International students arriving for Fall 2021

New students arriving from an international location:

1. If you do NOT have graduate assistantship contract and if you need to quarantine your arrival deadline is August 12 (see drop-down box 3a for detailed information about quarantines).
2. If you do not need to quarantine, your arrival date is August 17. 
3. If you HAVE a graduate assistantship contract (teaching or research) you must advise the International Center of the status of your visa by July 30 and your arrival deadline is either August 12 or August 17, depending on whether you need to quarantine on arrival.
   • Please send us a copy of your visa or,
   • Your most recent I-94 showing F-1 status (if you are currently in the USA)
4. Law students arrival deadline is July 29

New students already in the USA:

New students that are already in the USA and do not need to quarantine, your arrival deadline is August 22 (note: classes start on Aug. 23)

• Exceptions (except for students with graduate assistantship contracts) can be made on a case-by-case basis by the International Center.

Deadlines and quarantine

Details specific to quarantine requirements found in drop-down box 3a

The arrival deadlines above allow you the time to complete required quarantine and/or testing before classes start on August 23. If your quarantine is completed before classes start you are free to explore campus and the city of Akron, as well as get your vaccination if you wish.

Will you be living on-campus? If you have a fall 2021 housing contract to live in one of our residence halls, we can provide quarantine accommodation beginning August 2 and onwards.

• You MUST have completed our travel/arrival form in advance so we know to have a room ready for you.
• You will live in temporary housing for your quarantine and will later move to your permanent location.
• Students in the Emerging Leaders program will most likely need to take advantage of this early arrival accommodation.

FAQs

Q: Do I have to come directly to Akron, or can I stay with a friend in another city/state before coming to campus?

You may stay with family or friends in another state to complete any required quarantine before coming to Akron. State, local, and territorial governments may have travel restrictions in place, including testing requirements, stay-at-home orders, and quarantine requirements upon arrival. For up-to-date information and travel guidance, check the state or territorial and local health department where you are, along your route, and where you are going. Prepare to be flexible during your trip as restrictions and policies may change during your travel. Follow all state, local, and territorial travel restrictions.

Note: It is your responsibility to complete the required testing/quarantine as outlined for your situation before you arrive in Akron.

Q: What happens if I do not complete the required steps for my situation?

We know this is all a huge inconvenience, for you and for us, but these rules are in place to protect our community from COVID-19 and we take them very seriously. We hope you will too. If you do not comply you will be referred to the Student Conduct Office, who will determine any disciplinary actions. Graduate assistants not in full compliance may be subject to contract cancellation.

For students present in:

I. Brazil, China, Brazil, India, Iran, and South Africa

Please check the U.S. Department of State (DOS) website for updates relating to Presidential Proclamations limiting entry, as well as National Interest Exceptions (NIE).

The most recent update was on June 1, 2021. The announcement states:

* The DOS has not indicated what date is considered the “start of an academic program” for returning students.

We suggest that you contact your closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and intended Port of Entry for guidance if you will be traveling from (or transiting through) one of the above-mentioned countries and:

• You are a continuing student previously in the U.S. with valid F-1 status planning to return to the U.S. before August 1, 2021,
  or
• Your OPT employment authorization began (or will begin) before August 1, 2021.

For students present in:

II. Ireland, Schengen area, and United Kingdom

The May 27, 2021, and June 1, 2021, guidance from DOS imply that students who were present in these locations are not subject to the “August 1” condition (see #1 above).

The statements indicate:

• you should plan to return no earlier than 30 days before the start of your academic studies,
• you do not need to contact an embassy or consulate if you are a returning student with a valid F-1 visa, and
• you will be automatically considered for a National Interest Exception to travel to the U.S. if you are applying for an F-1 visa.

We suggest that you contact your closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and intended Port of Entry for guidance if you are a continuing student with F-1 status who will be traveling from (or transiting through) one of the above-mentioned countries and plan to return more than 30 days before the fall semester start date (August 23, 2021).

Extension of NIE validity:

Unless otherwise indicated, existing NIEs will be valid for 12 months from the date of approval and for multiple entries, as long as they are used for the purpose under which they were granted.

