MESSAGE FROM THE PROVOST: For International Students
Dear UHCL Students,
At University of Houston-Clear Lake, we want you to know that we are aware of your concerns regarding the executive order temporarily banning the entry of people from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen to the United States. We share your concerns and want to assure you that we are providing support to all international students. We are implementing activities to ensure that you, our international students, receive all the support you need at this time.
To re-iterate the message that Dr. Staples sent on Monday, if you are from one of the seven countries listed in the executive order or recently traveled to one of the seven countries listed in the executive order, we would advise you not to travel at this time. If you are not from one of the countries listed, in these times of uncertainty, we want to remind you that travel and re-entry to the United States is always at the discretion of Customs and Border Protection agents. Be prepared with the required travel and re-entry documents that you have always carried with you. As a reminder, they are:
· I-20 with a valid travel signature from your advisor
· Valid Passport
· Valid visa
· Proof of Enrollment & Proof of Financial Ability (Currently enrolled students)
· Valid EAD & Proof of Employment (if on OPT or OPT-STEM)
Below are some of the international student services that you can expect from the Office of International Admissions and Programs (OIAP):
1. Regular communication with you providing information and guidance on approved changes in immigration regulations and policy;
2. Updates posted on the OIAP website and social media accounts;
3. International Student Advisers ready to assist international students during Express Advising (Tuesday/Wednesday from 2-5 p.m.) or by appointment. You can contact your adviser via email and phone as well.
Stephanie Holleran: 281-283-2746; holleran@uhcl.edu (Advises Last/Family Names A-M)
Ann Umbreit: 281-283-2747; umbreit@uhcl.edu (Advises Last/Family Names N-Z)
4. Information sessions for international students to address travel advisories and other immediate and longer term concerns. Information Session dates and locations will be provided soon.
· On Friday March 3, 2017 at 12:30 PM in Bayou Building, room 2512, an immigration attorney from Gastanaduy-Collison Law, P.C. will be visiting UHCL to discuss the H1b process and other concerns. We encourage you to attend this informative session.
Lastly, at a time of constant change, rumors and conjectures can often lead to unnecessary anxiety. We recommend that you seek out valid sources of information to guide you.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact OIAP at:
Office of International Admissions and Programs
Bayou Building, Suite 2123
Phone: 281-283-2740
E-Mail: intladvising@uhcl.edu
Sincerely,
Dr. Glen Houston
Interim Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
