Fall Semester 2020 Options for New International Students

We hope you and your family are doing well and that you are excited about your coming enrollment at Bradley University for the Fall 2020 semester. We are looking forward to you joining the Bradley family this fall.

I want to update you on some information that is very important as you prepare for the start of the school year. Below are your options for enrolling at Bradley University. Once you have made a decision, please email Rachel Webb, Director of International Student and Scholar Services rkwebb@fsmail.bradley.edu.

Option 1: Enroll full-time to attend courses on Bradley’s campus

  1. If you are planning to enter the United States to begin your studies at Bradley, you should plan to arrive at least 14 days before classes begin (or 14 days before your orientation date, if possible) in order to follow quarantine procedures. Your quarantine can be done in Peoria or in another US location. Because you will live on-campus during Fall 2020,Bradley will assist you with a quarantine location.
  2. Once you know your date of entry, email Rachel Webb and she will give you a personalized letter to have with you at the border.
  3. As an F-1 student you are required to enroll full-time (at least 12 credit hours) for fall 2020. As an F-1 student within the United States, you cannot enroll in only online classes. Avoid enrolling in only online courses.

Option 2: Enroll full-time to complete courses online from outside the U.S.

  1. If you choose to remain in your home country for health or safety reasons or if you are unable to enter the US due to travel restrictions or because you cannot obtain a visa in time, you can take Bradley University Fall 2020 courses fully online.
  2. You must enroll full-time to receive your Bradley academic scholarship for the semester. Athletes should contact Grant Escue at jescue@fsmail.bradley.edu regarding their athletic scholarship.
  3. Work with your academic advisor and instructors to understand expectations of attendance and assignments from your home country. Be sure you have access to the technology you need to successfully complete your courses. You may wish to contact the Service Desk for any questions or concerns.
  4. If you choose this option, we will defer your start date in your SEVIS record to the Spring 2021 semester. You will be issued a new I-20 to use to enter the US in January for the spring semester. You should not have to pay a new SEVIS fee.
  5. Please note that Bradley University cannot guarantee that you will receive a visa to enter the U.S. for a future term.

Option 3: Defer your attendance to a future semester

  1. If neither of the options above will work for you, you can defer your attendance at Bradley University to start in Spring 2021 or Fall 2021. If you wish to do so, please email Mike Gavic mgavic@fsmail.bradley.edu with your decision. This means that you will not enroll in classes for the Fall 2020 term.
  2. If you choose this option, we will defer your start date in your SEVIS record to the Spring 2021 semester. You will be issued a new I-20 to use to enter the US in January for the spring semester. You should not have to pay a new SEVIS fee.

Please review this information with your parents as soon as possible and let us know if you have any questions.

(sent to International Students on 07/24/2020)