free stole, you will receive it at 5:00 pm.

Registration to receive a FREE graduation stole closed November 30, 2018

Stay Connected: