International Affairs Admissions and Policies

Office of International Affairs

Associate Provost for International Affairs: Stephen Allen
Sharwan Smith Student Center, Room 169
(435) 586-1995
www.suu.edu/internationalaffairs

Mission

With students as its highest priority, International Affairs at Southern Utah University fosters globally engaged communities by supporting the exchange of values, cultures, and ideas in an effort to advance a more just, empathic, and prosperous world.

International Affairs includes the following:

International Student Recruitment & Admissions Requirements

• Intensive English Program Admissions Requirements
• Undergraduate Admission Requirements
• Transfer Student Requirements
• Master’s Degree Admission Requirements

SUU Confucius Institute

Office of Learning Abroad

American Language and Culture Center (ALCC)

Global Collaboration

International Student & Scholar Services

• International Student & Scholar Requirements

International Student Recruitment

Director: Stephen Allen
Coordinator: Nicole Funderburk
(435) 865-8602
www.suu.edu/international

International Student Recruitment works to recruit globally diverse and talented students from around the world. International Student Recruitment is comprised of a team of recruiters each with strategic focus on specific regions of the world.  The International Student Recruitment team seeks to increase the number of international students in the Intensive English Program as well as undergraduate and graduate programs on campus.  The department focus is to diversify SUU’s international student population as well as the campus population at large.

International Student Admissions Requirements

International Affairs serves as the first point of contact for prospective international students and those desiring more information about Southern Utah University. Complete information and application materials are available online at https://www.suu.edu/international/

The following sections define the deadlines for international students applying for admission, the process by which admission is determined, and the standards that students must meet to be admitted.

Intensive English Program Admission Requirements

Application for Admission

Complete admission application including a non-refundable application fee (U.S. currency only). Admission is ongoing according to the program calendar. Students must apply 4 to 6 weeks before the desired session start date in order to allow time for application and visa processing.

Transcripts

Official transcripts (record of courses taken and grades received) from each secondary school, college, or university attended must be submitted. Transcripts must be submitted on an official school document which lists the name and address of the school, the dates enrolled, grading systems, description of each subject or examination, and mark or grade earned in each subject or examination. Unless the school attended routinely issues transcripts in English, official records must be submitted in the original language with official English translations. Translations must be literal and complete and must be translated by an authorized translation service, found at https://www.suu.edu/graduatestudies/prospective/international-req.html Official transcripts must be sent directly from the school attended to:

SUU International Admissions Office
351 W. University Blvd., ST 120
Cedar City, UT 84720

High School Transcripts

If you are a high school student or graduate and haven’t taken college courses after graduation, high school transcripts must be submitted on an official school document, which lists the name and address of the school, the dates enrolled, grading systems, description of each subject, and mark or grade earned in each subject.  Foreign transcripts will be converted to a U.S. 4.0 grade point average (GPA) scale and must meet a 2.0 minimum GPA requirement.

Passport

Please provide a copy of the photo page of your passport. As per the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services requirements, the student’s name of record will be as shown in the machine-readable section of the passport.

Finances

The U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services requires an international student to show that funds are available for the first year of study, and that adequate funding will also be available for subsequent years. An official document from a banking institution showing the amount of funds available must accompany the International Student Financial Form.

Funding requirements are continually updated; please see https://www.suu.edu/international/estimated-costs.html for the most current requirements.

IEP Level Placement

All new students are assessed for proficiency and carefully placed in courses between levels 1 and 6 based on submitted English proficiency test scores or through placement testing prior to the beginning of each session.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Application for Admission

Complete admission application including a non-refundable application fee (U.S. currency only).

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester - July 15th
• Spring Semester - November 15th

NOTE: At least 1 month is required for school processing, express shipping and embassy appointment. 

English Proficiency

Proof of English proficiency is required for all applicants whose first language is not English.  Students may show proficiency in English by providing scores for any one of the following:

Alternate English Proficiency Options

Applicants with an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S. or an English speaking country may submit an official transcript as proof of English proficiency.

Transfer students from a U.S. college or university who have completed 24 or more credits at a 2.0 GPA or higher may submit an official transcript as proof of English proficiency.

