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UNO, NU Respond to Rescinding of SEVP Guidance

A recent policy directive requiring international students to take some in-person classes to remain in the country was rescinded on July 14.

  • published: 2020/07/15
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UPDATE JULY 29, 2020: Read "New Information for International Students in F-1 Status"

On July 14, the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration Customs Enforcement announced that they had rescinded the July 6 policy directive requiring international students to take some in-person classes to remain in the country.

Read below for messages from:


From Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.

Today I am pleased to share with the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) campus community that a recent federal rule change that would have required international students to leave the United States if their coursework is online only has been rescinded by the federal government.

I have little doubt that your words and actions combined with the University of Nebraska System’s joining hundreds of other prestigious US universities in opposition to the policy played a role in the decision. It is important to note that International Programs advisors will provide more specific information to international students who may be impacted once the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) provides further guidance.

I extend my deepest thanks to every student, faculty, and staff member who stepped up to support international students and worked to keep their academic journeys on course. It is times like this this that the Maverick Spirit shines the brightest.

In the Maverick Spirit,

Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.

Chancellor

From University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter

A Message Sent to International Students in F-1 Status

We hope that you have now heard the good news for international students from SEVP about their rolling back the 6 July guidance. In that guidance, international students who attended schools that went totally online or those who were planning to attend more of a hybrid model (like UNO) that could possibly convert to remote or online later, would have faced some serious decisions about next steps. Now, international offices all over the U.S. are waiting to learn more specifics about what is expected for continuing and new international students in terms of fall schedules. For this reason, we are urging you not to make any big changes to your current fall schedules until we send you further communications.

Please be patient as we wait for official guidance from SEVP following the rescinding of the 6 July guidance. We know how important this information is to you and will email you again as soon as possible.

If you have further questions regarding changes to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, please contact UNO International Programs at 402.554.2293 or unointladvising@unomaha.edu.

Your international advising team continues to meet you on the zoom Chat with the Advisors every Monday from 12-1 p.m. We are all here to support you and care deeply about your welfare.

If you are experiencing emotional stress or need someone to talk to, contact UNO Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

Sincerely,

The UNO International Programs Team

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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