• For more details visit the US travel website

Before and during travel

1. Keep in mind that flights to and from the U.S. are limited and some countries have restricted international flights. For the latest information, please visit:

• NAFSA’s COVID-19 Restrictions on U.S. Visas and Entry
• CDC’s summary of Travelers Prohibited from Entering the United States
• the International Air Transport Association’s International Coronavirus Travel Regulations Map

You can also download a summary of the latest global immigration impacts and resources from Fragomen law firm.

2. Before you leave to travel be sure to check the requirements of your air carrier before you board the plane.

• All flights to the USA currently require a negative COVID test within 3 days of travel.
• United Airlines has an excellent site that lists US travel requirements from various countries.

Please note: Masks are still required in some public spaces in the USA, including airports and any transportation hubs or sites, regardless of vaccination status.

Communications while in transit

You will need a phone that can be used in the United States to have while you are in transit – to call for an Uber or Lyft or for emergencies.

• You should be able to use wifi in most places, but we recommend you have some US data while you travel, just in case.

Our recommendations:

• Be sure that your phone works in the USA. To do this, we suggest that you purchase a plan in your home country that permits roaming and will let you make at least a small number of calls from the US when you first arrive, and that your phone company has confirmed this will work.
• Have something available on your laptop and/or phone to call home to let your family know you made it here safely. Most students use WhatsApp, Facetime or Skype, but there are many free options available.

Please note: We can give you a free US SIM card when you get to campus. This is not an endorsement for any specific long-term phone company but is an option to tide you over when you arrive. Our SIMs have a relatively inexpensive plan that you can use while you investigate the phone company that is right for your needs.

• In your online orientation in Task 29 we have more information about cell phones there.
• We will also cover this subject again in the on-campus orientation after you arrive.

When you arrive at the airport

You will be expected to wear a mask at the airport when you arrive, so be sure to bring one with you, regardless of vaccination status.

Getting to Akron/campus

We regret that due to the incredible complexities surrounding travel/quarantines etc. this year and since we are having trouble finding qualified drivers, we are no longer able to offer shuttles from the airport to campus.

*The exception to this is for any student who will be under 18 years old on arrival in Ohio.

• You will find taxi/uber/lyft information on our website. We strongly recommend you download the apps before you travel. There are no trains from CLE or CAK to campus.

After you arrive on campus/check-in:

• We anticipate that we will have a remote process for the required immigration check in.
• Details to come.

If you are arriving from an international location

If you are arriving in Akron directly from an international location without staying in any other US city before coming to Akron the CDC recommendations and requirements for international travel:

If you are NOT vaccinated:

• Mandatory test required before flying TO USA
• Get tested 3-5 days after travel
• Self quarantine after travel for 7 days with a negative test or 10 days without a test
• Self-monitor for symptoms
• Wear a mask and take other precautions during travel
• Get tested 1-3 days before travelling OUT of the USA

If you ARE vaccinated:

• Mandatory test required before flying TO USA
• Get tested 3-5 days after travel
• Self-monitor for symptoms
• Wear a mask and take other precautions during travel

FAQs

Q: I have not yet received the vaccine. Do I need to quarantine?

Yes. If you have not been fully vaccinated before arriving in Akron you are REQUIRED to quarantine on arrival. You should plan to complete 10 days of quarantine on arrival.

There are two ways to be released from quarantine:

1. Complete the full, required 10 days. No COVID test is required.
2. Complete a COVID test on day 5 of your quarantine. If your test is negative, you can be released from quarantine on day 7.

• If you completed your quarantine in Akron, you can receive your day 5 COVID test from Health Services. If your test is positive, Health Services will work with you to determine next steps.
  • Appointments are required and you will need to provide evidence of your travel dates when you test (boarding passes or passports with your name and travel dates clearly identified).
  • Please note: Health Services is closed on weekends, so should your testing dates fall on a weekend, Health Services will make arrangements with you to schedule testing as close to the necessary date as possible.

