Covid-19 Information for F1 Students
Coppin State University plans to reopen campus in Fall 2021. We remain committed to implementing safety protocols, and standards to keep our students, faculty, and staff safe and healthy. We recognize our international students may have very specific anxieties and concerns about our return to campus. Below we answer the most common questions we’ve received throughout the pandemic.
Until further notice, International Student Services is closed to walk-ins and in person appointments. ISS staff are working remotely, and are available by telephone, email, and appointments via skype.
Still have questions? Please reach out to [email protected]
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Updates
Can nonimmigrant students participate in online classes?
SEVP will continue to be flexible in allowing schools to make temporary changes to normal procedure so nonimmigrant students can continue to progress in their program of study. Due to Covid-19, nonimmigrant students can temporarily engage in distance-learning, either from within the U.S. or outside the country. SEVP will continue to provide updated guidance as the situation evolves.
Can nonimmigrant students participate in online classes from outside the U.S. and still maintain their nonimmigrant status?
Yes. Due to Covid-19, nonimmigrant students can temporarily engage in distance-learning, either from within the U.S. or outside the country.
Are students able to return to the U.S. if continuing their studies outside of the country because of COVID-19?
Students who continue to make normal progress in their course of study stay eligible for admission into the United States. However, because of changing travel restrictions, nonimmigrant students should refer to their local embassy’s website through the U.S. Department of State for any updates about visa issuance. Also, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) both provide information about current and changing travel restrictions to the United States.
Courses
Instruction will continue remotely for the current semester. This does not present a problem for international students. The government agency that manages international students and scholars, Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), has made it clear that under the circumstances, students can shift to remote instruction as per the decision of the school, for the current semester. Please be sure to continue to participate in your courses remotely and follow all directions from your professors.
OPT, CPT, and On-campus Employment
Be sure to talk with your supervisor about whether you are able to continue working after campus closes. Some jobs will continue while others will stop until campus reopens. Talk with your supervisor so you can stay informed and plan accordingly.
If you are eligible for CPT and want to benefit from these opportunities under your active F1 status, email Carla Tyree in the International Student Services office.
There is a lot of flexibility in options for OPT employment. Jobs can be full-time or part-time (at least 20 hours), and may be paid or unpaid. This employment must directly relate to the degree you're earning or just finished.
USCIS processes applications as they receive them, but the process to hear back about approval or denial of your application may take up to 3 months.
For graduates currently on OPT and the STEM OPT Extension, there are no changes in the existing rules regarding this type of employment.
Travel
While the vaccine has caused many governments to relax travel restrictions, there is still a significant risk of traveling during the Covid-19 pandemic. If you are thinking about traveling outside of the U.S. during the pandemic, you may experience challenges trying to return.
Stay alert about any domestic and international travel—your destination may experience an outbreak and subsequent quarantine, preventing you from leaving until the quarantine lifts. Some countries may have bans on certain nationals, so it's very important to research before you go, and have a back-up plan ready.
Enrollment Requirements
At this time, there are no changes to the F1 enrollment rules.
F1 students must be enrolled full-time in every semester unless a reduced course load form was completed, signed and submitted to the ISS office.
As we look ahead to next semester, please enroll in desired coursework as usual, following F1 rules. If the usual operations of campus remain impacted next semester, Fall 2021, we’ll have updated options before that time from the University and from the government agency SEVP.