A statement from ESU President Allison D. Garrett on a decision that will allow international students to study in the United States even if classes are delivered remotely.
July 14, 2020
Dear Hornet Nation,
I am very pleased to tell you that the federal government today rescinded its guidance that would have forced Emporia State international students to leave the United States if we must move to remote classes. The guidance, originally issued July 6, was rescinded to resolve a federal lawsuit brought by Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
International students enrolled at Emporia State University now fall under the directive issued in March 2020, under which we operated in the spring semester. Under these changes, international students may take online classes and remain in compliance for visa purposes if Emporia State needs to move classes to remote instruction.
As we have already said, Emporia State is planning to launch the fall semester on Aug. 17 with face-to-face classes. The last day of face-to-face instruction will be Nov. 20. The final week of classes will begin Nov. 30 with remote instruction. Final exams, beginning on Dec. 7, will be given remotely.
We know, however, that the situation around COVID-19 continues to evolve, and we may need to adjust our plans.
Today’s change is the right decision so that our international students will have one less uncertainty to consider. To these students — I am excited that you can move back to campus without the fear that you may suddenly have to return home. Our Office of International Education is ready to help you with your planning for the fall 2020 semester. Contact them by email at oisa@emporia.edu.
Sincerely,
Allison D. Garrett
President