Illinois Valley Community College works carefully with international students to ensure they feel supported from the moment they are accepted to the first day they arrive on campus. Sarah Goetz, the Designated School Official (DOS) for International Students, plays an important role in helping to guide students through the lengthy process of studying in the United States.
Prior to Arrival
Before international students even board a plane, they are in contact with IVCC, receiving instructions and documentation.
“Students receive their I-20 document from IVCC and directions to apply for their F-1 student visa,” Goetz stated.
In addition to obtaining all this information/documentation, students will receive a letter outlining their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) requirements. This letter will contain information such as the earliest day they are able to arrive prior to the start of the semester, and so on. They also get sent a Support Service flyer that will have details about housing options, local community, transportation, and other useful resources.
As the DSO, Goetz is the primary point of contact for incoming international students.
“I am often their primary point of contact. I then connect them to the appropriate resource at the college (Assessment Center, Counseling, Student Success Center, Coach),” Goetz described.
Registration and Enrollment
International students are strongly encouraged by IVCC to complete their placement testing online before arriving in the United States. They will also have a virtual meeting with a counselor to get an academic plan in place. International students cannot register for classes through Self Service by themselves. After meeting with a counselor, Admissions and Records will complete the registration process to ensure there is accuracy and compliance with visa regulations.
There are not many delays in the registration process. She is able to carefully monitor each student’s credit hours to ensure they are maintaining their full-time enrollment, which is required in order to remain compliant with the SEVIS and F-1 visa regulations.
Orientation and Campus Resources
At the beginning of the call semester international students participated in a specialized session during the college’s ‘Eagles Launch’. During this session, the college will cover essential information about full-time enrollment requirements, maintaining visa status, and the protocols for traveling outside of the United States.
Students also get introduced to multiple campus resources, such as the Eagles Peak Food Pantry, Student Success Services, and mental health resources. Information about IVCC’s International Student Club is also shared to help students build connections and form a community.
Housing Support
Typically, housing arrangements are made before the student arrives in the United States. The majority of IVCC’s international students are a part of athletic teams, to which the coaches often assist with finding housing options.
Although IVCC does not match students with host families or roommates, international student athletes are frequently paired together. If a student requests additional assistance, the Student Support Center can help guide them to finding affordable and suitable housing options.
Arrival and First Steps
Upon arrival in the U.S., students are provided with guidance on the paperwork they must show when entering the country. During their first week on campus, students are encouraged to explore and familiarize themselves with IVCC, meet with Goetz, and purchase their textbooks.
If issues were to arise after arrival, whether related to visa regulations or other concerns, Goetz still remains the primary point of contact. She will assist the students directly with SEVIS-related matters and is able to connect them to the appropriate campus resources for added support.
Through personalized support, careful monitoring, and structured preparation, IVCC helps its international students navigate the challenges of studying abroad while also building a strong foundation for academic success.