Students who have successfully graduated from an English language program may submit an official transcript indicating graduation with an overall grade performance of at least 80% or a B average as proof of English proficiency.

Dual Enrollment Option

Students who qualify for the top level of the Intensive English Program are eligible for Dual Enrollment. Dual Enrollment allows students to take Intensive English Program level 6 AND classes within their major, at the same time. This is a one-semester program, offered Fall and Spring semesters only.  Please refer to the chart below for English Proficiency minimums for the Dual Enrollment option.

Transcripts

Official transcripts (record of courses taken and grades received) from each high school, college, and university attended must be submitted. Official transcripts must be sent to:

SUU International Admissions Office
351 W. University Blvd., ST 120
Cedar City, UT 84720

High School Transcripts

If you are a high school student or graduate and haven’t taken college courses after graduation, high school transcripts must be submitted on an official school document, which lists the name and address of the school, the dates enrolled, grading systems, description of each subject, and mark or grade earned in each subject.  Foreign transcripts will be converted to a U.S. 4.0 grade point average (GPA) scale and must meet a 2.0 minimum GPA requirement.

Transfer Student Requirements

College Credit from outside the U.S.

If you are a transfer student with foreign transcripts, you must submit an official evaluated transcript of all post-high school coursework from an authorized evaluation service (www.globaleval.org, www.educei.com, www.foreigntranscripts.com, www.wes.org).

For a complete articulation of your credits, please submit a course syllabus for each course listed on your transcript. A course syllabus includes information about the content of the course. This will enable us to determine if equivalent SUU credit can be given for your transfer credits. If course syllabi are not submitted, your coursework will be transferred as elective credits.

For more information, go to www.suu.edu/iss/pdf/transferring-credits-from-an-international-university-to-suu.pdf

College Credit From Inside the U.S.

If you are a transfer student from another school within the US, you must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

If you have completed less than 24 college credits, high school transcripts are also required in addition to the college transcripts. High School Transcripts must be submitted on an official school document, which lists the name and address of the school, the dates enrolled, grading systems, description of each subject, and mark or grade earned in each subject. 

Transferring Government Record (SEVIS)

*If transferring from within the U.S.

Once all supporting documents have been received you will be sent a Transfer Clearance Form to complete the SUU International Transfer Student admission process. This form will provide the information necessary for your current school to transfer your government record to SUU.

Passport

Please provide a copy of the photo page of your passport. As per the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services requirements, the student’s name of record with be as shown in the machine-readable section of the passport.

Finances

The U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services requires an international student to show that funds are available for the first year of study, and that adequate funding will also be available for subsequent years. An official document from a banking institution showing the amount of funds available must accompany the International Student Financial Form.

Funding requirements are continually updated; please see https://www.suu.edu/international/estimated-costs.html for the most current requirements.

Master’s Degree Admission Requirements

The following admission requirements apply only to international students that plan on attending an in-person graduate program via an F-1 student visa.  Additional online graduate programs are available which do not require international students to obtain supporting immigration documents from SUU.

Application for Admission

Application deadlines vary from program to program.

NOTE: At least 1 month is required for school processing, express shipping and embassy appointment.

Program Requirements

International graduate applicants must satisfy all graduate program admission requirements in addition to the follow requirements.

English Proficiency

Proof of English proficiency is required for all applicants whose first language is not English.  Students may show proficiency in English by providing scores for any one of the following:

Alternate English Proficiency Options

Applicants with an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S. or an English speaking country may submit an official transcript as proof of English proficiency.

Transfer students from a U.S. college who have completed 24 or more credits at a 2.0 GPA or higher may submit an official transcript as proof of English proficiency.

Students who have successfully graduated from an English language program may submit an official transcript indicating graduation with an overall grade performance of at least 80% or a B average as proof of English proficiency.

Transcripts

Official transcripts (record of courses taken and grades received) from each college and university attended are required as outlined in the individual graduate program admission requirements.  Official transcripts must be sent to:

SUU International Admissions Office
351 W. University Blvd., ST 120
Cedar City, UT 84720

Foreign Transcripts

The following programs also require official evaluated transcripts of all foreign post-high school course work from an authorized evaluation service.

