All international students who are in F-1 status must follow a set of immigration regulations as outlined by the U.S. government in order to maintain their international student status. The following information and forms are supportive of the rules and regulations to follow to properly maintain international student status at Coppin.

Reduced Courseload

Federal immigration regulations severely limit a student's ability to be less than full time, but it may be allowed in some circumstances. If you drop below full time without authorization after the drop/add deadline, the ISSP office is required to report this to SEVIS. A student who drops below a full course of study (after the drop-add period) without prior approval of a DSO will be considered out of status.

According to 8 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) § 214.2(f)(6)(iii), the Designated School Official may allow an F-1 student to engage in less than a full course of study. A student who wishes to drop below full time must obtain the approval from a DSO in advance, regardless of what the reason might be. Please be advised that a lack of financial support does not constitute a valid reason to reduce course load according to immigration regulations.

Withdrawal, Cancellation, or Dismissal

Students who choose to cancel enrollment or withdraw from Coppin State University must complete the Cancellation/Withdrawal Notification Statement and return it to the Office of International Student Services. Cancellations must be made in writing and submitted in person to be accepted and processed. No phone call or emailed cancellations will be accepted. Cancellations are effective the same an advisor receives written notification from the enrolled student. Reporting withdrawal to a faculty program director does not replace the student’s responsibility of notifying the Designated School Official (DSO). Students failing to officially cancel/withdraw from the University by submitting this form will be given a terminated status in SEVIS.

Program Extension

A program extension is the process of obtaining a new I-20 (for F-1 students) to extend a student's authorized period of stay in the United States. A program extension is appropriate when a student is unable to complete the original study objective before the expiration date on the current I-20. Be sure to review your program expiration date by referring to section 5 of your I-20.

Program Completion

During the last semester of your studies (or even earlier), you should be thinking about your future plans. If you are interested in remaining in the U.S., then there are steps you need to take to maintain your status. If you choose to return to your home country, or if you choose to continue on to other academic programs, your SEVIS / I-20 records will be automatically completed by the SEVIS database. This will show the US government that you have completed your degree program.

Transfer to / from

Our office is required by the United States Immigration and Citizenship Services to begin the process for your transfer from Coppin State University. Please complete the form and give it to your International Student Advisor.

Leave of Absence

A leave of absence is an approved period of time during which you are not enrolled in any courses. A student may be granted leave of absence for personal, compassionate or other compelling circumstances for up to one year, during which they are not expected to be engaged in any study related activities. If you are granted leave of absence, the University must notify the Department of Homeland Security’s, USCIS office of the changes in your enrollment. Taking leave will affect your student visa. Discuss your circumstances with the International Student Adviser.

Separation Process

This form must be filled out by F-1 visa international students prior to leaving the University to complete your immigration file and to notify appropriate offices of your impending departure from the campus.

Reinstatement Procedures

Some instances where you must apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for reinstatement to F-1 student status:

• Failure to attend the school you were authorized by the USCIS to attend;
• Taking a reduced course load without permission from the Designated School Official (DSO);
• Failure to enroll for any given academic term (excluding summer sessions);
• Failure to obtain a program extension prior to the program end date on your I-20; or
• Violation of any other immigration regulations

Conditions for Approval of Reinstatement:

• The student has not been out of status for more than 5 months prior to filing for reinstatement (unless s/he can show that there were exceptional circumstances that prevented the student from filing during the 5-month period.)
• The student does not have a record of repeated violations.
• The student is pursuing, or will in the next available term be pursuing, a full course of study.
• The student has not engaged in unauthorized employment.
• The student is not deportable on any grounds other than the status violation for which reinstatement is being Requested.
• The status violation resulted from either:
  • Circumstances beyond the student’s control; or
  • Failure to apply in a timely fashion for a reduced course load authorization from the DSO, but only if the violation relates to something that would have been within the DSO’s authority to have approved, if it had been timely done, and that the student would experience extreme hardship if the application were not approved.

What will I need to do if I have failed to maintain status?

See the DSO with your passport and I-20. Discuss your situation with the DSO and get her advice about applying for reinstatement. Currently a denial will have the effect of subjecting the student to two penalty provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act: INA 222(g) over-stay and visa cancellation and INA 212(a)(9)(B) unlawful presence. Additionally, whether an application is approved or denied, the student should realize that there is an official record of a violation of status on the student's immigration record. Status violations can have future impact on eligibility for immigration benefits such as adjustment of status for permanent residency.

What do I need to submit to the DSO?

• Completed Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Immigration Status with completed mailing label;
• Check or money order made payable to "Department of Homeland Security" (see website for current fee information);
• Original I-94 card or I-797 showing F-1 status;
• Copies of all I-20 forms issued to you;
• Copies of all transcripts from schools student has attended in the United States;
• Copy of entire passport;
• Copy of new financial documentation;
• A letter to USCIS requesting reinstatement (see sample letter)
• Any other documentation that might help establish the nature of the violation, and documentation that the violation occurred less than 5 months ago, and that you are pursuing a full course of study.

Then what happens?

The DSO will generate a new SEVIS I-20 with DSO's recommendation for reinstatement and a letter recommending reinstatement. She/he will compile all the documents into a packet and you will mail it.

