✨ CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2026! ✨
Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paid off. May this milestone be just the beginning of a journey filled with success, fulfillment, and endless possibilities. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors!
If you’re planning to work in the U.S. after graduation, we encourage you to apply for OPT through the OISS Portal. You can apply as early as 90 days before your program completion date and up to 60 days after. Your program completion date is the official end of your final semester. To learn more, be sure you watch the OPT Workshop Video Please note that the processing time takes 7-10 business days.
📌NOTE: The CGE office is closed today, May 15th for the commencement ceremony.
Office general support hours resume on Monday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Students are encouraged to call ahead on the day of their visit to confirm office availability before coming in.
- The Office of International Students and Scholars |
COMING THIS FALL: A WORLD THROUGH YOUR LENS! |
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| As students prepare to travel home over the summer, we invite you to capture meaningful moments, traditions, and experiences that reflect your culture and global journey. Selected photos and stories will be featured during International Education Week this November at the Kwan Fong Gallery of Art and Culture. Attendees will vote for their favorite submissions, and winners will be announced at World Fair. Exciting prizes will also be awarded! Contest Themes: 🌏My Home & Cultural Diversity
📍CLU & Thousand Oaks Pride featuring iconic campus or local landmarks
📅 Submission link open in Fall 2026, stay tuned for more details! |
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BECOME A PEER MENTOR: MAKE A GLOBAL IMPACT |
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Make a Difference - Become a Global Bridge International Peer Mentor!
Are you passionate about helping others feel welcomed and supported? Join our International Peer Mentor program and be a friendly, familiar face for new international students as they settle into university life. From academics to campus culture, your warmth and guidance can help shape a smoother, more confident transition for those just starting out.
Why become a Peer Mentor? • Gain valuable leadership experience
• Strengthen your résumé • Receive Mentor Achievement Certificate • Build intercultural and communication skills 📌 Interested? Learn more and apply:
https://www.callutheran.edu/students/international/get-involved/peer-mentor.html |
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SUPPORTING YOUR WELL-BEING: UNDERSTANDING REDUCED COURSE LOAD (RCL) |
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In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Anna Geurin, Director of CAPS, shares an important message about the Reduced Course Load (RCL) option available to international students.
International students are generally required to maintain full-time enrollment, but exceptions exist. Under certain medical or mental health circumstances, international students may be approved to enroll below full-time while maintaining their visa status.
Watch the video to hear from Dr. Geurin on what RCL is and who grants approval, and follow along as Dr. Mengmeng Liu, Assistant Director of OISS, as she walks you through the process and required documentation because your health and well-being always come first.
Click the blue button below or the poster on the left to watch the video!
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YEARIN LAW OFFICE'S HELPING THE INJURED SCHOLARSHIP |
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The Yearin Law Office's Helping the Injured Scholarship was created to support students who are dedicated to helping injured people in their communities. Sponsored by Attorney Don Yearin and his law firm, this scholarship is open to students pursuing higher education in any field of study. Scholarship funds can be used for tuition, room and board, books, and/or other fees at an accredited program within the United States.
Deadline: May 31, 2026 Award: $1,000 Eligibility Requirements: - Open to any student who is currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate, graduate, or professional program in the United States includes accredited community college students as well as high school seniors and students who possess a GED who have been accepted to or are enrolled in an accredited program.
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Must be able to demonstrate in their essay, their commitment to helping injured people.
- Must be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above.
Please Note: This scholarship information is shared for reference only and should not be considered official guidance from the Office of International Students and Scholars. Students should always verify requirements, deadlines, and award details directly with the scholarship provider.
Click below to learn more about theYearin Law Office’s Helping the Injured Scholarship! |
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Missed last week's OISS Weekly? Here is our #ICYMI section. |
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Any request? Submit it from your OISS Student Portal and
allow 7-10 business days for processing |
Note from OISS: Some topics in this newsletter may involve immigration or legal considerations. This information is for general purposes only and is not intended to serve as formal legal advice. Please consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation. |
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©2026 California Lutheran University |
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