#WelcomeBack: Managing Your Academic Schedule
January 21, 2015
As you arrive to campus this semester, it is important to remember that you must maintain your student status. When it comes to your studies, follow the four rules below to gain success in your classes and ensure that you are maintaining your status:
- Determine how many classes you must take in order to enroll in a full course of study. The definition of a full course of study depends on whether you are an F or M student and the requirements of your program of study. Courses may be measured in credit hours (a unit of academic credit as designated by the school) or clock hours (standard time).
- Attend and pass all your classes. If school is too difficult, speak with your designated school official (DSO) immediately. There may be alternatives or adjustments to your studies that can help you keep up with your program of study.
- If you believe that you will be unable to complete your program by the end date listed on your Form I-20, “Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” talk with your DSO about requesting a possible program extension.
- Do not drop or stop going to a class without speaking with your DSO first.
What else do you find helpful to remember at the beginning of a new school term? Join our conversation and share your tips with us using #WelcomeBack on Twitter and Facebook.