CSU BAKERSFIELD Last update: March 20, 2020
CSUB Global Outreach understands that international students have concerns about how COVID-19 will affect their student status. More importantly, we want to make sure students are taking care of themselves and their families during this difficult time. CSUB Global Outreach and the office of International Students and Programs are working with campus officials, CSU officials, the State of California, and the U.S. Department of Education to ensure we are able to provide you with the most up-to-date COVID-19 and student status information.
Please note that as of March 18, 2020, the CSUB Global Outreach office is now closed to the public. However, our full staff is now working remotely and is available to assist with any needs or requests you may have.
We strongly encourage you to review the list of frequently asked questions below about your student status, travel, enrollment, and available resources for international students. If you need assistance, please complete the form at the bottom of this page and we’ll route your question to the correct person or resource.
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions for International Students
20 questions
All my classes are now online. Can I go back to my home country? Or, will that cause a problem with my visa and I20?
Online instruction for Spring 2020 does not affect your visa or I20. Depending on travel restrictions, you may choose to return to your home country or remain in Bakersfield, or some other location in the USA. Your visa and I20 will not be affected.
I do not plan on going back to my home country. Is it ok for me to stay here?
Yes, you can stay in the USA. You are not required to leave unless you choose to.
I live in the dorms. Can I stay in the dorms?
Yes, the dorms will remain open and available to you through at least the end of the Spring 2020 semester.
I have an advising hold. Can I still make an advising appointment?
Contact your major advisor to schedule your advising appointment:
BPA: gochoa3@csub.edu
NSME: email your assigned advisor or sciencecenter@csub.edu
SSE: sseadvising@csub.edu or call 661-654-5807 or 661-654-2110
A&H: arts.humanities@csub.edu
I need a study plan/evaluation letter for my government scholarship. How do I request it?
You can request your study plan or evaluation letter on the following website:
www.csub.edu/isp/currentstudents/Forms/Online_Forms/request/index.html
What about summer session? Will courses be offered in-person during the summer?
No formal decision has been made regarding in-person courses for Summer Session 2020. Keep an eye on the Summer Session 2020 website - summer.csub.edu - where more information will be announced soon.
Are we still able to meet with instructors in-person for office hours?
No, office hours will need to be through zoom or phone call. Please contact your instructor to ask about their zoom/phone office hours.
I need a signature on a form for processing. What do I do? How do I get necessary signatures?
Please email the person you need a signature from. They will give you information on how to process your paperwork.
Is the Student Recreation Center still open?
No – the Student Recreation Center is closed to the public.
I am on probation. Will there still be academic probation workshops?
The Academic Probation workshops will be offered via Zoom while they are being developed for Blackboard. Additional information about how to complete academic probation requirements will be emailed to affected students. If you have any questions, please contact the Academic Advising and Resource Center (AARC) at (661) 654-2700.
Which services will be refunded?
The Chancellor’s Office is examining a framework for partial refunds. More information and specifics to come.
What is the status of Spring 2020 courses?
Per the California State University Chancellor’s Office directive, there will be no face-to-face instruction for the duration of the spring semester. The university will continue to serve students through remote instruction through the end of the semester.
I am currently in the U.S. but was planning to travel outside of the U.S. soon. Should I cancel my trip?
With growing cases in the United States, we are seeing increasing restrictions on travel. We do not know how long these travel restrictions will last, but be advised you may not be able to return to the U.S. for an unknown period of time. If your travel is related to your academic program, please consult your academic advisor about your travel plans.
Which countries are impacted by the COVID-19 travel restrictions to the U.S.?
The March 14 Presidential Proclamation updates previous travel restrictions. It suspends entry into the U.S. of all non-U.S. citizens who were physically present within the following countries during the 14-day period preceding their entry to the U.S.:
- China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)
- Iran
- Schengen Area
- United Kingdom, excluding overseas territories outside of Europe
- Republic of Ireland
No other countries are impacted at this time, but the situation is changing rapidly. Please continue to monitor the news, airline travel information, and this web page for changes or updates.
How long will these travel restrictions last?
This is unknown currently. The U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services will monitor the situation. No more than 15 days after the date of the proclamation, and every 15 days after, the Secretary will advise whether the restriction continue, change, or end. See the proclamation.
I am currently in a country impacted by the travel restrictions. Can I provide a negative test result for COVID-19 to enter the U.S.?
The U.S. government is not allowing exceptions at this time. Please continue to monitor the news for updates.
I am currently in a country impacted by the COVID-19 travel restrictions but have not been near any of the impacted cities. Can I return to the U.S.?
The U.S. government is not allowing exceptions at the time. Please continue to monitor the news for updates.
I am feeling very anxious about the COVID-19 outbreak. What should I do?
Please contact The CSUB Counseling Center (661-654-3366) or stop by during regular business hours, call the Counseling Center number and press 2 to access the afterhours crisis counselors, or the following hotline numbers:
- Crisis Hotline: (661) 868-8000
- Crisis Hotline Toll Free: 1-800-991-5272
- Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-825
Are there campus resources to help me?
Yes! Please visit CSUB’s campus resources page for additional information.
Where can I get more information on COVID-19?
When searching for more COVID-19 information, we recommend using credable, reliable sources such as the following:
U.S Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov
California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response: covid19.ca.gov