WEEKLY UPDATE – Nov. 24

As you wrap up your fall courses, our office wants to share a few end-of-semester reminders. As always, please call, email, or walk into our office with any questions or concerns. Wishing you the best of luck as you prepare for your final exams!

This is a reminder that all F-1 students are responsible for completing their program on time. Failure to complete your studies at USF by your I-20 program end date is considered a violation of your F-1 student status. If you will not be able to complete your degree requirements by the program end date on your I-20, please make an appointment with your ISSS adviser to discuss your eligibility for an extension of your stay in the U.S. If you are eligible for an extension of your program, your request must be submitted at least 10 business days prior to your I-20 program end date. View additional information »

If you are graduating earlier than the program end date listed on your I-20, then your program end date will automatically be shortened. The last day of commencement will be used as your new program end date. Keep this in consideration when determining your OPT eligibility. Contact your ISSS adviser if you have any questions.

Please note that the program end date listed on your I-20 also signifies the end of any student employment positions on campus.

If you are an F-1 student graduating this fall 2025, you may want to consider applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is a 12-month work authorization benefit that allows students to work in the U.S. in a job related to their field of study. Students can apply as early as 90 days before and up to 60 days after their program end date. Before you can apply for OPT, complete the OPT Canvas Course.   

Reminder: Students on OPT are eligible to purchase the USF student health plan each semester for up to one academic year. To determine eligibility, please submit a request to voluntarily purchase the USF student health plan. The form will be active on Saturday, Nov. 30. For questions, contact Health Promotion Services.

If you are graduating this semester, please complete this survey by Nov. 28! All students who complete this survey will be entered into a raffle to win a USF Bookstore gift card. Students who have been selected for a pin and the USF gift card will be notified via email on Dec. 1. Thank you for your participation, and congratulations on this exciting accomplishment!

Tuesday, Dec. 2 | 4–6 p.m.
Gleeson Library, Thacher Gallery

Celebrate our faculty who have published books in the past year. You will have the chance to hear from the authors, learn about their books, and enjoy a wine and cheese reception! Thacher Gallery is currently exhibiting Piranesi’s Room and the Classical Imaginary, curated by Museum Studies graduate students and Kate Lusheck. This event is open to all USF community members.

RSVP by Tuesday, Nov. 25 »

Thursday, Dec. 4 
Gleeson Library, Thacher Gallery

See the new exhibit, curated by USF’s MA in Museum Studies program, on opening day! Exploring the interplay between fantasy, historical memory, and documentation, this exhibition features 22 large-scale etchings by Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720–78) from the collections of USF’s Donohue Rare Book Room and the Mills College Art Museum at Northeastern University. On view through Feb. 15, 2026. This event is open to all USF community members.

The Learning, Speaking, and Writing Centers (LSWC) will be open until Dec. 5 to support students as they prepare for finals. USF students can access tutoring, writing support, and communication practice at no additional cost. In addition to subject-specific help, students can also receive academic skills coaching, attend group workshops, and explore online resources designed to strengthen study strategies and boost confidence heading into finals.

World AIDS Day, observed on Dec. 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. There have been a lot of advances toward the fight against AIDS, but stigma and discrimination still exist. That's why it's important to raise awareness, continue to show our support for those living with HIV, and remember those who have passed. 

The ISSS office will be closed on both Thursday, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

For students planning to travel during the winter holiday season, ISSS will be hosting Travel Signature Days from Nov. 26 to Dec. 3. During this period, any travel signature requests submitted via MyISSS will be processed and ready by the end of the day on Dec. 9, so that students have the necessary documentation for a smooth return to the U.S.

Students are encouraged to review the FAQ on travel considerations, documents required for visa renewal and travel, and travel restrictions before planning international travel.

ISSS is monitoring and communicating immigration updates that may affect our international students. Visit our International Student Support web page for updates and resources.

If you are requesting an immigration document or letter from our office, remember that requests are processed within 10 business days. Make sure you plan accordingly so you have enough time to receive your document before you need it. All ISSS requests should be submitted through the MyISSS student portal (log into your MyISSS account, go to Requests & Documents, and select the appropriate icon on the right side of the page). You can view our MyISSS Student Handbook for assistance with your submission.   

 Click the Chat with ISSS button on the bottom right corner of any ISSS web page, and the ISSS team can assist you with your inquiry.   

Appointments can be made online. Appointments are booked in 20-minute increments. Find upcoming workshops on the ISSS Events and Workshops calendar.

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Want to submit content for future newsletters? For a student feature, fill out this form, and for all other contributions, email our office at isss@usfca.edu for more information.