International Students Info

International students are an essential part of the Muhlenberg community, bringing to the college rich diversity and experiences that enhance everyone’s learning. As an advisor you play an integral part in ensuring that our international students know they belong at Muhlenberg. There are many offices on campus that support international students including:

The college is committed to safeguarding the rights and privacy of its students, faculty, and staff while complying with the law. Many have questions about college protocols and have asked for guidance in how to respond to issues concerning the immigration status of students who are not U.S. citizens.

Please remember:

  • Faculty and staff are required to maintain the confidentiality of student records according to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
  • If faculty or staff receive a request from a federal officer for information about a student they should refer the individual to Campus Safety (484-664-3110).
  • If faculty and staff receive outreach from the media about immigration issues, they should refer callers to the Office of Communications and Marketing. 
  • If you are not a Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) or Designated School Official (DSO) for F1 visas, you should refer any DHS or ICE request for information about students with F1 visas to the PDSO or DSO on campus.

Academic advisors who have an international student on their advising roster should be aware of the following: 

  • F-1 students must be enrolled full-time (3 units or more) per semester (fall and spring). F-1 students cannot fall below full-time status and must be physically present for their classes. 
  • Summer courses are optional and F-1 students can choose to take summer classes to work ahead or catch up, but there is no immigration requirement to do so.
  • F-1 students must make normal academic progress towards their degree (typically 4 units per semester) and maintain good academic standing. 
  • Only 1 course per semester can be an online course.
  • An F-1 student can file for a program extension with a DSO for valid academic reasons. Valid academic reasons include change of major, addition of a second major, or additional time needed due to an approved leave of absence. An F-1 student cannot extend their F-1 visa status for failing courses.
  • F-1 students can take internship classes in their field of study for credit towards their graduation, but they must seek approval from a DSO to utilize a benefit known as CPT (Curricular Practical Training). For this, they must have a registered internship course on their schedule that will count towards graduation.
  • An F-1 student also has a work benefit known as OPT (Optional Practical Training). This work benefit can be used for an experiential internship in their field of study that is used prior to graduation and is not counting for Muhlenberg credit. OPT can also be used immediately after an F-1 student graduates to work in their field. Again, the F-1 student must work with a DSO and apply through USCIS for this benefit. OPT working time is capped at 12 months total per education level. Students in STEM majors are able to apply for a 24-month OPT extension for extended work experience in their major field of study. 
  • If students make a change to their major, minor, program end date, legal name, address and/or source of finances,  they must notify a DSO so their immigration documentation can be updated. 
  • Students must follow all federal, state, and local laws.

Keep in mind, it is always the student's responsibility to maintain their immigration status.

Additional Resources

For any faculty that may have limited experience teaching international students, a recommended resource is Fostering International Student Success in Higher Education, available from Trexler Library, which is a helpful guide that can be a great foundation for ensuring international students are successful in your course.

In 2019, students Tony Fang, Kaelyn Kappes, Ji Ku, Michelle Sanchez undertook research funded by aPCLA/Arthur Vining Davis Teaching and Learning Grant and prepared a research poster, “What International Students Want Faculty and Staff to Know.”

Additional Resources: