IMMIGRATION UPDATE
SEVIS is here! Still don't know what SEVIS is? Briefly, SEVIS or Student & Exchange Visitor Information System is a new way to track and monitor international students and scholars. La Sierra University is well on its way to be SEVIS compliant and has already purchase a new software that will facilitate  the transition from the old system to SEVIS. However, we will need your help!

In order to have all of you transferred to the new system by December, we will need you to provide us with some information that we do not have on your file. THIS IS MANDATORY. You MUST either come by the Office of International Student Services to fill out the form or print it, fill it out and bring it to the us. You will not be able to register winter quarter without doing this. You can download the form here.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does SEVIS work?
A. SEVIS is a new computer system that will monitor your stay in the US as a foreign student. You will be issued a SEVIS ID number by INS and that will be your INS identification number you as long as you're an international student. Different government agencies such INS, the State Department, Port of Entries, and others will be able to access this information.

Q. Will I need a new I-20?
A. Yes, but not yet. We will give all of you a new I-20 during winter quarter. If you're traveling outside the US, you will not need a new I-20. you will just need to endorse your current I-20.

Q. What if I fall out-of-status in SEVIS?
A. Because SEVIS will monitor everything electronically, there will be little room for negotiation and trying to get reinstated. Your class load will be automatically reported to SEVIS, so if you drop below the class limit without permission, there is not much we can do to help you. You  must go to INS and get reinstated. This will not be an easy process.

Q. What new information does SEVIS need?
A. In order for you to obtain a new SEVIS I-20, we will need to have information about your home country. We will need your current foreign address as well as your current address where you live in the United States. PO Boxes are not allowed in SEVIS.

Q. Can I enter information into SEVIS myself?
A. No. Only the Office of International Students Services will be able to do so.

Q. When will SEVIS be mandatory?
A. The deadline to be SEVIS complaint is January 30, 2003. La Sierra University is almost SEVIS complaint, so you do not have to worry. As soon as we are ready, we will let you know.

Q. What else should I expect with this new SEVIS?
A. Not just a new I-20, but also a lot of new regulations. As soon as the new regulations are ratified, we will let you know and post them on the office web site.

Q. I still don't understand!
A. If you have more questions about SEVIS and/or the new regulations, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We'll be happy to assist you.

DO YOU KNOW THIS PERSON?

Jodi Cahill, Dean of Nurture and Director of Homebase, is an awesome lady. If you do not know her yet, you've got to get to know her.

Dean Cahill is a very dynamic person, always looking for new ways to help international students and help them feel welcome.

She's the proud grandmother of Emma (3) and Sophie (1). Her office is Angwin Hall and her phone is x2081.

What's New?

SEVIS has arrived at LSU. We are currently in the process of updating our systems, so you will be getting more information shortly.

Upcoming Activities

Tuesday Tunes: Nov. 5, 12, 19, @ Eagles Nest. 8-10pm

SALSU Campus Ministries Retreat: Nov. 8-10. Contact Campus Ministries for more info. x2090.

"Monday Mania" Tennis: Nov. 11. Location, TBA. 8-10pm.

Assembly by Student Life: Nov. 12 @ Alumni Pavilion (Gym)

Club Rush: Nov. 12 @ Alumni Pavilion. Join a club! 11:30am - 1:30pm

Winter Quarter Registration: Begins Nov. 18. Visit your advisor!

Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 25-29. No classes!

Thanksgiving Day : Nov. 28. Happy Thanksgiving!

Hanukkah : Nov. 30.

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