An international admissions counselor helping a student at International Student Orientation. They look at a laptop together.

International Student and Scholar Advising

Alert: Upcoming changes to Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

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New Curricular Practical Training (CPT) requirements effective spring 2027 will limit authorization to internships or practicums required of all students in a degree program. Affected students may have alternative options through Optional Practical Training (OPT). 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.

Tara Severino of Immigration Support

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

Immigration Advisor - Lessly O'Leary

F-1 Immigration Advisor (Last Names A-M)

Lessly O'Leary, Immigration Advisor, lessly.oleary@wmich.edu / (269) 387-5878

Svetlana Stone, Immigration Advisor

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.

Students at an international event, standing above flags from around the world and making W symbols with their hands.

Common questions from prospective international students and scholars. 

A student at international student orientation pinning his home country on the map.

Common questions from admitted international students and scholars.

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Common questions about International Student Orientation. 

Additional Contacts

Tiedra Robertson, International Student Insurance Coordinator

International Health Insurance

Tiedra Robertson, Insurance Coordinator

ias-insurance@wmich.edu / (269) 387-5804