Written by Office of International Students and Scholars | July 7, 2020 | SHARE
On July 6, 2020, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) issued a broadcast message modifying exceptions to the online study rule that it put in place for the spring and summer semesters.
The full memo (pdf) is available here. On July 14, the federal government rescinded this guidance and reverted back to the guidance issued in March. For fall 2020, international students in the U.S. will be allowed to take more than one virtual class and still maintain active student status. We have compiled some additional resources at the bottom of this page that explain this issue.
Lehigh's response to the SEVP Guidance
This new guidance is extremely disruptive to students and to universities like Lehigh. OISS has been in direct contact with our international students to provide guidance and support. Furthermore, we are working with our congressional leaders, partner organizations and peer colleges and universities to collectively take action in support of our international students.
- A Message from Cheryl Matherly Announcing the Guidance Rescindment (July 14)
- Lehigh Signs on to Presidents’ Alliance Amicus Brief in Support of Harvard/MIT Lawsuit Challenging SEVP directive (July 10)
- John Simon Joins Patriot League Presidents to Condemn Federal Action Targeting International Students (July 10)
- Lehigh and Five Other Pennsylvania Universities Request Support from State's Congressional Delegation (July 9)
- A Message from Provost Nathan Urban and Cheryl Matherly (July 9)
- Cheryl Matherly, vice president and vice provost for international affairs, speaks to Inside Higher Ed (July 9)