Message for new regional campus students

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We want to share with you important information related to the recent announcement about the spring 2022 semester starting online. This is for new international students who are at the regional campuses (Stamford, Hartford, Avery Point, Waterbury), the Graduate Business Learning Center and School of Law as well as returning students who are coming on a new, initial I-20 form.  Please read carefully and send us your questions.

Arrival date for students who live off campus

International students who live off campus have flexibility to arrive when you like, as long as you arrive by January 30 to begin classes in person on January 31. Submit the ISSS Arrival Confirmation form so that ISSS knows when you will arrive.

Arrival date for students who will live on campus

The University has delayed move-in for most on campus students until January 29-30.  We know that international students may have already purchased flight tickets to move in based on the original schedule. This means you may move in:

  • January 15 or 16th  
  • You may also delay your arrival to the move on the weekend of January 29 or 30. Delaying your arrival carries risk: read more details about that below. If you do not submit the early arrival request form by January 6, UConn Residential Life will presume you are moving in January 29 or 30.

    What to know if you delay your arrival

    • You must be able to participate in your coursework online from your location. If time zone differences or internet restrictions prevent you from participating fully in your online coursework, you should consider traveling here before classes begin January 18. Please be advised that the UConn VPN may not be available to access courses in China. 
    • If you begin your in-person courses online from your home country, and then you cannot arrive in person to participate due to unexpected reasons (flight cancellations, illness, visa delays, travel lockdowns) you will still owe tuition, even if you cannot complete the course as planned. See the refund schedule for course tuition. 
    • Graduate students who will arrive after January 18 (or after January 5, if a Graduate Assistant) need approval from The Graduate School, and your Graduate Assistant supervisor, should you have a GA. The late arrival request form can be found under the “Account & Forms” area of your Application Status Portal for new students, and on this website for returning students. 
    • Due to federal laws, Iranian graduate students may only participate in courses online while outside the U.S. under limited circumstances. If you are an Iranian graduate student who cannot arrive before January 18th, your case must be reviewed by the appropriate offices at UConn. 

      If I delay my arrival, will UConn update my I-20 or DS-2019 start date? 

      Students who already have their visa will not need an updated I-20 or DS-2019 form. You can carry a spring 2022 travel letter in your carry on luggage in case you are asked to document why you are arriving late. Students who will have their visa appointment after January 11th and will not arrive by January 18th may request an updated I-20 form or DS-2019. You will need to email international@uconn.edu and provide your date of visa appointment and planned travel date.

      We know that you still may have many questions. If you need help please contact international@uconn.edu or make an appointment with your ISSS advisor.  

      Message for new Storrs grad and undergrad int’l students

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      We want to share with you important information related to the recent announcement about the spring 2022 semester starting online. This is for new international undergraduate and graduate students to UConn, including students who started their UConn programs abroad and will arrive for the first time. Please read carefully and send us your questions.

       

      Arrival date for students who live off campus

      International students who live off campus have flexibility to arrive when you like, as long as you arrive by January 30 to begin classes in person on January 31. Submit the ISSS Arrival Confirmation form so that ISSS knows when you will arrive. Arriving after January 18 carries some risk; see below for more information.

      Arrival date for students who live on campus

      The University has delayed move-in for most on campus students until January 29-30.  We know that international students may have already purchased flight tickets to move in based on the original schedule. This means you may move in:

      • January 13, 2022 between 8:30 and 4:30 pm., with approval from Res Life
      • You may also move in January 15 or 16th, with approval from Res Life  
      • Graduate students living in on-campus housing may have arranged different move-in dates individually with Res Life.  Follow the instructions provided to you by Res Life, and submit your ISSS Arrival Confirmation form, so that ISSS knows when you will arrive. 
      • You may also delay your arrival to the move on the weekend of January 29 or 30. Please see more details about that below. If you do not submit the early arrival request form by January 6, UConn Residential Life will presume you are moving in January 29 or 30. 

