International Center Fall 2020 Operations

August 24, 2020

Dear international students, scholars, and colleagues:

Due to the continued risks and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Center will continue to operate remotely for the Fall 2020 semester. All International Center offices - at Medford, Boston Health Sciences, and the Fletcher School - will remain closed to in-person services. International Center staff will be working remotely, although we will continue to receive campus and regular mail at our offices.

In lieu of in-person services, we will be offering a variety of ways to connect with us on-line. Our Fall 2020 plan includes:

• expanded on-line appointments and drop-in hours for international student and scholar advisors
• on-line orientation and practical training workshops
• e-mail advising
• electronic document intake, processing, and delivery
• mail delivery of documents using campus mail, USPS, and international express mail

In addition to these services, we will be launching in September 2020 the following initiatives:

• an undergraduate peer advisor program, connecting undergraduate students with other undergraduates
• monthly town hall meetings for currently enrolled students and students anticipating to arrive for Spring 2021
• a teaching and learning series to encourage campus conversation and dialogue around issues relevant to international students and scholars

While we regret not being able to offer in-person services, we look forward to connecting with you virtually in different ways this semester. Please look to your email for further announcements as we develop our Fall 2020 programs and services. In the meantime, please take care to stay safe and healthy. If you have any questions or concerns about our Fall 2020 service plan, please contact me at Andrew.Shiotani@tufts.edu.

Sincerely,

Andrew Shiotani
Director, Tufts International Center