Considering the recent US decision to modify temporary exemptions for nonimmigrant students taking online courses during the Fall 2020 semester, the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) is working to develop and offer the support and services necessary to accommodate BVI students who may be affected.
On Monday 6 July, the Students and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced modifications to temporary exemptions for nonimmigrant students taking online classes due to the pandemic for the fall 2020 semester. These modifications mean that Nonimmigrant F-1 and M-1 students attending U.S. schools in the fall will not be allowed to remain in the United States if their entire course load is made up of online classes.
Further, the State Department will not issue visas to students who are enrolled in schools with fully online programmes in the fall semester. Students will also be barred entry to the United States by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This means that BVI students currently in the United States without U.S. citizenship and enrolled in such programmes will have to depart or transfer to an institution with in-person instruction.
To this end, Acting President of HLSCC, Dr. Richard Georges said that “the College is committed to supporting any BVI student who has found themselves in this situation”. Affected university students are invited to contact Ms. Bria Smith at basmith@hlscc.edu.vg to identify themselves, their current institution, and what resources they need. HLSCC’s Learning Resource Centre is equipped with private study spaces, computer labs, and internet access. In addition, the College has access to the EBSCOhost Research Platform, the Cengage Unlimited digital learning platform, and the expertise to provide tutoring in a wide variety of university disciplines.