      What to know if you delay your arrival

      • You must be able to participate in your coursework online from your location. If time zone differences or internet restrictions prevent you from participating fully in your online coursework, you should consider traveling here before classes begin January 18. Please be advised that the UConn VPN may not be available to access courses in China. 
      • If you begin your in-person courses online from your home country, and then you cannot arrive in person to participate due to unexpected reasons (flight cancellations, illness, visa delays, travel lockdowns) you will still owe tuition, even if you cannot complete the course as planned. See the refund schedule for course tuition. 
      • Graduate students who will arrive after January 18 (or after January 5, if a Graduate Assistant) need approval from The Graduate School, and your Graduate Assistant supervisor, should you have a GA. The late arrival request form can be found under the “Account & Forms” area of your Application Status Portal for new students, and on this website for returning students. Undergraduates do not need to seek special approval to arrive after January 18, as long as you are here by January 30.
      • Due to federal laws, Iranian graduate students may only participate in courses online while outside the U.S. under limited circumstances. If you are an Iranian graduate student who cannot arrive before January 18th, your case must be reviewed by the appropriate offices at UConn. 

      If I delay arrival, will ISSS update my I-20 or DS-2019 form?

      Students who already have their visa will not need an updated I-20 or DS-2019 form. You can carry a spring 2022 travel letter in your carry on luggage in case you are asked to document why you are arriving late. Students who will have their visa appointment after January 11th and will not arrive by January 18th may request an updated I-20 form or DS-2019. You will need to email international@uconn.edu and provide your date of visa appointment and planned travel date.

      ISSS In Person Orientation

      The required in-person ISSS orientation and welcome activities January 14-17 will be postponed to a later date after in-person classes begin. Instead, we will offer a synchronous online orientation program on January 14 and 17 to help you adjust to your first few weeks of remote learning. We will send you more details soon.

      We know that you still may have many questions. If you need help please contact international@uconn.edu or make an appointment with your ISSS advisor.  

      New Travel Restrictions to U.S. Effective Today

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      The U.S. has announced new restrictions on travel to the U.S., effective today (November 29, 2021), in light of the new COVID-19 variant of concern. The new travel restrictions apply to noncitizens who were present in the following countries within 14 days of planned entry to the U.S.: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. You can read the full Presidential proclamation here.  While there are some exceptions to the policy, currently there is no national interest exception for international student or exchange visitor travelers. ISSS will contact students and exchange visitors individually who we believe could be affected by this policy.   

      These newest restrictions are a stark reminder that travel policies may change at any time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, here in the U.S. and worldwide. We continue to urge caution to international students and exchange visitors who are here and considering taking a temporary trip abroad, due to the risk of travel policy changes that may prevent you from returning in time for spring semester commitments.

      Travel Signature Week at ISSS Storrs

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      November 29-December 3 is Travel Signature Week at ISSS in Storrs

      While we urge that students and exchange visitors consider any international travel with great caution due to the ongoing pandemic, if you will travel abroad during winter break you can apply for your travel signature during Travel Signature Week. If you do not attend Storrs campus, check with your ISSS Advisor at your campus about a deadline for submitting your travel signature request for winter break travel.

      How to report your international travel and get a travel signature:

      1. Submit your online Travel Information Record.  Enrolled students: Submit your record here.  Visiting scholars: Login to the ISSS Scholar Portal with your email and password (do not use Net ID), click on requests, and click on Travel Signature.
      2. Between November 29 and December 3, drop off your most recent I-20 or DS-2019 document to the ISSS front desk between 8 am and 5 pm. Enrolled students should also drop off a full time enrollment verification document from the UConn Registrar. Pick up your full time enrollment verification at the Registrar office in Wilbur Cross building, or email registrar@uconn.edu and request the document be sent to you as a pdf.
      3. Your I-20 or DS-2019 with travel signature will be ready for you to pick up no later than December 10. The ISSS front desk will email you if your document is ready earlier than December 10.  We will also return your enrollment verification to you, so that you have it with you for travel.

      Questions? Email international@uconn.edu.

      How to Celebrate Thanksgiving in CT – A Guide for International Huskies

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      As an international Husky, you might be feeling left out of the Thanksgiving celebrations taking place on Thursday, November 25, 2021, but there is so much you can do to celebrate the holiday in your own way. Use this guide to make your Thanksgiving break plans!

