Dear graduate students,
Yesterday Immigration and Customs Enforcement modified the exemption that had allowed international students who are in the United States on F-1 visas to take more than one online course per semester. The new directive has spawned many questions and serious concerns among our international students, as it limits their ability to take online courses at a time when that may be the preferred mode of instruction for many due to health and safety concerns.
University leaders are working to fully understand the implications of the new rules and what options are available to our students. As soon as we receive that information, we will share it with you. In the meantime, I want to express my support for our international students. Pursuing a degree in another country is challenging enough under normal circumstances, but the pandemic and various recent U.S. policies have greatly amplified the uncertainty you face on a regular basis and made the past few months an extraordinarily difficult time. Please know that you are a vital part of our community, you are welcome here, and we stand with you. As we deal with this latest challenge, we will endeavor to support you to our fullest ability.
Sincerely,
Paula D. McClain, Ph.D.
Dean of The Graduate School
Vice Provost for Graduate Education
