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Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
What is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?
An F-1 student may be authorized by the university to participate in CPT program that is an integral part of his or her established
curriculum. CPT is defined to be alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required
internship or practicum at an off-campus worksite.
Who is eligible?

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F-1 students who are legally maintaining their status; and
Who have been enrolled full-time for at least 8 months (one academic year) at Eastern Michigan University. Exception:
Graduate students who have internship requirements within their first academic year.
Students must be registered full-time during the academic year (fall and winter terms) to participate in CPT. Students are
eligible for CPT in their final semester while under enrolled only if they have an approved Reduced Hours Form for last
term. Other exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis ONLY if the student has an approved Reduced Hours
Form. Students must be enrolled in at least 1 course which directly relates to their employment to be eligible for CPT during
the summer term.
Students on Probation 1 may have part-time CPT for one term only, if their academic advisor can confirm (via letter) that
the work will not interfere with their studies. Students on Probation 2 or higher are ineligible for CPT.
Students that are full-time Graduate Assistants (100%) or full-time student employees on campus (20 hours) are only
eligible for part-time CPT. Students that are part-time Graduate Assistants or part-time student employees are eligible for
either part or full-time CPT.
F-1 students must have a job offer on letterhead.
When should you apply for CPT?
Students are required to attend a CPT seminar before applying for CPT. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing after
submitting your completed CPT forms to the OISS front desk. You are required to have CPT authorization on your I-20 prior to
beginning the employment. The OISS cannot authorize CPT with a start date in the past; please plan accordingly and submit your
paperwork in a timely manner! If you begin working prior to obtaining CPT authorization on your I-20, your SEVIS record will be
terminated for unauthorized employment.
Types of CPT
A. Required for your degree program. Required means that all students in your degree program are required to complete
an internship or practicum in order to receive the degree.
B. Cooperative Education (co-op). The work is considered as EMU co-op credit under the Academic Advising and Career
Development Center (UACDC, 200 McKenny Hall).
C. Integral part of an established curriculum. If the internship is not required for the degree, it must be taken for
academic credit and connected to a relevant class that has similar educational objectives. To be approved, the professor
needs to confirm the work serves as an “integral part of the student’s curriculum” and describe how the work is directly
relevant to the academic objectives of the class. The course must be related to a student’s major program of study (not
minors for undergraduate students).
Important CPT Information
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You MUST have a written, signed employment offer letter on letterhead to apply for CPT. Please refer to the sample offer
letter and employee tips included with this packet for details.
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Paid AND unpaid off-campus jobs require CPT authorization. Please see an OISS advisor if you have questions whether your
unpaid volunteer work requires CPT approval.
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You can apply for either part-time CPT (20 hours or less) or full-time CPT (21 hours or more). If you accumulate 12 or more
months of FULL-TIME CPT, you are no longer eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Part-time CPT does NOT
reduce the amount of time allowed on OPT.
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You are only authorized to work at your specific employer during the dates and amount of hours (part-time or full-time)
listed on your I-20. If you work before or after the authorized dates or hours, it is unlawful and you risk losing your F-1
status and having your SEVIS record terminated.
EMU Office for International Students and Scholars
Last Updated 8/4/2015
How do I apply for CPT?
240 Student Center
www.emich.edu/oiss
Tel: 1(734)487-3116
Fax: 1(734)487-0303
Z:\Student_Affairs\sa-ois\Documents\MASTER\CPT\CPT instructions.docx
The Home for International Advising, Activities, and Assistance
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CPT authorization is only given one semester at a time and in accordance with the semester dates. The only exception
is required internships that extend beyond one semester.
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CPT out-of-state in the student’s last term of study will be considered only if the student has a required practicum or
research for their degree as listed in their program of study.
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The CPT evaluation (signed by you and your employer) must be completed at the end of your employment.
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If you have a new CPT employment opportunity, you must reapply for CPT by submitting a new CPT form and offer
letter, and CPT evaluation form. Should you want to extend your CPT end date to the end of the current semester, you
need to submit a new CPT offer letter only. Remember to submit a new request within 5 to 7 business days before your
current employment end date to avoid a break in your employment.
How do you apply for CPT?
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Come to the mandatory CPT seminar. Register at http://www.emich.edu/oiss/calendar.html.