      Here are some ideas on what to do if you will stay in Connecticut during Thanksgiving vacation and if you don’t have plans on this national holiday:

      1. ISSS Movie Night on Monday, November 22 at UConn library HBL Instruction 2119A (formerly Video Theater 2) at 2pm
      2. Prepare for Black Friday: Black Friday is an annual nationwide sale that falls on the Friday right after Thanksgiving. It’s a great time to take advantage of the sales and shop for things you need, such as electronics, clothes, accessories etc… Most department stores and shops will have already put up their Black Friday deals on their websites or social media accounts, so you can research and compare deals, and plan your shopping budget accordingly.
      3. Things to do locally:
        1. Run or watch the Manchester Road Race Manchester Road Race on Thanksgiving Day.
        2. Check out Winterfest Hartford for free ice skating in Bushnell Park November 26 – January 9. https://www.winterfesthartford.com/
        3. Check out other 35 things to do in Connecticut this November https://www.ctvisit.com/articles/31-things-do-connecticut-november
        4. Stamford students – check out the Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop November 26-December 24, 2021 https://www.greenwichreindeerfestival.com/
      4. Typical American Thanksgiving Activities:
      1. Dining Hall hours during Thanksgiving week break: https://dining.uconn.edu/2021/11/02/thanksgiving-break-hours-dining-halls-retail/
      2. Restaurants Open Thanksgiving Day for Dining or To-Go:
        1. Hartford and Manchester Restaurants https://www.courant.com/ctnow/food-drink/hc-ctnow-thanksgiving-2020-dine-in-take-out-20201105-y22jnmztfnh5dbylb7kf5rzliy-story.html
        2. Stamford and Fairfield County Restaurants https://suburbs101.com/fairfield-county-restaurants-thanksgiving/
      3. Rec Center hours during Thanksgiving break: https://recreation.uconn.edu/
      4. Volunteer for Thanksgiving and beyond:
      • Want to do good this Thanksgiving? A number of homeless shelters and soup kitchens are looking for volunteers. Find out if you can sign up to be volunteer since you don’t have plans, so you can spend the holiday helping others https://www.covenantsoupkitchen.org/services.htm .
      • Want to volunteer to help others whenever you can? Check out Community Service Day page https://uconntact.uconn.edu/organization/cocsd for different type of services to register for a day of community service. This is a great way to meet other students and to support our community.
      1. Hang out with other fellow international Huskies: Chances are, you are not the only one on campus who’s not celebrating Thanksgiving. See who else is around and organize a coffee/dinner get-together or even have a party! Whatever you choose to do, cherish this opportunity to just hang out with friends without stressing about finals. Off-campus students: Want to host your own Thanksgiving? Watch these YouTube Thanksgiving recipe videos and learn to prepare your own Thanksgiving feast.
      2. Relax and recharge: Not in the mood to socialize? That’s fine too! Use this opportunity to enjoy some alone time. Catch up on your favorite Netflix shows, exercise, read a good book or just catch up on sleep. This is the perfect time to relax and recuperate so you can face the last few weeks of the semester fully charged.

      NOTE: ISSS office will be closed on Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26, 2021

      Enjoy your Thanksgiving break!

      ISSS

       

      Updated Travel Guidelines for Noncitizens

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      The U.S. government has confirmed plans to change the entry requirements for noncitizen, nonimmigrant entry to the U.S., effective November 8, 2021, 12:01 am. Read the full proclamation here. Some key points from this proclamation include the following: 

      • The geographic entry restrictions that previously restricted travel from Brazil, China, India, Iran, South Africa, UK, Ireland, and Schengen Area of Europe will be lifted.   

      • A vaccination requirement will go into effect, requiring all noncitizen, nonimmigrant air travelers to the U.S. to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The definition of fully vaccinated, accepted vaccines, and documentation guidelines are outlined here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/proof-of-vaccination.html#covid-vaccines. Proof of negative COVID-19 test will still be required to travel.

      • Noncitizen travelers who are coming on nonimmigrant visas other than B-1/B-2 (such as F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2) and who are citizens of the countries listed here may qualify for an exemption of the vaccination requirement. The country list will be updated every 90 days.

      • Travelers who qualify for an exemption to the vaccine requirement will need to be tested for COVID-19 with a viral test 3-5 days after travel, self-quarantine for 7 days and isolate if you test positive. If your stay is longer than 60 days, you will need to obtain a vaccination within 60 days after arrival (some exceptions apply).  

      • Full details for noncitizen nonimmigrants traveling to the U.S. can be found on the CDC web page: Non-U.S. citizen, Non-U.S. immigrants: Air travel to the United States. Read this carefully if you intend to travel to the U.S. in the coming months. 

      Although the proclamation included certain exemptions to the vaccine requirement, we understand there could still be international students and visiting scholars who are negatively impacted by this policy change. Please reach out to ISSS if you need assistance to understand how this requirement applies to you and your plans for travel to the U.S.

       
      ISSS will discuss these updates further at our next Stay Informed! meeting, which will take place on November 3 at 12 pm. Join the meeting here, and please contact international@uconn.edu if you have questions.
       

