Important Vocabulary

I M P O R T A N T V O C A B U L A R Y

Credit hour – one credit hour is typically given for a course that meets one hour per week. A threecredit-hour course will usually meet for 55 minutes three days a week, Monday (M), Wednesday (W), Friday (F). If the class meets on Tuesday (T) and Thursday (R), expect the class to last an hour and 25 minutes. DSO – Designated Signing Official A DSO is a person authorized to makes changes to students' records in SEVIS. You will need a signature on several documents including: I-20, dual-enrollment verification, to obtain a driver’s license, transfer-out form. The principal DSO for all MBU campuses is the Director of International Experiences, Marie Tudor. DHS – Department of Homeland Security The cabinet department of the U.S. federal government responsible for public security. SEVIS – Student and Exchange Visitor Information System This is an electronic, government database used by DHS to maintain accurate information on F-1 students. MBU is required by law to keep SEVIS updated with accurate information. Form I-20 "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status" The Form I-20 confirms acceptance to a Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified institution and is required to apply for an F-1 visa. This form is updated every semester to confirm continued maintenance of status. Note: It's recommended to keep ALL copies of I-20s issued to you throughout your time in the U.S. F-1 Visa An F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa type used to pursue full-time study in the United States. It is a document put in your passport (for all students except Canadians) and allows you entrance into the U.S. Your visa must be valid every time you cross the border to enter the U.S. Note: The F-1 visa can expire while you are in the U.S. if you maintain a valid I-20. The I-20 confirms the approved duration of your stay. If you leave the U.S., you need a valid visa to return. You can only renew your visa outside the U.S. Form I-94 Admission Record An I-94 is proof of your legal admission into the United States and confirms the visa status used when entering, the date of reentry, and any applicable expiration. Every time you enter the U.S. you are given an updated I-94 record. You can check your I-94 and travel history online. Note: Every time you renter the U.S., check that your passport stamp matches your I-94 record and that your record correctly reflects your expiration as D/S (duration of status). D/S is tied to the program end date on your Form I-20.