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International Students and Scholars

Office of International Students and Scholars Services

The ISSS provides advising services to CMU students and scholars on F-1, J-1 and other non-immigrant visas. We also provide programming and events for new student orientation, cultural awareness and student success.

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    About the ISSS team

    Our mission

    The International Student and Scholar Services unit (ISSS) within the Office of International Affairs and Graduate Recruitment is here to support and guide international students, scholars, faculty and staff. We work hard to make sure international students and scholars have a smooth transition to life at CMU.

    Our dedicated staff provides personalized advising appointments to help with immigration questions, supports visiting scholars and faculty and connects you to our vibrant international community through cultural programs and events. 

    ISSS provides advising services to students and scholars at CMU on F, J and other nonimmigrant visas. In addition to advising on immigration matters, we provide programming and events for new student orientation, cultural awareness and student success.

    We provide:

    • Immigration advising.
    • Visiting scholar or professor advising.
    • New student orientation.
    • Oversight for international student organizations.
    • Cultural programs and events.

    Six people stand in a line in front of a maroon and gold backdrop that says Welcome Home, with the state of Michigans outline replacing the O, and smile for a group picture in an office building. Maroon and gold balloons decorate the sides

    Central Michigan University students on campus

    CMU by the Numbers

    2,423

    students guided by our office

    64

    countries’ students call CMU home

    902

    alumni advancing their careers through OTP

    LING ZHANG

    EXEC DIR/­GRADUATE & INTERNATIONAL RCMT

    Office of International Affairs & Graduate Recruitment

    KIM MORRISON

    DIR/­INTERNATIONAL STDT/­SCHOLAR SRVS

    Office of International Affairs & Graduate Recruitment

    LUKE MCCARTHY

    COORD/­SEVIS

    Office of International Affairs & Graduate Recruitment

    REANNA AVERILL

    INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISOR

    Office of International Affairs & Graduate Recruitment

    LAURIE YOST

    ADMIN OFFICE ASSISTANT III/­PT

    Office of International Affairs & Graduate Recruitment

    DAMIEN DEARMENT

    INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISOR

    Office of International Affairs & Graduate Recruitment

    During business hours
    (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

    • Contact the ISSS Front Desk at (989) 774-4308 and ask to speak with an advisor.
    • Contact an ISSS Advisor via email at isss@cmich.edu (this is the best option if you have Wi-Fi access on a flight and cannot make a phone call)

    After business hours

    If you experience one of the immigration emergencies outlined above after business hours, contact the CMU Police at (989) 774-3081. Let them know that you have an emergency and need to speak with an ISSS advisor.


     

    Emergency contacts

    For medical emergencies or if you feel that your safety or the safety of others is at risk, please call 911. This number works anywhere in the United States and will connect you with local public safety officials.

    The following are immigration emergencies which require immediate attention:

    • Being denied entry into the United States.
    • Being otherwise detained at a U.S. Port of Entry.
    • Being arrested for any reason while in the United States.

    If you experience any of these issues, please follow the steps below depending on the time of day.