Whether you are already on F-1 visa, or planning to apply for an F-1 visa, we are here to help you navigate through OCC!
The Global Engagement Center is currently reviewing the recent press release from ICE and will provide further updates soon. Please remain calm and do not make any sudden changes or travel plans at this time. Know that we are committed to providing options to help you continue your education as planned and as safely as possible. Please check your email regularly. We will also post new information below as it becomes available.
ICE News Update:
July 10, 2020 Hearing before judge scheduled for next Tuesday in MIT/Harvard lawsuit. State of California sues on behalf of CSU and CA Community College Systems. OCC GEC hosts online town halls for F-1 students.
July 9, 2020 University of California announces they will sue USDHS/ICE and also seek temporary restraining order & both temporary and permanent injunctions to bar ICE from enforcing this order.
Nearly 100 members of Congress submit letter to DHS/ICE demanding these restrictions are withdrawn.
July 8, 2020 Special Message from the Coast District Chancellor Dr. Weispfenning
July 7, 2020 Message from OCC President Suarez sent to all OCC students. Lawsuits filed against USDHS/ICE by MIT and Harvard asking for a temporary restraining order to prevent the new rules from going into effect.
July 6, 2020 The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (ICE) issued a
News Release signaling a change in procedures that will apply to International Students for the Fall 2020 semester in response to COVID-19.
Dear Student,
The spread of COVID-19 has created uncertain conditions for many of us and we know you may have questions and concerns. The OCC campus remains closed until further notice, but the Global Engagement Center (GEC) is here to help, even during the summer.
occinternational@cccd.edu
We are reviewing every email carefully, so please be patient. Allow 2 business days maximum to receive a response and in the meantime, review the frequently asked questions below, you may find what you're looking for:
COVID 19 FAQ for International Students
1. Can I still apply to OCC as an international student?
Yes, visit international admissions for instructions on how to apply.
2. Will Fall 2020 semester be online?
July 6, 2020 - We are investigating how the recent ICE press release will affect our guidance on this matter. Updates will be posted on the ICE News Update above, OCC's social media, and sent to student OCC email accounts.
May 15, 2020 - CCCD Chancellor, John Weispfenning, announced that OCC, GWC, and CCC will offer most classes online for fall 2020. Only classes that cannot be taught online may be offered on campus. The OCC campus will remain closed, but most OCC services will remain open to help you remotely online or by phone. We hope the OCC campus will reopen in-person for the Spring 2021 semester. Check your OCC email accounts regularly for more updates.
How to register for class using MyCoast Portal:
3. Since the fall semester will be online, do I have to take 12 units?
Outside of the U.S. for fall 2020:
We are investigating how the recent ICE press release will affect our guidance on this matter. Updates will be posted on the ICE News Update above, OCC's social media, and sent to student OCC email accounts.
Staying in the U.S. for fall 2020:
We are investigating how the recent ICE press release will affect our guidance on this matter. Updates will be posted on the ICE News Update above, OCC's social media, and sent to student OCC email accounts.
4. I have a hold on my account for insurance, what should I do?
To remove the hold so you can register (registration begins June 15th). Once you have purchased insurance or completed the waiver, allow 3-5 business days for the hold to be removed before registering for fall classes:
I will stay in the U.S. Fall 2020 Purchase fall insurance at JCB Insurance Solutions: We recommend you purchase only fall coverage at this time. - enter 'Orange Coast College'
- Select '2019-2020 Plan Year'
- Select 'International Student'
| I will take Fall 2020 classes ONLINE from ABROAD If you are not physically in the U.S. you may choose to waive the insurance requirement before enrollment: - Complete the COVID-19 Travel Report to tell us your plans
- Submit Insurance Purchase Waiver
|
***We are investigating how the recent ICE press release will affect our guidance on this matter. Updates will be posted on the ICE News Update above, OCC's social media, and sent to student OCC email accounts.
