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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt">As we prepare for our travel signature week next week (October 31 through November 4 from 1:30pm-4pm each day) we have had a few students contact our office about taking a temporary break from their
 studies for the spring 2017 semester.</span></i></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt">&nbsp; The ISSS has posted an updated guidance form for a &#8220;leave of absence&#8221; otherwise known as
<a href="http://www.tamuc.edu/campusLife/campusServices/internationalStudentServices/documents/LeaveofAbsenceF16Revision.pdf">
Authorized Early Withdrawal</a> (or temporary absence from studies) on our <a href="http://www.tamuc.edu/campusLife/campusServices/internationalStudentServices/currentStudents/default.aspx">
Current Student</a> page under the F-1 Visa Status section.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">This handout explains the general notification process, how this will impact your visa status, things to consider, and there is an &#8220;notification&#8221; form that must be completed and submitted to the ISSS within
 the timeframe specified on the form.&nbsp; <b><i>Please note that this is <u>only</u> related to students who will not enroll in courses for the spring 2017 semester
<u>AND</u> will depart the U.S.</i></b>&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Students who do not plan to enroll in courses for the spring 2017 semester and will remain in the U.S.&nbsp; will need to contact the ISSS immediately to discuss how this will impact their visa status.&nbsp; Students
 who plan to travel outside the U.S. and return to the U.S. <b><i><u>after</u></i></b> the start of the spring 2017 semester will need to review the
<a href="http://www.tamuc.edu/campusLife/campusServices/internationalStudentServices/travelinformation.aspx">
ISSS Travel and Visa Resources</a> page and specifically the <a href="http://www.tamuc.edu/campusLife/campusServices/internationalStudentServices/documents/TravelGuidanceCurrentStudents.pdf">
ISSS Travel Guidance for Current Students</a> handout for important information.&nbsp;
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
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