      Reminders for J-1 Scholar Hosting Departments

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      Dear academic departments,


      We hope your fall semester is off to a great start. ISSS would like to provide you with some updates and reminders related to hosting visiting scholars/exchange visitors on J-1 visas. 

      ISSS Services for you and your scholar:

      • ISSS at Storrs is open 5 days a week in person, from 8 am to 5 pm. The front desk is open for procedural questions, and international advisors are available to meet with J-1 exchange visitors for both in-person and virtual appointments. You can find your ISSS Advisor liaison and your scholar’s assigned advisor, here: https://isss.uconn.edu/isss-advisors/  Your scholar can follow the links on their advisor’s profile to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment.

      • ISSS also has drop-in advising each afternoon from 1:30 to 3:30 pm (in-person) and online chat advising in the morning from 9 am to 10 am, and afternoon from 2 pm to 3 pm. These services are intended for quick questions only. If your scholar has a more complex issue to discuss, they should schedule an appointment with their assigned ISSS Advisor.

      J-1 Visa Sponsorship Policies:

      • J-1 visa sponsorship requests can only be made for exchange visitors who will be conducting their program in-person. Remote participation is not appropriate for J-1 visa sponsorship.  

      • New J-1 visa sponsorship requests must be fully submitted (all sections completed by the hosting department and the exchange visitor, offer/invitation letter signed and approved for hire) at least 7 weeks before the anticipated start date to UConn to allow adequate time for visa processing. For exchange visitors in STEM fields, we recommend at least 12 weeks advance notice due to the anticipated background checks needed for the visa process. Exceptions may be granted for exchange visitors who are currently in the U.S. and transferring their J-1 visa sponsorship to UConn. 

      • Newly arrived J-1 exchange visitors hosted at the Storrs campus must check-in at the ISSS office in Storrs as soon as possible after arrival. Please remind your scholar to come to ISSS during the designated check in days: Tuesday and Friday, between 2 and 4 pm. Failure to check in with ISSS can lead to a termination of the visiting scholar’s visa sponsorship. The scholar will need to bring their passport, DS-2019, and medical insurance documentation when they check-in. Scholars at the regional campuses will check-in online and then meet with their ISSS Advisor for an orientation meeting.

      • If your visiting scholar cannot arrive and begin their program by the start date listed on the offer letter/DS-2019 form, then you will need to amend both the offer letter and the DS-2019 form before their arrival. Request the DS-2019 amendment from ISSS following these instructions: https://isss.uconn.edu/department-information/department-information-hosting-an-exchange-visitor/amend-start-date-j-1-exchange-visitor/ 

      • You must notify ISSS if your visiting scholar/exchange visitor decides to end their program early. Please notify both Dana Foster and your ISSS Advisor liaison if your scholar will end their program and return home before their DS-2019/offer letter end date.

      • ISSS publishes further details for hosting departments about the J-1 visa sponsorship process here: https://isss.uconn.edu/department-information/department-information-hosting-an-exchange-visitor/

      COVID-19 Resources and Information for visiting scholars:

      • Visiting scholars who arrive from abroad to start their program may be wondering if they need to quarantine upon arrival before coming to campus. HR has advised ISSS that new visiting scholars who arrive from abroad should follow the same general guidelines following international travel as other staff who return from international travel. More information on these guidelines can be found here: https://isss.uconn.edu/isss-covid-19-faq/#collapsepanel-10144-0-0-734 

      • More information related to travel, health and COVID-19 can be found on the ISSS COVID-19 FAQ: https://isss.uconn.edu/isss-covid-19-faq/ 

      Thank you, and please reach out if you have further questions. 

      U.S. Extends Visa Interview Waiver Eligibility

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      The U.S. Department of State announced yesterday that through the end of 2021, certain applicants for F, M, or J academic visas may be granted a waiver of the requirement to have an interview at a U.S. consulate as part of the visa application. Prior to this announcement, some F or J visa applicants seeking to renew the same visa were eligible to have the interview requirement waived.

      This announcement extends the possibility for interview waiver to include:

      • F or J visa applicants in participating countries who were previously issued a U.S. visa of any type (with certain conditions).
      • First time F or J visa applicants who are citizens of countries that currently qualify for Visa Waiver Program for tourism purposes.