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Find appropriate employment opportunities for your degree and program of study. Utilize university resources such as
the University Academic Advising and Career Development Center (UACDC). Discuss options with your academic
advisor to ensure that the employment directly relates to your degree program.
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Obtain an offer letter on letterhead from your place of employment. See the tips for employers and sample included
in this informational packet.
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Complete the student section of the “Curricular Practical Training Authorization Form”
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Write a one-page Statement of Purpose, including the following:
o What are your day-to-day responsibilities?
o What do you intend to learn in this job that will help you better understand your field of study?
o How does your work relate to the course’s curriculum?
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Take your CPT authorization form, Statement of Purpose, and offer letter to your academic advisor. Your academic
advisor should complete the advisor section and include:
o Whether you have finished the degree requirements. If indicated “yes”, you are ineligible for CPT and should
apply for OPT instead.
o Your expected degree requirement completion date
o The type of CPT work (see “Types of CPT” on page 1 for additional information)
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If the CPT type is a practicum or internship required for your degree program (A), you must submit a copy of the
university course catalog confirming your program has this requirement.
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If the CPT type is co-op (B), take the form to UACDC in 200 McKenny Hall and ask the co-op advisor to complete the coop section. You will need to complete additional co-op forms with UACDC.
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If the CPT type is for a relevant class (C), take the form to your professor and ask him/her to complete the course
section. Please submit your Program of Study or copy of the course catalog confirming you will use this course toward
graduation. If the course is directly related to a Non-Face-to-Face course (not including online courses), you also need
to submit a written course description form from your department detailing the course objectives, goals, and grading.
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After signatures are gathered and the form is complete, bring it to the OISS with your offer letter and Statement of
Purpose.
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The OISS will process your CPT authorization and send you an email when your new CPT I-20 is ready for pick up.
Remember to submit your CPT request at least 5 to 7 business days BEFORE the employment start date.
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Upon completion of your CPT, submit a completed evaluation to the OISS front desk. You must submit the evaluation
before another CPT authorization can be granted.
EMU Office for International Students and Scholars
Last Updated 8/4/2015
240 Student Center
www.emich.edu/oiss
Tel: 1(734)487-3116
Fax: 1(734)487-0303
Z:\Student_Affairs\sa-ois\Documents\MASTER\CPT\CPT instructions.docx
The Home for International Advising, Activities, and Assistance
Application Checklist
The OISS will not accept CPT applications unless they are complete. Your CPT application must contain the following items.
REQUIRED:
o CPT Authorization Request Form. Be sure all the sections are complete and signed, especially those by your
academic advisor, co-op advisor, and/or professor.
o Statement of Purpose. Students must write a one-page letter detailing the following information concerning your
employment opportunity.
o What are your day-to-day responsibilities?
o What do you intend to learn in this job that will help you better understand your field of study?
o How does your work relate to the course’s curriculum?
o Offer Letter. Be sure the letter contains all the necessary information about your job. Reference the Tips for
Employers and Sample Letter. The offer letter cannot be more than 1 year old.
MAY BE REQUIRED:
Previous approved CPT:
o CPT evaluation from your previous employer
Type A:
o A copy of the university course catalog confirming program has this requirement
Type C:
o A program of study or copy of the university course catalog to confirm this course will be used toward graduation
requirements
o Students enrolled in a Non-Face-to-Face Course (practicum, thesis, research, independent study), excluding online
courses— Written description of learning objectives, goals, and grading from either the professor or department
head
Additional Information on Taxes and Forms
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You are required to complete various forms with your employer for paid employment. Such forms include, but are
not limited to, tax forms (W-4 and state W-4) and employment eligibility forms such as the I-9. Be sure to work with
your employer at the beginning of your employment to complete these forms.
Generally, if you have been in the U.S. for less than 5 years, you should be exempt from paying Social Security and
Medicare taxes. Please reference the attached IRS “Alien Liability for Social Security and Medicare Taxes” for more
information. However, you will still be subject to federal, state, and local taxes unless your country has a tax treaty
with the United States. It is best to closely work with your employer’s payroll department to ensure the correct taxes
th
are deducted and you are not being under- or overpaid. REMEMBER- Tax returns must be filed by April 15 of each
year for the previous calendar year.
