Dear student,
As you have most likely heard, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has issued temporary guidance for F-1 students related to online courses for the Fall 2020 semester. Under this temporary guidance, international students attending U.S. colleges and universities that will operate entirely online this fall semester cannot remain in the country to do so. At this time, students who are currently on post-completion OPT or STEM OPT are not affected by this guidance.
We understand that you are concerned right now, and you probably have questions about what this means for your status in the U.S. The guidance from SEVP is unwelcome news that is unfair, inflexible, and challenging.
Based on the current guidance, the University of Delaware’s academic plan for Fall 2020 fits into the category of a
hybrid course model
for SEVP purposes. The guidance for schools with a hybrid model allows F-1 students to take some online courses as long as they maintain enrollment in at least one in-person class. We encourage you to work closely with your academic advisor to enroll in at least one class that will meet in person during the fall semester.
OISS is here to support you in any way we can.
We are your advocates and we are working on collecting the answers to your questions. We will continue to update you and the UD community in the coming days. The impact of this guidance is far-reaching, and we are working with university leadership, national associations, and advocacy groups in the field to establish the necessary steps to help you maintain your status in the U.S.
Please note that the Temporary Final Rule has not yet been published in the Federal Register. OISS will provide more details and inform you of your responsibilities if this Temporary Final Rule is published and made official. Please continue to monitor the
OISS SEVP Guidance webpage
and read OISS emails for more details.
In order to keep the international community informed, OISS is hosting a virtual forum to check-in and discuss updates regarding this guidance.
Please join
OISS this Friday, July 10 at 3:00 pm.
Additional support is available through University of Delaware support offices:
- The UD Center for Counseling and Student Development staff is available to meet with you virtually individually or as a group to provide emotional support. Students can call the UD Helpline 24/7 to speak with a counselor at (302) 831-1001.
- Students who are concerned about how this will affect their academics should speak with their academic advisor or academic Assistant Dean’s Office for their college. If you need additional support or advocacy, please connect with the Office of the Dean of Students at deanofstudents@udel.edu.
Sincerely,
Ravi Ammigan, Ph.D.
Associate Deputy Provost, International Programs
Executive Director, OISS
