Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I request my I-20?  
I-20s for newly admitted NDMU students are issued by the Admissions office. Please contact Carol McDaniel to inquire about the I-20 request process.   

I have a visa interview with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but I don’t have my I-20 yet. What should I do?  
You should reschedule your interview with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You must have your I-20 with you for your visa interview.  

What’s a DSO?  
The Designated School Official (DSO) updates and maintains student records in SEVIS. A DSO also helps international students avoid problems by advising them on how to follow required processes.  

The DSO’s at NDMU are:  
Dr. Jens Mueller (PDSO)  
Assistant Professor of Religious Studies  
Caroline Hall 403  
jmueller@ndm.edu  
+1 410-32-5329  
  
Carol McDaniel (DSO)  
Assoc. VP-First Year Recruitment  
cmcdaniel@ndm.edu  

When can I enter the U.S.?  
New international students may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start dated provided on the I-20. For example, if your Program Start date is on August 24, then you could enter the U.S. as early as July 25.  

May I enter before the 30-day window? (Not recommended!)  
Entering the U.S. earlier than the 30-day window before your program start date is not recommended. Customs and Border officers will not accept an I-20 and matching F-1 visas before the 30 days.  

Student will be required to show either a valid tourist visa or permit to enter under the Visa Waiver Program and will be required to exit and re-enter the U.S. again using the F-1 visa and I-20.  

What documents do I need to show to enter the U.S.?  
Students should have the following documents in their carry-on bag. Do not put these travel documents in checked suitcases!  

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months into the future)  
• F-1 visa (Canadian citizens exempt)  
• SEVIS form I-20  
• SEVIS fee receipt  
• Supporting financial documentation (most students use the same as for the visa application)  

Acceptance letter  

What documents do I need to carry when I travel home over school breaks?  
International students need to have the following documents to reenter the United States:  

• Valid passport  
• Valid entry visa stamp (Canadians exempt) 
• I-20 showing F-1 status, signed for travel by a DSO within the last semester  
• Proof of financial support (bring copies of documents mentioned on your I-20 funding letter or bank statements for personal funds)  

My visa is expiring soon. Can I extend it from inside the U.S.?  
If you are inside the U.S. and your stamp expires, you can remain in the country as long as you I-20 hasn’t expired, and you are enrolled. A new visa can only be obtained at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.  

Do I need to submit an immunization record?  
Yes, all students must submit an immunization record. NDMU requires all entering students to provide proof of immunity for several infectious diseases. It is highly recommended to obtain those records before you depart to the U.S. Information about all required vaccines is available on the University’s Immunization website.  

Do I need health insurance?  
Yes, all international students are required to have health insurance. 

Are scholarships and financial aid available for international students?  
International students cannot apply for financial aid but are eligible for merit-based scholarships. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.  

How can I find out about local banking?  
Come to the International Student Orientation for pointers on local banks and other important things to know and do when you arrive on campus.  

Do I need to get a Social Security number (SSN)?  
A Social Security Number (SSN) is used by employers and employees for tax-reporting purposes; if you’re not employed, you’re not eligible for an SSN. You don’t need an SSN to open a bank account, rent an apartment, get a cell phone contract, or get a credit card.   

Can international students work on campus while in the United States?  
F-1 students do not need special authorization to work on campus. You can work at any type of job on campus. It does not have to be in your field of study.  

Where can I find a job on campus?  
Students can find on-campus employment opportunities on the Student Career Page in Gator Hub (Look under the “Student” tab for “Student Employment Application”). 

How can I get a Maryland driver’s license?  
Students may apply for a Maryland ID. For more details and instructions, visit the Maryland Department of Transportation information page.  

Who do I contact with questions about campus housing?  
Contact Housing & Residence Life for information about your residence hall assignment, contract, housing options, dining options, and more.  

What should I bring when I move to the U.S.?  
Pack for year-round weather. Summers are warm and humid when daily high temperatures commonly exceed 30C (86F), while winters can be as mild as 7C (45F) or as cold as –6C (20F). Students should also consider other novelties (such as different outlets or bed sizes). There are helpful websites that offer overviews on what to bring, or contact Housing & Residence Life for more information.  

Can I study part time?  
No, international students cannot study part time. U.S. immigration law requires that all international students on F-1 student visas maintain full-time enrollment.   

How many classes should I take per semester?  
To be considered full-time, undergraduate students must be registered for a minimum of 12 credits. Undergraduate students must be registered for at least 12 credits to be considered full-time, and graduate students must be registered for at least 9 credits.  

How do I sign up for my classes?  
Students will initially sign up for classes during New Gator Registration Days. 

What is the General Education Curriculum (Gen Eds)?  
The purpose of the General Education curriculum is to provide a unifying core experience in the liberal arts tradition for all undergraduate students at NDMU, enabling them to develop the skills that will enable them to become inspirational leaders in their future professions. For more information, visit the General Education Curriculum website.  

Can I take online classes?  
F-1 students can take no more than 3 credit hours of online study (asynchronous remote classes) per semester.  

What should I bring for the first day of classes?  
Students should bring the required course materials for their respective classes. Students also find it helpful to bring a notebook, a pen, and their laptop to class.  

Do I have to attend New Gator Registration Days?  
Yes, every international student is required to attend New Gator Registrations Days.  

Do I have to attend International Student Orientation?  
Yes, every student is required to attend the International Student Orientation