INTERNATIONAL SPONSORED STUDENTS Robert Coffey Assistant Director/Sponsored Student Program Coordinator Office of Admissions Nicole Namy Coordinator, International Sponsored Student Program (ISSP) Office of International Students and Scholars

Who we are Nicole Namy Bob Coffey Liaison between university, sponsors and students Coordinate with university representatives to bring sponsored student to campus Tracking and maintaining financial guarantee records Monitor academics and immigration records Provide student support Bob Coffey Recruitment activities Assisting applicant students Assisting academic departments/colleges with international recruitment Connecting sponsors/ prospective students with academic departments

Admissions (Recruitment) Admissions (Processing) Workflow Admissions (Recruitment) Sponsors Billing OISS Admissions (Processing) Departments

Why do international students come to MSU? Students from 130 countries travel here to be a part of the Spartan Experience. The institutional context for our presentation. The US is the top destination country for international students, and MSU is in the Top Ten for international enrollment nationally. We all know what an extraordinary school MSU is. Students from 130 countries travel here to be a part of the Spartan Experience.

Sponsored students A sponsored student is defined as a student who receives a scholarship from a government, organization, or company (as opposed to parents, family, or other individuals).

Sponsored students BENEFITS Students who might otherwise lack the means can attend MSU Sponsored students can raise the profile of MSU, college, department, program They enrich the learning (classroom, research) environment; contributing different/global perspectives They can help develop/enrich scholarly/professional networks between MSU and their home countries/sponsors Students are usually obliged to return home after MSU, where they apply what they’ve learned to solve problems and change the world (how Spartan of them!)

Sponsored students COST SHARING Sponsors (e.g., IIE) often ask for cost-sharing so that they can fund as many eligible students as possible. Cost-sharing significantly increases the chances of talented sponsored students being placed at MSU. The more cost-share offered, the more likely these students (and/or their sponsors) will choose MSU.

Sponsored students SUPPORT FOR COST SHARING: Always start with the academic department or college. This could include: Assistantships Awards In-state tuition OISS has a limited number of cost-sharing awards to help recruit sponsored students. Students receiving these awards are typically from countries underrepresented at MSU. In order to access these awards, the department must commit in writing to fully fund the student after the scholarship and tuition award ends.

Sponsors VIETNAM INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT (VIED) Approximately 10,000 students sent worldwide, 2013-20 Wide range of fields of study Year 1, 2 VIED: $27,000 per year Academic department: $8,200 per year (not including special program fees) Graduate school pays application fee if the student is admitted. Please review without the fee having been paid Total: $35,200 – ½ time RA in the department Years 3, 4, 5 Academic department must agree in writing to provide full support

Maintaining immigration status VISA CLASSIFICATION Students can either be classified as: F-1 : The most common visa status for international students. Requires an I-20. J-1 : For students in specific educational exchange programs. Requires a DS-2019. Classification is determined by program and funding source.

New Policy Guidance for International Students Provisional Admission vs. Regular Admission

Maintaining immigration status FULL-TIME ENROLLMENT Master’s: minimum 9 credit hours, or 6 credit hours plus assistantship (fall and spring semesters) Doctoral: minimum 6 credits, or 3 credit hours plus assistantship (fall and spring semesters) Summer can be considered a semester off unless it is the first semester the student is enrolled at MSU Students with F-1 visas may only count one (1) online course per semester toward full-time enrollment

Maintaining immigration status DOCUMENTS: Students must always have a valid passport. I-20 or DS-2019 forms must reflect updated information (e.g., name, funding source, degree program)

Maintaining immigration status EMPLOYMENT: May work on campus (maximum 20 hrs/week) during the academic year and more during university summer, spring, and winter breaks. Students with J-1 visas need their sponsors’ approval Any off-campus employment must be authorized in advance

Maintaining immigration status TRAVEL: Students will need a valid visa, passport, and a recent signature on their I-20 or DS-2019 form to re-enter the USA

KEY ASPECTS OF GRADUATE SELECTION PROCESS Graduate students apply as usual but submit supplemental MCF application (2-year on-campus master’s only) Department pays application fee and nominates candidates with letter and special form Candidates must be fully admitted by OA Key dates: Applications and supporting documents to departments by February 2 RAF with supporting documents to Office of Admissions no later than February 16 Nominations to ISP by February 25 Final selection complete by April 6

GRADUATE SCHOLAR SELECTION CRITERIA Strong commitment to a professional path in line with an area of study that can positively impact Africa. An interest in and capacity for give-back, evidenced by commitment and engagement on campus, in professional pursuits and/or community. Manifest ethical behavior and strong character essential to joining The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Network. Ability to deal with change, uncertainty, and adversity, as well as interest in other countries and cultures, necessary to succeed as a student overseas and represent one’s home country. Significant financial need and/or from lowest income bracket in country of origin. Commitment to give back in ways that enhance the economic growth and social development of Africa.

Questions? Nicole Namy namynico@msu.edu Bob Coffey coffeyr1@msu.edu