NELC Graduate FAQ 2020

FAQ:
1. In the event that the University transitions to online instruction for Fall semester, will international students be able to retain their student visa status/come into the US? 
Yes, students will be able to maintain their student visa status while taking full-time on-line classes, and should be able to reenter the U.S. once the various travel bans are lifted. For more information please refer to Harvard International Office travel page.
2. What does the current and future situation entail for advanced students who are on, or have applied for, Dissertation Completion Funding (DCF)?
Students who are on DCF will continue to receive their funding.  All students who applied for DCF this year, were notified on May 1st that they will receive their funding at the beginning of the fall semester. 
3. In cases of low enrollment for fall, online instruction, will priority and non-priority TFs be able to secure sufficient sections and receive the same funding? 
We are not sure how many TF sections we will have for the fall semester. However, we will do our best to accommodate all priority -students with a TF position. If a TF position is not available, we will look into other opportunities.
4. Will students be able to continue or be hired in Research Assistant positions?
All spending in the university is currently under heightened scrutiny, including the hiring of research assistants, but the department is not aware of any ban on the hiring of research assistants. We encourage students to talk to the faculty supervisor for their research position to learn more about the status of individual positions.
5. Does the new immigration policy affect visa status for international students?
We were advised that the new policy will not affect the visa status for international students. However, we encourage all NELC international students to be in communication with their HIO advisor. 
6. What is the department's position on leaves of absence for fall?
According to our Handbook: “There is a minimum residence requirement of two years, G1 and G2.” However, given the current unusual circumstances, students can request an exception if necessary.  Exception requests should be made in writing with a justification for the request and a letter of support from your faculty advisor. They should be addressed to the DGS and Chair and should be submitted to the student coordinator.