Please read the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding Spring 2021: |
DVC has extended the application deadline until December 1. The deadlines for CCC and LMC remain the same.
Financial support evidence is not needed for new students who enroll in online courses from outside of the U.S. for Spring 2021. However, financial support evidence will be required in order to be issued an I-20 and obtain an F-1 visa for on-campus, in-person instruction for Fall 2021.
If you are transferring from a U.S. institution, you must provide financial support evidence to be admitted to DVC.
I-20s are issued 5-7 days after a student is admitted to DVC.
Yes. I-20s will be updated as necessary with the appropriate program start date.
All I-20s will be emailed. Original I-20s will only be mailed upon request.
No. You only need to apply for an F-1 visa for studies in the U.S.
Students admitted for Spring 2021 who are outside of the U.S. have the option to begin their program of study online from their home country. Students intending to study online from their home country do not need a student visa. Please communicate with the International Student Office at DVC about your situation.
Yes, an updated I-20 will be issued with a new program start date.
If you have already been issued an I-20 for Spring 2021 and have not obtained a visa, it is strongly recommended that you prepare updated financial support documentation for the visa appointment.
You do not need a new visa if your current visa is valid past the date of entry into the U.S. Please check the expiration date on your visa.
This depends on U.S. immigration regulations in effect at that time. Currently the answer is yes.
Students have stayed at either a local hotel or rented rooms through Airbnb for their quarantines. The need to do so depends on U.S. immigration regulations in effect at that time.
The answer is specific to each student. Students should email the International Student Office at iso@dvc.edu to learn more about their options.
It will affect the student’s F-1 status only if the student drops below 12 units.
A list of hybrid classes can be found using the InSite Course Schedule Search feature.
A list of hybrid classes can be found using the InSite Course Schedule Search feature.
Most classes will be asynchronous, though each class will have its own schedule. Students should carefully check the scheduling notes of each section to determine if a given class schedule includes synchronous instruction.
Asynchronous courses will have “ONLINE” included in the meeting days/times column of the schedule. No days or times will be listed. The comments section will not include references to any required orientations or synchronous
class sessions.
Synchronous courses will list the days and times of instruction OR there will be specific synchronous meeting sessions listed in the comments section of the course schedule. All courses times are given in Pacific Standard Time.
Students can use any operating system (PC, Mac, Android, iOS) for taking online courses.
It is recommended that students have access to a desktop or laptop with audio and video capability and reliable Internet access. Students may use mobile phones, though they will be expected to do extensive typing.
All courses will use Zoom software. Students should contact course instructors to ask if any social media such as YouTube will be used that may be blocked (not accessible) in their region.
All online courses will be on Canvas. Here are helpful Canvas and online learning links for students: https://www.dvc.edu/current/canvas-faq.html
Yes. Most online courses require the purchase of e-textbooks. E-textbooks can be purchased online from the college’s bookstore or through another provider. Some courses require the purchase of an online ‘course pack,’ which includes access to reading, exercises, and quiz materials. Students can purchase online textbooks or course packs using a credit card. However, many courses use open online resources and do not require purchase of course materials. Those courses are designated as ZTC – Zero Textbook Cost.
Students can book appointments online. Online drop-in counseling is also available. Please visit the Counseling Center website for details.
Students who have an active I-20 must enroll in a full course of study in order to maintain F-1 status (12 units). Students admitted for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 who do not have an active I-20 do not need to enroll in a full course of study. For additional information, please contact the DVC international Student Office.
$346 per unit.
Students should pay the tuition for their classes as soon as possible. However, if they need to pay in installments or wait to pay, they will not be charged late payment fees. Registration holds will be placed on accounts with outstanding balances. This hold will block registration for the following term.
Yes. The deadline to drop a full-term course with eligibility for fee refund or credit is February 5, 2021.
Yes. Free online tutoring is available to all students through any Canvas course.
Students can expect to spend 6 to 9 hours per week (on and offline) per every 3-unit course.
Students should be prepared to actively participate in online courses through frequent interactions with instructors and classmates. This includes contributing to online discussions.
Yes. DVC will hold the Spring 2021 orientation on Thursday, January 21st, 2021 from 7:00 pm-8:30 pm PST.
No. Only students located in the U.S. are required to purchase the international student health insurance policy.
All international students in the United States are required to have health insurance. If you are enrolled for Spring 2021 and inside the United States, you do have health insurance and are currently covered through August 9th, 2021.
Please visit the GeoBlue Website to download your insurance card if you are in the United States: https://www.geobluestudents.com/for-students-members . If you have any problems downloading your insurance card, please email the International Student Office at iso@dvc.edu. Make sure to include your DVC student ID number and full name.
Visit the GeoBlue website for general information or to find a doctor.
Send an email to iso@dvc.edu including your full name and DVC ID number. Please describe what you are requesting and attach any forms you need completed in pdf format. We will only accept requests and attachments from Insite email account (your DVC email).
Schedule a virtual appointment with an ISO advisor using our online scheduling system: www.dvc.edu/international . Send an email to iso@dvc.edu from your Insite email account with your full name and DVC ID number. Attach your completed I-765 form, G-1145 form, and G-1450 form. The advisor will review your documents during your Zoom appointment and create your OPT I-20 at that time. You will receive your OPT I-20 via email as a pdf attachment and you will need to print and include it in your OPT application package.
Zoom advising sessions will be available during regular advising appointment hours. Schedule a 15-minute appointment online through the website: www.dvc.edu/international or sign in for a 5-minute drop-in session during drop-in hours on Wednesdays. You will be able obtain authorization for below units (if eligible) as well as a full range of other advising topics and resources. Topics include: F1 Immigration Regulations, Travel, SEVIS Transfer, Employment Authorization (CPT & OPT), Health Insurance, and Below Unit Authorization. Advising hours are listed on the international student homepage.