President's Note on ICE Guidance for Fall 2020

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Dear BHCC Community,

Earlier this spring, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) instituted a temporary exemption regarding online courses for the spring and summer semesters. Under the temporary exemption, International Students (nonimmigrant students) were permitted to take more online courses than normally permitted by Federal regulation to maintain their International Student status during the COVID-19 emergency.

Yesterday, SEVP announced modifications to the temporary exemption for International Students taking online classes due to the pandemic for the fall 2020 semester. This new guidance has the potential to disrupt the plans of our 600+ International Students at BHCC. Our International Center and Academic Leadership are working as quickly as possible to get definitive information on implementing these mandates, so we can help our students review their plans, and make adjustments to keep their plans for the fall intact.

Our International Students are an integral part of our community.  We will do all we can to ensure they have a safe and productive school year.

Pam Y. Eddinger, Ph.D.
President
Bunker Hill Community College