Dear International Students,

Missouri S&T continues to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and take appropriate action when necessary. The most recent updates and information can be found on coronavirus.mst.edu. At this time, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 associated with Missouri S&T.

All classes have gone online at Missouri S&T, effective Monday, March 16, through the remainder of the spring 2020 semester. All classes will be taught remotely.

University status

Campus will remain open, and all faculty and staff plan to continue normal operations.

Academics

Coursework and immigration status

The federal government, specifically the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), released guidance on March 9, 2020, stating that they intend to be flexible in regard to allowing universities to transition to remote (online) learning due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The suspension of in-person classes will not affect international students’ immigration status. International students on F-1 and J-1 visas are still required to make normal progress in a full course of study. Students who remain enrolled full time, participate in class and make satisfactory progress toward their degree will maintain their immigration status. Students who stop participating in their classes may jeopardize their immigration status. Please contact your International Student Advisor if you anticipate any difficulties related to participating in your classes during these changes.

Practical training

The guidance from the Student Exchange Visitor Program recognizes that changes to workplace requirements may affect international students on practical training. Students currently on practical training should consult with their employer as needed to ensure that employment is maintained, such as through teleworking or other arrangements. If you have questions or concerns, contact your International Student Advisor.   

Travel

University-related

Effective immediately, all university-related international and domestic travel is suspended until further notice. This includes any international or domestic travel supported through university funds, external grants or other sources, such as endowments or gift funds. This suspension of travel pertains to all conference travel, student organization trips, university-sponsored Spring Break trips, club sport events, student design team events, or any other travel affiliated with Missouri S&T.

Individuals or groups may request an exemption to travel restrictions by contacting the Travel, Risk Assessment and Safety Committee (TRAS), subject to approval by the chancellor or provost.

Personal travel

For the continued well-being and safety of the S&T community, we strongly discourage personal travel, internationally or domestically, particularly to or through a location under a travel restriction. Any student who travels to or through a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice (high risk) country should follow CDC guidelines and stay home for 14 days from the time they return to the United States before returning to campus.

If you depart the U.S. and continue to take your classes remotely, you will maintain your U.S. immigration status as long as you are not outside the U.S. for more than 5 months. Students must monitor this timeline closely, especially when planning your return to campus for the summer or fall semester.

If you plan to depart the U.S. you will need to get your I-20 signed for travel. Please contact ia@mst.edu if you need a travel signature. Documents can be shipped to you, prior to returning to the U.S., if needed.

Any student who travels to or through an area of the United States that is under a state of emergency is allowed to return to work unless 1.) they come into contact with someone under investigation for exposure or 2.) they are exhibiting signs of illness. 

Travel restrictions

The U.S. federal government may issue entry restrictions at any time, so if you depart the U.S., you may not be able to return as planned.

It is recommended that international students wishing to leave the U.S. contact your country’s embassy or consulate for guidance regarding travel.

Campus support and resources

Office of International Affairs

Staff in the Office of International Affairs will be available to assist you and you may reach us via phone or email, during our regular business hours of 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday – Friday.

• Office of International Affairs: ia@mst.edu or (573) 341-4208
• Sponsored Student Services: iasss@mst.edu or (573) 341-6015
• Health Insurance: iainsure@mst.edu or (573) 341-6875
• Study Abroad: studyabroad@mst.edu or (573) 341-6237
• Applied Language Institute: mstali@mst.edu or (573) 341-6351

Library

Curtis Laws Wilson Library will remain open, although hours have been reduced and may further be changed due to the COVID-19 situation.  This week and during Spring Break, the library will be open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon-6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Residential Life

At this time, residence halls will remain open for students currently residing in on-campus housing. The most up to date residence hall communication is available here. Students with questions can also contact Residential Life at reslife@mst.edu or (573)341-4218.

Health Services

If you have medical-related questions, you can contact Student Health Services at (573) 341-4284 or email mstshs@mst.edu.

Counseling Services is also available to help support your mental health. You may contact their office at (573) 341-4211 or email counsel@mst.edu.

Discrimination or Bias

If you experienced discrimination or bias, consider submitting a report to the Missouri S&T Office of Equity and Title IX.