      Please note that:

      • The consulate has discretion to determine whether a visa applicant is subject to the interview.
      • Not all countries or missions will be able to implement this extended interview waiver eligibility. You must still follow the directions for visa application or renewal provided through the U.S. embassy or consulate where you are located. See U.S. Travel Docs for full application instructions, or review the website of your closest U.S. mission for more details.

      This announcement only extends eligibility for a waiver of the interview associated with the visa process; it does not waive the need for a visa.
      Read the full announcement here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/important-announcement-on-F-M-and-academic-J-Visas.html

      Message for continuing and returning students regarding Fall 2021 arrival

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      ISSS would like to share with you important information regarding arrival to campus for the fall 2021 semester to help you in your planning. Classes at all UConn campuses begin August 30, 2021. Please read the following information carefully to help you plan your arrival.

      Student Arrival Dates

      If you will live on-campus:

      Most returning students who live in on-campus residential housing at Storrs or Stamford campuses will move in August 28 or 29. Please see the important dates posted by Residential Life here. More move-in details will be provided by Residential Life at a later time. Please contact livingoncampus@uconn.edu with any questions you have.

      Living off campus:

      If you will live off campus your arrival dates are more flexible. Students who have initial attendance I-20 forms may enter the U.S. with your F or J visa up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019. If your Form I-20 or DS-2019 is already active, you may return any time in the summer, unless you are traveling to the U.S. from an entry restricted country*.  If you will travel from an entry restricted country, and your I-20 begins before August 1, 2021, we recommend that you do not arrive earlier than July 31, or 30 days before semester begins. J-1 students traveling from an entry restricted country also require a written national interest exception (or a visa annotated for NIE) before you can travel. If you will not be fully vaccinated upon arrival in the U.S., we recommend that you arrive at least 7 days before classes or any in-person campus commitment begins, and follow all guidelines listed in this email regarding testing and quarantine.

       

      Airport shuttle:

      ISSS plans to sponsor an airport shuttle for students from Bradley International Airport  (Windsor Locks, Connecticut) to Storrs, Connecticut on the following dates:

       

      Friday, August 13, 2021

      Saturday, August 14, 2021

      Saturday, August 21, 2021

      Sunday, August 22, 2021

      Tuesday, August 24, 2021 – drop off at UConn Storrs campus only.

       

      Priority for this shuttle is given to new international students, but on a space-available basis, returning or continuing students may be able to sign up for a seat on the shuttle. ISSS will provide more details soon.

      COVID-19 Testing, Vaccination, and Quarantine Requirements

      COVID-19 Vaccination:

      The University requires that all UConn students be vaccinated for COVID-19, unless you have been approved for an exemption from this requirement for medical or non-medical reasons. Students who wish to apply for the exemption should submit the exemption request form by July 15. Links to the exemption requests form can be found here. Do not submit the exemption form if you plan to be vaccinated upon arrival to the U.S.

       

      You are considered to be fully vaccinated two weeks after completing a full course of a vaccination approved by the World Health Organization. If you are unable to be fully vaccinated in your country, the University will allow you to get your vaccination when you arrive.  Students who need to be vaccinated upon arrival can register for an open appointment with the on-campus vaccination clinic in Storrs starting in August. Students who are not at the Storrs campus can obtain a vaccination through a local community provider. ISSS will provide more information on community vaccination options soon.

       

      Please upload proof of your vaccination status, even if you are not yet fully vaccinated and even if it is not a WHO-approved vaccine, to myhealth.uconn.edu as soon as you are able to, and no later than July 31 (when possible).  If you will not have access to a WHO approved vaccination upon arrival, do not apply for the vaccination exemption. More information on the University’s vaccination requirement can be found here.

       

      COVID-19 testing:

      After international travel:

      All international students who fly to the U.S. from another country are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to fly to the United States. Learn more here. Please also submit this proof of your negative COVID-19 test result to myhealth.uconn.edu. Upon arrival in the U.S., you should be tested again, and then again 5-7 days after arrival. Students who attend the Storrs campus can be tested through on-campus student health and wellness (SHaW) services. Students who do not attend the Storrs campus can be tested through a community provider. ISSS will provide more information on community testing options soon.

       

      Residential students who are not yet fully vaccinated, no international travel:

      Students who are not fully vaccinated, but will live on campus and did not travel from outside the U.S., must also be tested prior to arrival, upon arrival, and within 5-7 days after arrival.

      Quarantine:

      Your vaccination status will determine if you will need to quarantine upon arrival to the U.S. or arrival to campus.

