Alert: Duration of Status Update
On Monday, September 14, 2026, a federal judge in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts granted nationwide preliminary relief preventing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from implementing the final rule ending Duration of Status.
The final rule was originally scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, but this decision blocks the rule from taking effect and prohibits DHS and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from implementing it while the case continues. As a result, the Duration of Status framework remains in place nationwide until further notice. More at wmich.edu/international/immigration/news.
Meet Our Advisors
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays, for scheduled in-person or virtual visits. To make an appointment, please contact staff directly.
If you are in an emergency, call 911 immediately. For border issues, such as detainment, contact Kalamazoo County Consolidated Dispatch at (269) 488-8911 and ask to be directed to a WMU Public Safety officer.
Express Advising is Monday, Wednesday and Friday, except holidays, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Meet with counselors on duty for topics and questions that can be addressed during a brief five- to ten-minute conversation.
Direct Service for form drop-off and pick-up, service inquires or scheduling is available daily. The office is closed daily from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch.
PDSO/RO, Int'l Faculty Hiring and J-1 Immigration Advisor
Tara Severino, Associate Director of Immigration Services, tara.severino@wmich.edu / (269) 387-5657
F-1 Immigration Advisor (Last Names A-M)
Lessly O'Leary, Immigration Advisor, lessly.oleary@wmich.edu / (269) 387-5878
F-1 Immigration Advisor (Last Names N-Z)
Svetlana Stone, Immigration Advisor Senior, svetlana.stone@wmich.edu / (269) 387-5876
Frequently Asked Questions
You've got questions, we've got answers. Check out our frequently asked questions lists to learn more.
Common questions from prospective international students and scholars.
Common questions from admitted international students and scholars.
Common questions about International Student Orientation.
Additional Contacts
International Health Insurance
Tiedra Robertson, Insurance Coordinator
ias-insurance@wmich.edu / (269) 387-5804
International Admissions
At times you may need to contact our international admissions staff. Use the drop down menu for more information about who to contact. If you are unsure who to call, or if you have a general question, you may reach out to International Student and Scholar Services by phone at (269) 387-5890 or by email at @email.
International Admissions
Kim Cho, International Admissions Counselor
kim.cho@wmich.edu
(269) 387-5898
International Admissions
Dr. Randall Janes, International Admissions Counselor
randall.a.janes@wmich.edu
(269) 387-3938