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International Student and Scholar Services

Announcements

Find information about upcoming events for international students and scholars along with news and headlines! Scroll down to find information for Middlebury College and the Middlebury Institute as well as ISSS General Announcements.

ISSS wishes former ISSS Executive Director, Kathy Foley best wishes in her retirement!

September 29, 2025

After nearly three decades of dedicated service, Kathy Foley, Executive Director of International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS), retired from Middlebury on September 26, 2025. Since joining Middlebury in August 1997, Kathy has been a guiding force in supporting our international community and advancing the institution’s diversity and global engagement initiatives. As the leader of ISSS across all Middlebury programs, she has worked to develop and implement policies, programs, and services that help international students, scholars, faculty, and staff thrive. We thank Kathy for her vision, compassion, and countless contributions, and wish her all the best in her next adventures. 

Transition of ISSS leadership:

As of September 29th, Jess Schlotfeldt will serve as Interim Executive Director of ISSS. Jess joined Middlebury in June 2025, and she brings with her nearly two decades of experience in higher education, primarily in international student services. Prior to Middlebury, she held several leadership roles at the University of Utah, including Associate Director of Operations in ISSS and Associate Director of Student Affairs at the Spencer Fox School of Medicine. We are grateful to have Jess step into this leadership role!  

Middlebury College in Vermont

Pre-Arrival

Returning students from LOA (leave of absence): Students intending to return to Middlebury must submit the Return to Middlebury request to the College. If you have not submitted the request to return or have not received your formal approval to return, please contact your Class Dean.

  • Once you are approved to return, ISSS sends an I-20 application launch email to you. If you have not seen this email and have been approved to return, please contact ISSS (isss@middlebury.edu).
  • Remember: you will be required to complete a F-1 Status Check-in meeting with ISSS within the first week of your return to campus. You will receive more information about this, but this is to alert you to this required check-in to complete your return to F-1 status.

Incoming new students: Our ISSS orientation program for first-year students also includes virtual events with Orientation and ISSS. 

  • Be sure you haven’t missed out on any communication and events offered by Orientation.
  • Your New Student Onboarding Course has many important pre-arrival tasks that must be completed.
  • Also, visit our website for New Student Information.
     

Friends of International Students (FIS) Host Program

  • Do you wish to experience life outside Middlebury College?
  • Would you like to meet people in the local community?

If so, we invite you to discover more about the FIS Host Program!

Upcoming ISSS Programming & Information 

For First-Year Students

  • Watch here for future events for Spring 2026 and Fall 2026.

For Seniors

  • Consider attending an OPT information session this semester (see the Off-campus training/employment authorization section below).
  • Senior Session (make-up), Tuesday (Oct 21) from 4-5PM (virtual): If you missed the first session in September and you are a senior, this is a MUST-ATTEND opportunity! Time to plan for after graduation and your F-1 status!

For Exchange and TA (Teaching Assistant)

  • More information to come.

For Everyone: ISSS Express Events + Other Opportunities

All times Eastern unless otherwise noted.

  • First-Year, Sophomore, and Junior Employment Information Session, Thursday (Oct 09) from 4-5PM (virtual): learn about employment benefits available to students in F-1 status
  • Study Abroad and International Status, Friday (Oct 17) from 3.30-4.30PM (Sunderland 110): receive information about study abroad before the November 1st deadline as it relates to you and your status.
  • Winter Workshop, Wednesday (Nov 05) from 4-5PM (Service Building, 2nd Floor, Room 209): learn how to dress for winter, explore winter activities, ask an advisor a question, get a travel signature. You can come at any time during the hour.
  • Goodies & Goodbyes ISSS Express Event, Thursday (Dec 04) from 3-4.30PM (Service Building, 2nd Floor, Room 209): chat with us, talk to an advisor, pick up a document, get a travel signature & fill a goodie bag with exam treats.

Off-campus training/employment authorization 

OPT Q&A Sessions - All meetings use the same Zoom information

Link: https://middlebury.zoom.us/j/96349617630?pwd=cJdtn503fUayF2gd7b9lj28IxMbhwA.1

Password: 150494

CPT Q&A Sessions 

ISSS and CCI invite Middlebury international undergraduate students intending to apply for a summer 2025 and/or winter 2026 internship/CPT must attend an information session to be eligible. Dates to be determined for upcoming terms. 

All sessions require registration (unique links provided below). Once you have registered, the zoom link will be provided in the confirmation email sent to you. It can be helpful to review the CPT Presentation in advance. 

  • More information available mid-semester

Post-Graduation Immigration Options Session

  • More information to come.

Important Housing & Selected Academic Calendar Information

Break Housing

  • The Middlebury College residence halls remain open for Thanksgiving, February, and Spring breaks. Students staying on campus will be asked to complete the break form. No approval is needed to stay for these breaks, but students must register to stay on campus. Thanksgiving break registration will be available in late October.
  • Winter recess housing will be limited, and an application will be available, usually in October/November. You must be approved to stay during the winter break, and there are no dining services available.
  • Facilities and Residential Life staff may enter rooms during breaks to conduct safety checks, perform work needed, and ensure the building is closed appropriately. 

Middlebury Institute in California

Upcoming ISSS Programming - Fall 2025 

Travel Signature Drop-In

  • October 2 (Thursday), 4-5:30 PM in McCone M238
  • Another event will be held prior to winter break. Details to come.

Off-campus training/employment authorization sessions

For F-1 students:

OPT Q&A Sessions -All meetings use the same Zoom information

This post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) information session and Q&A is intended for F-1 students in their final semester.

For more information, see: https://www.middlebury.edu/international-student-and-scholar-services/students/student-employment-information/optional

Scheduled Sessions (Pacific Time):

  • October 07 (Tuesday), 12:30PM
  • October 23 (Thursday), 12PM
  • November 07 (Friday), 1PM
  • November 20 (Thursday), 12PM
  • December 05 (Friday), 1PM

Link: https://middlebury.zoom.us/j/96349617630?pwd=cJdtn503fUayF2gd7b9lj28IxMbhwA.1

Password: 150494

CPT Information Sessions

Join International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) for an information session about Curricular Practical Training (CPT), followed by time for questions. This session is intended for F-1 students who will be eligible for CPT in summer. Those who will not yet be eligible may also join for informational purposes.

Scheduled Sessions (Pacific Time):

  • TBD
For J-1 Students:

Academic Training Information Session (for off-campus employment authorization) 

TBD

  • Note: J-1 students need ISSS authorization to work on campus. Email ISSS before working.

Middlebury Schools

**Stay tuned for updates.**

General Announcements

**Stay tuned for updates.**

See our Timely Updates website tab for information about Travel, Regulatory, and Informational Guidance. 

Awards

None at this time.

Updated 10/07/2025

International Student and Scholar Services

(802) 443-5858
isss@middlebury.edu