Please read this information as a guide to help you with your remote studies and to maintain valid immigration status.
Contents:
- WSU to return to in-person classes fall 2021!
- A guided meditation just for you
- No-travel recommendation
- Learning Support Center
- International student drop hold – What is It?
- Employment guidelines for F-1 & J-1 Students
- Drop deadline – Feb. 17, 2021
- CAC/Avista and food pantry resources
- WSU to return to in-person classes fall 2021!
Washington State University is preparing for an in-person fall 2021 semester and is making plans in accordance with state and public health guidelines. For the summer 2021 semester, WSU is planning to offer both in-person and remote courses. Please see President Kirk’s letter to all students, faculty, and staff here.
Additionally, the states of Washington, Oregon, and California are moving back to Phase 2 of opening. This means that you may see some changes in availability of things such as restaurant dining and gathering areas. For example, movie theaters are currently closed, restaurants cannot host indoor dining, and social gatherings must be limited to 5 people.
For detailed information, visit the Washington State Coronavirus website.
- A guided meditation just for you
The International Center hosts a weekly International Student Meditation Series. Explore a new meditation topic each week and learn to show yourself a little kindness.
When: Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. (Pullman time)
Where: This Zoom link (Meeting ID: 927 8035 6382 Password: 843653)
- No-travel recommendation
We understand the desire of International Students to reunite with their families but in accordance with WSU’s recommendation on travel to all students, and to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 in the community, we strongly recommend that you reconsider any plan to travel to other locations in the U.S. and more specifically, internationally. Also, any layover in any of the countries with entry restricted due to a rise in Covid-19 cases can prevent your admission into the U.S. For the latest Executive Order and list of countries please click here. Recent changes to CDC guidelines requiring testing and the Washington state requirement of a quarantine could delay your return even longer.
Please speak with an international student advisor or your local DSO BEFORE traveling, as we may have updated guidance to provide at that time.
- Learning Support Center
The Learning Support Center is here to meet the specific academic support needs of all international students. If you haven’t looked at the LSC website yet, you can find it here with a complete tutoring schedule showing convenient hours where you can find a live tutor to help you with your classes (including weekend hours!). You’ll find general English tutors and a tutor who specializes in COM 102. If you have any questions about the LSC and what it has to offer, please reach out to Lauren Reed at lauren.kruger@wsu.edu.
- International student drop hold – What is It?
International students in F-1 and J-1 status – excluding Academic English and Bridge students* – now have a hold on their account called the “International Student Drop Hold.” This hold keeps students from dropping classes without ISSS approval, ensuring they do not unknowingly fall out of status.
The hold restricts only drop activity, not add activity and students can still request a drop/withdraw from a class! Here is how to request it:
- Login to https://mypassport.wsu.edu with your WSU ID and password
- Go to Enrollment Change Forms
- Complete the Drop/Withdraw form listed
Please note that if the drop/withdraw will bring you below full-time enrollment, you MUST have an approved reduced course load on file before your drop will be approved.
*Academic English and Bridge students do NOT have the ability to add or drop classes.
- Employment Guidelines for F-1 & J-1 Students
ON CAMPUS
Students must be in lawful F-1/J-1 status to be eligible to work on campus. The primary determination of lawful status is enrollment or an authorized reduced course load. J-1 students must have permission from their J-Program Sponsor Responsible Officer to work on campus and must report employment and receive authorization from ISSS prior to beginning any on-campus employment (including assistantships).
Important notes for J-1 students
If you applied for this authorization last semester and received a letter confirming authorization for the entire year, you are set and do not need to report again until the authorization period ends.
If you are sponsored by an outside organization (Fulbright, USAID), you will need to work with your sponsor to report your on-campus employment.
F-1/J-1 students are limited to working 20 hours per week while classes are in session. Students may NOT average their hours (e.g., work 25 one week and 15 another to average 40 hours over a two-week period.) Graduate TAs/RAs who are already employed for 20 hours per week may not work additional jobs beyond the TA/RA.
Working more than 20 hours per week is a serious violation of the F-1/J-1 student status and can result in severe consequences including loss of status and denial of future visas. WSU Human Resource Services audits your employment hours at the end of every pay period, so be aware of working hours and stay within time limits.
OFF CAMPUS
Off-campus employment is NOT ALLOWED in F-1/J-1 status unless approved by USCIS (OPT, Hardship Work Authorization, etc.) or by a DSO/ARO (CPT/Academic Training). Do not work off campus unless you have this authorization.
Possession of a social security number does NOT grant work authorization off campus!
- Drop deadline – Feb. 17, 2021
The last day to drop a course without record is Feb. 17, 2021. After this date, all drop requests will show as a W (Withdrawal) on your transcript/record. Students are allowed only a limited number of withdrawals, so be aware of this drop deadline if you wish to drop from any classes.
More important academic deadlines can be found here.
- CAC/Avista and food pantry resources
Here are some resources available for all students:
- Community Action Center-Pullman. Assistance with Avista bills. Call 509-334-9147 and say, “I need to make an energy assistance appointment.” You will be asked some questions to establish your eligibility.
- Access & Opportunity Food Pantry https://aea.wsu.edu/food-pantry/
- Cougs Feeding Cougs https://www.studentaffairs.wsu.edu/initiatives/cougs-feeding-cougs/
- Dining Centers and SNAP Benefits https://www.dshs.wa.gov/esa/eligibility-z-manual-ea-z/food-assistance-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap
- Women’s Center https://women.wsu.edu/resources/rosariostars-place/
- If you have any questions about the above announcements, please contact International Student and Scholar Services.
- WSU Pullman students contact +1 509-335-4508 or ip.intlservices@wsu.edu
- WSU Vancouver students contact Caitlyn Schock at +1 360-546-9514 or van.dso@wsu.edu
- WSU Spokane students contact Kristie Brink at +1 509-358-7963 or kkclark@wsu.edu
- WSU Everett students contact Anna McLeod at +1 425-405-1727 or anna.mcleod2@wsu.edu
- WSU Tri-Cities students contact Karina Barajas at +1 509-372-7358 or karina.barajas@wsu.edu
Office of International Programs
Washington State University
PO Box 645121
Pullman, WA, 99164-5121 USA