Enrollment Requirements for International Students for Fall 2021

International Students,

As we look ahead to Fall Semester 2021, please keep in mind the following message from Chancellor Dehghani. In his email to the campus community of March 11 (below), he stated, “Today I am excited to announce that Missouri S&T plans to return to mostly in-person classes, research, work, and student activities for the fall 2021 semester. Classes will begin on Monday, Aug. 23.”

Based on this announcement, all international students are encouraged to make plans to be in Rolla and enrolled in classroom-based and/or blended courses for Fall 2021.   You should plan your arrival to allow you to complete any required quarantine before the first day of classes.   Students should plan to participate in classes according to the instruction mode of each class.  Be sure to check the instruction mode of your classes when enrolling.

SEVP guidance:

SEVP announced that the guidance from March 2020 will remain in effect for the upcoming 2021/22 academic year. This guidance allows for some international students to take more than three credit hours of online coursework while maintaining their nonimmigrant status. However, S&T will only be offering a limited number of online classes for the fall semester.  Instructors and the Registrar’s Office will not add additional online sections at the request of students.

Enrollment Requirements for Fall 2021:

Your enrollment requirements depend on whether you meet the criteria for a current student or new student based on your status as of March 9, 2020.

Current students:

  • Definition of a current student:
    • A student on an F-1 or J-1 visa who was attending Missouri S&T or on-campus as of March 9, 2020, and otherwise complying with the terms of your nonimmigrant status. This includes Missouri S&T students who have had a change of education level. 
    • A student on an F-1 or J-1 visa who was attending another SEVIS approved school on March 9, 2020, who transferred their SEVIS record to Missouri S&T since March 9, 2020, who has remained in the U.S. since March 9, 2020, and who has otherwise complied with the terms of your nonimmigrant status.
  • Enrollment requirements for Fall 2021 for current students:
    • Graduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 credit hours
    • Undergraduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours
    • There is no limit on the number of online classes you can take, however you must enroll in the courses and sections currently offered by the university – additional online sections will not be added.  
    • You must be in Rolla to meet any in-person requirements of your coursework.  Your attendance must match the mode of teaching

New students:

  • Definition of a new student
    • A student on an F-1 or J-1 visa who started on-campus enrollment after March 9, 2020. This includes students who started attending Missouri S&T in-person for summer semester 2020, fall semester 2020, spring semester 2021, summer semester 2021, or fall semester 2021.
    • A student on an F-1 or J-1 visa who previously attended another SEVIS approved school and transferred their SEVIS record to Missouri S&T since March 9, 2020, and who left the U.S. since March 9, 2020, even if the student has returned to the U.S.
  • Enrollment requirements for Fall 2021 for new students:
    • Graduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 credit hours
    • Undergraduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours
    • You must be enrolled in at least one classroom-based or blended course
    • You must be in Rolla to meet any in-person requirements of your coursework.  Your attendance must match the mode of teaching.

If you are unable to return to Rolla or you are a new student and you are not able to come to Rolla for Fall 2021, please contact your international advisor or ia@mst.edu to discuss what your enrollment options are. All other students are expected to be on campus for Fall 2021.

Travel/quarantine requirements:

Any student traveling internationally should contact Student Health Services at COVID@mst.edu for guidance on vaccinations and quarantine requirements.

Stay up to date with the latest coronavirus information for S&T. If you have questions about your enrollment requirements for fall, please contact the Office of International Affairs at ia@mst.edu. We hope you enjoy your summer and we look forward to seeing everyone on campus this fall!

Best Regards,

The Office of International Affairs
ia@mst.edu | 573-341-4208

Message Regarding Webinars / Tax Obligations for International Students and Scholars

January 22, 2021

Dear International Students and Scholars,

As an international student or scholar in the US, it’s important that you understand the tax requirements of your visa. You’re legally required to file a tax return if you worked in the US or received a stipend, grant, or allowance.   This covers the tax period of January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020.

Even if you didn’t work or receive income in the US, you’re still legally obligated to file Form 8843 with the IRS.

Missouri University of Science and Technology has arranged free access to Sprintax to guide you through the process, prepare the necessary tax documents to file your federal tax return and even check if you’re due a tax refund. In many instances, Sprintax may also be used for preparing documents for filing state tax returns, but costs may apply.    

Unique codes will be given to all currently enrolled students/scholars and students who are active on OPT/STEM OPT/Academic Training.  The Sprintax software is now live and can be accessed.