• Master of Accountancy*
• Master of Arts in Professional Communication
• Master of Business Administration*
• Master of Education
• Master of Public Administration

*Program also requires course syllabi for foundation courses

Passport

Please provide a copy of the photo page of your passport. As per the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services requirements, the students name of record will be as shown in the machine-readable section of the passport.

Finances

International students are required to demonstrate that funds are available for the first year of study. An official document from a banking institution showing the amount of funds available must accompany the International Student Financia Form, found at https://www.suu.edu/international/pdf/international-student-financial-form.pdf

For estimated tuition and fees for international students, please visit: https://www.suu.edu/international/estimated-costs.html

American Language and Culture Center

Director: Andrea Stiefvater
eslprogram@suu.edu
www.suu.edu/esl
(435) 586-8033

The American Language and Culture Center (ALCC) is a dynamic teaching and learning community dedicated to supporting students in two ways: (1) We help students to achieve academic English proficiency sufficient for matriculation into university; and (2) We support students’ continued development and improvement of their English language skills. In so doing, we enrich and broaden the cultural experience of our students and the SUU, local, and world communities.

The ALCC is comprised of the following programs:

1. Foundation: Students take courses in Basic Communicative English. Classes meet for 18 hours/week in 7-week terms. There are 2 levels in the Foundation Program, and classes are offered as needed.
2. Intensive English: Students take courses in academic English and American academic culture. Classes meet for 18 hours/week in 7-week terms. There are 6 levels of the Intensive English Program.
3. Pathway: Students with very high language skills are eligible to participate in a semester-long Pathway program, in which they take top-level Intensive English courses concurrent with courses in their major.
4. Workshops: Matriculated students who want or need language support can enroll in 1-credit workshop classes in Reading, Writing, Pronunciation, and/or Presentation Skills. These 7-week courses are offered as needed.
5. Community ESL: Through generous support from Zions Bank, we are able to offer low-cost, evening classes in basic English to qualifying community members.

SUU Confucius Institute

Executive Director: Jacob Ng
(435) 865-8117
nkjacobng@suu.edu
www.suu.edu/confucius/

The Confucius Institute is an organization aimed at promoting Chinese Language and culture around the world. It is administered by Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters based in Beijing. With a growing demand of Chinese speakers, China has started a non-profit public organization referred to as the Confucius Institute (CI) that is affiliated with the Chinese Ministry of Education. Founded in 2004, the Confucius Institute has continued to grow and now has approximately 500 Confucius Institutes present in over 100 countries worldwide. In the United States alone there are over 100 active Confucius Institutes.

Office of Learning Abroad

Director: Kurt Harris (435) 586-1995
global@suu.edu
www.suu.edu/academics/studyabroad/

The Office of Learning Abroad (OLA) fosters empathy, cultural and global understanding, experiential learning, and personal enrichment by providing SUU students, faculty, and staff with the resources and guidance necessary to enhance their learning and research in safe, intellectually stimulating programs in a variety of locations worldwide. SUU students can add an international dimension to their education through OLA’s study abroad and National Student Exchange (NSE) programs. Students may earn SUU credit by enrolling in short-term summer, semester-long, and year-long programs in over 30 countries worldwide. They may also study at select public and private institutions in the U.S. and Canada through NSE. In addition, OLA coordinates the Global Track of SUU’s EDGE Program and serves as the campus contact to the Fulbright Program.

Global Collaboration

Director: Johnny Oh
globalcollaboration@suu.edu
www.suu.edu/internationalaffairs/visit/
(435) 865-8198

The department of Global Collaboration is centered on the idea that intercultural competence is directly related to a higher quality of life. Our programs are designed to make connections across cultures, for mutual learning and improvement. Through these programs, students learn about the systems of American academics, gaining a new outlook on education, and inspiration for their own goals.

