F-1 Student Advising for Beginners

Audience: F-1 student advisers with less than one year experience; others who are interested in understanding the fundamentals of the DSO role

This introductory workshop provides participants with hands-on opportunities to learn how to handle the most common requests made of new Designated School Officials (DSO). Participants will develop skills to help them interpret the common requests F-1 students have during the course of their program, research the regulations and other resources that help inform and define the work of the DSO, and determine the best course of action in each case. The workshop will apply these skills to requests such as: issuing I-20s, maintaining status, employment, practical training, travel and reentry, and program extensions.

Workshop Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Interpret student requests and accurately advise them on how to maintain their F-1 status.
• Make informed decisions using a process that will incorporate the myriad influences affecting the decision.
• Comply with legal and institutional reporting requirements.
• Educate key parties on important matters involving international students.