URBANA, Ill.— International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) created a list of tips for all international students and scholars to help get a head start on their spring 2024 semester.
Classes resumed on Jan. 16, and the list below is a reminder of what students should keep in mind when they return to campus.
For all students:
• Stay alert and informed regarding all potential scams. Recently, ISSS has been alerted that students have been contacted by individuals claiming to be police officers or law enforcement (either from the U.S. or the student's home country), indicating that the student is suspected of illegal activity, and the asking students to pay money to avoid prosecution. This is a scam. Students can read more about scam safety and educate yourself by going to the ISSS website.
• Students must register for a full course load by the 10th day of classes, which is Jan. 29. Remember, full-time status, in most cases, is defined as 12 hours during the academic year (fall and spring terms) and six hours during the summer term.
• Students may take as many online courses as permitted by their department each semester. However, please note:
a) F-1 students may only count one online or distance education course (up to a maximum of three credits) toward full-time registration in any given term.
b) J-1 students may only count one online or distance education course toward full-time registration in any given term.
c) Students can never only be registered for online classes in a required semester of registration. Course registration must also include on-campus classes, which requires in-person attendance.
• International students have certain responsibilities in order to maintain their immigration status while studying in the U.S. ISSS features steps on its website that students can follow to maintain status.
• International students on F-1/J-1 status may accept employment under certain conditions or circumstances. More information on work authorization can be found on the employment page of the ISSS website.
• ISSS partners with other units across campus for many events and trips. One of those partners is International Education (IE). Check out the IE website for a calendar of events they’re hosting in addition to co-hosted events and trips.
• The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) campus is home to several cultural houses and many resource centers. Our map features nine of these cultural and resource centers and shows where they are located on campus. However, the Student Success, Inclusion & Belonging website also has a full list featuring every SSIB resource center and unit.
For new students:
• If you’re a new student, you need to check-in with ISSS. It’s an entirely virtual process. Just visit the ISSS check-in webpage to start the process. You will be asked to fill out and submit the virtual check-in eform and find out what you need to complete in the new international student checklist.
ISSS is committed to providing culturally sensitive services of the highest quality, serving the international population at UIUC as well as campus units through advising, immigration services, programming, advocacy, and outreach.
If you have any questions or concerns, please, don’t hesitate to contact ISSS. Our phone number is 217.333.1303 and the e-mail is isss@illinois.edu.
Also, be sure to follow ISSS on Facebook and Instagram (@ISSSillinois) to stay up to date with the latest news on trips, activities, workshops, and deadlines.
Analicia Haynes is the storyteller and social media specialist for Illinois International. She can be reached at 217.333.6104 or ahayn2@illinois.edu.
