Dear students,
We are pleased to report that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has rescinded the preliminary guidance that was shared earlier this month (6 July) concerning restrictions for international students taking online courses during the Fall 2020 term.
At this time, we are waiting for an official DHS announcement confirming guidance regarding remote learning for international students. Our current understanding is that we are returning to the March 2020 guidance that facilitated remote learning for students whether they remained in the U.S. or left the country due to the current pandemic. However, there is a possibility that DHS may still issue new guidance or additional details around in-person and online courses, specific to Fall 2020. This may include new operational guidance regarding incoming and transfer students, who were not addressed in the March guidance mentioned above.
At this time, it is recommended that international students studying in the U.S. continue to prioritize “In-Person” or “Hybrid” courses for their enrollment when possible in order to accommodate for any potential future guidance issued by DHS.
Updates on this evolving situation can be found via the U-M International Center.
Additionally, please note that it was recently announced that some consulates are beginning a “phased resumption” of visa services based on local conditions. Updates on this situation can be found via the International Center, as well.
We understand that you may have questions and concerns. The College of Engineering will be hosting a virtual town hall for our international graduate students on Wednesday, August 5 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. EDT. Please keep an eye out for further announcements about this event.
Please know that we highly appreciate the patience and resilience of our international student community during these unprecedented times. We will continue to share relevant information as it comes in, but please reach out to us with any questions you may have.
Mary-Ann Mycek, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Graduate & Professional Education
Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering
College of Engineering
University of Michigan
(734) 647-6851
ADGPE-Office@umich.edu
Joanna Mirecki Millunchick, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education
University of Michigan
College of Engineering
(734) 647-7150
aduemillunchick@umich.edu
Jeanne Murabito
Executive Director
Office of Student Affairs
University of Michigan
College of Engineering
(734)-647-7118
coe-studentaffairs@umich.edu