INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS The Office of International Student Services (ISS) proudly services international students from over 110 countries around the world. In 2012-13, more than 2,000 international students called OU home. Approximately 1,500 of these were degreeseeking students, split nearly evenly between those earning graduate and those earning undergraduate degrees. The remaining international students are at OU taking part in various short-term program offerings, such as intensive language training at the Center for English as a Second Language (CESL).
International Student Services staff Brandi Hembree, Monica Sharpe, Sarah Highsaw, Emilie Gordon, Robyn Rojas, Cory Turley, Isabel SukHan Chu, Caroline MacLeod and Brenda Chaney
International students attending OU add greatly to the goal of internationalizing the OU experience. While studying in Norman, these students share their cultures and backgrounds with local students and the community at large. This creates a unique atmosphere of cultural exchange and learning both inside and outside of the classroom.
Federal immigration laws governing international students can be complex and ever changing. Therefore, the team at ISS works diligently with other entities, offices, committees and personnel at OU to assist international students and their dependents as they manage their immigration status. Upon admission to the university, ISS works with international students to facilitate their transition from country of origin to campus, and continues to support them throughout their stay in Norman, and even beyond if students apply for certain training or experiential programs after graduation. In cooperation with OU Admissions and CESL, ISS issues I-20 and DS-2019 immigration forms in support of F-1 and J-1 visa applications. ISS provides consular support and visa information as needed. The ISS team also maintains and manages the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to ensure compliance with immigration law in collaboration with an ISS Oversight Committee comprised of ISS staff, legal counsel and relevant university personnel. ISS provides expanded student outreach and service throughout the year via several open houses, events, online and in-person workshops and the ISS Speaker Series. The team also works with the CIS International Programs Coordinator to organize international student orientation and acculturation sessions, as well as various cultural and other activities during their time at OU. Last year this collaboration grew as CIS was chosen to host a Fulbright Orientation for over 50 international students. Finally, ISS staff have been actively involved in international student recruitment. OU’s campus wide international recruitment team attended numerous student recruitment fairs during the 2012-13 academic year, with visits to Brazil, Venezuela, China, Malaysia and Turkey, among others. As the international student population at OU continues to grow, the Office of International Student Services will be there to assist students and enhance their experience at the University of Oklahoma.