• If you are outside Akron and your test is positive:
  • You must follow all isolation orders and directions provided by the medical provider giving you your test results. There may be specific criteria/directions dictated by local/state/territorial government authorities where you are located.
  • Notify Health Services immediately of your positive COVID tests, or if you have been identified as a close contact of a positive case and are required to quarantine/isolate.
  • Work with your faculty regarding any classes you may miss by extending your quarantine.

Q: I received the vaccine at home and am fully vaccinated. Do I need to quarantine?

No (see section below about which vaccines are accepted), you do not need to quarantine.
You MUST do the following instead:

1. Provide your travel information to the International Center before your arrival in the United States.
2. Upload an English translation of your vaccination card to UA's Med+Proctor site (Instructions: How to upload)
   • Med+Proctor will ask if you wish to pay for some additional services. You do not have to pay for anything if you do not want to, and may check NO every time Med+Proctor asks.
3. Health Services will confirm you are fully vaccinated and will approve your exemption from quarantine. It may take a few days after you upload your information for this approval to be processed.
4. Get a COVID test at Health Services 3-5 days after your arrival in Akron.

If you do not complete ALL of these steps you will be required to quarantine, as if you are not vaccinated.

Q: Does it matter which vaccine I received at home?

Yes. The vaccine must be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the World Health Organization. If you completed the full course of that vaccine at least two weeks before travel you are considered to be fully vaccinated.

If you are not sure if the vaccine you received is approved, contact Health Services at healthservices@uakron.edu. Please provide your name, date of birth and your vaccine information (a picture/attachment in English) for review. Please allow 72 hours for a response from the medical provider.

If you have received a non-approved vaccine, Health Services will work with you to determine whether you should receive another vaccine, and the timelines concerned.

Q: I had COVID. Do I need to quarantine?

You will need to provide documentation of your infection and recovery to Health Services. They will follow up with you.

• Provide your full name, the date of your COVID test, the type of test, and your results.
• Documents must be in English.
• Test results are valid for 90 days.

Q: How do I make an appointment at Health Services?

Call 330 972-7808 or email HealthServices@uakron.edu

Note:

• You MUST make an appointment at Health Services, there is no walk-in COVID testing.
• Health Services is closed on Saturday and Sunday, but if the 3rd - 5th day after you arrive falls on a weekend they will do their best to accommodate you.

Q: Where can I quarantine?

If you are living on campus in the Residence Halls, we will provide housing and food for your quarantine.

• Be sure to let the International Center know when you will arrive so we can work with you and with Residence Life to get you smoothly from the airport to your quarantine housing.
• Quarantine housing through Residence Life is available from August 2. You will be living in temporary housing and will move to your permanent room allocation once your quarantine is complete. You MUST complete the form in advance to let us know you are coming so we can be sure to have a room ready for you!
• On-campus quarantine housing through Residence Life is only available for students who have a fall 2021 on-campus housing contract.

If you will be living off-campus, you will need to support yourself during your quarantine.

• We may be able to help get you from the airport to campus, but logistically we cannot provide food for anyone quarantining off campus.
• Contact the International Center if you would like a list of local hotels for your quarantine.

Q: Do I have to come directly to Akron, or can I stay with a friend in another city/state before coming to campus?

You may stay with family or friends in another state to complete any required quarantine before coming to Akron. State, local, and territorial governments may have travel restrictions in place, including testing requirements, stay-at-home orders, and quarantine requirements upon arrival. For up-to-date information and travel guidance, check the state or territorial and local health department where you are, along your route, and where you are going. Prepare to be flexible during your trip as restrictions and policies may change during your travel. Follow all state, local, and territorial travel restrictions.

Note: It is your responsibility to complete the required testing/quarantine as outlined for your situation before you arrive in Akron.

COVID 19 vaccinations

The University of Akron does not currently have a COVID-19 vaccination requirement in order for people to be on campus.

We recommend that you get fully vaccinated before you leave home if you are able to because this will be your best protection while you are in transit. At this time, we have no information about whether a specific vaccination is preferred.

If you are not vaccinated, you will be expected to wear a mask on campus. If you are fully vaccinated, masks are optional.

Please see our website for other (non-COVID) vaccination information, and the required tuberculosis (TB) screening questionnaire.