5. Can I or should I return to my home country for fall 2020?
We are investigating how the recent ICE press release will affect our guidance on this matter. Updates will be posted on the ICE News Update above, OCC's social media, and sent to student OCC email accounts. We are urging students to not make any sudden travel plans due to pending lawsuits/changes in policy.
Remember, travel regulations and self-isolation requirements may change at any time. There is no guarantee you will be able to reenter the U.S. until the COVID-19 crisis has passed and you may be required to self-isolate for a period. Additionally, most U.S. embassies remain closed and you may not be able to renew your visa if required. Please check the CDC, State Department, and OCC for updates about the virus, travel, and courses/instruction.
6. I want to take a class at Coastline College (CCC) or Golden West College (GWC), schools within the Coast Community College District, this Summer or Fall 2020 term.
·
Concurrent enrollment classes at CCC or
GWC for Summer 2020:
The
GEC has authorized all students to take concurrent enrollment classes at CCC or
GWC for Summer 2020, so you do not need to meet with an
academic counselor for approval. Simply contact the school you want to
enroll in and apply as a part-time international student:
GWC Part Time Application
CCC Part
Time Application
- Concurrent enrollment classes at CCC or GWC for Fall 2020:
You will need to meet with an academic counselor for approval: Ms. Noriko Gotschall or Ms. Ruby Icaro for approval. To schedule an online appointment:
Academic Counseling with Ruby
Academic Counseling with Noriko
7. I want to take a class outside of the Coast Community College District for summer or fall.
If you want to take a concurrent enrollment course as another school outside of our district, you must meet with an academic counselor online first for approval.
Academic Counseling with Ruby
Academic Counseling with Noriko
8. Will tuition be reduced for online classes?
No, we do not have the flexibility to lower the non-resident tuition international students pay. Please visit the Enrollment Fees page for detailed information on tuition and fees. Online classes will help you continue to make progress towards your academic goal and are no less valuable than they were before. We encourage you to apply for scholarships in the Spring semester; OCC is unique in awarding over $500,000 in scholarships to continuing students each year.
9. Can I enroll in summer classes? Will they be online?
Yes, you can enroll in summer classes. Summer classes will be online.
10. I am struggling financially with housing, groceries, tuition, technology, etc. Am I eligible for the Cares Act or any other financial support?
International students are not eligible for the Cares Act. However, international students are an important part of the OCC community, and we may be able to help you with some challenges including laptops, & equipment, groceries & supplies (Pirate's Cove), and other resources.
If you are struggling and think you may need support like the things mentioned above, send a detailed email to occinternational@cccd.edu so we can see what kind of support we can offer.
11. I could not find the answer to my question here.
We hope you find what you need here. If not you can check other pages on our site such as the current students page, you can also call our office at (714) 432-5940 for your most urgent questions and you can chat live or make an appointment with F-1 advisers and Academic Counselors or send us an email. Please allow 2 days for a response as we are carefully reviewing each email.
12. Does the OCC international health insurance policy cover COVID 19 testing? Treatment? Do I need to do anything special?
Yes, AETNA will waive costs for COVID-19 diagnostic testing for patients who meet the CDC guidelines for testing. Aetna also confirmed that the treatment of the virus is covered.
If you are having symptoms consistent with COVID-19, you should take every precaution recommended by the CDC to protect yourself and others. Aetna members should use telemedicine to speak with a doctor at 1-800-556-1555.
13. Will my eligibility for OPT be affected if I'm out of the country?
It may, depending on the semester of graduation and pending changes. Please contact an F1 Advisor to discuss.
14. Can I take (or finish CPT hours from spring 2020) a CPT class in fall 2020?
Unfortunately, CPT Classes will not be offered during the Fall 2020 semester. Students who need only a CPT class to complete their program should contact an F-1 advisor.
Sincerely,
Global Engagement Center
Orange Coast College
Phone: 714.432.5940
Email: occinternational@cccd.edu
www.orangecoastcollege.edu