You will need to have a Social Security Number (SSN) if you have paid employment. If you do not have a SSN, see
http://www.emich.edu/oiss/ssn.html for more information on applying.
EMU Office for International Students and Scholars
Last Updated 8/4/2015
240 Student Center
www.emich.edu/oiss
Tel: 1(734)487-3116
Fax: 1(734)487-0303
Z:\Student_Affairs\sa-ois\Documents\MASTER\CPT\CPT instructions.docx
Obtaining CPT
Attend CPT seminar
Fill out “Section to be completed by student” on the CPT Request form
Meet with your academic advisor to fill out “Section to be completed by
academic advisor”
Type C –
Type A –
Not required for
graduation, but
directly relevant
Required for your
degree program
Type B –
Have academic advisor
fill out “Course Name
and Number” and
“Semester Enrolled”
Required documents for
OISS:
 CPT Request Form
 Statement of Purpose
 Job offer letter
 University course
catalog/Program of Study
 CPT Evaluation (if there
are previous approved
CPT)
Cooperative education
(co-op) authorized by
UACDC
See Co-op Advisor, and
have advisor fill out
“Section to be completed by
Co-op Advisor”
Required documents for
OISS:
 CPT Request Form
 Statement of Purpose
 Job offer letter
 CPT Evaluation (if there
are previous approved
CPT)
Submit to OISS for Approval
See the professor of
the class, and have
him/her fill out
“Section to be
completed by Class
Professor”
Required documents for OISS:
 CPT Request Form
 Statement of Purpose
 Job offer letter
 University course
catalog/Program of Study
 CPT Evaluation (if there
are previous approved
CPT)
 Written description of
learning objectives, goals,
and grading (if class is
Non Face-To-Face)
Last Update: 07/31/2015
The Home for International Advising, Activities, and Assistance
Excerpts from:
Alien Liability for Social Security and Medicare Taxes
The full text can be found at: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=129427,00.html)
In general aliens performing services in the United States as employees are liable for U.S. social security and Medicare taxes.
However, certain classes of alien employees are exempt from U.S. social security and Medicare taxes as follows.
Nonresident aliens, in general, are also liable for Social Security/Medicare Taxes on wages paid to them for services performed by
them in the United States, with certain exceptions based on their nonimmigrant status. The following classes of nonimmigrant’s
and nonresident aliens are exempt from U.S. Social Security and Medicare taxes:
F-visas, J-visas, M-visas, Q-visas. Nonresident Alien students, scholars, professors, teachers, trainees, researchers, physicians, au
pairs, summer camp workers, and other aliens temporarily present in the United States in F-1, J-1, M-1, or Q-1/Q-2 nonimmigrant
status are exempt on wages paid to them for services performed within the United States as long as such services are allowed by
USCIS for these nonimmigrant statuses, and such services are performed to carry out the purposes for which such visas were issued
to them.
Exempt Employment includes:
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On-campus student employment up to 20 hours a week (40 hrs during summer vacations)
Off-campus student employment allowed by USCIS.
Practical Training student employment on or off campus.
Employment as professor, teacher or researcher.
Employment as a physician, au pair, or summer camp worker
Limitations on exemption:
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The exemption does not apply to spouses and children in F-2, J-2, M-2, or Q-3 nonimmigrant status.
The exemption does not apply to employment not allowed by USCIS or to employment not closely connected to the purpose
for which the visa was issued.
The exemption does not apply to F-1,J-1,M-1, or Q-1/Q-2 nonimmigrant’s who change to an immigration status which is not
exempt or to a special protected status.
The exemption does not apply to F-1,J-1,M-1, or Q-1/Q-2 nonimmigrant’s who become resident aliens.
The IRS has published regulations which stipulate that aliens who arrive in the United States on F,J,M, or Q visas will be assumed to
be "NONRESIDENT ALIENS" but only to the extent that the assumption is consistent with the residency rules of section 7701(b) of the
Code. Since the social security/Medicare tax exemption for foreign students, scholars, teachers, researchers, and trainees under the
Code requires that the payee be a "NONRESIDENT ALIEN", then the social security/Medicare tax exemption ceases to exist at the
point the payee becomes a "RESIDENT ALIEN" under the residency rules of section 7701(b) of the Code.
