Our International Students are Safe at Marymount

 

July 8, 2020

Dear Marymount Community,

On Monday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued an announcement with new federal guidance that affects international students for the Fall 2020 semester. As you may have heard already, students on F-1 and M-1 visas may not remain in the United States for their studies if they are taking an online-only course load. This has caused tremendous concern for international students, and we are writing to assure you that with Marymount University’s return to on-campus classes this fall, you will be able to continue your studies without interruption.

We have been working diligently over the last few months to return to in-person classes and residential living at Marymount starting in August, while also ensuring a healthy and safe physical environment to prevent any possible spread of COVID-19. For our international students, who make up approximately 15 percent of our student body, this means your immigration status will not be jeopardized and you will be able to continue your studies here in the U.S. Our University is strongly committed to the success of your educational pursuits and helping you graduate on time.

As we have previously announced, our Return to Campus Task Force has created the “Saints Reunite” guide, which contains details on how Marymount will protect both your health and your educational goals this fall. Our Academic Affairs division is addressing physical distancing in classrooms and learning environments by offering four distinct modes of instruction:

·        Face-to-face delivery

·        Hybrid delivery (in person and synchronous online)

·        Remote delivery (participating from a distance at the same time)

·        Online delivery (participating from a distance at your convenience)

Students affected by the federal guidance should have received an email yesterday from the International Student Services (ISS) office, which outlines how you can adjust your class schedule while maintaining your F-1 status. For any and all immigration-related questions, please reach out to ISS via email at iss@marymount.edu.

The University will be holding a Zoom meeting for international students on Monday, July 13, from 11 am to 12 pm. Please click here to join the conversation on Monday.

Marymount values our international students – you play an integral part of our University’s educational mission. We pledge to you that if you seek to continue your studies in person this fall, you will be able to do so at Marymount. If you are unable to travel to the U.S. because of pandemic-related reasons or other circumstances beyond your control, you will also have the option of taking online classes while abroad.
 

Sincerely,

Dr. Irma Becerra, President
Marymount University