       

      Quarantine Scenario 1: If you are fully vaccinated, living on-campus or off-campus:

      Quarantine is not required. However, if you traveled from an international destination, you will still need pre-arrival testing, arrival testing, and testing 5-7 days after arrival for COVID-19 (as described above) and monitor for symptoms.

       

      Quarantine Scenario 2: If you are not fully vaccinated, and arrive from a U.S. location, or from an international location that is not subject to geographic entry-restriction*:

       

      Students living on campus:

      In addition to the COVID-19 testing described above, you will need to follow a modified residential quarantine for 7 days. During the modified quarantine:

       

      • Students are permitted to attend class and participate in essential research functions conducted at UConn.
      • Students in clinical rotations should follow the recommendations of their clinical setting.
      • No close contacts (<6 ft. for >15 min) outside defined residential pod.
      • Continue to wear masks, physically distance, and avoid crowds and social gatherings.
      • May leave primary residence for Dining Hall take-out service.
      • May engage in outdoor activities by yourself or with members of defined residential pod.
      • May participate in limited, university sponsored, socially distanced outdoor activities.
      • No prolonged indoor activity outside of primary residence other than to attend class, engage in essential research, and access take-out food service.
      • Adhere to all control measures advised by the university.
      • Daily symptom check during the modified quarantine period.
      • May leave primary residence to obtain medical care and participate in required testing for COVID-19.

       

      Students living off-campus:

      Follow the modified quarantine guidelines above for seven days (but in your off-campus residence), or ten days if you are unable to follow the COVID-19 testing schedule after arrival.

       

      Quarantine Scenario 3: If you are not fully vaccinated, and arrive after international travel from a country subject to entry-restriction*:

       

      Students living on campus:

      In addition to the COVID-19 testing described above, you will need to follow a medical quarantine for 7 days after arrival to the U.S. If you arrive in the U.S. before your move-in date, you should complete the 7-day quarantine and related COVID-19 testing before you move into your on-campus housing and upload your testing results to SHaW. Otherwise you may complete the medical quarantine on-campus.

       

      During the 7-day medical quarantine:

      • You will live in temporary housing for residential quarantine.
      • No close contacts (<6 ft. for >15 min).
      • May only leave primary residence for Dining Hall take-out service.
      • No in person class attendance. If you must miss classes due to quarantine, the University will support you to remain engaged with your coursework.
      • No in-person work attendance.
      • Daily active monitoring of temperature (2x/day) and daily symptom check
      • Testing for COVID-19 day 5-7 after arrival from an entry restricted country.
      • May leave primary residence to obtain medical care and participate in required testing for COVID-19.

      Students living off-campus:

      Follow the general medical quarantine guidelines above for seven days (but in your off-campus residence), or ten days if you are unable to follow COVID-19 testing schedule after arrival.

       

      *Entry restricted countries as of June 2021: Brazil, China, India, Iran, South Africa, Ireland, United Kingdom, and Schengen Area countries of Europe, which are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

       

       

      Summary of Arrival, Testing, and Quarantine Policy

      Travel description: Covid-19 Testing Quarantine Arrival Date- Living On Campus Arrival Date- Living Off Campus
      Domestic travel: Fully Vaccinated: None required

       

      Not fully vaccinated:

      Pre-arrival, upon arrival and 5-7 days after arrival

      		 Fully vaccinated: None required

       

      Not fully vaccinated:
      Modified quarantine for 7 days

      		 Freshmen (Storrs):

      August 27

       

      All others: August 28-29

      		 If you are already in the U.S. on an F or J visa, you may arrive at any point in summer, by your program start date.
      International travel (not traveling from an entry restricted country): All students: Pre-arrival, upon arrival, and 5-7 days after arrival Fully vaccinated: None

       

      Not fully vaccinated: Modified quarantine for 7 days

      		 Freshmen (Storrs):

      August 27

       

      All others: August 28-29

      		 New I-20/DS-2019: Arrive up to 30 days before program start date.

       

      Continuing I-20s/DS-2019s:

      Arrive at any point in the summer.
      International travel from entry-restricted country: All students: Pre-arrival, upon arrival, and 5-7 days after arrival Fully vaccinated: None

       

      Not fully vaccinated: Medical quarantine for 7 days

      		 Freshmen (Storrs):

      August 27

       

      All others: August 28-29

      		 New I-20/DS-2019: Arrive up to 30 days before program start date.

