Hi BTAA colleagues,
I hope the transitioning of new international students went well this fall and that your students and scholars are engaging!. There is definitely a lot more energy on our campus!
I am writing to get your feedback on two areas:
1) Do you do any specific support for international students with disabilities at your institution? If so, can you share the broad themes of what you do?
We just started an international student affinity group called "Abilities Beyond Disabilities https://isss.umn.edu/abilities-beyond-disabilities-caucus-international-students" that is being led by student leaders.
2) Do you know of any advocacy that is being done around the intersection of USCIS course registration (12 credits) and the ADA. Specifically students being unable to complete the 12 credits due to challenges with their disability which is misaligned with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
A report from Open Doors cites: https://opendoorsdata.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/OD22_Disabilities-Report_Digital-1.pdf
REDUCED COURSE LOAD AND VISA STATUS An additional unique area affecting international students noted by interview participants and more than a quarter of survey respondents (26 percent) was the regulatory framework of maintaining a full time student status for a student visa, which can be at odds with a disability accommodation that allows for a reduced course load. For international students who may need this accommodation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (2020) does permit international students to take a reduced course load for illness or medical conditions, but this is limited to only twelve months within a program level. There may be a need for advocacy or the exploration of policy change that support how international students who may need longer-term accommodations can remain in status.
I appreciate any insights you have!
Beth Beth Isensee (pronouns https://www.mypronouns.org/: she, her, hers) Associate Director - Student Engagement and Intercultural Initiatives International Student and Scholar Services isss.umn.edu Global Programs and Strategy Alliance University of Minnesota, Twin Cities