FAQ: Certificate program transitions & suspensions

Important updates for international students

Welcome to our international student support hub. We understand that recent changes to our certificate program offerings may raise questions about your academic path and visa status.

Please review the targeted FAQs below for detailed guidance on how we are ensuring your academic continuity and SEVIS compliance.
 

General program status and "why this is happening"

We are currently redesigning our professional and short-term programs to better align with evolving industry standards, modernized skill sets, and updated regulatory frameworks. To launch these new, high-impact offerings successfully, we must temporarily suspend admissions and phase out certain legacy certificate tracks.

Absolutely. We are fully committed to ensuring that every currently enrolled international student has a clear, viable pathway to complete their program. You will not be left stranded. We are actively working with Academic Services to guarantee that the necessary courses remain available to you until you graduate.

Course availability, flexibility, and deadlines

As programs transition, certain elective or core courses may have limited sections. To secure your required classes, you must enroll immediately when registration opens. Waiting until the deadline drastically reduces your chances of getting the courses you need to stay on track.

We understand that as a program winds down, finding 12 units of core and elective courses can be challenging. To give you the flexibility you need, academic advisors are working to approve alternative electives or related coursework to ensure you hit your full-time threshold. If you find your planned schedule is falling under 12 units, contact our office immediately—do not drop below 12 units without prior, explicit authorization from an International Student Advisor. It is important to enroll immediately and before the given deadline to ensure the courses you need are available.

Because courses are being phased out in a specific sequence, skipping a prerequisite or dropping a recommended course can cause a domino effect. If you miss a course this term, it may not be offered again before your program concludes, which could jeopardize your graduation date and your legal visa status.

Visa status and in-person requirements

Your F-1 visa status remains safe and valid as long as you maintain full-time enrollment and make normal progress toward completing your current certificate. Following your customized academic plan is the best way to protect your status.

No. To maintain your international student visa status, we remain strictly committed to the in-person requirement. You must enroll in the mandatory number of physical, on-campus courses to comply with federal regulations. Purely online schedules are not permitted for international students during this transition period.

Immediate next steps: summer and fall course plans

To protect your academic path, our advisors need to map out course capacities in advance. We have sent an urgent email request asking you to submit your projected Summer and Fall course selections. This allows us to plan exact course offerings, open necessary sections, and ensure there are enough physical seats for our international students.

If you do not submit your requested course plan, we cannot guarantee that the specific courses you need will be manufactured or available in the upcoming terms. Please check your student email and submit your plan by the stated deadline so we can advocate for your schedule.

⚠️ Important Reminder: Never make changes to your course load, drop a class, or alter your academic plan without speaking to an International Student Advisor first. Keeping your SEVIS record active and compliant is our top priority!

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