FAQs

Q: Does it matter which vaccine I received at home?

Yes. The vaccine must be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the World Health Organization. If you completed the full course of that vaccine at least two weeks before travel you are considered to be fully vaccinated.

If you are not sure if the vaccine you received is approved, contact Health Services at healthservices@uakron.edu. Please provide your name, date of birth and your vaccine information (a picture/attachment in English) for review. Please allow 72 hours for a response from the medical provider.

If you have received a non-approved vaccine, Health Services will work with you to determine whether you should receive another vaccine, and the timelines concerned.

Q: Can I get vaccinated when I arrive?

We are not currently able to offer vaccines as soon as you arrive: you will need to complete any required COVID testing and/or quarantine before receiving the vaccine, but you can get vaccinated in the USA. This is for your own protection should you become ill.

• There are vaccines available in the Akron community now. They are currently free of charge to anyone, regardless of immigration status. Any family members with you who would like the vaccine should be able to receive it too.
• We are investigating the possibility of holding a vaccination clinic on campus during orientation or during the first few weeks of classes. It is probable that any campus vaccination clinic will only be open to students, not dependents.

Q: What happens if I was only able to get the first dose of a two-dose vaccine before I travelled?

If you were unable to complete a full course of a vaccine before you travelled, please contact Health Services to discuss your specific situation. You may be able to complete your vaccine course here after your arrival if your original vaccine is a vaccine available in the United States.

If you were unable to receive both doses of a two-dose vaccine and your specific vaccine is not available in the United States, you must wait at least 28 days before receiving a dose of another brand of vaccine. Please notify Health Services should you have this situation occur. You may be asked to schedule an appointment to discuss details and review your documentation. Health Services will advise you on your options.

As you probably know, the University of Akron will be operating close to normal for fall 2021. This is great news for anyone who will be able to make it to campus this fall. (We know that many of you are finding it hard to get a visa appointment in time for fall, and we also recognise that travel is still incredibly challenging.)

Registering for classes

If you have a visa and/or you expect to be able to get a visa and make it to Akron for classes:

• Undergraduates: we strongly suggest you contact your academic advisors NOW to register for classes. We will not have time to register you during orientation. Check out Task 16 in this orientation for an explanation of the advising process, information about the number of required classes (per immigration regulations), and the contact information for your advisor. Contact the International Center if you have questions.
• Graduate students: each department manages the class registration program differently. Some will permit you to register for classes before you arrive in Akron, while others want you here first. Please contact your department for instructions.
• Law students: contact the Law School. I believe they will register you before you arrive, but please check in with them for any additional information.

Students who may not make it to Akron in time for fall 2021

We are working with Colleges and Departments to provide online options for you. It is likely that online enrollment will not be available in all countries or in all areas of study, but we are working on options.

Online classes are only for students who are outside the USA in fall 2021. Current immigration guidance suggests a return to pre-covid course enrollment requirements for international students inside the USA where only one class can be online.

• Undergraduates: We have lots of online courses available so you can start your program from home. Contact your academic advisor now and sign up!
• Graduate students: We are working on it! Will advise.

Additional considerations:

Financial aid:

• To use financial aid from Akron, you will most likely need to take at least 12 credits (UG and Law) or 9 credits (Graduate).
• If you decide to take fewer than this you can choose not to use your UA aid. In this situation, you will pay for as many credits as you take at home using your own funding.
• If you have other financial support be sure to check with your sponsor to see if they have any requirements.

Visa not guaranteed:

• Starting your degree program from home does not guarantee that you will receive a visa to study in the USA in the future. All visas are issued at the discretion of the US Department of State.
• However, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to complete a full degree program online from home, so we hope you can get a visa and you should expect to join us in Akron in the future.

FAQs

Q: Can I sign up for online classes and then switch to in-person when I get my visa?

Yes, or you can do the opposite!

• Please be sure to let the International Center know of your plans, especially if they change. This will help us ensure you are billed correctly for your classes and associated fees.

Q: Can I defer my admission?

