Appalachian deeply values international students as vital members of our campus and local community. The Office of International Education and Development (OIED) is here to provide support and resources in response to the federal government’s recent guidance.
What OIED is doing:
- Sharing an FAQ with international students, via email and on our website, outlining the terms of this new guidance and its potential impact on students’ fall enrollment.
- Offering extended virtual walk-in hours to answer student questions and concerns.
- Working quickly with deans, department chairs, academic advisors and graduate program directors to identify at least one in-person or hybrid class in which students can enroll to ensure they retain legal status.
- Working with deans, department chairs, academic advisors and graduate program directors to identify online-only classes for those international students who cannot return to the U.S. for the fall 2020 semester due to travel restrictions so they might continue their studies.
- Briefing university leaders on the new guidance and its impact on Appalachian’s international students.
- Working with other University of North Carolina System institutions to provide data on potential international students impacted by this guidance for advocacy at the UNC System, state and federal levels.
- Engaging in NAFSA: Association of International Educators efforts to educate and advocate.
What our campus community can do:
OIED has heard from many students, staff and faculty who share our support for our international students. We are heartened by those who champion the international student population at Appalachian and throughout the U.S. Here is what you can do to help:
- Reach out to international students you already know to show your support.
- Faculty and staff involved with registration and academic advising should work with international students to access the classes they need. We encourage you to rely on existing class structures instead of creating new classes. Students in the U.S. must take at least one in-person or hybrid class. Students who cannot return to the U.S. due to travel restrictions only have the option of online classes. Please contact issso@appstate.edu if you wish to know whether your department has international students.
- If you work with international students who have questions about immigration or what the new guidance might mean for them specifically, please refer them to OIED at issso@appstate.edu.
- Donate to international student support funds and scholarships.
- Follow the latest news related to this guidance and advocacy efforts for international education.
Thank you for your concern, action and support during this difficult time.
With gratitude,
The Office of International Education and Development