International Student Services
Welcome to the GREAT Bethune-Cookman University from the Office of International Student Services (OISS).
Now that you have completed the admissions process, it’s time to turn your focus to the start of a new college experience, here at the great B-CU.
This office will assist you throughout your matriculation starting with the Student Exchange Visitors Information System (S.E.V.I.S.) registration, which is required at the beginning of each semester. To ensure your continued compliance with USCIS, other services will include:
• Monitoring all alerts and updates and advising you accordingly
• Monitoring your academic progress towards graduation
• Providing health insurance coverage at cost to you
• Encouraging involvement in campus life
• Hosting social activities and information sessions to aid in making this a positive life time journey.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
What is CPT?
Curricular Practical Training is an integral part of an established curriculum; an Internship, cooperative education, field experience, alternative work study or practicum required for degree completion; offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the institution. CPT is part time for one or two semesters only starting one week after the semester began and ending one week prior to the semester end.
To be eligible for Curricular Practical Training
1. Have been enrolled on a full-time basis for one academic year.
2. Have an offer of employment from an employer offering work that qualifies as curricular practical training.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
What is OPT?
Optional Practical Training is temporary employment authorization that is related to an F-1 student’s academic program. The work done does not count towards course credit; therefore it is the student’s option to engage in employment. OPT is awarded at the completion of each level of degree study. The application process takes approximately three months (120) for both initial applications and renewals. If applying for OPT based on graduation, the OPT application must be submitted to USCIS before the official completion/graduation date.
To be eligible for Optional Practical Training
1. You must have been in full-time status for the twelve months preceding the OPT application.
2. You must be in valid F-1 status at the time of application with thirty days left on both the Visa and the Passport.
3. If applying for OPT based on graduation, you must apply before the official graduation date.
International Services Designated Officials
Ms. Valencia Cooper
Primary Designated School Official (PDSO)
Mr. Gregory Smith
Designated School Official (DSO)
Contact Information
International Students Coordinator/Designated School Official (DSO)
Ms. Iris Johnson-Quinn
Phone: 386-481-2171
Email: johnsoni@cookman.edu
*Contact the Office of Int’l Student Services first either by telephone or email upon completion of admission.
