International Students

Welcome: International Student Services

Welcome to Bard Academy and Bard College at Simon’s Rock. Here at Bard Academy and Bard College at Simon’s Rock, our International Students are an integral and important part of our diverse community. This Library Guide is intended for general guidance in finding information and resources for international students. Much of the guidance is specific to students on an F-1 student visa, while some is general to any student with a non-U.S. address.

In addition to the support given to all students, International Student Support includes:

* International Student Orientation
* International Student Support Team
* Community Director for International Student Support
* PACE Program Director

The International Club, pictured here, is open to all students. The club sponsors popular cultural events for the entire community.

## About the ISSTeam

**The International Student Support Team (ISST)** supports the needs of international students and helps to give voice to special student concerns and issues. The ISSTeam is comprised of Administrators, Staff, and Faculty and meets bi-weekly throughout the year. Because the ISSTeam is not centralized, but spans many offices, we say that international students have “a friend in every office.”  ISSTeam recognizes the strengths that international students bring to the community, and considers the challenges that they may encounter while at Simon’s Rock. Students can contact any of the team members if there are questions or concerns involving international student issues.

We are here to support you with things such as adjustment to the classroom, making friends, cultural exchange, succeeding academically and thriving socially, staying in status on your student visa, concerns while traveling and renewing your passport and visa, employment opportunities on campus (and getting a Social Security Card), authorized off-campus employment in your field of study (usually an internship or Post-Completion Optional Practical Training), and much more.

Current members of the ISSTeam are:

Blodgett House
mchavez@simons-rock.edu, 413-664-4700
*International student admissions*
Office of Academic Affairs
slyon@simons-rock.edu, 413-644-4282
 **Miha Habic**, Faculty in Science, Mathematics, and Computing
Hall College Center
mhabic@simons-rock.edu, 413-528-7292
*Faculty concerns and guidance, Academic Advising*
Office of Academic Affairs
kmcmorris@simons-rock.edu, 413-644-4710
 Cole Gaudin, Community Director
Campus Life
cgaudin@simons-rock.edu
*Campus Life concerns, International Club Liaison*
Office of Academic Affairs
smower@simons-rock.edu, 413-528-7246
 **Mark Hopkins**, PACE Program Coordinator
Hall College Center
mhopkins@simons-rock.edu, 413-528-7420
*PACE curriculum and teaching, ESL, Academic Advising*
Hall College Center
aodwyer@simons-rock.edu, 413-528-7218
*Retention and Academic Affairs Liaison*

## Events

The Academic Services Coordinator, Peer Mentors and the International Club, arrange activities throughout the semester – some just for international students, and some are campus-wide. These activities may include such things as:

* Trips and outings during breaks: International Food Market, Boston, New York City
* Weekly International Student Club meetings
* Workshops about benefits of the F-1 Visa such as OPT and CPT
* Fireside Chat with the Provost and Senior Administrators
* Workshops by International Students during Equity and Inclusion Day
* Mother-Tongue Language Day
* Tax Prep Software workshops
* Informal group discussions focusing on culture
* Special food and themes by Chartwells Dining Services to recognize cultural holidays

Forms

F-1 Students Visa Regulations

## Fall 2020 Updates

DHS/ICE’s Clarifying Questions for Fall 2020 were released on August 7. The following applies to Simon’s Rock students:

**Continuing students** in F-1 Active status are permitted to study in-person, 100% online or a combination of both. Continuing students who chose to study remotely from outside the U.S. may do so and will retain their active SEVIS record.

**New students** who are able to get a visa and travel to the U.S. will receive an I-20 and have an active SEVIS record, since Simon’s Rock is offering in-person classes as well as hybrid classes. If new students can’t come to the U.S. this semester due to Visa issues or travel restrictions, they will not receive an I-20 and will not have an active SEVIS record until they can enter the U.S. (Spring 2021 semester).

**International students** who are on campus have the option to remain on campus  during the November break and until the end of the fall semester (December 18), then depart the U.S. All classes will be remote from November 30 until the end of the semester. Students must request this option to remain on campus from Campus Life by the deadline that is set.

**Social Security Offices** in the U.S. are currently closed. On-campus employment is very limited this semester. New students will need to wait until the Social Security Offices are open before applying for on-campus employment.

