International Initiatives And Student Services
College Center, Room CC 205
MaryBeth Yates, Project Coordinator, DSO
Phone: 001-440-366-4929
Fax: 001-440-366-4213
Email: myates@lorainccc.edu
On behalf of President Marcia Ballinger and the entire LCCC community, we are writing to express our strong support for International Students like yourself.
LCCC has a longstanding commitment to our International students and global education. We value the knowledge, leadership, and cultural diversity our international students bring to our campus, and encourage our students to take advantage of the opportunities to learn from our study abroad students during your time at LCCC.
On July 6, 2020, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Student and Exchange Visitor Program (USCIS/SEVP) released new guidelines for international student enrollment in the fall 2020 semester. This “Temporary Final Rule” describes three options for International students during the upcoming semester: All in-person, all online, and hybrid course delivery.
Based on this information, our LCCC Prepared plan falls within the hybrid course delivery option presented by USCIS/SEVP. Under this model, LCCC’s continuing international students are permitted to remain in the U.S. as long as they enroll in a combination of at least one in-person class and online delivery methods (hybrid scenario) and take the minimum number of online classes required to make normal progress in their degree program.
In addition, new students admitted to LCCC for the fall 2020 semester are eligible to apply for visas (if consulate services are available) to enter the U.S. as nonimmigrant students to enroll at LCCC in a combination of at least one in-person class and online delivery methods (hybrid scenario) and take the minimum number of online classes required to make normal progress in their degree.
We understand that this USCIS/SEVP guidance and its impact on your education at LCCC can be very confusing. Representatives from our International Initiatives Office are working hard to reach out to each student individually to ensure your schedule meets the requirements of this new guidance. We are also monitoring information from SEVP as it becomes available and will inform students as soon as new information or guidance becomes available.
LCCC stands ready to support you in completing your education during this difficult time.
In fact, last week LCCC President Marcia Ballinger signed a letter to U.S. Congressional leaders requesting that they encourage the Department of Homeland Security to reconsider its new guidelines or to take quick legislative action to protect the immigration and SEVIS status of our international students. This letter was drafted and sponsored by the American Council on Education, Achieving the Dream, and many other higher education organizations, colleges, and universities that support international student success. In the meantime, please reach out to our International Initiatives office with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your individual situation. In addition, Dr. Brenda Pongracz, Dean of Arts & Humanities, is available to help support you through this transition as needed (bpongracz@lorainccc.edu). LCCC also provides counseling, financial services, and other supports through the Advocacy and Resource Center should you find yourself in need of these services.
Your current and future academic success is importance to us. Please let us know if we can assist you during this period of uncertainty.
Thank you for your interest in learning more about Lorain County Community College’s International Program. As an international student considering studying in the United States, you will find a friendly and welcoming community at Lorain County Community College. LCCC is happy to welcome international students, whether holding immigrant or non-immigrant status.
Lorain County Community College has enrolled international students from more than 18 countries. Many international studies choose LCCC as the ideal environment to improve their English, pursue their education, graduate, transfer, and advance their academic and career goals.
As a public institution, LCCC provides a wide range of academic programs and services, including associate degrees, a bachelor’s degree in MEMs, and technical certificates. Campus facilities include modern classrooms, laboratories, and clinics with state-of-the-art equipment, college library/learning center, fine arts performance center, physical fitness complex, bookstore, on-site food kiosks, and a regional conference center.
International students that choose to attend LCCC will experience a campus environment that promotes both personal and professional growth and exploration.
About Lorain County Community College
Lorain County Community College is located in the city of Elyria, Ohio (Lorain County), in the picturesque Great Lakes region. Both the campus and the city are quiet and safe. The city of Cleveland is located 20 miles to the east and the Cleveland International Airport is only a 25-minute drive away.
Learn more about Lorain County.
A Commitment to International Studies
Lorain County Community College is committed to International Studies. The college president, as well as college administrators, faculty, and staff have long believed that community college education must include an international focus.
LCCC is strategically placed to educate and train individuals to function successfully in a multicultural and advanced technological environment that crosses boundaries of education, communications, language and business.
The University Partnership
LCCC’s University Partnership allows LCCC students to easily transfer and complete their bachelor’s and even some master’s degrees from 14 public and private universities on the LCCC campus.
Academic Calendar
The academic year consists of two 16-week semesters, fall and spring. To see specific dates and holidays, please visit our academic calendar.
Academic Programs
LCCC offers degrees in many academic programs, including Arts and Humanities, Business, Engineering, Information Technologies, Health and Wellness Sciences, Science and Mathematics, and Social Sciences and Human Services.
Ready to Apply?
Lorain County Community College is authorized to issue the I-20 certificate for F1 student visas, as well as the DS-2019 certificate for J1 Exchange Students and Visitors. International students with previous university study, whether in the United States, or in their own home country, are eligible for a transfer of course credit.
If you plan to study with an F1 or J1 student visa at LCCC, you will need to meet the requirements for admission for international students by providing the college with additional documents.
F1 and J1 applicants may not apply online. International students with previous university study, whether in the United States or in your home country, are eligible for a transfer of course credit.
Take a look at our frequently asked questions or contact the program coordinator to guide you through the steps of admission.
Our admission requirements page contains useful information to assist you through the visa application process and your initial adjustment to the campus to ensure you have the resources to be successful in the classroom. If you have any questions or concerns, please direct all inquiries to:
MaryBeth Yates
Phone: 001-440-366-4929
Fax: 001-440-366-4213
myates@lorainccc.edu
Other Visa Types
All other visa types should apply through enrollment services. This includes: Refugee Seekers, Asylum Seekers, A-2, E-2, F-2, G (Dependent status only), H-4, I (Dependent only), J-1 AuPair, J-2, L-2, NATO 1-6, O-3, P-4, R-2, S-5, S-6, S-7, and TD visa types. If you have a different visa type than those listed above and would like to know if you are eligible to study, please contact the International Initiatives Office and we will be glad to help.
If you have a B-2 visa, you must work with the International Office. You are required to apply to change your status to F1 or J1 immediately after entry if you intend to study in the United States.