 All you need to do is:

  1. Send an email of your request and student ID number to whitese@mst.edu to request your unique code.   
  2. Register or login into an existing account and follow the simple instructions
  3. Complete the online questionnaire
  4. Enter your unique code in the box on the ‘Review your order’ page
  5. Sprintax will prepare your tax return.
  6. You must print, sign and mail your documents once you complete the preparation process in the Sprintax software.

If you have any questions, please use the live chat function in Sprintax and the Sprintax team will be happy to help.

Below are additional resources and webinars available from Sprintax -  

Youtube – International Student US Tax Workshop

Sprintax Blog Post - US tax season survival guide for international students on F-1 visas

Sprintax Blog Post – Everything a nonresident in the U.S. needs to know about the second COVID stimulus payment

In the above blog post the following topics are covered:

  • Who is eligible to keep/receive the second stimulus payment
  • Who is not eligible to keep/receive the second stimulus payment
  • What to do if you have received the payment in error
  • What to do if you already amended your tax return, returned the first stimulus payment but have now received the second payment
  • Other useful Q and A’s around the topic

Sprintax offers a series of tax webinars.   The informational webinars will cover the same topics on each occasion:  

  • An overview of tax for nonresident students and scholars
  • Who must file a 2020 US tax return
  • What income forms students/scholars may receive
  • Forms that need to be completed and sent to the IRS
  • We cover terms like FICA, ITIN and Form 1098-T
  • What happens if students don’t file, or misfile
  • State tax returns
  • IRS stimulus payments
  • Sprintax overview

Webinars dates and links to register are below -

Best Regards,

Sarah White
SEVIS Coordinator, Office of International Affairs

MESSAGE REGARDING CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

February 17, 2020

Dear International Students and Scholars,

As you know, the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is a significant public health concern worldwide. While there are no confirmed cases of the virus among the S&T population and no confirmed cases in Missouri, you may have friends, family, and colleagues abroad who have been negatively impacted.

We want you to know that we share your concerns and offer our support. There are many resources across campus that can help alleviate the anxiety or stress you may be feeling.

The university administration is closely monitoring the situation. Because it is continually developing, we recommend you stay up to date on the most accurate information through these online resources.

As you start making plans for Spring Break, please keep any travel restrictions in mind and ensure that your I-20 or DS-2019 end date will allow ample time for you to remain in the US until travel restrictions have ceased.  Please speak with the Office of International Affairs regarding a request for extension if necessary.

We admire the efforts of the Chinese Student and Scholar Association (CSSA) at Missouri S&T.  They have already raised approximately $4,200 to help those impacted in the Hubei Province.

Please know that we care about each and every one of you and value the rich cultural diversity that you bring to our campus and our community.  Please feel free to reach out to our office if you need support.

 With warmest regards,

Dr. Jeanie Hofer

Associate Provost for Office of International Affairs

2018-2019 Annual Report

International Affairs recently published its 2018-2019 Annual Report.  This report provides an overview of the activities and accomplishments of  the Office of International Affairs from August 2018 - July 2019.  To view the report, click the link above.

International Affairs Hosts Global Showcase Event

In celebration of International Education Week, we hosted our annual Global Showcase on Wednesday, November 21, 2019.

Campus organizations, including many international student clubs, were invited to have a table at the event. The goal was to highlight the diverse culture at Missouri S&T and celebrate the importance of international education worldwide. Members of the S&T community who stopped by the event could learn about the home countries of some of our international students, have their name wrote in different languages, and look at pictures and artifacts from across the globe. There was also entertainment, including a musical performance by a current PhD student from China, Xuecheng Ye, and dancing by the Aerial Swing Dance Club. 

International Education Week, November 18-22, 2019, is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. The joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education is designed to promote programs that prepare Americans for global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences.

Dr. Jun Fan, Professor Electrical & Computer Engineering, hosts a sixth group of international student interns

 

The U.S. Department of State sponsors an outstanding internship program for international students who are in good academic standing and currently enrolled and pursuing a degree (e.g. bachelor's, master's, or doctorate) at an accredited post-secondary academic institution outside the US.  This program is designed to:

  • Provide an opportunity for eligible international students to pursue a structured and guided internship program in his/her specific academic field. 
  • Fulfill the educational objectives for the student intern’s current degree program at his/her home institution overseas.
  • Increase mutual understanding by means of educational and cultural exchanges.

