Navigating the University of New Haven: A Guide to Resources and Support

The University of New Haven (UNH) offers a comprehensive network of resources and support systems designed to assist students in all aspects of their academic and personal lives. From visa assistance for international students to career development and student conduct, the university is committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment. This guide provides an overview of the key offices and services available to students and their families.

Understanding University Immigration Services (UIS)

The University Immigration Services (UIS) plays a crucial role in supporting F-1 and J-1 students and scholars. The UIS provides a variety of services for F-1 and J-1 students and scholars. Many of these are virtual by submission of request forms. The UIS forms are explained below. When you come to the UIS, be prepared to show your student ID card. Some inquiries may be complex processes, but the UIS will guide you in what you need to do. The UIS understands that maintaining your visa status can be stressful and is there to help.

General Inquiries

If students or scholars can’t find the answer to their question in the myCharger resources or they don’t know how to request what they need, they can submit a general inquiry for the UIS to respond.

I-20/DS-2019 Reprint Request

This form is used by F-1/J-1 students or scholars who are requesting a new I-20/DS-2019 because theirs was lost, stolen, or damaged. It may also be used to request a travel signature on page two of the I-20. Additional evidence may be required depending on the reprint reason. Please allow 2 - 3 business days for the request.

Adding Dependents

Evidence needed: copies of passport(s) of family member(s), proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate), updated financial certification to cover the added cost of family support.

Change of Major

Use the change of major form to request the program information on your I-20 be updated. A change of major or a change of concentration in some cases changes the numeric CIPP code on the I-20, which is used to determine eligibility for the STEM extension of OPT.

Reduced Course Load (Final Semester)

F-1 students who are registering for a less than full-time academic load in their final term must submit this form upon registering for their coursework for that term. You should do a degree audit with your academic advisor to make sure you will be completing all required coursework. Additional evidence will be required when submitting this form for reasons other than the final semester. For example, if this form is submitted for medical reasons, you must first acquire accommodation from Accessibility Resources Center (ARC).

Program Completion Sooner

This form is to be submitted to the UIS for the purpose of adjusting the program end date on the I-20 or DS-2019 because the student will complete their degree requirements sooner. The student should do a degree audit with their academic advisor to be sure they are meeting all requirements to graduate.

Program Extension

This form is needed by students who are still working towards their degree completion but need more time than their I-20/DS-2019 currently allows. This form must be received at least one week prior to your current program end date. Do a degree audit and discuss it with your academic advisor so you know how much time you need to complete all requirements. You must also provide updated financial certification for the additional time required. Please note that if you fail to extend before your program end date, your SEVIS record will auto-terminate after 60-days and you will not be eligible for OPT.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

This form is used for F-1 students who are taking an approved internship course, whether the internship is paid or unpaid. Students must meet the eligibility requirements for CPT and follow the designated CPT process. First, students must submit the Internship Form in the Handshake system, register for the internship course, and have an offer letter for their internship position. The final step is to request a new I-20 with CPT authorization on Page 2. You may not start working at your internship until you have the CPT authorization on you I-20. Evidence needed: offer letter and the Handshake approval screenshot.

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Optional Practical Training (OPT)

All students applying for Post-Completion OPT must complete the OPT Quiz on your UIS portal prior to submitting the OPT Request Form. UIS will provide a virtual information session and Q & A times as well. UIS recommends you do a degree audit with your academic advisor to assure this is your last semester, and if for any reason you think you may need to repeat a course or extend your program end date, please wait to apply for OPT until you know. Check the end date on your I-20 to confirm it matches your projected coursework completion. If not, contact the UIS. Please note that you become eligible to apply for OPT 90 days prior to your program end date, and you can apply until the end of your 60-day grace period.

STEM OPT Extension

Students eligible for a 2-year STEM extension to OPT need an I-20 issued specifically for this application. More information about applying for the STEM extension can be found in the OPT Center.

Reporting Requirements for OPT/STEM OPT

Students approved for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT are required to report their employer’s name and address and the start date of employment, as soon as they begin working. They must also report any changes to or termination of employment within 10 days of the change. This form is required when the 6-month, 12-month, 18-month and 24-month reporting is due. Regarding the 12-month and 24-month reporting, please complete the entire I-983 form and include the completed 24-month Final Evaluation section on page 5.

SEVP Portal Help

This form is for students on 12-month OPT or 24-month STEM OPT who need assistance with their SEVP portal account.

SEVIS Transfer

This form must be completed by students who want to transfer their SEVIS record from the University of New Haven to another university. Graduated students on OPT do not need to submit withdrawal paperwork to the Registrar inlcuding those who have been academically dismissed.

