Update On Travel Restrictions

On November 26, 2021, a Presidential Proclamation established restrictions on the entry of certain travelers into the United States in an effort to slow the introduction of the new Omicron variant of the virus that causes COVID-19. The Omicron variant was classified as a variant of concern by the World Health Organization (WHO). Please visit the link below to learn which countries have restricted travel to the United States:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/from-other-countries.html

If you have upcoming travel plans:

• Determine if you are eligible to board a flight to the United States by visiting the CDC’s Travel Assessment site: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel/travel-assessment/index.html
• As an active F-1 student, a travel signature is necessary for travel. If you do not have a travel signature, or if the signature is no longer valid, complete the I-20 Reprint Request in the ISS Portal: https://iss.madisoncollege.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Students.Apply&Program_ID=31059

*Your travel signature must be less than 1 year old on the day that you plan to re-enter the United States

• Visit our website to review all Travel Requirements: https://students.madisoncollege.edu/travel-requirements

Don't Forget to Register!

As an F-1 student, you must be enrolled and actively participating in at least 12 credits each fall and spring semester. 

The U.S. SEVP has announced that existing COVID-19 Enrollment Accommodations will continue for Spring 2022. This means that if you:

• Were studying in the U.S. as of March 9, 2020 and have maintained valid F-1 visa status, you may continue to enroll in all online classes in the upcoming academic year.
• Arrived to the U.S. in F-1 visa status after March 9, 2020, then you may not pursue a 100% online course of study, but you may engage in a hybrid course of study that exceeds the standard 3 credit online limit. The New International Student Seminar satisfies this hybrid requirement for your first semester. We recommend students who were new to the F-1 visa status after March 9, 2020 to enroll in at least one hybrid or in-person course for Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 to ensure compliance with the most narrow interpretation of the policy guidance.

Edgewood College Upcoming Events!

Learn more about Madison College's dual degree program with Edgewood College!

Program highlights include:

• Up to $12,000 in scholarships per year for international students
• Guaranteed admission to Edgewood College
• No need to move – continue your education right here in Madison!
• Eligibility to live in Edgewood’s residence halls (even during your enrollment at Madison College)

On Wednesday, December 1, Edgewood Admissions representatives will be on campus to meet with international students interested in transferring to Edgewood.

• Sign up for a meeting: https://apply.edgewood.edu/register/?id=abfd8c76-89ae-48ea-a026-cf599279593a (Available times: 10am – 12pm and 1:00 – 3:00pm) There will be an international student admissions representative available 10am-12pm, but students are welcome to sign up for any time that works for their schedules.
• Location: Madison College Student Development Center

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP)

To continue receiving visa support as an F-1 International Student, U.S. federal regulations require students to meet certain academic standards. At Madison College, these academic standards are referred to as Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). You will receive a communication at the end of each term to let you know your SAP status.

SAP Standards

There are three SAP standards that must be met related to GPA, Completion Percentage, and Maximum Attempted credits.

SAP Standard 1 - GPA: You must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

SAP Standard 2- Completion Percentage: You must complete 67% or more of all classes you attempt

SAP Standard 3 – Maximum Attempted Credits: You may not complete more than 150% of the number of credits needed to complete your program

To learn more about SAP and each SAP standard, visit the SAP website: https://students.madisoncollege.edu/sap

Madison College Hmong New Year Celebration!

Madison College is hosting a Mini Hmong Fashion Exhibition on Tuesday, December 7 @ 11:30am at the Truax Campus, Intercultural Exchange. The event will highlight various cultural outfits worn at New Year Celebrations. Other activities will be conducted and FOOD will be provided! Event will be streamed LIVE @ Goodman South.

There will also be a Virtual Celebration Sunday, December 12 @ 5:00pm (live-streamed pre-recorded).

Hosted by Madison College Intercultural Exchange and the Asian American Student Association.

REGISTER for a chance to win a $10 gift card from Yummee Bakery! Must be present to win.

For more information contact Masaya Xiong @ mxiong27@madisoncollege.edu.

Stephanie Belmas Highlighted in International Student Partner Newsletter!

Stephanie Belmas, Director/Associate Dean for the Center for International Education was highlighted in the International Student Partner Newsletter this month. Here's what they had to say:

"We’re excited to continue building community amongst our partners by featuring each of you! This month we’re pleased to connect you with Stephanie Belmas, the Director/Associate Dean and PDSO/ARO for the Center for International Education at Madison Area Technical College. Stephanie began her International Education career in 2001 at UW-Madison’s International Student Services where she served 7 years as an advisor. During that time, she received the Student Personnel Association’s Campus Impact Award in 2006 and completed a masters in Educational Policy Studies from UW-Madison in 2007. In 2008 she was hired by Madison College to establish the college's international student program. In 2015 she received the Madison College Award for Outstanding Achievement in Student Development and Success. In that same year, Madison College received IIE’s Andrew Heiskell Award for Internationalizing the Community College. Stephanie was recently awarded the NAFSA Association of International Educators’ Patti Jones Award for Outstanding Leadership in Region V. Stay connected to others in our industry, including Stephanie!"

Congrats Stephanie! Well deserved.

Check us out on Facebook and Instagram!

Madison College International Student Services is on Facebook and Instagram. We are excited to connect with students, staff and our community. See you there!

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Need Help?

Madison College offers a wide variety of support services for students including success coaching, tutoring services, emergency funding, technology assistance, academic, career, and personal counseling, and many, many more! Visit the Support Services webpage to learn more and get the support you need to thrive here at Madison College.

Theater and Event Set Up - Job Opportunity

Theater and Event Set Up is looking for students who are capable of performing very physical work, able to lift heavy objects (over 50lbs) and climb vertical ladders up to 25’. Shifts include early mornings, evenings and/or weekends. Must have computer and technology knowledge and ability to follow instructions. You will have to re-arrange furniture into a different layout, turn on computers, projectors, and set up conference phones and sound systems. Our staff need to be able to respond to a wide variety of requests – all while maintaining a pleasant and helpful attitude. Please email Jason Walker to request an application. A class schedule must be included with your application at time of submission and you must be taking a minimum of six (6) credits.

Work as a Tutor!

The Student Achievement Center (SAC) is looking for Chinese and Arabic speakers that have some experience being tutors to work as language tutors for our students who are learning Chinese and Arabic in the World Languages Department. If interested, please contact Eric Off, Academic Support Services, at eaoff@madisoncollege.edu