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Events and Programs

Collage of 4 photos: 1) 3 students displaying their tote-bags at DYI Tote-Bag Workshop during Orientation; 2) a big group of students singing at Karaoke night in Beckham Hall; 3) a group of students sitting in a circle on Foss Hill; 4) three students playing Twister

OISA hosts events and programs throughout the year to help students make the most of their time at Wesleyan and prepare for life after university. Mark your calendars with important dates of sessions focused on choosing the right majors, employment (CPT, OPT, STEM OPT Extension, career planning), and other topics that will help you take advantage of the opportunities available to you and plan for the future.

Consider opportunities to get involved in campus-wide internationalization programming, such as International Education Week (IEW) in the fall and Power of Language Week in the spring, and participate in OISA programs such as International Student Orientation (ISO), International Buddy Program (IBP), Wesleyan Africans Thriving Together (WATT) peer mentorship program, and the Wesleyan International Speakers Program (WISP) that offer unique student leadership opportunities!   

Events and Programs - Fall 2026

 

  • New Rule Eliminating "Duration of Status (D/S)" Workshop: What You Need to Know

    In-person Workshop: Wednesday, September 9, 3:00pm-4:00pm EST in Frank (PAC) 100; register here on Handshake: https://wesleyan.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/2013373

    Intended Audience: F-1 and J-1 status international students enrolled at Wesleyan

    Session Description: In this workshop, OISA staff will provide an overview of the new U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule eliminating “duration of status (D/S)” that goes into effect on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. We will discuss the change to a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD) on the Form I-94 and how the new rule will impact Wesleyan F-1 and J-1 visa status international students, especially as they approach completion of their degree program/academic objective.   

  • Optional Practical Training (OPT) Workshops

    In-person Workshop #1: Friday, September 11, 12:00pm-1:00pm EST in Boger 112; register here on Handshake: https://app.joinhandshake.com/stu/events/2013198  

    In-person Workshop #2: Friday, September 18, 12:00pm-1:00pm EST in Boger 112; register here on Handshake: https://wesleyan.joinhandshake.com/stu/events/2013206  

    Intended Audience: F-1 international students completing their degree program in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 who wish to pursue practical training in their field of study within the U.S.

    Session Description: In this workshop, OISA staff will provide an overview of OPT eligibility, the application process and timeline, and requirements for maintaining your F-1 visa status during your post-completion employment. Please carefully read through OISA’s Post-Completion OPT guidance prior to attending this workshop. There will be time for Q&A at the end of each of the sessions. 

    *Both workshops will cover the same content.
  • STEM OPT Extension Workshop

    Virtual Workshop: Wednesday, September 23, 3:00pm-4:00pm EST on Zoom: https://wesleyan.zoom.us/j/95373551660; register here on Handshake: https://wesleyan.joinhandshake.com/stu/events/2013214 

    Intended Audience: F-1 international students considering applying for the 24-Month STEM OPT Extension and F-1 alumni currently on post-completion OPT who qualify for the Extension  

    Session Description: In this workshop, OISA staff will provide an overview of STEM OPT Extension eligibility, the application process, and requirements for maintaining your F-1 visa status while engaging in this type of post-completion employment in the U.S. Please carefully read through OISA’s STEM OPT Extension guidance prior to attending this workshop. There will be time for Q&A at the end of the session.    

    *The recording of the virtual workshop will later be posted on this page as well as OISA's STEM OPT Extension webpage linked above. 

  • Travel Signature Clinics in Usdan

    OISA will offer in-person Travel Signature Clinics on the first floor of Usdan University Center at the base of the stairs leading up to Marketplace on the following dates and times during the Fall 2026 Semester: 

    • Tuesday, October 13: 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
    • Friday, October 23: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
    • Tuesday, November 17: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
    • Monday, November 23: 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    • Monday, December 7: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
    • Tuesday, December 15: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
    • Friday, December 18: 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

     

    Please bring a printed paper copy of all three pages of your current I-20 and a photo ID to receive a travel signature from an OISA staff member.

    If you cannot come to one of these clinics, please see the guidance on our Visa & Travel page for instructions on how to submit a Travel Signature Request in the ISS Portal.