Dr. Jun Fan, Professor, Electical & Computer Engineering, has sponsored an extremely successful J-1 exchange visitor student intern program. The Missouri S&T Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Lab has a summer internship program for international undergraduate students.  The self-funded intern students spend the summer (usually 2-3 months) in the laboratory and participate in cutting-edge research on electromagnetic compatibility and signal and power integrity.  They work with their mentors (senior graduate students) and faculty advisers to experience a real-world research environment while also having opportunities to participate in cultural and networking activities. 

This internship program also serves as a graduate student recruiting opportunity for the Missouri S&T EMC Lab.  At the end of the internship program, excellent intern students are offered to continue their graduate studies with the lab a year later.  This program, developed by Professor Fan, was initiated in 2013 with six rising-senior students from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST). In 2018 it has now been expanded to 19 intern students from five universities in China and South Korea.

From 2013 to 2017, a total of 41 students have participated in the EMC student internship program. Sixteen of them have returned to S&T’s EMC lab as graduate students (11 PhD and 5 MS).

Dr. Jun Fan

‌Dr. Fan’s comment about his student intern program: “A real-world experience of cutting-edge research and US graduate school life.”

For information on student intern programs please refer to:

http://international.mst.edu/visitingscholars/resourcesforacademicdepartments/

 or contact the Office of International Affairs at:  573.341.4208 Or ia@mst.edu

Missouri S&T welcomes new international class of 2018

Schuman Park came alive recently with music, dancing and food at the Welcome Picnic for the new and returning international Missouri S&T students.

Hosted by the S&T Office of International Affairs, the event featured students from over 20 countries from around the globe enjoying slices of watermelon, snow cones and other food items, plus games of washers and volleyball.

The international students from more than 50 countries will be attending S&T and majoring in such disciplines as petroleum engineering, nuclear engineering, electrical, civil, aerospace, mining and others.

The campus radio station, KMST provided the music at the event which seemed to have universal appeal with students knowing the various dance moves and lyrics to the songs being played.

CELEBRATING 5 YEARS WITH RICHARD MYERS

The Office of International Affairs is proud to recognize Mr. Richard Myers, Program Coordinator, for five years of service with Missouri S&T. 

Richie has contributed to the success of Celebration of Nations as the coordinator of the event.  He is well regarded in the Phelps Co. region for his outreach to local schools where he brings our S&T international students to meet and interact with local school kids. These interactions give many kids an opportunity to get an international experience and learn more about the world around them.

International Affairs appreciates Richie’s commitment to his work, and dedication to bring an international message to folks in the Ozarks.

curators approve New Tuition structure

We wanted to make sure all of our international students know about the new tuition structure that goes into effect this fall. This new tuition structure was approved by our governing body, the University of Missouri System Board of Curators, in May. Under this new structure, undergraduate and graduate resident and non-resident tuition rates will increase by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 2.1 percent. This increase complies with a state law that requires public colleges and universities to limit tuition increases to the CPI. In addition, the curators approved a new tuition rate for international students that is $75 per credit hour above the non-resident (out-of-state) rate.  Please view this website for the tuition structure.

Missouri S&T continues to be a great investment. The average starting salary for graduates with bachelor’s degrees is over $62,000, and the average starting salaries for graduates with master’s degrees is now nearly $81,000. Ph.D. graduates also have strong starting salaries, averaging over $74,500. This great return on investment is why S&T is one of the top three engineering schools in the nation, as ranked by USAToday and CollegeFactual.com, and why we are No. 6 in the nation for return on investment, according to PayScale.com.

In addition, Missouri S&T is the only university in the University of Missouri System designated as “highly selective” by the Missouri Department of Higher Education. This designation not only contributes to S&T’s recognition as one of the world’s finest research universities, but also adds tremendous value to your Missouri S&T degree.
Pictured from left: Mr. William Elliott, Dr. Necati Sozuoz, Dr. Robert Marley, Dr. Mehmet Bulut, and Dr. Jeanie Hofer

Missouri S&T Welcomes Delegation from Istanbul Zaim University

Missouri S&T welcomed a delegation visit from Istanbul Zaim University on Monday, January 8 and Tuesday, January 9, 2018. The delegation included Prof. Dr. Mehmet Bulut, President of Istanbul Zaim University, and Dr. Necati Sozuoz. The group met with Dr. Robert Marley, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Jeanie Hofer, Associate Provost for the Office of International and Cultural Affairs, and Mr. William Elliott, Director for the Office of International and Cultural Affairs and signed a Memorandum of Academic Cooperation (MOAC). Additionally, President Bulut met with several academic departments, as well as Enrollment Management and Global Learning. Numerous collaboration opportunities were identified, including transfer programs, student exchange, certificate programs, faculty exchange, short-term English programs and other academic initiatives.

