From: Danielle Clarizio
Date: May 13, 2020
Subject: Week 15: Updates & Information from ISSS



Hi First_Name,

FINALLY THERE

Congratulations to our newest graduates and really to all of you for reaching the end of the semester! In just a few days you will be able to relax into the freedom of having made it to this point.

There wasn't meant to be an email this week but there are a few things I'd like to put out to the group so here we are. I appreciate your willingness to take the time to read to the end. 

F-1 STUDENT SUMMER TRAVEL 

These times continue to be difficult and we have received a few regular questions that I would like to address here. Please note that Stout email is the official communication method of the university. Updates and additional information about these subjects will be continue to be distributed through university email through out the summer as details become available. Please check your email on a weekly basis through out the summer. 

Question 1: When will we have more information about the Fall 2020 semester?
We anticipate that a decision will be made regarding the Fall 2020 semester in mid-July. As a reminder, you can check for updates on all things COVID-19 and Stout here: https://www.uwstout.edu/students-families-0

Question 2: I am planning to travel home over the summer- what should I know before I go?
If you are able to get a flight home you should know that we have not yetreceived any guidance from SEVP about how F-1 regulations will be adapted or applied in the fall semester. This semester, SEVP made extraordinary exceptions to regulations that permitted students to maintain their status even if they left the US and participated in online coursework. We do not know if these exceptions will be continued into the fall semester but we will be communicating with you when we have more information. 

You should also know that US embassies and consulates around the world have suspended visa services. This means that it is currently not possible to secure a new visa or a visa renewal. We are hopeful that consular visa services will resume at some point the summer. 

Questions 3: What if I need a new visa?
If your visa is currently expired (or will soon be expiring) and you leave the US, you will require a new visa in order to re-enter the US. If you are concerned about your ability to secure a new visa, then you may wish to remain in the US and renew your visa the next time you return to your home country. Right now, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to renew your visa abroad.

Question 4: Will I need to be in quarantine when I return from outside of the US? 
We do not have an answer to this right now. However, we cannot rule this out as a possibility as the CDC is currently advising this. If a quarantine period will be required, we will communicate this to students as soon as we are able to but please note that it may require you to adjust your travel plans to arrive earlier than you originally anticipated. 

Question 5: I am going to stay in Menomonie during the summer. What can I do!?
Normally Menomonie has quite a lot going on in the summer but with restrictions on public gatherings and event size, I would expect things to be a ltitle quieter than normal. However, there are plenty of outdoor pursuits that you can particpate in such as biking, hiking, kayaking and fishing. The Menomonie Market plans to re-open this weekend at the Wilson Park Pavilion. You can follow them on Facebook for updates to services. We can talk about bike rentals (if you need one), and of course, we have our garden project! More than anything, though, Menomonie will be nicer than it is in winter and that is a good thing! Reach out to Danielle if you need guidance on what to do here. 

Please email Danielle if you have more questions than those listed here!

I-20 TRAVEL SIGNATURES

If you do plan to travel outside of the US, you will need an I-20 with a travel signature (on page 2, valid up to 12-months) when you return. In March we emailed you to say that all I-20s have been printed and signed for travel. 

Most students have not yet picked up their I-20--which is fine, but if you are travelling, we recommend picking up your document from the University Police Office (University Services Building). Please bring your ID when you pick up your document. 

If you have already left the US without obtaining a travel signature, don't worry! Currently SEVP has authorized to use a digital signatures. Our preference is for you to have an original ink signature but a digital one is currently acceptable. Email Danielle if you need a digital travel signature. 

STOUT ONLINE IS SEEKING A DESIGN ASSISTANT

Could it be you? 

The Graduate School & UW-Stout Online seeks an undergraduate student to join Stout Online’s instructional design program to assist in the design, development, and maintenance of online courses. The position description is attached to this message.

If you are interested in applying, you should email a current resume to Jamison Patrick at patrickj@uwstout.edu no later than Friday, May 29, 2020, at midnight, to apply. The position(s) will remain open until filled. Send all questions to the same email address.

SUMMER TUITION SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

We know that this semester has been difficult in ways that we could not have imagined on January 27 when it began. And we also know that many students are worried about getting home this summer, or indeed, what they will do if they cannot get home just yet. 

Because of this, we have created a one-time summer scholarship for Stout students who are stuck in the US the summer. The value of the COVID-19 Relief Scholarship is:

  • $200 per credit
  • Maximum six (6) credits
  • Maximum award $1,200
 
To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
  • Be enrolled in UW-Stout Summer 2020 courses from within the US 
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher following completion of Spring 2020
  • Not be sponsored by a home country government
  • Not be enrolled in a Customized Instruction (CI) program
  • Provide explanation of financial need

 
COVID-19 Relief Scholarship applications must be received by July 1, 2020 to ensure timely application to your student account. Please note that tuition for Summer 2020 is due by July 15, 2020.  

TO APPLY: Complete the online application here: 
https://uwstout.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aY77zhD3QZ2J8K9 

OIE SUMMER HOURS

The Office of International Education is open through the summer months. Of course, our services will continue to be offered virtually until further notice but please do not hesitate to reach out if you need assistance. 

As a reminder, our hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm.


Attachments:
  • Student ID Assistant_SU20.docx