Please keep in mind that while your application for reinstatement is being processed, you are not eligible for any of the privileges afforded to F-1 visa holders (e.g. curricular practical training or on-campus employment).

Each student is responsible for understanding the immigration requirements related to their status. Following the guidelines below may help you avoid many unnecessary problems.

• Keep your passport valid for at least 6 months
  Contact your home country's embassy in the U.S. for information about renewing your passport validity.
• Keep your local address updated.
  Keep your local residential address current.
• Maintain full-time enrollment.
  You must be full-time each semester. For immigration purposes, you must complete a minimum of 12 units per semester.
• Get approval before a withdrawal from Coppin.
  If for some reason you must withdraw from your program or drop below full-time, you are required to have approval from the International Office before doing so.
• Attend the school noted on your I-20.
  You must have a current, valid I-20 from the school you are attending. If you transfer from another school to Coppin, the transfer process must be completed at the Check-in Meetings before the semester begins. If you miss the Check-in meeting, see an advisor in the International Office immediately.
• Keep your I-20 valid at all times.
  Submit an application for Extension of Program if the completion date on your I-20 will expire within the next 30 days and you need more time to complete your program of study. You must also request a new I-20 if you change your major or your degree level.
• Get a travel endorsement
  Before your departure from the U.S., request a signature for re-entry from an International Office Advisor. The Advisor will sign page 2 of the I-20 for this purpose. The signature is valid for one year.
• Get proper employment permission:
  • On-campus employment -- Limit employment to 20 hours per week during the academic year. Employment on-campus may be full-time in the summer and vacation periods. No special work permit is required.
  • Off-campus employment -- Do not work off-campus without permission. Work permission for F-1 students must be approved through the International Office and the USCIS.

Registration Deadlines Each Semester

The registration deadline for F-1 students is thirty (30) days after classes have begun each semester. If a student has not registered by that time, the student's SEVIS record will automatically terminate and the student will lose their legal status in the U.S., unless approved for withdrawal by the International Office Advisor.

How does Coppin define registration for F1 students?

• Fees are paid, either in full or, if on the Deferred Payment Plan, at least the first installment.
• No blocks against your registration.
• Your current U.S. residential address is available.

Consequences of Late Registration

Shortly after the semester has begun, students who have not yet registered will receive email messages from the International Office Advisor reminding them of the approaching 30-day deadline. If we do not receive a response from you, we will begin making phone calls to your home. We make these efforts to help you avoid problems with your legal status in the U.S. It is critical that you communicate your circumstances to the International Office so we can have a better understanding of the problems you are facing. We are here to guide you through your legal options.

Full-time Enrollment Requirements

Immigration regulations require international students in F-1 status to be in full-time units each semester. For immigration purposes, full-time enrollment is defined as:

• Undergraduate students 
  Full-time enrollment for undergraduate students is 12 credits. However, your college may require more than 12 units to be considered full-time 
• Graduate students
  Full-time enrollment for graduate students is 9 credits or the number of credits required by the department for all graduate students in the program.

Every student on an F1 Visa must come to the International Student Services office. We are usually your next stop after the Office of Admissions. Our office is in the Tawes Center Building within the Office of Student Activities.

Be prepared with your required documents:

• Passport and/or visa
• I94 number
• I-20 form
• Updated personal information (i.e. local address and phone number)

In this meeting, you will complete an information form, then verify and update your academic and personal information as it relates to your F1 status. Each student will have an automatic hold on their student accounts prohibiting them from course registration until they meet with the International Student Services Advisor.

Throughout each semester, there will also be a schedule of workshops that you are required to attend. You may obtain a workshop schedule from the International Student Services office directly or from the International Student Services website under CALENDAR. We also email a digital copy of the calendar to students. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this process, please contact our office.

Welcome to Coppin State University! You are joining a diverse and thriving Coppin  community in one of the world's greatest cities. International Student Services not only works with our international students, but also supports  campus organizations, activities, and clubs that recognize and support global voices. Our office provides immigration advice and cultural support in a welcoming and friendly environment.

Every year we celebrate our students with a Welcome Week full of events that are all about you! We post all event updates and flyers on this page, so come back frequently to stay up on the latest. Also check your student email, because we’ll send updates there too. We’re so excited to see you and start this year off with Coppin Pride!

Start your "TRANSFER-mation"

Students can earn course credit through completed coursework and approved prior learning experiences. Coppin accepts up to  90 credits from 4-year institutions and 70 credits from 2-year colleges; however, students must finish their final 30 credits here at Coppin. Below is our general transfer credit criteria:

• External credits are from a regionally accredited college or university
• Earned grade is a “C" or higher
• Student earned a “D” in coursework part of an associate’s degree or if the cumulative grade point average from the transferring institution is a 2.0 or higher

Coppin does not award transfer credit for developmental and remedial courses, as well as any grade of “D” in freshman English courses or major courses.

Note: Remedial and developmental courses are not used for admission qualifying purposes.

Apply now

What is the credit evaluation process?

