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Academic Advising for International Students
Undergraduate students
Build a course plan that supports your degree and your student status. Academic advisors and the Office of
International Programs (OIP) have different roles, and you may need to speak with both before changing your
schedule.Graduate students
Contact your graduate program coordinator for course selection, degree requirements, academic progress, and
questions about your program. If you do not know who your coordinator is, ask your academic department to
connect you.
Find The Right Advisor
Immigration and Enrollment
Contact OIP about the immigration effects of your academic choices. An academic advisor's approval of a course
plan does not replace any required immigration authorization.
Ask OIP before you reduce your credits, withdraw, change the format of your classes, study at another institution,
take a leave, change your major or degree level, or extend your program.
Plan and register for your next semester
Review your remaining degree requirements and plan your courses. Meet with your academic advisor or graduate coordinator to confirm requirements and course availability, and check with OIP if your plan involves online classes, fewer credits, or an internship. Use SVSU Self-Service to register, then confirm that you are fully enrolled and review your schedule, course formats, holds, and messages. Check the Registrar’s Calendar for current registration, add/drop, withdrawal, and exam deadlines.
Changing classes? Check enrollment requirements!
F-1 students should generally maintain at least 12 credits for undergraduate programs and 9 credits for graduate programs during fall and winter terms. Confirm your specific requirements with OIP, especially for thesis or other special enrollment arrangements. Before taking online classes, changing course formats, or reducing your credits, review Immigration Advising and obtain any required OIP approval—submitting a reduced course load request does not mean it has been approved. J-1 students should consult their DS-2019 sponsor and OIP, while students with other immigration statuses should confirm which requirements apply to them.
Prepare for an academic advising meeting
Bring or have access to:
- Your degree plan and a list of courses you hope to take.
- Questions about prerequisites, transfer credits, course sequencing, and graduation.
- Any academic or registration messages you do not understand.
- Your expected graduation term and, for an OIP discussion, your immigration document's program end date.
- Internship, clinical placement, or research plans that may require advance review.
Tell your advisor early if you are having difficulty in a class, cannot register for a required course, or need support.
Get support with your coursework
The Writing Center offers individual help with writing assignments and the writing process.
Accessibility Resources & Accommodations helps students access accommodations and services.
The Campus Mental Health & Wellness Center provides counseling and other support for students navigating
stress and transitions.
University Resources connects you with additional campus services.
Common Questions
CONTACT US.
Study Abroad
Lindsey Locke
studyabroad@svsu.edu
989-964-4268
International Partnerships
intpartner@svsu.edu
International Student Advisor
Collin Glenn
cglenn@svsu.edu
+1-989-964-2593