International student advisers and representatives from the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) will engage in an in-depth discussion of a few specific topics. The topics selected will be those of current interest, but are expected to include a discussion of recertification, and of any anticipated SEVIS I fixes or enhancements while SEVIS II development continues.

As the number of undergraduate international students at an institution increases, it becomes essential to develop a more active relationship with the housing office. This session will illustrate successful partnerships between housing and international student offices, including information sharing, trainings, and program development.

Although the timeline for SEVIS II implementation has changed, institutions will still need to develop or revise plans for the transition to SEVIS II based on the new timeline. Presenters will provide an overview of issues to consider and best practices to follow as your institution prepares for SEVIS II. Representatives from SEVP and EVP will respond to pre-submitted questions from NAFSA discussion forums and IssueNet's Report an Issue.

What can be distilled from more than 100 years of cumulative foreign student advising experience? Past NAFSA presidents discuss their perspectives of the big picture. Are these truly the worst of times? What have we learned in the past that can be applied to today's challenges?

Take a focused look at managing international student crises through exploration of 20 questions international educators should ask themselves before, during, and after a crisis. Specific themes to be discussed are emergency preparedness, immigration implications, communication, and decision-making. The audience will be asked to brainstorm effective crisis management techniques through an interactive case study exercise.

Representatives from the U.S. Department of States Exchange Visitor Programs have been invited to participate in this session. Panelists will discuss the status of the proposed J-1 Subpart A regulations and the status of J-1 program requirements in the development of SEVIS II, and will also offer suggestions for best practices on some current issues.

Three different perspectives on international student retention will be presented, including current research and trends and how to measure the success of office retention efforts. Participants will review and apply learning about how educational programming, collaboration with residence life, and comprehensive academic assistance can improve international retention rates.

Answers to regulatory questions that affect international students are not always black or white. Using case studies, this session will provide opportunities to discuss issues that lack clear-cut answers. Participants will address these issues using federal regulations, institutional policy, and ethics in an attempt to achieve consensus.

Trainees or employees? Professionals performing critical services or advanced students? Explore U.S. visa options for postdoctoral researchers and fellows, especially J-1 and H-1B. Legal and practical issues and alternative visa categories will be analyzed. Employer and self-sponsored permanent residence applications will also be discussed.

Explore the necessity and intricacies of creating nondegree international visiting student programs on U.S. college campuses. You will identify steps to take in creating a visiting student program and will be able to develop a framework to fit your individual campus needs.