The federal government is now keeping a closer eye on international students through a new automated information and tracking system.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) was implemented Feb. 15 and is required of all institutions that welcome international students and researchers to their campuses.

Saint Louis University currently has approximately 350 international students and 80 exchange professors/researchers–all of whom are affected by the new system and subsequent rules, said Cathy Donahue, admission specialist and foreign student adviser in SLU’s International Center.

In the past, international student and exchange visitor information was maintained by SLU’s International Center. With the move to SEVIS, the former paper-based system, which was maintained locally, has been transformed into an Internet-based system maintained by the federal government’s Department of Homeland Security.

Prior to SEVIS, the federal government would rarely check on SLU’s files of international students, leaving the University with the responsibility of updating the information. Now under SEVIS, the federal government has immediate access to all updates and changes, which can include change of address, major or employment.

Also, all forms relating to immigration and visas will no longer be printed from SLU’s International Center, but instead must go through government offices.

Donahue advised international students to be aware that paperwork will now take several days, a change from the same-day service of the past.

In terms of paperwork, all international students and exchange visitors must complete a new immigration form before leaving St. Louis for summer, as the old forms will expire on Aug. 1.

Academic departments and advisers should also be aware that some changes could affect them. Any new program or major added to the SLU curriculum requires that the International Center update its information with the government.

In addition, advisers who work with international students must be aware of tighter restrictions on the full-time course load requirement.

Donahue said that in the past, international students could easily drop below the minimum full-time course load for almost any reason.

Under the new rules, only three excuses are acceptable: difficulties with the English language, difficulties with American teaching methods and enrollment in an improper course level. Also any change in major must be documented with SEVIS through the International Center.

In order to help international students and other members of the SLU community understand these changes the International Center will be hosting several seminars. The remaining student seminars will be held March 25 at 4 p.m., in Carlo Auditorium and March 26 at 5 p.m., in Lee Auditorium.

Exchange visitor sessions will be scheduled soon.

Anyone with questions regarding the new system and rules is encouraged to contact the International Center at 977-2318 or visit the Web site for the new rules at www.slu.edu/centers/international/sevis.html.