**Questions? Contact a [School Official (DSO)].**

## F-1 Visa

The Academy and College provide information and support to international students attending Simon’s Rock on F-1 and other visas. We strive to be an advocate in interactions with the Simon’s Rock community and with U.S. governmental agencies. Students using an F-1 Visa should be aware of the following requirements, which are outlined in more detail on this page.

**Staying in Status on your F-1 Visa**

F-1 Visa students need to follow the federal regulations pertaining to the visa. To stay in status, the following requirements must be met. Also, you must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, just as all Simon’s Rock students are required, and maintain good social and financial standing. Here are some key points to maintain your visa status.

* Maintain full-time academic status (College students: minimum 12 credits per semester; Academy students: minimum 6 courses per semester at .5 credits each, so a full course load for an Academy student is 3 credits).
* Report changes of address or name change (within 10 days) so these can be updated on your SEVIS record. You may need a new I-20.
* Keep your Passport valid for at least six months into the future at all times.
* Employment: You are not allowed to accept off-campus employment, including paid or unpaid internships in the U.S. without authorization. If you do, you could be asked to leave the U.S. immediately. (See "Employment" tab above for more detail.)

## Check-in with a DSO

Students attending Simon’s Rock on an F-1 student visa will need to meet regularly with a Designated School Official (DSO) to maintain their status. Email [Mower] for a time to meet. Check-ins must occur:

* On arrival at campus as a new student
* At the beginning and end of each semester thereafter
* Before seeking on-campus employment (note: international students generally cannot be employed off-campus)
* When seeking government authorization for off-campus Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training (OPT)
* For an internship in the U.S.
* Before leaving the United States at any point during a Simon’s Rock program of study
* Any time you have questions

## I-20 Information

Incoming students are issued an initial I-20 to enter the U.S. You will notice on the initial I-20 a reason: “For Initial Attendance.”  During the first month on campus, you will be registered in SEVIS and issued a new I-20, which will have the reason: “For Continued Attendance.” This I-20 is good to use while you’re at Simon’s Rock, unless there are changes or updates needed. Page 2 has a travel signature that is valid for 12 months. **Always check your travel signature before you travel, and get an updated signature before you travel if the signature will expire before your return.**

**Important Tip –** Keep all of your I-20s. Do not thrown them away. When you travel, you only need to take the most recent one. You may need to your older I-20s to apply for benefits such as OPT. Keep all your documents in a safe place. Scan and keep an electronic copy also.

## Passport and Visa

International students must maintain a passport from their country of origin that is valid for at **least 6 months in the future at all times**. The student is responsible for notifying a Designated College official if any student status changes.

The student’s visa may expire, which is ok, but in order to re-enter the U.S. the student will need to renew their visa when they are in their home country

## Questions?

For assistance with F-1 and other visa issues, contact Susan Mower in the Academic Affairs Office, Hall College Center, 413-528-7246, [[1]]

**Helpful Online Resource:** Study in the States, a government resource, has extensive information for students about everything from getting a visa, to maintaining status and applying for benefits such as Optional Practical Training. Become familiar with this valuable resource.

## PACE Program

### Pathways to Academic Choice and Excellence

Prospective College students who meet certain criteria (based on language proficiency) are admitted into the College, and are required to take a year-long PACE curriculum for the first year. The specialized PACE curriculum supports their growth in English language proficiency and academic writing. Students are allowed up to five years on their F-1 Visa to complete the program (3-year A.A. plus 2-year B.A.) but most students finish in the regular time (2 year A.A. and 4-year B.A.)

The PACE curriculum is completed in one year and is structured as outlined below.

## First Semester - 6 PACE Credits

**English for Academic Success (3 credits):**

Students work on language skills and academic writing.

*This fulfills one semester of the language requirement for the AA degree.*

**Cultural Perspectives: American Ways (3 credits):**

Readings and discussions about culture focuses on developing critical thinking, academic writing, and practice in the seminar model.

*This fulfills the Cultural Perspectives (CP) requirement for the AA degree.*

## Second Semester - 6 PACE Credits

**English for Academic Success (3 credits):**

Students work on language skills and academic writing.

