In the September 2016 SEVP Spotlight, Field Representative Leeanne Johnson outlined the three  major components of F-1/M-1 program management that designated school officials must oversee, no matter how few or how many F-1/M-1 students are enrolled at their schools.

Ms. Johnson not only understands the important responsibilities DSOs must fulfill, but also appreciates the amount of effort and coordination this role requires. Below, she shares some of her tips to help DSOs successfully navigate two areas of F-1 and M-1 program management:

Student Component
 

• Proactively communicate with newly-accepted international students and begin a conversation with them prior to their arrival to the United States. Help them prepare by letting them know what to expect at a U.S. port of entry.
• Create welcome packets for newly-accepted international students to help them understand the rules they must follow and better acclimate to life in the United States. Use the Study in the States Resource Library to print out helpful one pagers that break down the international student life cycle and explain how to maintain status.

Knowledge & SEVIS User Component
 

• Print out hard copies of the applicable regulations (available on ICE.gov/SEVP) to have them on hand, and use a highlighter to identify different sections and details for easy reference. For help understanding them, peruse online resources such as those on Study in the States or contact SEVP.
• Sign up to receive a notice every time SEVP releases new policy guidance. If the guidance is in draft or interim final status, be sure to share your feedback with the program during the open comment period. Policy guidance is very helpful to schools, as it provides insight into how SEVP adjudicators make decisions based on the program’s interpretation of federal regulations.
• Participate in free government webinars. SEVP hosts stakeholder webinars, which focus on understanding federal regulations, policies and important program news. SEVP also hosts technical webinars designed to help you navigate the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
• Speaking of SEVIS, bookmark the SEVIS Help Hub for quick, easy-to-follow instructions on how to properly report and capture information within the system. In addition to the SEVIS webinars mentioned above, the SEVIS Help Hub includes release planning guides for SEVIS deployments, job aids and frequently asked questions.

Next month, Study in the States will share Ms. Johnson’s specific recommendations for principal designated school officials as they navigate the school certification life cycle.

Do you have questions about how to better manage your school’s F-1/M-1 programs? Reach out to your local field representative or contact the SEVP Response Center.