Steps towards graduation
Communicate with ISSS about when you intend to walk in graduation and when you intend to complete your program
With enough notice, we will order sashes for you to wear for the time you are walking with your country flag on it. We also need to confirm your program end dates for SEVIS so that it matches your I-20 form, this is very important for maintaining your status.
Request letters of invitation for family members
If you have family members who plan to come to graduation, we can provide a letter of invitation for visa purposes, for both international students and non-international students. These letters do not have any official authority but have been known to be at least viewed as positive support for an individual’s visa request. It will take us about a week to complete this request.
Reduced course load in your final semester
F-1 students may take less than a full load final semester if they only have one or two courses left to graduate. If you plan to have a reduced course load of any kind for your final semester, you must talk to the ISSS office to complete a Reduced Course Load Form before your final semester begins.
Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)
If you plan to do any Optional Practical Training after graduating or are not sure, we recommend you come in at least 4 months in advance of your program end date (the last day of your final semester) to talk through the process, understand how to apply and the timeline. OPT is a benefit of your F-1 status and you have the opportunity to work in your major field of study. Refer to our employment page to learn more. If you are in a STEM eligible major, you also can apply for STEM OPT after you complete your OPT.
Receive your sash at the Annual ISO Spring Banquet
The International Student Organization distributes sashes to international students and their active members every year at the Annual Spring ISO Banquet in order for students to wear their sashes at spring commencement.
Participate in the Augsburg Commencement
At the commencement, ISSS will host a time for international students and their families to connect.
Stay connected as an Alumni
Learn more about how to stay connected to our office and Augsburg University!