Dr. John Hudzik to Present Seminar on November 14, 2017

S&T’s Internationalization Committee is sponsoring a seminar by Dr. John Hudzik, a well-known figure in international education, as this year's guest speaker during International Education Week. Dr. John Hudzik, Professor at Michigan State University (MSU), is a NAFSA senior scholar for internationalization. From 1995 to 2010 he was dean of international studies and programs, and then vice president for global engagement and strategic projects at MSU. He is frequently an invited commentator and speaker at national and international conferences on the direction of global higher education and often publishes on these topics.

In 2000, the U.S. Department of State and Education established International Education Week (IEW) to strengthen global education and exchange awareness. IEW is now celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide. Missouri S&T welcomes the opportunity to join in that celebration by bringing together the campus and local community the week of November 13-17, 2017.

Dr. Jeanie Hofer, Associate Provost of the Office of International and Cultural Affairs, presenting Mr. Nadimin Bin Abdul Aziz, Education Attaché from Education Malaysia Chicago, with a gift.
Pictured from left to right: Dr. Jeanie Hofer, Asscoiate Provost, Mr. Nadimin Bin Abdul Aziz, Education Attaché from Education Malaysia Chicago, Ms. Susan Potrafka, Assistant Director, and Mr. William Elliott, Director.
Mr. Nadimin Bin Abdul Aziz, Education Attaché from Education Malaysia Chicago, meeting with one of the Malaysian students, Mr. Thareiz Zailani.

Education Malaysia Chicago Visit Missouri S&T

On August 17, Missouri S&T welcomed Mr. Nadimin Bin Abdul Aziz, Education Attaché from Education Malaysia Chicago. Missouri S&T has a long history of welcoming students from Malaysia to our campus. Malaysia is also a popular study abroad location for our S&T students. The Office of International and Cultural Affairs enjoyed our discussions with Mr. Aziz on how to build upon our relationship and continue our collaboration. We look forward to a continued partnership with Ministry of Education Malaysia.

Pictured from left: Mr. Ahmet Eti, Dr. Ihsan Sabuncuoglu, Dr. Warren K. Wray, Dr. Jeanie Hofer, Dr. Burak Arikan, and Dr. Necati Sozuoz.

Missouri S&T Welcomes Delegation Visit from Abdullah Gul University

Missouri S&T welcomed a delegation visit from Abdullah Gul University in Turkey on Monday, May 1, 2017. The delegation included Prof. Dr. Ihsan Sabuncuoglu, President of Abdullah Gul University, Dr. Burak Arikan, International Relations Director of Abdullah Gul University, Mr. Ahmet Eti, CEO of Sebit, Turkey, and Dr. Necati Sozuoz. The group met with Dr. Warren K. Wray, Vice Chancellor of Global and Strategic Partnerships and Dr. Jeanie Hofer, Assistant Vice Chancellor for the Office of International and Cultural Affairs and signed a Memorandum of Academic Cooperation (MOAC). The agreement includes collaborative opportunities in the areas of student design centers, student exchange, joint course offerings and other academic initiatives.

From left to right: Prof. Gustavo Muñoz, Dr. Samuel Frimpong, Diego Quiroga, Dr. Ximena M. Córdova, Dr. Warren K. Wray, Diego Benalcazar, Dr. Jeanie Hofer
Dr. Warren K. Wray and Dr. Ximena M. Córdova signing the Memorandum of Academic Cooperation on March 10, 2017.
Dr. Warren K. Wray and Dr. Ximena M. Córdova shaking hands after signing the Memorandum of Academic Cooperation on March 10, 2017.
Back row from left to right: Prof. Gustavo Muñoz, Dr. Jeanie Hofer, Dr. Samuel Frimpong, Mr. Tim Albers. Front row from left to right: Dr. Warren K. Wray, Dr. Ximena M. Córdova

