UMES International Student Advising

University of Maryland Eastern Shore
International Student Advising

Mission

The mission of the Office for International Students (OIS) is to support and enhance the international students' academics,cultural, and social interaction at UMES. OIS also strives to do the following:

Serve as the primary link between the international students and the university, community, federal government, and public and private agencies.
Promote a positive and symbiotic cross-cultural environment through international education and exchange.

Because of its multifunctional role, OIS serves as UMES' focus for providing information, assistance and consultation on concerns and matters pertaining not only to international students but to faculty and staff as well. OIS intends to serve as the "gateway to the world" through the international and cross-cultural educational programs that UMES provides to the university and the outside community. OIS is the pivot for international student involvement at UMES. The office collaborates with international students from all over the world to make their stays at UMES and in the USA positive, enriching, and fulfilling.

The role of advising and support in students' lives at UMES plays a very pivotal role in their academic success. Advising and support include counseling, referral, financial concerns, and understanding personal and academic matters. The OIS advises students regarding their responsibilities and options under the regulations of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Advice includes matters such as extensions of stay, transfer of programs or schools, maintaining or applying for reinstatement of student status, and work permits. The OIS maintains interaction with administrative units at UMES, governmental organizations, and other agencies. The administrative relationships at UMES include those with Division of Administrative Affairs (controller, financial -aid), Division of Student Affairs (admission, registration, housing), and Division of Academic Affairs (advising, counseling, graduate and undergraduate programs).