Short Term Programs for International Students

SUU’s short term programs allow groups of 15 to 50 students to visit and learn on the SUU campus for 2, 3, or 4 weeks. Longer programs are also available. Each program is built to fit the specific needs and goals of your student group. Themes, activities, classes, workshops and projects can be adapted to fit the focus of your group. 

HomeStay

HomeStay gives students the opportunity to live with a local family and improve their English while having an immersive American experience.

International Student & Scholar Services

Director: Jamie Orton
(435) 586-1995
internationalaid@suu.edu
http://www.suu.edu/iss

International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) facilitates a wide array of support services designed to promote the academic and personal success of SUU’s international students and scholars. ISSS manages the international admissions process and operates the federally-mandated Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to ensure that all international students and scholars at SUU maintain their proper legal status under federal statutes and regulations.

ISSS supports student and scholars through cultural and academic adjustment by providing in-depth orientation programs, student support courses and individual advising sessions. The department functions as a point of contact to help international students and scholars navigate SUU’s campus and connect with other departments on campus.  ISSS offers a variety of additional support services to students and scholars including airport shuttle transportation, housing arrangements and local shopping trips and excursions. ISSS also develops interactive programming to highlight the international cultures on campus and engage campus and community members.

International Student & Scholar Requirements

Immigration Check-In

When first arriving at SUU, all new international students and scholars are required to check-in with International Student & Scholar Services, located in the Sharwan Smith Student Center, and provide the following within 30 days of arriving in the United States:

Insurance

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and SUU require that every international student and scholar obtain and maintain personal health insurance throughout the duration of their time at SUU. The following coverage minimums have been established by USCIS to ensure students and scholars are financially protected in the event of sickness or injury:

Coverage Minimums:

• Medical Benefits: $200,000
• Maximum Deductible: $500
• Medical Evacuation: $50,000
• Repatriation: $25,000

*Note: USCIS coverage minimums are subject to change. Please see www.suu.edu/iss/ for the most current information.

Immunizations

International students and scholars must provide official record of at least 2 doses of the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella). The MMR vaccine can be administered in the home country or shortly after arriving in the U.S. *Note: The 2nd dose of the MMR vaccine must be administered in the home country at least 30 days prior to arrival at SUU.

Tuberculosis Testing

USCIS and SUU require all international students and scholars to obtain a Tuberculosis (TB) test within 30 days of arriving in the U.S. TB testing must be administered in the U.S. TB tests administered outside of the U.S. cannot be accepted.  

If the check-in process is not completed within 30 days of arriving in the U.S., holds will be placed on the student or scholar’s account to prevent business transactions with SUU. This includes, but is not limited to, preventing class registration and transcript issuance.

Maintenance of Status

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires international students and scholars to abide by the following in order to maintain their non-immigrant status:

Immigration Documents      

International Students & Scholars are required to have a valid passport at all times. A valid visa is only required to enter the United States and does not need to remain valid for the duration of stay. All I-20’s or DS-2019’s should be retained by the student or scholar as USCIS can request them at any time.

Minimum Enrollment Requirements (Students only)

• Intensive English Program: must enroll in at least 4 credits per session.
• Pathway Program: must enroll in 6 Intensive English credits and 6 undergraduate credits.
• Undergraduate: must enroll in at least 12 undergraduate credits, of which 9 must be face-to-face.
• Graduate: must enroll in at least 9 graduate credits, of which 6 credits must be face-to-face.

Employment Restrictions      

Employment is limited to 20 hours while school is in session. Undergraduate and IEP international students are limited to on-campus employment during their first 2 semesters. Off-campus employment (CPT, OPT, Academic Training) must be approved in advance by International Student & Scholar Services.

Personal Information Updates

Current address, email address, and phone number must be kept on file with International Student & Scholar Services at all times and with Division of Homeland Security within 10 days of change.

Miscellaneous

All international students are required to attend International Student Orientation. All new undergraduate students are required to enroll in an Acculturation course offered by International Affairs as an extension of the International Student Orientation program.

Failure to maintain legal status may result in termination of F-1 or J-1 status and removal proceedings.  For more information please visit: http://suu.edu/iss