*This fulfills the second semester of the 2-semester language requirement for the AA degree.*

**Writing in the Humanities (3 credits):**

This seminar-style class focuses on reading, critical thinking, writing, and discussion.

*This fulfills the Writing (W) requirement for the AA degree*

In addition to these core classes, PACE students take Math, Science, and Arts classes of interest to them during the first year.

**NOTE:** ALL students at Simon’s Rock are required to complete a language requirement, a CP credit, and a W credit. As such, PACE student requirements are no different from those of any other student. They have a slightly more structured first-year experience while completing many requirements by the end of the first year as well as taking electives of particular interest to them.

## Third and Fourth Semesters

In their third and fourth semesters, PACE students take Seminar I and Seminar II, and complete any other remaining AA requirements such as Mathematics, Arts, and Science while taking electives of interest.

## Beyond the Fourth Semester

Students moderate into a concentration during the second semester of their sophomore year. The Academic Advisor guides this process with the student.

Junior and Senior Years: After earning the A.A. degree, students enter the upper college and pursue their B.A. studies, following the requirements of their particular concentration as outlined during their moderation.

**Questions about the PACE Program?**

Contact Mark Hopkins, Program Coordinator, via email: [Question|mhopkins@simons-rock.edu] or phone 413-528-7420.

## On-Campus Employment

F-1 Visa students are allowed to work in on-campus jobs, following Massachusetts minimum age limits. 10th grade Academy students are usually allowed to work during their final semester, and all College students are permitted to work – if work is available. Generally, F-1 students follow the same rules that our Federal Work-Study students do – with maximum hours of work determined on campus (generally under 10 hours per week). Federal guidelines allow no more than 20 hours per week while school is in session, or 35 hours maximum during vacations periods.

Some examples of on-campus jobs are:

* Lifeguard (must take certification training)
* Subject Tutor
* Admission Representative
* Peer Mentor
* Café worker

If you pursue on-campus employment, you must apply for a Social Security Number. View the Social Security tab for more information.

## Off-Campus Employment

There are two categories of possible authorization to work off campus:

1. Employment Based on Economic Hardship
2. Internship with an Approved International Organization

Training Opportunities | Curricular Practical Training (CPT) & Optional Practical Training (OPT)

## CPT & OPT

**College students** may be eligible to apply for the following off-campus training opportunities, which are a benefit of the F-1 Visa. To learn more about the difference bewewen CPT and OPT, view this Powerpoint.​ Read more about Employment and Training at this government website.

* CPT and OPT Slides

**CPT**

CPT is usually an **internship.** **You must be authorized for CPT before you begin any internship, whether paid or unpaid**. If you pursue an internship, it must be taken for credit, and authorized through an External Campus Internship/Project (ECP). Generally for students who have moderated, the internship must be directly related to your concentration.

**OPT**

F-1 students can apply for Optional Practical Training, a temporary employment authorization that provides an opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a practical work experience off campus. At Simon’s Rock, students usually apply for this after earning the B.A. degree (Post-Completion OPT). Generally available for 12 months after the B.A. degree, and after a Master’s Degree or PhD.

**Optional Practical Training STEM Extension**

Students with degrees in certain STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) may be eligible to apply for an additional 24 months of OPT in addition to the 12 months of initial OPT.

## Important Information

* SEVIS authorization is required for all training and off campus work (application process can take up to 3-4 months, so plan ahead).
* For ALL off-campus work, you may not begin work until authorization and documentation is received.
* All U.S. income is subject to taxation. See the TAX tab for more information.
* To apply for these opportunities, contact [Mower], Designated School Official for an appointment.

## Social Security

F-1 Visa students who have secured an on-campus job can apply for a Social Security Number. You will need this to get onto the student payroll.

Here are the steps to take:

1. Apply for an on-campus job. Let your on-campus employer know that you are an international student, allowed to work on campus, but that you will need to set a Social Security number to get onto the student payroll. Tell them that you will have the Academic Services Coordinator be in touch with them.
2. Contact the Academic Services Coordinator and give the job description and the name of the person who hired you.
3. The Academic Services Coordinator will contact your Supervisor and ask for a “Letter of Hire” to be given to you.
4. The Academic Services Coordinator will provide a “Status Letter” to you to show your eligibility to work on campus on your F-1 Visa.
5. The Academic Services Coordinator will help you complete the Application for a Social Security Card and try to make arrangements for you (and others) to visit the Social Security Office in Pittsfield, MA to apply for the Social Security Card. If a trip can be arranged, there will be a transportation charge applied to your Student Account.

