What's Happening in the CGE

*Special Announcement*

The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) continues to adapt to an ever-changing regulatory environment affecting international students, scholars, and employees. Our teams have tracked and responded to more than 90 executive and federal agency actions and proclamations Through timely communication and clear regulatory guidance, we ensure that all affected students, scholars, and employees receive the information and support they need to navigate these changes with confidence. Read about the upcoming Duration of Status proposed changes below.

If you'd like to explore a way to support, collaborate, or find out more information, please reach out to Dr. Christina Isabelli

Summer 2026

Study Abroad and Gonzaga in Florence Information

Want to hear about another student's experience? Questions about where you should study abroad? Drop by to get these questions addressed or watch a recorded webinar of various study abroad program providers here.

U.S. Fulbright Information for Gonzaga Faculty - Office Hours

Sign up for pop-in virtual office hours and learn more about your opportunity to research/teach abroad. 9-10am: May 14, 2026; June 19, 2026; July 17, 2026; August 21, 2026

International Student (ISSS) Summer Events - Details here

Study Abroad Scholarship Information

Looking for ways to finance your study abroad? Reach out to Colin S. to receive the Gilman and Boren recorded presentations to learn more!

Policy Notification: Proposed Rule to Eliminate "Duration of Status" for F and J Visa Holders

The Department of Homeland Security is expected to publish a final rule that would fundamentally change how international students and scholars maintain immigration status by replacing Duration of Status (D/S) with fixed end dates. The rule is also expected to require students and exchange visitors to file formal extension applications with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if they need time beyond their initial fixed date of admission, shorten F-1 grace periods, cap English language training to 24 months, and impose new limits on program changes and academic mobility.Up to now, "D/S is generally referred to as authorized stay or lawful presence, indicating an indefinite period allowed for F or J nonimmigrant visa holders to remain in the U.S. as long as they maintain their academic or exchange program status" (U.S. Department of State).

Once the final rule is published, it will be carefully reviewed by the higher education community and the CGE office. The rule would significantly affect Gonzaga F and J visa holders (99% of our international student community), with implications for academic advising, academic progression, and institutional compliance. Below outlines key impacts of this policy proposal.

If D/S is eliminated, international students and exchange F and J visa holders will need to file for an extension with USCIS for the following routine academic activities.

• If completing a PhD program that requires more than four years
• If completing an undergraduate program that requires more time than four years
• If completing an ESL program that requires longer than two years
• Six months after the rule announcement, OPT/STEM OPT applicants (work authorization for int’l students after they graduate) would have to file the regular Form I-765 and also Form I-539 that requests an extension of stay application to cover their requested OPT period.

The following activities will be limited or prohibited:

• Undergraduate students will not be allowed to transfer or change their educational objectives (major) during first academic year
• Graduate students will not be allowed to change their major or transfer to another institution within the U.S.
• International students who complete a program would be permitted to start another at the same or a lower educational level
• On-campus employment, CPT, and economic hardship employment could continue while extension pending, but only for up to 240 days

Read the NAFSA publication (October 28, 2025) for more understanding.

When this proposed rule is approved, rather than the Gonzaga International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) team making extension decisions as in the past, we would support students in preparing their Extension of Stay applications for submission to USCIS, who would make the decision. While many other uncertainties remain, including the timing and final form of the rule, the CGE ISSS team will continue to keep the community informed as any new information becomes available.

Do you have an event that promotes internationalism on campus and would like us to publicize it? Please reach out to isabelli@gonzaga.edu: please include the title, a one-two sentence description, date/time/place, presenter, and sponsoring department/office (if applicable). Also indicate if you would like to present in the Center for Global Engagement space (Hemmingson, 102).