Skip to main content

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.

Navigate to a specific section using the links or scroll down the page.


    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 above, depending on the time of day.

    18th Annual Shocks and Saves Game

    Details:

    Join CMU Alumni and friends for the 18th Annual Shocks and Saves Night, presented by the Covenant HealthCare College of Medicine at Central Michigan University on Saturday, February 7! 

    Purchases through the CMU group include: 

    ⏰ When: 

    Saturday, February 7, 2026 
    3:00 p.m. | Doors open
    3:45 p.m. | Shocks and Saves game puck drop 
    6:00 p.m. | Presentation in the Red Room
    7:05 p.m. | Saginaw Spirit v. London Knights puck drop 

    *Between the games, there will be activities in the Dow Event Center’s Red Room. Be sure to stop in and pick up some CMU swag! 

    💲Cost: 

    $19 | Upper-level Ticket 

    Please click here or scan the QR code to purchase tickets. Use the information below to gain access to the special CMU Package! Log-in credentials are case-sensitive.  

    Username: SHOCKS26
    Password: CMU 

    Your tickets will be available for pick up from Will Call on the day of the game.   

    Learn more and consider an additional donation to CMU’s Pulse3 Endowment for Cardiovascular Health by clicking here.  

    Wear your maroon and gold to show your CMU pride! 


    Sponsorship opportunities

    SPIRIT OF THE GREAT LAKES BAY REGION SPONSOR | $10,000

    (SUPPORTS HEARTSAFE TRAINING FOR 4 SCHOOLS)

    • Featured participation in puck drop for Shocks and Saves® game
    • In-game recognition with video board read during Shocks and Saves® game
    • Logo on jersey, Social media and event t-shirt
    • Sponsor representative as honorary player/coach
    • 15 person suite
    • Full page ad in program

    HEARTBEAT HAT TRICK SPONSOR | $7,500

    (SUPPORTS HEARTSAFE TRAINING FOR 3 SCHOOLS)

    • Participation in puck drop for Shocks and Saves® game
    • In-game recognition with a video board read during Shocks and Saves® game
    • Logo on jersey, social media and event t-shirt
    • 12 executive level game tickets
    • Full-page ad in program

    GAME CHANGER SPONSOR | $5,000

    (SUPPORTS HEARTSAFE TRAINING FOR 2 SCHOOLS)

    • In-game recognition with a video board read during Shocks and Saves® game
    • Logo on jersey, social media and event t-shirt
    • 6 executive level game tickets
    • Full-page ad in program

    FRIENDS OF FISCHER SPONSOR | $2,500

    (SUPPORTS HEARTSAFE TRAINING FOR 1 SCHOOL)

    • In-game recognition with a video board read during Shocks and Saves® game
    • Logo on jersey, social media and event t-shirt
    • 10 upper bowl game tickets
    • Half-page ad in program

    DEFIBRILLATOR DEFENDER SPONSOR | $1,500

    (SUPPORTS PURCHASE OF 1 AED)

    • In-game recognition during AED demonstration
    • Logo on jersey, social media and event t-shirt
    • Social media recognition when device is donated
    • Half-page ad in program

    PULSE PARTNER SPONSOR | $1,000

    • In-game recognition during T-shirt Toss
    • Logo on jersey, social media and event t-shirt
    • Half-page ad in program

    FIRE UP THE HEART SPONSOR | $500

    • Recognition on social media
    • Quarter-page ad in program
    Date: -
    Time: -
    Location: Dow Event Center
    303 Johnson St.
    Saginaw, MI
    Sponsor: Alumni Relations
    Contact: Alumni Relations alumni@cmich.edu 989-774-3312
    Register Here!