You can request to defer your admission until January 2022, or possibly later. All requests will be reviewed by International Recruitment (undergrads), the Graduate School (graduate students) and the Law School (Law students).

• Deferral form for undergraduates
• Deferral form for graduate/law students

Q: Can I take classes from another school while I am stuck at home?

If you choose to take classes from a different institution while at home (that is, take classes that are not from The University of Akron) we will need to re-evaluate your transcript before you enroll at UA.

• Undergraduates will be evaluated as transfer students.
• This may negatively impact the amount of aid we are able to offer you.

For more information, please contact us before you take classes elsewhere

Extended flexibilities for F-1 students:

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has extended COVID-19 flexibilities for F-1 students, and The University of Akron has reported our operational changes to SEVP for Fall 2021. Please note our guidance for Fall 2021 enrollment has changed.

The minimum number of credits needed to maintain F-1 status remains the same:

• 12 credit hours for undergraduate students and law students
• 9 credit hours for graduate students*
  * Certain students may be considered “full time” if they are enrolled in 1 or more graduate hours: Doctoral students in their final semester of study who have completed all degree requirements except the dissertation, and International students participating in Curricular Practical Training (F-1) or Academic Training (J-1) opportunities of 30 hours or more per week. If this is your situation, select “Request to be Considered Full-time with Less than Nine Credit Hours”, enter your UANet ID and password to access the form, and submit the completed form to the Graduate School.

Reduced course load eligibility remains the same: If you plan to drop below a full course of study, submit a completed Reduced Course Load Form and obtain permission from the International Center BEFORE dropping below full time. If you are requesting a reduced course load due to a medical condition, you will also need to submit our Medical RCL Form.

COVID-19 online course delivery flexibilities:

Students Planning to Study Inside the U.S.

• F-1 students entering the U.S. in Initial status for Fall 2021 — such as those who started their academic programs remotely from outside the U.S. during fall 2020 or spring 2021 — will need to take at least one course with an in-person component.
• Continuing F-1 students who were in the U.S. on March 9, 2020, may take all their courses remotely.
• Continuing F-1 students who entered the U.S. after March 9, 2020, and have completed at least one semester with an in-person course, may take all their courses remotely.
• Students transferring to UA, changing educational levels, filing for reinstatement, or applying for a change of status: contact immigration@uakron.edu for specific guidance in your situation.
• J-1 students: Discuss your enrollment plans with your Responsible Officer.

Students Planning to Study Outside the U.S.

• Students who have not entered the U.S. and will remain outside the U.S. during Fall 2021 may take a full course load, a partial course load, or request deferral of their attendance to a different semester. Please note that online enrollment may not be an option for your particular major or your country. Your SEVIS record cannot be activated until you enter the U.S.
• Students with Active SEVIS records who will remain outside the U.S. during Fall 2021 must enroll in a full course load to keep their SEVIS record Active.

Tell us your plans: All students (new and continuing) must submit this form to let us know if you plan to take classes while inside the U.S. or from abroad during Fall 2021.

Health insurance

The mandatory international health student insurance will start on August 18.

• All new international students will receive 30 days of free coverage, so you will have coverage from July 19 (the earliest you are permitted to enter the USA, per immigration regulations).

You must be enrolled in classes to be registered for the insurance.

• Contact the International Center if you are unable to register for classes and need to be enrolled in the insurance before August 18.

Note: International students are automatically enrolled.

• If you do not want to be enrolled, we have a strict waiver out process: Details are online (check the FAQ).

Health insurance for global nomad

If you are a global nomad and would like to buy this policy, contact us asap for the paperwork. You are not automatically enrolled even though international students are automatically enrolled.

Why August 18?

Why do you keep talking about August 18, when classes start on August 23 and the current final arrival date for students coming from outside the country is August 12?

When we originally planned fall 2021, we had assumed that we would have a full return to a normal campus, so we scheduled a full day of orientation for August 18, as we used to do before COVID.

Since orientation is mandatory, we had used this date on I-20s and DS-2019s as your arrival date, and had used it as the start date for our insurance policy etc.

Current reality means that we have to adjust our arrival schedule and plans - and August 18 is now no longer our key date.