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International Students

International Students of Ave Maria University

Mission:
The mission of the International Student of Ave Maria University (I.S.) rests in several functions, centered on representing the interests of the international students before the administration, the department of students with the necessary legal assistance; organizing occasional social activities pertaining to the international culture.

On the whole, the essence of the I.S. is directed toward a deeper integration of the international students and the rest of the University in academic, social, and spiritual aspects.

Policies:
In accordance with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, the following policies have been established. All questions and inquiries should be directed to the Office of Student Life:

1. International students are not allowed to work off campus whether or not school is in session. According to the regulation of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), those who enter the country with "F-1" student visas may not accept off-campus work, unless they have proper approval from the INS. This regulation does not apply to "on-campus" student work programs that are available. Students cannot expect to work in order to meet educational expenses.

2. International students, like all other students, are not allowed to work more than 15 hours per week while school is in session. This number of hours was established as a reasonable amount for a student to support while also trying to pursue a normal program of study at the University. Students may work up to but not more than 40 hours per week on campus when school is not in session. However, the school cannot guarantee employment opportunities.

3. In order to maintain legal status in the US, international students must be enrolled full-time (at least 12 credit hours) each semester, except under rare unforeseen circumstances that must be reviewed and approved by the DSO on a case-by-case basis.

4. Report change of address to the International Student Advisor. INS requires change of address notification within ten days of change.

5. International students must return to their home country over the summer break period. International students are subject to the same on campus housing policies and deadlines as domestic students.

6. International students must keep their current, unexpired I-20 and passport safe and available. They must also allow the International Student Coordinator to make copies of their immigration documentation to be kept in their student files in the International Student Office.

7. International students must have the International Student Coordinator sign their I-20 form each time they leave and plan to return to the U.S.

8. International students are responsible for maintaining their F-1 status and keeping their visa and I-20 valid. The school is not responsible for keeping track of expiration dates and deadlines for each student.