Newly Admitted Students

Congratulations to our newly admitted international students! We are so excited to welcome you onto our campus as an Owl! Now that you are admitted, it's time to focus on preparing for your arrival to Westfield, getting oriented to Westfield State, and registering for your first semester classes! The International Programs Office is here to support you through your next steps as you prepare for your first semester at Westfield State University. 

Monitor Your WSU Email

We recommend that you get in the habit of checking your WSU email address daily. Most correspondence from WSU will go to your school email address. We will also send you orientation and arrival emails in the days and weeks prior to your arrival. 

The Peer Mentor Program

The IPO Peer Mentor Program pairs incoming international and exchange students with returning Westfield State students. This program allows you to get advice and have your questions answered from a student’s perspective. Mentors will organize social activities, help you transition to our campus community, and ensure all our students have a meaningful experience at WSU. Prior to your arrival on campus, you will receive an email from your assigned Peer Mentor. 

Initial Check-In

New students and scholars must check in with the International Programs Office to ensure all relevant documents and procedures have been processed or have been completed. Check-in provides IPO staff the opportunity to review your immigration documents, help you get settled on campus, and provide answers to your questions as you begin your activities at WSU.

Completing check-in is required by immigration regulations. Please plan to complete your initial IPO check-in immediately after you have arrived in the U.S. or arrived to campus to begin your activities to avoid jeopardizing your legal immigration status in the U.S. Please contact us with any questions concerning your immigration status or your adjustment to WSU.

Orientation

International Student Orientation is an important part of kicking off your time at WSU and is required for both F-1 and J-1 students. Orientation offers students the opportunity to learn how to successfully transition to the U.S. and into the WSU community. These mandatory sessions feature an introduction to IPO services and include vital visa and immigration information, as well as important tips on cultural adjustment, the American classroom, and health & safety.

Students will also attend New Student Orientation alongside their incoming American peers. For more information on orientation, visit New Student Orientation.

WSU Student Organizations

Student organizations can be a great way to keep up with a favorite activity, find a new one, and make friends within WSU’s community. Many organizations are active in the University and local communities, and organize numerous events, lectures, and cultural performances throughout the year. All student-run organizations at WSU are maintained through Student Activities, Involvement, and Leadership (SAIL). For more information regarding student organizations and resources, visit Student Life.

International students on F-1 and J-1 visas cannot enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to the start date listed on their I-20.

As an international student you must meet certain obligations in order to maintain legal immigration status. Please refer to the Maintaining Your Status page for detailed information.

Please keep in mind the following:

• You must enroll full-time in courses: undergraduates must take at least 12 credit hours per semester; graduate students must take at least 9 credit hours per semester or the number of credit hours required by the department for all graduate students enrolled in your same academic program.
• No more than the equivalent of one online class or 3 credits per semester may count toward the "full course of study" requirement if the online course does not require your physical attendance for classes, examination or other purposes integral to completion of the class. 

• A course listed as hybrid can be counted as a traditional/face-to-face course if it meets half of the time in the traditional/face-to-face format
• If you are in an academic program where all or a majority of your classes are online, and you are in possession of an I-20, you must notify IPO immediately. You cannot enter the US and enroll in an academic program that is entirely online or requires you to take more than 1 online course or 3 credits per semester unless you have enough traditional face to face/hybrid courses that will allow you to meet the full-time “full course of study” credit requirement. There is no exception to this federal regulation.
• You must maintain normal full-time enrollment status and make normal progress toward completing your degree.
• If you already have your I-20, you will not need a new one for your visa appointment.
• If you have registered for Fall classes, take a copy of your class schedule with you to your visa appointment.

• F-1 visas are for full-time international students pursuing academic studies. J-1 visitor/scholar visas are for educational and cultural exchange programs.

• Please review the F-1 and J-1 Visa Comparison for more information regarding the differences between F-1 and J-1 visas.

Note: Your eligibility for a visa and the issuance is at the discretion of the U.S. Department of State.

If you have questions, please email the International Programs Office at ipo@westfield.ma.edu.