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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"> The ISSS has posted an updated guidance form for a “leave of absence” 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. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </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 “notification” form that must be completed and submitted to the ISSS within
the timeframe specified on the form. <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> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </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. will need to contact the ISSS immediately to discuss how this will impact their visa status. 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.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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