International students at Midlands Technical College go through two types of new student orientation. The first is that provided by the Student Activities department at the beginning of each fall semester. The International Student Coordinator provides the other type for each F-1 visa student prior to registering for classes.

The information below is some of the instruction you will receive in the ISC office. It is not intended as a substitute for a face-to-face meeting with the ISC, which is required.

MTC International Student Orientation

SEVIS:

• SEVIS is a computer database that the USCIS maintains containing student information about M, F and J visa students.

• The International Admissions Coordinator interacts with SEVIS daily to update student information.

USCIS status requirements

• Keep your passport valid at all times.

• Attend the school on your I-20.

• Maintain full time enrollment each semester (12 credits minimum).

• Do not go beyond the completion of studies date (Item 5) on the I-20. If you need more time to complete your studies, you may request a program extension. You must do this at least 30 days before the expiration date of your I-20. The International Admissions Coordinator can help you file an extension request. If the completion of studies expires and you have not requested an extension, you are considered out of status with INS and must apply for reinstatement. Reinstatement is expensive and your request could be denied. It is much better to apply for an extension and to do so costs nothing but a bit of your time.

• Contact the International Admissions Coordinator before you change your major or degree level, so that you can obtain a new I-20 to reflect your current situation.

• If you begin a program at another school make sure the transfer process is completed. Visit the International student office at the new school to obtain a new I-20 and tell the advisor that you are a transfer student. The new school should take care of the rest.

• Do not work without seeking proper employment permission from INS. Or, if you are working on campus, limit employment to 20 hours per week while school is in session.

• Report a change of address and/or phone number to the International Admissions Coordinator.

• File Federal and State tax returns each year even if you have earned no income. You will receive information about how to do this from this office.

When to see the International Admissions Coordinator:

• Before changing major or degree level.

• Before dropping below full time for any reason.

• When you are interested in work opportunities.

• To report change of address and/or phone number

• To report a name change.

• Before you leave the United States for any reason.

• If you change to another visa status.

• If you apply for permanent residency.

• During your last semester at Midlands Technical College.

• Before you transfer to another school.

Coursework Information:

• After registration, go to the cashier to have tuition deducted from your account.

• Avoid class absences and tardiness: Be sure to understand how many each teacher allows.

• Academic assistance
  • Talk to your teacher.
  • Make use of free math and reading labs, the writing center and tutoring services.

• Don’t drop below full time without speaking with the International Admissions Coordinator FIRST.

• Reinstatement – If you are academically suspended, go below full time status without authorization, or allow your I-20 to expire you will have to go through reinstatement. This request must be done immediately and before the next semester begins. The International Admissions Coordinator will help you with this process.

• If you get a D or F in class, you can retake the class for a better grade. When you get the higher grade you will need to go to Data Entry and ask to have the higher grade put on your transcript. Your GPA will be recalculated with the higher grade.

Information regarding work while you are a student:

• Work limitations and prohibitions
  • On Campus: 20 hours per week maximum
  • Optional Practical Training: You may apply to work off campus with INS permission after you have been a student for one year. See the International Admissions Coordinator for help with the application.
  • Curricular Practical Training: Off campus work authorized by INS as part of your academic program. See the International Admissions Coordinator for help with the application.

• Counseling assistance
• Student activities: MTC ID card, clubs, teams, etc.
• International Club
• Health Insurance
• Parking – no permit necessary

Driver’s license and Social Security numbers:

• The International Admissions Coordinator will write letters for you to help you with this process.

Midlands Technical College Online Student Orientation for Success

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