Universidad San Francisco de Quito arrives to S&T for a delegation visit

Missouri S&T welcomed a delegation visit from Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Ecuador on March 8, 2017.  During the visit, S&T's Dr. Warren K. Wray, Vice Chancellor of Global and Strategic Partnerships and USFQ's Dr. Ximena M. Córdova, Vice Rector signed a Memorandum of Academic Cooperation.  This partnership opens up doors for faculty and student exchange between the two universities.  Dr. Jeanie Hofer, Vice Chancellor of the Office of International & Cultural Affairs (OICA) at S&T commented, "I am ecstatic about the opportunities that this program will offer to USFQ and S&T students." This visit by USFQ was followed by a previous trip initiated by S&T's Dr. Samuel Frimpong, Mining & Nuclear Engineering Professor, in August 2016.  At that time, Dr. Frimpong and Dr. Fabricio Yépez, Associate Dean of Engineering at USFQ, submitted a summary and recommendations in regards to initiating the now current partnership between the two universities.

The delegates from Ecuador included: Dr. Ximena M. Córdova, Vice Rector, Diego Quiroga, Dean of Research, Gustavo Muñoz, Metallurgy Professor, and Diego Benalcazar, Senior Vice President of Lumina Gold Corp.  Within the three day visit, the group toured laboratories and met with S&T's faculty, staff, and administrators. 

Yunnan University of Finance and Economics Visits Campus

Missouri S&T welcomed a delegation from Yunnan University of Finance and Economics in China on Thursday, August 18. The delegation included Dr. Hong Chen, Vice President, Dr. Qiongwei Ye, Associate Dean of the Business School, Dr. Zengxiong Yang, Associate Dean of the Business School, Dr. Yuankun Nie, Professor, MBA Director of the Business School, Dr. Nangai Yang, Associate Professor of the Business School, and Dongshu Jiang, Lecturer, Office Manager of the Business School. The group met with Dr. Keng Siau, Department Chair and Professor of Business and Information Technology at Missouri S&T.

MISSOURI S&T HOSTED SHENZHEN UNIVERSITY FROM CHINA

Missouri S&T welcomed Dr. Wujian Long, Deputy Dean of College of Civil Engineering from Shenzhen University in China. Dr. Long met with Dr. Jeanie Hofer and Ms. Jodi Haseakmp from the Office of International and Cultural Affairs as well as with Dr. Kamal Kayat, Professor in the Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering at Missouri S&T. 

MISSOURI S&T WELCOMES HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY

Missouri S&T was happy to welcome a delegation from Hong Kong Polytechnic University to campus. The group included Dr. Vincent Ng, Chair of the Department of Computer Science, Dr. Korris Chung, Associate Head of the Department of Computer Science, and 20 students, all studying computer science. They were able to explore campus on Friday, and meet with the Admissions Office and the department of Business and Information Technology. On Saturday, Dr. Das and the S&T Computer Science department hosted a seminar for the group.

MISSED BUILDING BRIDGES THIS YEAR? WATCH THE FULL EVENT HERE!

International Affairs sponsored their third annual Building Bridges event on February 28, 2017.  This year's theme was Dialogue to Strengthen Community, featuring immigration lawyer Mihaela Britt of Britt Immigration Law, LLC.

CURATORS APPROVE NEW TUITION STRUCTURE

We want to make sure all of our international students know about S&T's new tuition structure. This new tuition structure, effective fall 2018, was approved by our governing body, the University of Missouri System Board of Curators, in May. Under this new structure, undergraduate and graduate resident and non-resident tuition rates will increase by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 2.1 percent. This increase complies with a state law that requires public colleges and universities to limit tuition increases to the CPI. In addition, the curators approved a new tuition rate for international students that is $75 per credit hour above the non-resident (out-of-state) rate.  Please view this website for the new tuition structure.

Missouri S&T continues to be a great investment. The average starting salary for graduates with bachelor’s degrees is over $62,000, and the average starting salaries for graduates with master’s degrees is now nearly $81,000. Ph.D. graduates also have strong starting salaries, averaging over $74,500. This great return on investment is why S&T is one of the top three engineering schools in the nation, as ranked by USAToday and CollegeFactual.com, and why we are No. 6 in the nation for return on investment, according to PayScale.com.

In addition, Missouri S&T is the only university in the University of Missouri System designated as “highly selective” by the Missouri Department of Higher Education. This designation not only contributes to S&T’s recognition as one of the world’s finest research universities, but also adds tremendous value to your Missouri S&T degree.