       

      Continuing I-20s:

      Arrive no earlier than July 31. This includes students whose flights transit entry- restricted countries.

       

      If not fully vaccinated, arrive at least 7-10 days before classes begin.

       

       

      What to do next:

      • We know that you probably have a lot of questions about your situation. Please attend a live webinar to learn more about arrival and returning to campus, and ask your questions to SHaW, Res Life, and ISSS staff.

      When: Tuesday, July 6 at 8:30 am – 9:30 am, EST.

      Link to meeting:

      https://uconn-cmr.webex.com/uconn-cmr/onstage/g.php?MTID=e277313e6e231215f85ab85d960f36f70

      Event number 120 869 7786

      Event password: UConn2021

      • Upload your COVID-19 vaccination record status, even if you are not yet fully vaccinated, to uconn.edu by July 31 (when possible). Contact studenthealth@uconn.edu with any questions. Check your myhealth.uconn.edu portal for response from Student Health Services (for your privacy).
      • Fill out your ISSS Fall 2021 Study Plan, if you have not already done so. Please also complete this form if you will not study in-person for fall 2021.

      Message for new international students at the Stamford, Hartford, Law, Avery Point and Waterbury campuses

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      ISSS would like to share with you important information regarding arrival to campus for the fall 2021 semester to help you in your planning. Classes at all UConn campuses begin August 30, 2021. Please read the following information carefully to help you plan your arrival.

      Student Arrival Dates

      If you will live on-campus:

      International students who will live in the Stamford campus residence hall move-in August 28 or 29;  more details will be provided by Residential Life at a later time about the move-in process. Please contact livingoncampus@uconn.edu with any questions you have.

      Living off campus:

      If you will live off campus you may enter the U.S. with your F or J visa up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019. Please be mindful of any in-person activities or program requirements, as well as testing and quarantine requirements (see below) when planning your arrival date.

      COVID-19 Testing, Vaccination, and Quarantine Requirements

      COVID-19 Vaccination:

      The University requires that all UConn students be vaccinated for COVID-19, unless you have been approved for an exemption from this requirement for medical or non-medical reasons. Students who wish to apply for the exemption should submit the exemption request form by July 15. Links to the exemption requests form can be found here. Do not submit the exemption form if you plan to be vaccinated upon arrival to the U.S.

       

      You are considered to be fully vaccinated two weeks after completing a full course of a vaccination approved by the World Health Organization. If you are unable to be fully vaccinated in your country, the University will allow you to get your vaccination when you arrive. Students who need to be vaccinated upon arrival can receive a vaccination through a community provider. We will share more details regarding community vaccination provider options soon.

       

      Please upload proof of your vaccination, even if it is not a WHO-approved vaccine, to myhealth.uconn.edu as soon as you are able to, and no later than July 31 (when possible). More information on the University’s vaccination requirement can be found here.

       

      COVID-19 testing:

      After international travel:

      All international students who fly to the U.S. from another country are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to fly to the United States. Learn more here. Please also submit proof of your negative COVID-19 test result to myhealth.uconn.edu. Upon arrival in the U.S., you should be tested again, and then again 5-7 days after arrival. We will provide you with more information on how to obtain a COVID-19 test in your community.

       

      Residential students who are not yet fully vaccinated, no international travel:

      Students who are not fully vaccinated, but will live on campus and did not travel from outside the U.S., must also be tested prior to arrival, upon arrival, and within 5-7 days after arrival.

      Quarantine:

      Your vaccination status will determine if you will need to quarantine upon arrival to the U.S. or arrival to campus, whichever comes first.

       

      Quarantine Scenario 1: If you are fully vaccinated, living on-campus or off-campus:

      Quarantine is not required. If you traveled from an international destination, you will still need pre-arrival testing, arrival testing, and testing 5-7 days after arrival for COVID-19 (as described above) and monitor for symptoms.

       

      Quarantine Scenario 2: If you are not fully vaccinated, and arrive from a U.S. location, or from an international location that is not subject to geographic entry-restriction*:

       

      Students living on campus:

      In addition to the COVID-19 testing described above, you will need to follow a modified residential quarantine for 7 days. During the modified quarantine:

       

      • Students are permitted to attend class and participate in essential research functions conducted at UConn.
      • Students in clinical rotations should follow the recommendations of their clinical setting.
      • No close contacts (<6 ft. for >15 min) outside defined residential pod.
      • Continue to wear masks, physically distance, and avoid crowds and social gatherings.
      • May leave primary residence for Dining Hall take-out service.
      • May engage in outdoor activities by yourself or with members of defined residential pod.
      • May participate in limited, university sponsored, socially distanced outdoor activities.
      • No prolonged indoor activity outside of primary residence other than to attend class, engage in essential research, and access take-out food service.
      • Adhere to all control measures advised by the university.
      • Daily symptom check during the modified quarantine period.
      • May leave primary residence to obtain medical care and participate in required testing for COVID-19.

