Patti Carson

Assistant Director of International Student and Scholar Services, ARO & DSO

pcarson@uca.edu

Schichtl 120C

(501) 450-5099

Immigration

  • Designated School Official (F-1 Program); Responsible Officer (J-1 Program)
  • review and update student information in SEVIS immigration database
  • register students’ enrollment in the SEVIS database and update address/telephone
  • monitor enrollment to ensure visa requirements are met
  • issue updated I-20 and DS-2019 forms; process program extensions
  • provide travel signature on I-20 or DS-2019
  • advise and assist students will applications for visa-based employment – Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Severe Economic Hardship
  • conduct information sessions on CPT and OPT
  • OPT – work with students, faculty and staff on application process; follow up with graduates on employment status and collect required reports and address/phone information
  • assist students seeking to withdraw from the university, drop below full time enrollment, transferring to another university or seeking a leave of absence
  • assist students seeking to reinstate their visa status
  • reporting for J-1 program
  • correspond with and issue DS-2019 for research scholars
  • policy and procedures development
  • keep immigration and visa employment sections of the EI webpage up to date

 

On-Campus Employment

  • sign off on campus employment paperwork/enter/check authorization in Banner
  • prepare enrollment confirmation letters for students applying for a Social Security card
  • advise students on visa regulations governing on-campus employment

Other Services/Activities

  • enrollment or status verification letters needed by students for their government/scholarship sponsor
  • travel assistance letters for students – if traveling and renewing visa
  • trouble shoot for students who are having problems with applying for a driver’s license
  • Sash Ceremony honoring international graduates
  • Open Doors reporting on student/OPT graduate statistics
  • assist with new student orientation
  • represent office at campus meetings/events