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Requesting Letters from UIS

The UIS can provide various kinds of letters to students on F-1 and J-1 visas. If you would like to request a letter from our office, select the letter below and complete the form fully. Complete this form to request a letter that confirms full-time status. The letter may be required for driver's license applications, social security, opening bank accounts, and other official processes. Once the submission has been processed, the letter will be uploaded onto the UIS portal, unless, the letter is for the Social Security Administration office, then you must pick up the letter in the UIS office. Consulate nearest them. Parents may be included in one letter, but other relatives may need individual visa appointments and thus separate letters. Provide the spelling of your name as it appears in your passport, your campus ID, and your SEVIS ID.

Post-Completion OPT: Important Information for Graduates

This information is made available here for students who have graduated and thus can no longer log in to the resources on UIS myCharger pages. Students with active log-in credentials should seek more information about employment on the student visa in myCharger. Post-completion Optional Practical training (OPT) is a 12-month employment authorization available to F-1 students who have been lawfully enrolled full-time for at least one academic year and are completing the required coursework to earn an academic degree at the Associates, Bachelors, Masters, or Doctoral level. F-1 students are permitted one period of OPT after each degree level, and they must engage only in employment directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. To be eligible for post-completion OPT, the student must have been in valid visa status and lawfully enrolled for at least one full academic year immediately preceding their I-20 program end date.

UIS recommends that students confirm with their academic advisor that they are on track to complete their coursework as planned, prior to starting the OPT application process. Students may apply up to 90 days prior to their program end date and up to 60 days past their program end date. Due to UIS processing times, it is highly recommended that students apply early. UIS will provide virtual information sessions in March for students graduating in May or August, and in October for students graduating in December.

OPT Application Timeline:

90 Days prior to the completion of Coursework (I-20 Program End Date) - post-completion OPT application begins.
USCIS adjudicates the OPT application, usually in about 3 months.
If eligible, the student begins the STEM Extension application 90 days prior to the EAD expiration date. Deadline to apply is the EAD expiration date.
Student submits the STEM OPT I-20 Request Form to the UIS along with the I-983 and other requested evidence.
USCIS adjudicates the STEM Extension application, usually in about 3 months.
USCIS sends the student an approval notice, and the new EAD card is manufactured and shipped separately to the student.
The student continues to report to the UIS any changes in employment or personal contact information using the Update OPT/STEM Information Form.
At any time during OPT/STEM, the student may change status from F-1 to another visa status (often the H1-B professional workers visa) if their employer chooses to sponsor them. If approved, the student transitions to the new visa status and is no longer under the visa jurisdiction of the University.
For any inquiries, please contact the UIS office.
When the STEM Extension ends, the student may start a new academic program at the same school or transfer to another school.

Dean of Students Office: Support and Advocacy

The Dean of Students Office provides support and advocacy for students. We challenge students to conduct themselves with integrity in both personal and academic matters and hold them accountable for their decisions and actions. Our goal is to foster a community of mutual respect where students are actively engaged members of the university community. The Dean of Students Office is a central resource for students navigating various challenges and concerns.

The Charger Compact

The Charger Compact, is the University of New Haven's statement of community values. As a University community, there are values and expectations that we all share which provide the framework for how we interact as individual members of the community and speak to who we are and what we stand for as a community. To read the Charger Compact click on the link provided.

Competency Learning Experience (CLE)

The Competency Learning Experience (CLE) is a student development framework within the Division of Student Affairs, focused on engaging and developing students in six targeted competencies. The CLE framework is designed to prepare individuals to lead successful lives as students, citizens, and professionals, both during their academic course of study and after, with a special focus on their career success. It is grounded in research and academic study in competency-based education and is pedagogically driven to develop students in skills and competencies that are the foundation for academic, personal, and professional success.

Addressing Parental Questions and Concerns

The Dean of Students Office addresses common questions and concerns from family members, while adhering to privacy regulations.

