International Student Services

COVID-19 Modifications for International Student Services

International House Operations

Operational changes for International House are located here.

International Student Services (ISS) Programs and Services

ISS staff is conducting routine immigration advising appointments via Zoom.
Documents can be sent electronically and/or via campus mail.
Programs and activities will be offered in-person and virtually.
Friendship Family Program activities will be held virtually.
ISS continues to support student organization programs and activities, provided they follow institutional guidelines.

Immigration Compliance for F-1 Students

Winter Term 2021:

SEVP has confirmed in a statement that schools are to continue to follow the policy directive and guidance from Fall 2020. If new regulatory guidance from SEVP is released, ISS will notify F-1 students of any updates or changes. ISS issued a memo about the statement via e-mail to all active F-1 students on December 29, 2020.

On-Going Procedural Adaptations:

F-1 students coming to the U.S. in initial (new) status after March 9, 2020 planning to be on campus/in the United States, are expected to enroll and attend at least one in-person or hybrid class (such as UNIC 116 or other in person classes) each term.
Continuing F-1 students (active in SEVIS on March 9, 2020) can enroll in unlimited online courses and do NOT need to have an in-person class, regardless of if they are located in the United States or abroad for Winter Term 2021.
All other standard F-1 regulations must be followed in order to maintain status. The ISS Moodle Page has a variety of immigration presentations and materials available for review.
Arrival to campus: Active students may choose to carry the memo ISS Arrival Memo - Winter 2021signed by ISS staff.
As always, immigration questions can be directed to Associate Dean of Students for International Student Services, Leah McSorley via e-mail, phone, or by scheduling a personal appointment.

Get to know us

The office of International Student Services (ISS) is devoted to the unique personal and educational goals and needs of the diverse international community at Lawrence University. The office strives to promote awareness, perspectives, and understanding of international cultures to cultivate informed global citizenship.

ISS is responsible for all communication and certifications with the various US government agencies involved with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, or SEVIS. All questions related to federal regulations and work benefits as they pertain to individuals maintaining "F" and "J" immigration status are handled through ISS.

ISS is located within the suite of offices on the second floor of International House. Walk-in appointments and phone calls will be accommodated as possible.

ISS can be contacted by phone at 920-832-6509 or by email at internationalhouse@lawrence.edu.

Mission

ISS accomplishes the mission in many ways:

Educating the campus about and acting as a resource for questions pertaining to federal immigration regulations affecting foreign students.

Serving as Lawrence’s Designated School Official, for F1 students, and Responsible Officer, for J1 exchange visitors.

Advising students how to secure visas, maintain immigration status, and secure the benefits of that status.

Managing SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) compliance.

Advocating across the campus for the distinctive issues international students face in their transition to life at Lawrence and the United States.

Creating an environment of openness, curiosity, and knowledge to inspire the Lawrence community to explore new cultures and experiences.

Administering programs that bring greater understanding of social and culture issues.

Maintaining International House as Lawrence’s center for international education. International Student Services subscribes to the ethics, principles, and standards as outlined by NAFSA's Principles for International Student and Scholar Services.

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