Dear international students,

As you read earlier today in the message from President Pollack, students will not be returning to campus after spring break, and classes will resume remotely with online learning options. We understand that this can create unique challenges for our international students, and we want to assure you that International Affairs and the International Services team is here to support you.

It is important to know that the university will remain open. For those of you who cannot easily return home, the residence and dining halls will be open to accommodate you. If you can return home, we can work with you on visa and other immigration issues.

If you are graduating this spring and planning to apply for post-completion practical training (OPT), we do not recommend that you depart the U.S for the full remainder of the semester. In order to be eligible for OPT, you must be in the U.S. in F-1 status, with a valid I-94 document. Please contact an advisor in International Services if you have questions about your OPT application process and travel.

Please email us at international@cornell.edu, or call International Services during drop-in hours, so the advisors there can talk through your specific needs and make sure that you have a plan in place for during and after the break.

We know that this is difficult and we are sorry that circumstances have led us to this point. We very much hope and fully expect that you will be able to finish out your courses and research online without too much disruption.

If you have any other concerns, please do email Vice Provost Wolford at vpia@cornell.edu.

All the very best,

Wendy Wolford, vice provost of international affairs
Brandon Lanners, executive director, office of global learning
Laura Taylor, senior associate director, international services, office of global learning