## Your Trip to the Social Security Office

The Social Security Office in Pittsfield, MA is about 40 minutes away. Since the pandemic began (March 2020), the office is only open for appointments. Ask the Academic Services Coordinator about scheduling a trip to the Social Security Office.It’s a Federal Agency, and you will need to go through a metal detector when entering. Take only what you need with you.

You will need the following documents to apply for the Social Security Card:

* Valid Passport
* Visa
* I-20 with a current travel signature
* Completed, printed, and signed Application for a Social Security Card
* Printed I-94 Most Recent Record\*
* Letter of Hire
* Status Letter

Approximately 10 days after  you visit the Social Security Office, you’ll receive your Social Security Card in the U.S. mail (it will come to your Campus Mailbox). When you receive the Social Security Card, make a note of the number (so you won’t forget it) – but DO NOT SHARE THE NUMBER unless it is to apply for work or legal matters. Do not give it over the phone to a caller--as there are many “scammers” who may try to steal your identity. Keep the card in a safe place.

Make an appointment with [for Appointment to sign up for Student Payroll|Student Payroll,] to meet with them and complete student payroll forms.

\*I-94 record is available at this website. Print your “I-94 Admission Record.”

**All International Students who are on an F-1 Visa** and are in any category below will need to complete and submit a tax document to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) . This is required by law, and failure to do this could have implications on future immigration requests such as visas.

* **If you were in the U.S. between January 1 – December 31, 2021**you will need to file a Form 8843 by June 15, 2021
* **If you received U.S income between January 1 – December 31, 2021**you will need to file a Form 1040-NR by April 18, 2022
* **If you received a particular scholarship** (students in this category will be notified) you will receive a form 1042-S and must include that income on your 1040-NR form.

To help you with this process, Simon’s Rock has partnered with Sprintax to provide software for you to use free of charge to help you meet your tax filing requirements. Susan Mower will send each eligible student an access code so you can use the software. **There is no charge to use the software; Simon's Rock has purchased it for your use.**

If you were not present in the U.S. at any time during 2021, and did not have any U.S. income, you do not need to file these documents this year.

Preliminary Info sessions will be scheduled in February, and access codes for the Sprintax Software will be emailed to F-1 Visa students.  The info sessions will be brief, and will review the Sprintax offerings but will not give guidance on how to complete the tax forms.

All F-1 International Students should register **NOW** for a Sprintax Webinar to learn how to complete the tax forms.

## Disclaimer

**DISCLAIMER:** College employees are NOT permitted to assist any student/scholar with any IRS tax form preparation or tax related questions. The information provided is intended for your benefit. Any questions or concerns should be directed to Sprintax, a certified tax preparer or a local IRS field office.

* Sprintax

## Spintax Webinars

**Join these webinars to learn about filling taxes and how to prepare the forms using the Sprintax software. Sprintax is offering these free webinars at the following times. Register now!**

  .Wednesday, February 2nd @ 1pm EST – Register here

·Thursday, February 10th @ 12pm EST – Register here

·Wednesday, February 23rd @ 12pm EST – Register here

·Wednesday, March 2nd @ 3pm EST – Register here

·Tuesday, March 15th @ 1pm EST – Register here

·Thursday, March 24th @ 3pm EST – Register here

·Wednesday, March 30th @ 12pm EST – Register here

·Wednesday, April 6th @ 1pm EST – Register here

·Tuesday, April 12th @ 1pm EST – Register here

·Thursday, April 14th @ 12pm EST – Register here

**These informational student webinars will cover:**

* An overview of tax for nonresident students and scholars
* Who must file a 2021 US tax return
* What income forms students/scholars may receive
* Forms that need to be completed and sent to the IRS
* We cover terms like FICA, ITIN and Form 1098-T
* What happens if students don’t file, or misfile
* State tax returns
* IRS stimulus payments
* Sprintax overview