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Location: Military Science 115
Phone: (435) 797-1124
FAX: (435) 797-3522
E-mail: iss@aggiemail.usu.edu (prospective students/admissions questions)
E-mail: oiss@aggiemail.usu.edu (current students)
WWW: http://www.usu.edu/oiss/
The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is committed to providing quality services to international students, scholars, and their families, and helping them to succeed, both academically and personally, in a caring and nurturing environment. OISS provides leadership and support to enhance the academic, social, and personal interactions of students and scholars while at USU, in the Logan community, and beyond. These services include, but are not limited to, international admissions, academic and cultural orientation programs, general advising, transportation, conflict resolution and mediation, immigration matters including SEVIS, peer mentoring, and cultural events planning. OISS also provides referrals to other campus units, including Student Health and Wellness Center, Counseling Center, Academic Resource Center, the Office of University Advising, Housing Services, Dining Services, Intensive English Language Institute, Registrar’s Office, Cashiers Office, Student Employment, and Career Services, to ensure academic success through graduation.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
International Undergraduate Student Admission
The following fees, documents, and information should be submitted to OISS four months (January 15, summer semester; April 15, fall semester; September 15, spring semester) prior to the beginning of the semester for which an international student wishes to be considered for admission:
- Utah State University international application for admission and a $50 nonrefundable application fee. Applications submitted after the recommended filing date will be charged an additional $15 nonrefundable late fee.
- Official transcripts and certificates or certified true copies for each secondary school, college, and university attended with official English translation of all documents.
- Evidence of financial capability must be provided with the application, as specified on the application form.
- International students must be proficient in the use of English. Proficiency is determined for undergraduates by a minimum TOEFL score of 525 on the manual (paper/pencil) test, 71 on the iBT (Internet-based TOEFL), a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.0 on each sub-scale), or by passing level 4 (advanced level) of the Intensive English program at Utah State University.
Qualified students in level 4 (advanced level) of Intensive English may take one or more academic courses if approved by the Intensive English faculty and their academic advisor. Audited courses are not recognized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) toward the requirement of carrying a full course of study.
Failure to carry a full course of study (at least 12 credits per semester for undergraduates), failure to make satisfactory progress toward the receipt of an undergraduate or advanced degree, or failure to comply with any other immigration requirements for students attending USU will be grounds for suspension or dismissal in accordance with existing University policy.
For further information about undergraduate admission, see Undergraduate Admission . See Registration for explanations of University policies concerning academic suspension and dismissal.
SEVIS
SEVIS is an Internet-based system that allows schools and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to exchange data on the visa status of international students. Accurate and current information is transmitted electronically throughout an F-1 or J-1 student’s academic career and throughout a J-1 scholar’s stay in the United States. U.S. embassies and consulates will also have access to SEVIS.
The University is committed to assisting students in the following ways, to prevent status violations from occurring:
- OISS will require mandatory orientation programs for all newly enrolled international students. The new rules and regulations will be thoroughly discussed and explained.
- OISS will offer orientation for all newly arrived international scholars.
- Informational sessions will be offered throughout the semester for students and scholars who are already on campus.
Transfer Student Admission
International students who wish to transfer to USU from another U.S. college or university needs to have an overall GPA of 2.5. In addition, if the student has fewer than 48 credits (in academic, non-ESL courses), he/she needs to prove English language proficiency by submitting the requisite TOEFL/IELTS score or by taking the IELI placement exam.
Applicants with at least 24 semester credits earned at another recognized institution will be admitted if they have a transfer GPA of 2.50 or higher. Those transfer students having a GPA between 2.20 and 2.49 will be considered on an individual basis. Many USU undergraduate majors require a higher GPA for admission. For specific GPA requirements, refer to this catalog or consult the departments. In cases where the student is admissible to the University but does not meet the minimum GPA requirement for admission to the desired major, admission will be offered as an “undeclared” major. Applicants having fewer than 24 semester transfer credits must submit an official high school transcript (including a translated version). Official transcripts of credit must accompany applications for admission when submitted by students who have attended other collegiate institutions. Transcripts submitted for admission become the property of the University and are not returned. Transcripts from all institutions previously attended are required (including a translated version). At its discretion, the University may accept transfer credit from accredited and nonaccredited institutions and miscellaneous sources. Acceptance of credit should not be confused with its application. Transfer credit may or may not apply to the graduation requirements of an institution, regardless of the number of credits transferred. Students who would like their college or university work considered for transfer credit must include a course syllabus or description (translated into English) of this work.