Coppin performs transfer credit evaluations to decide a student’s standing (i.e. sophomore, junior, etc.) when you transfer into Coppin. In general, the more college-level courses you get credit for, the higher your academic standing.

Many courses from two or four-year universities qualify for transfer credit. In addition, many career or occupational credits transfer into Coppin and become free elective credits. Please note: our transfer credit decisions are final, and you agree to accept them when you commit to attend Coppin.

What to expect when transferring credits to Coppin

1. Your transfer evaluation has a lot of important information, including the estimated number of credits that will transfer into Coppin. Be sure to send final transcripts to the Office of Admissions prior to your enrollment date. You must maintain good academic standing, or we may withdraw your offer of admission.
2. Once you’ve received your final Evaluation of Transfer Credit, direct any transfer evaluation questions to the Transfer Coordinator in the Office of Records and Registration within your first semester. Coppin will not make any changes to your transfer evaluation after your first semester.
3. Before beginning classes, you must decide which academic catalog you want to follow. The academic catalog you follow determines your course requirements. Your Coppin transfer evaluation includes our recommendation of the catalog year you should follow. However, you may decide it’s best for you to stay with the academic catalog that was in effect when you were originally admitted to the school you are transferring from. Here is an example of what we mean: A student transfers to Coppin from a community college. Because this transfer student was first admitted to their community college within 6 years of the CSU admission date, they have the option to follow the academic program requirements from when they were first admitted to their community college, or the academic catalog we assign on their official Evaluation of Transfer Credit.

How do I appeal a transfer evaluation?

Here are the steps to submit an appeal if you believe CSU has denied you transfer credit:

1. Prepare a written statement with details of the transfer evaluation discrepancy
2. Be sure to include your name, student  ID, telephone number and current local address
3. Submit your petition no less than 30 business days before the end of your first CSU semester
4. Email your petition and any supporting documentation to Registrar@coppin.edu or mail to:
   Coppin State University
   Office of Records and Registration
   2500 West North Ave
   Baltimore, MD 21216-3698

What happens when Coppin receives my transfer evaluation appeal?

When we receive a petition, we gather the Student Academic Review Committee to review the appeal and issue a written decision. You receive a copy of the decision at the address on file via mail.

At Coppin State University, there is space for everyone to belong—including active duty military service members and veterans. From prior learning credit opportunities to holistic student support, Coppin takes an active role in helping you transition from service to classroom to new career heights.

Apply now

How does Coppin define a current or former military service member?

A current service member is part of any of the following six official branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force and Coast Guard. 

A former military service member is a veteran of any of the six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, who served on active duty for more than 180 days and was discharged honorably or due to a service connected disability. 

Do I need to submit additional documentation with my Coppin Admissions application?

We strongly urge all active duty service members to consult with their military education services officer (ESO) prior to embarking on your college career. Your ESO is most helpful in identifying financial resources and career paths that best align your career goals and prior military training . All veterans and service members must also provide a copy of either DD Form 214 (Certificate of Discharge) or active military orders to the Office of Admissions to verify your military service. For information on accessing your VA education benefits or federal tuition assistance, please visit our Veteran and Military Student page.   

At Coppin State University, there is space for everyone to belong—including active duty military service members and veterans. From prior learning credit opportunities to holistic student support, Coppin takes an active role in helping you transition from service to classroom to new career heights.

Apply now

How does Coppin define a current or former military service member?

A current service member is part of any of the following six official branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force and Coast Guard. 

A former military service member is a veteran of any of the six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, who served on active duty for more than 180 days and was discharged honorably or due to a service connected disability. 

Do I need to submit additional documentation with my Coppin Admissions application?

We strongly urge all active duty service members to consult with their military education services officer (ESO) prior to embarking on your college career. Your ESO is most helpful in identifying financial resources and career paths that best align your career goals and prior military training . All veterans and service members must also provide a copy of either DD Form 214 (Certificate of Discharge) or active military orders to the Office of Admissions to verify your military service. For information on accessing your VA education benefits or federal tuition assistance, please visit our Veteran and Military Student page.   

Have you developed a recent interest you want to explore? Or maybe you want to take one class before committing to a full program? Consider taking one or more undergraduate or graduate courses as a non-degree student—that way you don’t have to worry about finding the time and money to earn a full degree!

As a non-degree student, you can take up to 55 credits before you must change to degree-seeking status. Remember, you must find your own funding to pay for courses because non-degree students are not eligible for federal financial aid.

What do I need to apply as a non-degree student?

In addition to your non-degree application, we need some additional information. Read carefully to decide what supplemental documentation best applies to you and your situation and then submit one of the following:

• Official final high transcript with verification of graduation
• High school diploma or documentation
• GED or high school equivalency
• Official college transcript from a regionally accredited institution that includes verification of your high school graduation

How do I change my status from a non-degree student to a degree-seeking student?

Ready to commit to a full program? We make it easy for non-degree students to be considered for degree-seeking admissions. We’re looking for non-degree students with:

• 2.0 or higher Coppin grade point average (GPA) and
• 12 or more Coppin credits

Here’s what our Office of Admissions needs from you

• Complete admission application
• Official transcripts from all schools or institutions attended

Apply