For International Students
Where can I get up-to-date information about official guidance for international students from the U.S. government?
The Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) will post up-to-date guidance for schools and international
students under the “NONIMMIGRANT STUDENTS” section of this page: https://www.ice.gov/covid19
All Spring 2020 classes are now online. Am I in compliance with my F-1 visa status?
Yes. SEVP issued a special directive to all SEVP-certified schools on Monday, March 9, 2020. This directive outlined procedures
for reporting temporary adaptations to course delivery in response to COVID-19. Under the given circumstances, nonimmigrant students may engage in online learning if traditional on-campus classes have been adapted to a digital format by the
university.
I would like to return to my home country for the summer. What do I need to know?
If you plan to depart the United States, please consider the following.
- If you are enrolled in summer classes, please consider the difference in time zones as well as any digital access restrictions that exist in your home country.
- It is unclear at this time how long existing travel restrictions may remain in place, or whether new restrictions are to come. Leaving the United States presents the risk that reentry in time for the next academic term (Fall 2020) will not
be possible. Please consider the real possibility that you may not be able to return to the United States for the Fall 2020 semester and discuss possible repercussions with the International Office prior to your departure.
- If you are nearing graduation and you intend to apply for Post-Completion OPT, you are not advised to depart the country.
- If you have a pending OPT application that you do not wish to abandon, you are not advised to travel outside of the United States.
- Is it advisable for you to travel to your home country at this time? Check in with your family back home and research what restrictions are currently in place before making any travel plans.
- The International Office understands that your decision to return to your home country is a personal one and we support you.
- You must follow all steps listed below the next question.
I would like to return to my home country for the summer. What do I need to do?
If you choose to leave the United States, please do the following before you depart:
- Verify that you have a valid F-1 visa. If your F-1 visa has already expired, or will expire in the coming months, you will need to apply for a new F-1 student visa while you are abroad. Please note: US embassies and consulates may temporarily modify or suspend consular services. If you are not able to secure an appointment to renew your visa, you may not return to the United States.
- Verify that your passport is valid for the Fall 2020 semester. Your passport must have six months of validity beyond your return date.
- Verify that you have a valid travel signature. Travel signatures are found on page 2 of your I-20 and are valid for one year. If you need a new travel signature, please contact the
International Office.
*If you are currently engaged in post-completion OPT, your travel signature is only valid for six months. - Inform the International Office of your departure, destination, enrollment plans, and estimated return date by completing the Location Notification Form.
Who do I contact with questions about my visa status while the International Office is closed?
The International Office staff is available to advise you remotely. Please email international@ohiodominican.edu to schedule a virtual appointment.
For Faculty/Staff
Is Ohio Dominican closed?
No, Ohio Dominican remains operational and employees are working (with non-essential employees working remotely). At this time, faculty and staff are anticipated to begin resuming on-campus work arrangements on June 15.
Will Ohio Dominican offer in-person classes this fall?
Yes. At this point in time, as long as directives and guidelines from Gov. DeWine and public health officials permit us to do so, we intend to resume in-person classes this fall.
Once on-campus working resumes, will I have the option to continue working remotely?
If you have concerns about returning to campus to work, please notify your supervisor.
Should I expect changes to the academic calendar/breaks due to the pandemic?
Yes. ODU’s Leadership Team has approved a revision to the university’s academic calendar for the fall 2020 semester in an effort to reduce the potential for exposure to COVID-19 during breaks. The changes include canceling ODU’s Fall Break, which was scheduled to take place Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 12-13, and extending its Thanksgiving Break by two days. In addition, Thanksgiving Break will mark the conclusion of undergraduate classes occurring on campus, with the last day of on-campus instruction being Friday, Nov. 20. Following Thanksgiving, both the last week of instruction and finals week will be conducted exclusively online. Once students leave campus for Thanksgiving Break, they will not return to campus until the beginning of the spring 2021 semester, which is scheduled to begin Jan. 11, 2021.
How will ODU communicate with me?
We are committed to keeping students, faculty and staff up to date by providing timely updates and communications. ODU offices and departments will continue to provide updates via your ODU email and our website at ohiodominican.edu/Coronavirus.
What is ODU doing to ensure extensive cleaning and sanitation measures are being taken?
We continue to work closely with our housekeeping services vendor, Sodexo, to ensure all high-traffic, high-touch areas are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
Will I be required to wear a mask?
While we continue to consider what steps are necessary to ensure the safety and health of all who live, learn and work at Ohio Dominican, faculty and staff will be required to wear face masks at all times when on campus, except when they are working at their desks and not in the immediate area of other coworkers. Human Resources will provide employees with a return-to-campus guide containing additional details.
What if I notice a colleague exhibiting signs of illness?
It is appropriate to ask how they are feeling and encourage them to head home immediately if they are showing signs of being sick. However, we should not stigmatize people who are sick or assume anyone who coughs or sneezes has COVID-19.
I’m feeling anxious. Who can I talk to?
We realize this is a stressful time for many individuals. Please remember that Ohio Dominican’s health plans offer comprehensive coverage for both physical and mental health care. Ohio Dominican offers an Employee Assistance & Work/Life Program through IMPACT Solutions to all full-time and part-time faculty and staff, their household members, dependents away from home, parents and parents-in-law. For assistance 24/7, please call 800-227-6007 or visit www.MyImpactSolution.com (the username for Impact’s member login is “ODU”).