July 11th Update from the ISSO Director

July 11, 2020

Dear International Students, 

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to share warm regards during this difficult summer and to share opportunities to connect with ISSO in the coming days. As I wrote on July 6, the U.S. government provided notice of distressing rules for the Fall 2020 semester regarding COVID-19 and students in F-1 visa status. (Read President Bollinger’s letter to the Columbia community about this here.) These rules have made an already difficult summer even more challenging.  In response, the deans and faculty at all of Columbia’s schools have been working assiduously to prepare academic program designs consistent with these new rules.  Columbia is also joining other universities in filing a “friend of the court” (amicus) brief in litigation against them.

To explain these new rules, ISSO has planned additional webinars for you in the coming days and weeks.  All times are Eastern Daylight Time:

  • Thursday, July 16, 7:30 AM: Webinar for new/incoming students
  • Thursday, July 16, 9:00 AM: Webinar for continuing/returning students
  • Monday, July 20, 12:00 PM: Webinar for new/incoming students
  • Monday, July 20, 2:00 PM: Webinar for continuing/returning students

You will be receiving more information about additional upcoming webinars. In addition, we have a new update posted on our website about the impact of the new upcoming regulations.

As we engage in the endeavor of international education, I often think of Alma Mater (nurturing mother) and of what she represents: that Columbia welcomes you with open arms; that the University is your home away from home for intellectual and personal growth whether you’re in the U.S. or abroad; and that you are dearly welcomed and keenly anticipated at Columbia whose faculty and staff are working around-the-clock to assist your return to the University community.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact ISSO right away. We will do our best torespond to you as quickly as possible.  

Again, very best wishes to you and your family for a safe remainder of the summer and for a successful return to Columbia for Fall 2020.

Kind regards,

David

David B. Austell, Ph.D.
Associate Provost and Director
Columbia University International Students and Scholars Office, and
Associate Professor of International Education (adjunct), Teachers College