COVID-19 FAQ for International Students
*Policies are subject to change. These policies are valid as of 4/16/2020. If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].*
Q: Is the Office of International Admissions still accepting applications and processing I-20s?
A: Yes, our office is accepting applications, processing admission documents, and issuing I-20s. The OIA is working remotely to maintain normal operations.
Q: Is the office open to meet or speak with an advisor?
A: The Office of International Admissions is currently closed for face-to-face advising. The office is still open from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, to take phone calls and respond to email. 734-487-0205 / [email protected]
Q: Is EMU collecting packages (including transcripts and official documents) mailed to campus at this time?
A: All mail sent to EMU Admissions is being collected from campus once per week.
For packages/mail being sent to the Office of International Admissions at 244 Student Center via FedEx, DHL, and UPS - the EMU Student Center is currently closed. Deliveries have been redirected to our Central Receiving location, which will have an employee onsite to sign for and accept packages from DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc.
We recommend students to continue to send all mail to the Admissions PO box or EMU’s Central Receiving location while the EMU Student Center is closed.
Admission’s PO Box:
P.O. Box 921
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Central Receiving:
1215 N Huron River Dr.
Ypsilanti Mi 48197
Additionally, we would suggest emailing official documents to [email protected] whenever possible, for the time being.
Q: Is it possible to be admitted and enroll in classes for Summer 2020?
A: Many US embassies are temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This disruption could prevent you from receiving a student visa at this time. Because of this, we are recommending that our international students who have applied for the Summer 2020 semester update their applications to the Fall 2020 semester. It is our hope that the embassies will be back open and EMU classes will have returned to in person instruction by then. As you may already be aware, it could be very difficult for you to receive a visa and arrive to the US for the Summer start date in May.
If you would like to update your application, you may fill out the undergraduate update form. If you cannot print this document, you may email the information to [email protected].
Q: Is it possible to waive the English proficiency test requirement? (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/MELAB)
A: We are not currently waiving English proficiency test requirements. However, we are evaluating options for offering additional English proficiency test alternatives. Additionally, ETS has begun offering at-home testing for the TOEFL in all locations where the computer-delivered tests are normally available, with the exception of Mainland China and Iran. It is possible that a remote option is available for you. Please continue to check back in with us as policies are updating frequently. For any questions regarding specific English proficiency requirements, please email [email protected]
Q: Is it possible to waive the transcript evaluation requirement?
A: We are currently accepting transcript evaluations from the four agencies listed below. If you are unable to send official transcripts or have other questions about the documents needed to issue an evaluation, pleaese check the agency websites or contact them directly.
- Course-by-course evaluation
- Select Digital/Electronic Deliver to [email protected]
- Course analysis evaluation
- Request report be submitted to [email protected]
World Education Services (WES)
- Course-by-course evaluation
- Submit electronically using Access WES
Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
- Course-by-course report
- Submit electronically using ECE Dispatch
Q: What can I do if my school is currently closed and I cannot get official transcripts?
Please send a copy of any unofficial transcripts to [email protected] and we will determine if those can be accepted temporarily. Official transcripts will be required as soon as your school has reopened. Official transcripts must be on file by the end of your first term at EMU in order for you to maintain enrollment and register for future terms.