May 2024 Newsletter

International Students & Scholar Services

Congratulations to our Graduates!

International Affairs would like to extend our congratulations and well wishes to all the graduates. You’ve worked hard and accomplished much. Congratulations and good luck!

Immigration Reminders

Travel Signature

International students in F-1 or J-1 status must get a travel signature on their I-20 or DS-2019 if returning to complete their studies after traveling outside the U.S. Signatures are valid for six months. Please submit your Travel Signature Request form at least two weeks before you travel.

Summer Graduation

Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements as recorded on a student’s official transcript. Please apply online for graduation by July 1st on CougarNet. Once logged into CougarNet, you will click on the Student tab, Student Records, and then Apply to Graduate to complete the graduation application.

Summer Student Employment

To be eligible for summer employment, you must be either:



1) Enrolled in and maintain a minimum half-time status: 3 credit hours for undergraduates and 2 credit hours for graduate/professionals;


  • Any student employee who drops below the applicable minimum semester hours of enrollment, withdraws or is suspended, is not eligible to continue work as a traditional student employee unless it is the student's graduating semester and their graduation application is coded in Banner. Students graduating will only be allowed to work for one semester while below the minimum semester hours of enrollment.


2) maintained in the prior spring term a minimum of half-time status or;


3) enrolled for the upcoming fall term at a minimum of half-time status. Remember audit courses do not count toward meeting the enrollment requirement. See the Summer Enrollment Policy for more details.


During summer semester and university break weeks, an International Student Employee can work up to 28 hours per week.

CPT Information

Visit the CPT Eligibility/Process and Deadlines if you plan to participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) this summer.


Students that apply for CPT after May 1, 2024 will not be able to start work until June 7, 2024.

Summer OPT (Optional Practical Training)

The earliest date to apply for OPT is May 15th. Please review additional information regarding OPT eligibility and the application process on our website here.

Keep your Personal Contact information up to date in CougarNet

Don’t forget to log into CougarNet to report your cell phone number and any changes to your contact information. Visit our website and follow the instructions to update your information now if you haven't done so already.


NOTE: Campus departmental addresses, P.O. boxes, and foreign addresses are NOT acceptable for immigration purposes.

Summer and Fall Registration

Summer and Fall registration for all students is now open. International students in F-1 and J-1 status must register for and complete a full course load each semester unless they have been approved for a reduced course load. Full-time summer enrollment is 3 credit hours, and it cannot be an online course if it is your final semester. Visit the SIUE registrar website for more information about registration dates and deadlines. 


Continuing international students enrolling for the Fall 2024 semester must be enrolled in a full course of study by Friday, August 16, 2024.

Final Semester Reminder

Students who are entering their final semester this summer must be enrolled in at least one on-campus class. For graduate students who are enrolled in a thesis or project the course must meet on-campus not only online or via zoom. If the course does not meet on-campus, students will be required to enroll in an additional on-campus course to meet immigration regulations.


Students have a 60 day grace period after the end of their program and can do one of the following things to maintain their F-1 status:

  • Apply for OPT
  • Travel within the U.S. (do not travel outside of the U.S., as you cannot re-enter the U.S. during this period on your F-1 visa)                   
  • Transfer to another SEVP-approved institution
  • Start a new program at SIUE
  • Change your visa status (if eligible)



Students who need more time to complete program requirements and their I-20 program end date is ending, need to apply for an extension before their I-20 ends. For an extension, regulations require that the delays are caused by compelling academic or medical reasons, such as changes of major or research topics, unexpected research problems, or documented illnesses. An extension cannot be done for sake of employment or to take a course not required for your program. No extensions will be granted if a final term reduced course load has bee issued.

Free Resources

Assistantship Listings

If you are a graduate student, check out the opportunities to work as a GA, TA, or RA in different campus departments. More assistantship are being posted each week, so keep checking back

Graduate Assistantships - Graduate School Website
Search and Apply for Scholarships and Awards through AcademicWorks

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

SIUE offers more than 450 undergraduate and graduate awards provided by generous donors, professional organizations and University partners.

Cougar Cupboard's Summer Hours

The Cougar Cupboard will be open during summer. Summer hours will begin the week after finals and will end the week before school starts in the fall.  



Students must register for an individual appointment – EVEN if you see few or no reservations. This ensures staff knows you are coming. Summer sign-up will be available soon on the Cougar Cupboard webpage.

  

Questions? Email the Cougar Cupboard at cougarcupboard@siue.edu 


Follow the Cougar Cupboard on Facebook and Instagram for updates!  

Mobile Food Bank

The ST. Louis Area Foodbank is hosting a monthly "Food on the Move" food truck in Madison, IL. The dates for each event is listed below, with the next one on May 27.


Students will need to provide their zip code and number of people in their household. Bring your own bags or totes to carry your items.


Location: Madison City Hall (615 Madison Avenue, Madison, IL 62060

Career Development Center

The Career Development Center (CDC) helps students acquire information and skills necessary to transition from university life to the real world of work. Whether you have a clear idea of where your career is headed or no idea whatsoever, the CDC has something to offer you. Feel free to contact their office at (618) 650‑3708 with questions or to schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor.

Learning Support Services

Learning Support Services (LSS) is an instructional support unit for all students at SIUE. Learning Support Services is home to the Tutoring Resource Center, Writing Center, and Supplemental Instruction. The center is dedicated to helping SIUE students prepare and excel in the classroom. You can make an appointment with the Learning Support service by calling (618) 650‑3717 or email learningsupportservices@siue.edu.


Get Involved

Unibuddy

Would you like to help fellow international students before they even arrive at SIUE?

 

International Admissions is looking for international students who are interested in sharing their stories and experiences at SIUE. You can contribute in a few ways:

  • connect one-on-one with prospective students through an online chat 
  • (check it out here -- scroll down to "Chat with us!")
  • participate in conversations with incoming students in an online community 
  • take photos and/or videos of your daily SIUE life and post them to our blog 
  • (check it out here -- scroll down to "International Students' Blog")

It's a great opportunity to help international students find out what it's really like here at SIUE, and a chance for you to gain the following marketable skills for your resume:

  • social media
  • community building
  • writing and editing

If you'd like to learn more, contact Tom Stearns at tstearn@siue.edu.

International Students Map

Want to showcase where you call home or see how far your fellow international students traveled to get to SIUE? The map allows international students to put a "pin" in their hometown, tell others about their favorite place to visit and food to eat, and see how many miles they traveled to reach SIUE.


Click the link below to fill out the Qualtrics survey to be included on the International Students Map!

CLICK HERE to be included on the map!

Office of International Affairs

International Student and Scholar Services

Student Success Center 0300 (lower level)

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL 62026-1616

(618) 650-3785

siue.edu/isss

isss@siue.edu


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