Your designated school official (DSO) is a vital resource during your time in the United States. A DSO can answer questions, advise you on selecting courses and help you maintain your status. Your DSO is also a great source of information about your school’s policies and procedures. This Thanksgiving season tell your DSO how much you appreciate this help and advice by saying “thank you.”

Your DSO should be the first person you go to when you have questions or need help. In fact, here are some times when you must go to your DSO for help:

• Changing your major, program, degree or educational level
• Transferring to a new school
• Taking annual vacation
• Taking a leave of absence
• Traveling outside of the United States
• Moving to a new address
• Changing your name
• Working in the United States
• Requesting a program extension
• Having trouble maintaining status or need to take a reduced course load
• Having a Terminated Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record or other discrepancies on your SEVIS record
• Wanting to participate in a study abroad program
• Having trouble applying for a driver’s license
• Having any other questions related to your program of study and time studying in the United States

How has your DSO helped you? Tell us on Facebook or Twitter.