Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 International Student Handbook 
    
2021-2022 International Student Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

2021-2022 International Student Handbook


Welcome to Florida Polytechnic University and Lakeland, Florida!

We are honored that you have chosen to study at Florida Poly and look forward to helping to create a great academic experience here with you.

The International Student Handbook provides information to assist international students in their transition to studying and living in the United States (US). In general, it will help with understanding terminology, adapting to life in an American university environment, provide resources, university guidelines and policies, and specific immigration regulations for studying in the US.

The primary visa for degree-seeking study in the US is the F-1 Visa; the immigration regulations in this handbook will specifically address the requirements for study in the US for this visa classification.

However, there are students in other visa categories seeking to study that are still considered international students; there are links to resources to assist these students in determining their eligibility to study and identifying any restrictions. 

Regardless of immigration status, all prospective international applicants can apply but must be sure to verify their intended status, so the Office of Admissions can proficiently assist them with the application process and requirements.

Please visit the International Students   section of this handbook to learn more about the F-1 student visa for studying in the US and other visa categories seeking to study at Florida Poly. 

This handbook was designed to be used with the Florida Poly Student Academic Catalog applicable to your term of entry and the Undergraduate and Graduate Student Handbooks; both provide additional information regarding academic programs, university policies and guidelines, campus resources, student life, and valuable information, designed to help you learn more about the university, city, and what you can expect.

All efforts have been made to provide valuable and current information; if you need help or have a question not answered in this handbook, please reach out to International Student Services (ISS) at ISS@floridapoly.edu for additional information and resources.

Please utilize the hyperlinks to websites, forms, and other documentation within this handbook to access more information and detailed resources. 

About International Student Services (ISS)

ISS is comprised of the Offices of Academic Affairs, Admissions, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Student Affairs, and the University Registrar. Each department collaborates to support the immigration, academic, and cultural experience of Florida Poly international students and assists with interpreting immigration regulations and university policies for studying in the United States (US).

Services include but are not limited to assistance with enrollment, immigration advising, travel, and employment authorizations, cultural programs to assist students with adjusting to life in the US and at Florida Poly, new student orientation, and training courses.           

We understand how moving to a new country and starting classes at a new school is never easy, but we hope to provide you with enough information to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Please contact us if you have questions or concerns, and good luck in all of your endeavors - we wish you the best in your studies at Florida Poly!  

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This Handbook is not intended to be comprehensive or to address all the possible applications of, or exceptions, to the policies and procedures of Florida Polytechnic University. Some of the subjects described in this Handbook are covered in detail, and some are briefly summarized. For this reason, if you have any questions concerning a particular policy or procedure, you should utilize the links to resources to access specific information.
This Handbook is neither written nor meant to confer any rights or privileges on students or impose any obligations on Florida Polytechnic University. It is written for informational purposes only and may contain unintentional oversight and require revisions, as applicable. The policies, procedures, and practices described herein may be modified, supplemented, or discontinued in whole or in part at any time with or without notice. Although all attempts to inform students of any changes as they occur will be made, all students are responsible for staying current on all university policies, procedures, and practices. 
The University may reproduce or modify this handbook or parts for distribution in other formats (e.g., on a web page or in different forms for computer access or in school or academic department publications). Students, applicants, and other users of this handbook should consult with the appropriate university officials to verify the current text or status of the policies, procedures, or information contained herein to determine whether the information in this handbook or other publications have been superseded or changed.
Please get in touch with the Office of the University Registrar if you have additional inquiries regarding the International Student Handbook.