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About International Scholar Relations (ISR)About International Scholar Relations (ISR)

 

International Scholar Relations (ISR) is responsible for providing support programs and advising services that will help to ensure the academic and personal success of our visiting scholar community. ISR also works closely with academic departments and administrative offices, to help build an awareness of the international community's needs as well as to develop and strengthen skills in intercultural communication. Through regular collaboration with various campus services, ISR is a part of the foundation that scholars can utilize to become fully integrated members of the WesternU campus community.


For information about the J-1 Program, please email: J1Program@westernu.edu  where the following individuals will be happy to assist you.


Jeannette Fitzpatrick
J-1 Program Responsible Officer (J-1 RO)
International Scholar Relations
(909) 469-5642


Sasha Bates
J-1 Program Alternate Responsible (J-1 ARO)
Academic Affairs/International Scholar Relations
(909) 469-5578
 

Mission

To advocate on behalf of our visiting international scholars and their families both within the university and to federal regulatory agencies; to ensure visiting scholars are afforded every opportunity to complete their program objectives and will receive continuing support with orientation and acclimation to WesternU and life in the U.S.

view of earth from spaceVision and Commitment

To advance, in the humanistic tradition of Western University of Health Sciences, a global reality promoting world-wide recognition in disciplines, teaching methods, and knowledge itself through intercultural shared values, initiatives and scientific research fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for other cultures and traditions in the quest for world peace.


International Scholar Relations is professionally committed to be the kind of office where, through best practices, our visiting scholars and WesternU campus community will experience an exceptional level of customer service and efficiency in every interaction.

ISR Services

International Scholar Relations provides a variety of information and services to current and prospective international scholars and departments at WesternU.  ISR generates all legal documents required for nonimmigrant scholars application for visas and entry into the United States; provides advisory and counseling services; serves as a liaison to WesternU's colleges/departments, United States and foreign government agencies, and the larger community; and contributes to the international community's cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

 Administration

  • ISR ensures that the University maintains compliance with all applicable laws and regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. Department of State (DOS), the U.S. Department of Labor, and other government agencies related to international visiting scholars, and their accompanying dependents (i.e., spouse and children).
  • ISR, J-1 RO/ARO function as a liaison to local, state, and federal government agencies including but not limited to the following: California Department of Labor and Industry, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Labor, and U.S. Department of State.
  • ISR, J-1 RO/ARO function as a liaison to sponsoring and programming agencies such as the Institute of International Education, the Fulbright Commission, Ford Foundation, etc.
  • ISR supports and engages in advocacy efforts at the local, national, and international level promoting the value of international educational and cultural exchange.


Immigration Services

  • ISR provides competent and professional services to international scholars, and their accompanying dependents (i.e., spouse and children) concerning U.S. immigration laws governing and/or regulating their stay in the United States. ISR assists these individuals in meeting obligations and requirements of federal regulations governing their status and period of authorized stay within the United States.
  • ISR determines eligibility for issuance of U.S. government documents for international scholars, and their accompanying dependents (i.e., spouse and children) to facilitate the acquisition of the appropriate visa for entry to the U.S. or change of visa classification within the United States.
  • ISR advises international scholars, and their accompanying dependents (i.e., spouse and children) on personal, financial, academic or cultural adjustment concerns including but not limited to the following: orientation for new students; international tax information; cultural adjustment; information on regulatory issues and application processes (e.g., J-2 Work Permission Application, etc.).
  • ISR assists academic and administrative departments regarding employment-based immigration processes for international scholar and staff members.

SEVIS Reporting Requirements

SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is a statutorily mandated information system designed to electronically track and record the entry and presence in the United States of nonimmigrant students and International Scholars.

The J-1 RO/ARO must report the following information on each J-1 Exchange Visitor sponsored by the University:

  • Exchange Visitor's arrival in the U.S.
  • Any changes in Exchange Visitor's name and home address
  • Any changes in the activities
  • Any extensions of stay
  • Early departure from the U.S.

Where to find Information on our Web site

To find relevant information about WesternU's J-1 International Scholars program, select the area that best reflects your needs.

  • If you are a faculty member who is interested in inviting an international scholar to work with you at WesternU, you will find information at J-1 Program Information for Faculty.

 

Updated 6/2013