FERPA Waiver: Once a student turns 18, they are considered an adult. As an adult, the student needs to sign a FERPA waiver to allow certain people to have access to their records, if they so choose. Your student can access the form through their MyCharger account and complete it online.
Housing Issues: Your student should contact the Office of Residential Life (203) 932-7076. They will be able to guide your student with what steps need to be taken.
Accessibility and Accommodations: You can contact our Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) (203) 932-7332. They will be able to tell you what they need and where to find the forms to fill out.
Medical Emergencies: If your student has been hospitalized or sent to the hospital for a short-term medical condition, please contact Health Services (203) 932-7079 and inform them. Health Services will also notify the student’s faculty about attendance issues regarding their medical situation.
Family Emergencies: Please contact the Accessibility Resource Center (203) 932-7332 and they will be able to help with temporary accommodations. Also, please contact Health Services (203) 932-7079 and inform them as they need to be aware in case of any medical issues.
Student Grievances: Your student can come to the Dean of Students office located on the 2nd floor in Bartels Hall and ask for a Student Grievance Form. We will explain the form to them and what the next steps will be.
Adjustment Concerns: The Dean of Students Office will also reach out to students to personally meet with them and offer support or connect them to campus services. If your student is a residential student, each residence hall has numerous Resident Assistants (RAs). We will contact the Office of Residential Life who will work with your student’s RA to develop a plan of action that best supports your student’s needs.
Account Holds: Students have holds on their account for various reasons. The Dean of Students office will place a temporary hold on an account if a student didn’t complete a mandatory online new student course or if they received a sanction that they have yet to complete. Once they complete the course or sanction and notify us, the hold will be removed.
Student Conduct Notifications: We send letters to families regarding student conduct to notify them of drug/alcohol violations for students under the age of 21 and ask them to partner with us to help educate their student on the University policy.
Disciplinary Information Requests: Please send us the release form from the company you are applying to. This is often accompanied with a form for the Dean to fill out and send directly back to the company. Please fill out the transfer form and send it to us to complete the disciplinary section and return it directly to the school.

Understanding the Student Conduct Process

As the family member of a student at University of New Haven, you may have numerous questions and concerns about the process that addresses student conduct. The Dean of Students Office administers this process, and they have general information about the community standards while being a member of the Charger Community. The Dean of Student’s staff is always available to discuss general information about the student conduct process. It is important to know that FERPA prohibits us from releasing any information about a student’s involvement in the student conduct process without the student’s permission, even to family members. If a student has designated his/her parent or family member as a FERPA designee for Student Conduct within the FERPA Designee Pin Page, we may speak to the parent or family member about a student’s student conduct matters. The University always reserves the right to request additional written consent from the student at their discretion.

Role in the Student Conduct Process

The Dean of Students Office encourages you to help your student by being supportive throughout the conduct process. You can help by identifying and providing necessary interventions to support your student’s success at University of New Haven. Please encourage and expect that your student will set up appointments, attend meetings, and fulfill any sanctions they may receive. Conduct cases are considered on an individual basis with each involved student.

Academic Integrity Policy Violations

Students who are alleged to have violated any provision of the University’s academic integrity policy first meet with the instructor for the course to review the allegation and proposed penalty. Students have the option to accept responsibility for the violation, the sanction, or to request a review by the Dean of Students Office. In cases where students and faculty do not agree on the matter, the case may be referred to the Academic Integrity Board. This hearing body conducts a formal hearing on the matter and renders a decision with recommended sanction.

Alcohol and Drug Awareness

Incoming students are required to complete an online alcohol and drug course before the end of their first semester of enrollment. Additionally, the University offers a peer education program which focuses on education, prevention, and harm reduction for underage and high-risk drinking. Finally, programming on alcohol and drug awareness occurs throughout the year, but particularly during National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week and Alcohol Awareness Month.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Resources

The questions and answers provided are just some that may be pertinent in the aftermath of sexual violence/misconduct. Although short, this list addresses only a few of the commonly asked questions regarding sexual misconduct.

Understanding Title IX

§1681 & 34 C.F.R. Part 106) Title IX is a federal regulation that requires institutions to provide victims of sexual misconduct support and assistance in obtaining medical treatment, counseling, grievance procedures, and other resources as necessary. The University has a comprehensive Title IX & Sexual Misconduct Policy, which provides extensive definitions, sanctions, and grievance policy procedures, in compliance with these regulations.

Title IX Coordinator

The University of New Haven’s Title IX Coordinator is Robin Salters. She is responsible for coordinating the University’s compliance with Title IX, including overseeing all complaints of sex discrimination and identifying and addressing any patterns or systemic problems that arise during the review of such complaints. As the Title IX Coordinator, she can refer your student to the most appropriate resources and support services. Additionally, she can assist your student in learning about their reporting options through the University or local law enforcement. Incidents of retaliation are also reported to the Title IX Coordinator.