See Undergraduate Admission for more information about transfer student admission.
Readmission
Students who were in attendance the previous spring semester are not required to reapply for fall semester unless the student withdrew from the University or if academic action (probation or suspension) or graduation occurred at the conclusion of the spring semester. Former students of the University returning after an absence of one year or longer are required to file an application for readmission, unless a Leave of Absence form was filed.
Additional information about readmission of returning USU students is found in Undergraduate Admission . The policy regarding leave of absence is explained on the Registration (undergraduate) and School of Graduate Studies (graduate) pages.
International Baccalaureate
USU recognizes the International Baccalaureate diploma and awards credits for General Education requirements, excluding the Breadth American Institutions, Communications Literacy, and mathematics Quantitative Literacy requirements necessary for graduation.
Students who have not completed the International Baccalaureate diploma may receive 3 or more credits for scores of 4 to 7 on standard-level or higher-level exams, up to a maximum of 30 credits.
If, prior to (or after) taking an IBO examination, a student receives credit (including AP credit) for any coursework equivalent to the subject matter of an IBO examination, the credits earned for the course will be deducted from the credits awarded for the examination.
Further information about the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), as well as information about the number and type of USU credits awarded for standard-level and higher-level scores on individual IBO tests, is shown on the Placement Tests and Credit by Examination page.
Graduate Admission
Any student who has graduated from USU or any other university must apply to the School of Graduate Studies for admission and present two copies of official transcripts. Refer to the Graduate Admission section of this catalog for further information.
Required New International Student Orientation
Newly admitted or readmitted students must participate in New International Student Orientation. This orientation is designed to assist students in making a successful transition to USU. In addition to registering for classes, students have the opportunity to receive individual advice about degree requirements, as well as vital information about immigration, health insurance, housing, student services, campus life, and athletics. This orientation also gives students a chance to make new friends. New and returning international students should be aware that a registration hold will be placed on their file until some form of orientation is completed. After admission to USU, students will receive information about New International Student Orientation.
New students who are required to take the IELI Placement Examination will be able to schedule an appointment at the orientation.
For further information, contact OISS by phone at (435) 797-1124 or by e-mail at iss@aggiemail.usu.edu.
Undergraduate Graduation Requirements
For further information, refer to Graduation Requirements (Undergraduate) in this catalog.
Intensive English Language Institute
The Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) is an academic program in the college containing the humanities and social sciences. IELI teaches international students, residents, and refugees the English skills and cultural knowledge they need to be successful university students. IELI also trains international teaching assistants (ITAs) for USU. Information about the ITA training is available through the School of Graduate Studies. The IELI program accepts students seeking a degree at Utah State University, as well as students who want to study English for personal or professional reasons. Students may enroll to study only English.
Undergraduate students who apply to USU without a TOEFL score of at least 525 paper/pencil or at least 71 iBT (Internet-based test), or a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.0 on each sub-scale); and graduate students applying without a minimum TOEFL score of 550 paper/pencil or 79 iBT (Internet-based test), or a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, must take the IELI Placement Examination, given the first day of each semester, including the first day of the IELI summer session. Based on the examination results, students will be required to study in the IELI or exempted from further study and permitted to take classes in their major fields. For additional information, contact the Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) office by phone at (435) 797-2081 or by e-mail at ieli@aggiemail.usu.edu. Also, see the Intensive English Language Institute section of this catalog.
Summer Full-time Status
To be considered as full-time students during the summer, international students may not take all of their courses during one short-term session. More specifically, international students must spread their credit load throughout the summer by taking a minimum of one course during the first four-week session and a minimum of one course during the eight-week session. Undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 12 credits, and graduate students must complete a minimum of 9 credits. A maximum of 3 credits of distance education (online or independent study classes) may count toward the 9- or 12-credit requirement per semester.
Special Programs
Community and University Friends of International Students and Scholars (CUFISS)
CUFISS is a collaboration between the University and community which helps facilitate with activities, as well as with cultural and educational opportunities. For additional information, contact OISS by phone at (435) 797-1124 or by e-mail at iss@aggiemail.usu.edu.
Study Abroad Programs
The USU Study Abroad Office provides information on a range of programs offering opportunities for study all over the world. USU offers many study abroad exchanges for a semester, academic year, or summer term in conjunction with other universities. Students can complete major or minor requirements while on study abroad. For further information, refer to Student Support Offices & Programs in this catalog.
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