DIRECTOR'S CORNER

Preparing International Students for Campus Emergencies

Back in August, I had the opportunity to visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) headquarters and sat in on their morning operations brief. It was impressive to understand the level of preparation and number of moving pieces FEMA coordinates on a nationwide basis. As we reach the end of National Preparedness Month, and especially as we are still in hurricane season, I encourage you to take advantage of the emergency preparedness resources available throughout the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—including FEMA and Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) resources. National Preparedness Month, recognized each September, reminds us that we must prepare ourselves and our families for unfortunate circumstances now and throughout the year. This year, DHS focused on the theme, “Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.”    Read More

WHAT'S NEW ON STUDY IN THE STATES

Understand Your Record Keeping Requirements

The new resource for Record Keeping Requirements and the SEVP Ask the Experts Webinar: What DSOs Need to Know about Record Keeping page on Study in the States can help you understand your federal requirements to maintain accurate records for your F and M students in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and in your school files.

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FIELD REPRESENTATIVE UNIT UPDATE

Protect Your SEVIS Password

“Unauthorized or improper use or access of this system may result in disciplinary action, as well as civil and criminal penalties.”

Does this message sound familiar? It should, as it is a part of the “Department of Homeland Security Consent” that all DSOs agree to each time they log in to Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). By clicking “Login,” you agree to the Security Consent.

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K-12 BEST PRACTICES

Back-to-School Reminders: Register Your Students in SEVIS

Have you registered your new and continuing international students in SEVIS? Among many other back-to-school responsibilities, designated school officials (DSOs) must register international students in Initial and Active status in SEVIS within 30 days of the start of the school session.

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Contact Us

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is dedicated to maintaining open communication with international students and academic officials. Our offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, except federal holidays at 703-603-3400 or SEVP@ice.dhs.gov.

If you need assistance with passwords or Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) technical help, email SEVISHelpDesk@ice.dhs.gov.

To report national vulnerabilities or national security concerns, contact ICE’s Counterterrorism and Criminal Exploitation Unit at CTCEU@ice.dhs.gov. To report exploitation of student visa programs or for suspicious export inquiries, contact your local HSI special agent by calling 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) or visit www.ice.gov.

Disclaimer: The information presented in SEVP Spotlight is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.

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