Supporting a Student Who Has Experienced Sexual Misconduct

Listen and Support: Listen, and provide a non-judgmental space for your student to confide in. It is likely that your student will be faced with a lot of options and may be conflicted about how to move forward. It is important that you help s/he feel supported in whatever choice they may take, whether s/he files a formal complaint with the Title IX Coordinator, chooses to file criminal charges with the police, or seeks assistance from other campus resources (Health Services, Counseling & Psychological Services, College Advocate…). Help your student find resources through the University’s Title IX & Sexual Misconduct Policy, found online at: www.newhaven.edu/sexualmisconduct.
Reporting Timeframe: The University does not have a time restriction on complaints of sexual misconduct. Students are encouraged to still take advantage of the support systems available and to consider making a complaint when they feel ready to do so.
Study Abroad Incidents: As study abroad trips usually occur in international locations, the resources available at the time of the incident may be substantially different than those available on campus.
Assistance with Contacting Police: University Police Department, the Dean of Students Office, and the College Advocate are all available to assist students in contacting the correct police department (based on jurisdiction and location of the misconduct). University PD and the Rape Crisis Center of Milford’s College Advocate can advise students on what to expect from a criminal police investigation.
Pressing Charges: No, but to keep legal options open, the University advises that it may be beneficial to receive medical attention and/or a sexual assault evidence kit. The College Advocate from the Rape Crisis Center of Milford, is available to accompany students to the hospital and support them throughout the medical and/or criminal process. A sexual assault evidence collection kit may be administered at Milford Hospital, or Yale New Haven Hospital. If a reporting party chooses to undergo a rape kit, they are not required to cooperate with law enforcement or pursue criminal charges. However, only DNA evidence collected by a rape kit is admissible in court. This is a free service in the state of CT.
Confidential Reporting Options: Yes. Students may choose to speak to a licensed professional in Health Services, Counseling & Psychological Services, or a pastoral counselor in complete confidence. Please note that regardless of the form utilized, the information will be referred to the Title IX Coordinator for inquiry and investigation as appropriate. Community members are encouraged to include as many details as possible for all anonymous reports.
Available Assistance/Remedies: When a student makes a formal report of sexual misconduct, they will be informed of their options for reasonable accommodations and appropriate remedies to secure their safety and ability to engage in educational opportunities. Remedies may be in the form of "no contact" orders, changes in housing assignments and/or academic schedules.
Disclosure of Assailant's Identity: While the University does not require that a student disclose their responding party ("alleged"), it is important to note that withholding the responding party’s identity may affect the University’s ability to conduct a comprehensive inquiry and/or investigation.

Additional Resources and Services

Beyond the specific offices detailed above, the University of New Haven offers a wide array of resources to support student success:

Accessibility Resource Center (ARC): Committed to providing equal access for individuals with disabilities to all of the programs and services it offers.
Career Development Center: From career assessments, networking, and job shadowing to on-campus interviews and salary negotiation, the Career Development Center provides the skills and connections to identify a meaningful career and an opportunity to pursue your passion. At the University of New Haven, we re-imagined how career development should work and created an approach that is integrative instead of merely transactional.
Counseling Center: The Counseling Center offers a variety of services aimed at helping students resolve personal difficulties and acquire the balance, skills, and knowledge that will enable them to take full advantage of their experience at the University of New Haven.
Health Services: The office is the primary provider of on-campus medical care in cases of student illness or injury.
Myatt Center for Diversity and Inclusion: The Myatt Center for Diversity and Inclusion assists the University in promoting cultural diversity, awareness, and sensitivity throughout the campus community.
Office of Graduate and International Student Life: The Office of Graduate and International Student Life's mission is to provide support for graduate and international students with their concerns. immigration and visa-related issues.
Residential Life: The residence halls at the University of New Haven are home to your college family and are the living arrangement that offers the most convenience. Your student should contact the Office of Residential Life (203) 932-7076. They will be able to guide your student with what steps need to be taken.

Campus Visits and Academic Opportunities

Campus Visits: Are you planning a visit to Connecticut and interested in visiting campus? a variety of different visit opportunities. We offer tour opportunities Monday through Saturday.
Academic Advising: academic advising appointment. registration for classes. The class schedule will be listed there for the Undergraduate Fall 2025 term.
Engineering Programs: Engineering has many disciplines - biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, mechanical, and more. At the University of New Haven, your studies in each of these disciplines will focus on innovation. We will challenge you to test the bounds of what seems possible, as you study the best practices of engineering, gain sought-after skills and real-world experience, and discover - and tap into - your endless potential to create. The Tagliatela College of Engineering offers a variety of B.S. and M.S. engineering and applied science programs that provide innovative, distinctive and transformational learning opportunities. Each of our programs combines stellar academic instruction with practical application, allowing students to earn real-world experience with their education. The Capstone Design Expo is an opportunity for students to showcase the results from their senior design course. Tagliatela College of Engineering Professors Kristine Horvat, Ph.D., and Nagasree Garapati, Ph.D., as well as Amna Al-Azdee ’28, ’29 M.S. Environmental Engineering, M.S.
Recognition: The University of New Haven was named a "College of Distinction" by Colleges of Distinction, a national online higher education guide that assesses colleges for its engaged students, great teaching, and vibrant campus communities. The University's engineering programs were distinctly recognized for quality of education, facilities and faculty, and for providing real-world experience and internship opportunities.

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