       

      Students living off-campus:

      Follow the modified quarantine guidelines above for seven days (but in your off-campus residence), or ten days if you are unable to follow the COVID-19 testing schedule after arrival.

       

      Quarantine Scenario 3: If you are not fully vaccinated, and arrive after international travel from a country subject to entry-restriction*:

       

      Students living on campus:

      In addition to the COVID-19 testing described above, you will need to follow a medical quarantine for 7 days after arrival to the U.S. If you arrive in the U.S. before your move-in date, you should complete the 7-day quarantine and related COVID-19 testing before you move into your on-campus housing and upload your testing results to SHaW. Otherwise you may complete the medical quarantine on-campus.

       

      During the 7-day medical quarantine:

      • You will live in temporary housing for residential quarantine.
      • No close contacts (<6 ft. for >15 min).
      • May only leave primary residence for Dining Hall take-out service.
      • No in person class attendance. If you must miss classes due to quarantine, the University will support you to remain engaged with your coursework.
      • No in-person work attendance.
      • Daily active monitoring of temperature (2x/day) and daily symptom check
      • Testing for COVID-19 day 5-7 after arrival from an entry restricted country.
      • May leave primary residence to obtain medical care and participate in required testing for COVID-19.

      Students living off-campus:

      Follow the general medical quarantine guidelines above for seven days (but in your off-campus residence), or ten days if you are unable to follow COVID-19 testing schedule after arrival.

       

      *Entry restricted countries as of June 2021: Brazil, China, India, Iran, South Africa, Ireland, United Kingdom, and Schengen Area countries of Europe, which are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

       

       

      Summary of Arrival, Testing, and Quarantine Policy

      Travel description: Covid-19 Testing Quarantine Arrival Date- Living On Campus Arrival Date- Living Off Campus
      Domestic travel: Fully Vaccinated: None required

       

      Not fully vaccinated:

      Pre-arrival, upon arrival and 5-7 days after arrival

      		 Fully vaccinated: None required

       

      Not fully vaccinated:
      Modified quarantine for 7 days

      		 Early Arrival:

      To be confirmed

       

      Standard Arrival:

      August 28-29

      		 If you are already in the U.S. on an F or J visa, you may arrive at any point in summer, by your program start date.
      International travel (not traveling from an entry restricted country): All students: Pre-arrival, upon arrival, and 5-7 days after arrival Fully vaccinated: None

       

      Not fully vaccinated: Modified quarantine for 7 days

      		 Early Arrival:

      To be confirmed

       

      Standard Arrival:

      August 28-29

      		 You may arrive up to 30 days before the program start date on I-20.
      International travel from entry-restricted country: All students: Pre-arrival, upon arrival, and 5-7 days after arrival Fully vaccinated: None

       

      Not fully vaccinated: Medical quarantine for 7 days

      		 Early Arrival:

      To be confirmed

       

      Standard Arrival:

      August 28-29

      		 You may arrive up to 30 days before the program start date on I-20.

       

      If not fully vaccinated, arrive at least 7-10 days before classes begin.

       

       

      What to do next:

      • We know that you probably have a lot of questions about your situation. Please attend a live webinar to learn more about arrival and returning to campus, and ask your questions to SHaW, Res Life, and ISSS staff.

      When: Tuesday, July 6 at 8:30 am – 9:30 am, EST.

      Link to meeting:

      https://uconn-cmr.webex.com/uconn-cmr/onstage/g.php?MTID=e277313e6e231215f85ab85d960f36f70

      Event number 120 869 7786

      Event password: UConn2021

       

      • Upload your COVID-19 vaccination record status, even if you are not yet fully vaccinated to uconn.edu by July 31 (when possible). Contact studenthealth@uconn.edu with any questions. Check your myhealth.uconn.edu portal for response from Student Health Services (for your privacy).
      • Fill out your ISSS Fall 2021 Study Plan, if you have not already done so. Please also complete this form if you will not study in-person for fall 2021.