Thus, to summarize, both the Internal Revenue Code and the Social Security Act allow an exemption from social security/Medicare
taxes to alien students, scholars, teachers, researchers, trainees, physicians, au pairs, summer camp workers, and other
nonimmigrants who have entered the United States on F-1, J-1, M-1, Q-1, or Q-2 visas and who are still classified as NONRESIDENT
ALIENS under the residency rules of the Internal Revenue Code. As discussed above, this means that foreign students in F-1, J-1,
M-1, Q-1 or Q-2 nonimmigrant status who have been in the United States less than 5 calendar years are still NONRESIDENT
ALIENS and are still exempt from social security/medicare taxes. This exemption also applies to any period in which the foreign
student is in "practical training" allowed by USCIS, as long as the foreign student is still a NONRESIDENT ALIEN under the Code.
Foreign students in F-1, J-1, M-1, Q-1 or Q-2 nonimmigrant status who have been in the United States more than 5 calendar
years are RESIDENT ALIENS and are liable for social security/Medicare taxes (unless they are exempt from FICA under the
"student FICA exemption" ).
For more info see: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=129427,00.html
EMU Office for International Students and Scholars
Last Updated 8/4/2015
240 Student Center
www.emich.edu/oiss
Tel: 1(734)487-3116
Fax: 1(734)487-0303
Z:\Student_Affairs\sa-ois\Documents\MASTER\CPT\CPT instructions.docx
The Home for International Advising, Activities, and Assistance
Tips for Writing an Acceptable Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Offer Letter
The following tips have been created specifically for offer letters for F-1 international students
seeking Curricular Practical Training (CPT) work authorization, as per guidance from United
States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Please reference the following page for a
sample offer letter.
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Company Address: This is the address where the student will be working. If the company’s main
office differs from the student’s work site, please put both addresses on the letter. If the
student is working from home, please indicate this and put his or her residential address in
addition to the company’s address.
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Hour per Week: Students can be approved for either part-time (20 hours or less) or full-time (21
or more) employment. Students cannot fluctuate between part and full-time, unless they are
approved first by the Office for International Students and Scholars. If there is a range of hours
a student will work, please keep the flexible hours within the designated ranges of either part or
full-time.
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Start and End Dates: CPT work authorization is given on a semester-by-semester basis, as it
always must be integral to a current class’ curriculum. Employment end dates will be the day
before the next semester beings, unless they are graduating. If a student is graduating, their
end date will be the last date of the term. Please reference the following checklist for the
maximum dates. However, if the job opportunity does not have a current end date or is shorter
than the dates listed below, please put the most accurate end date on the offer letter. CPT work
authorization dates will mirror the offer letter’s dates.
Earliest Start Date
Latest End Date
End Date if Graduating
in Particular Term
Summer 2015
May 4, 2015
September 8, 2015
August 17, 2015
Fall 2015
August 18, 2015
January 5, 2015
December 18, 2015
Winter 2016
January 4, 2016
May 3, 2016
April 26, 2016
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Using the same offer letter for more than 1 CPT request: If you plan to hire the student for
more than 1 term, the student can use the same offer letter. Offer letters are valid for 1 year.
Please do not put an end date on the employment, if you would like the student to use the same
offer letter for more than 1 term.
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Job Duties: We must have a detailed description of the student’s day-to-day job responsibilities.
If you prefer, you are welcome to attach a job description in lieu on putting the information on
the offer letter.
EMU Office for International Students and Scholars
Last Updated 8/4/2015
240 Student Center
www.emich.edu/oiss
Tel: 1(734)487-3116
Fax: 1(734)487-0303
Z:\Student_Affairs\sa-ois\Documents\MASTER\CPT\Sample Job Offer Letter.docx
The Home for International Advising, Activities, and Assistance
Sample Job Offer Letter
ABC Company
1234 CPT Street
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Tel: (734) 123-4567 Fax: (734) 765-4321
June 18, 2012
To: Eastern Michigan University, Office for International Students and Scholars
We are pleased to offer (student’s name) an internship at our company. The description of the
internship is as follows:
Company Name: ABC Company
Company’s Address: 1234 CPT Street, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Student Work Site Address: If different from company’s address
Number of Hours per week: 40 hrs
Start and End Dates: July 1, 2012 – September 1, 2012
Job Title: Finance Intern
Job Duties: Student will assist in the development of finance strategies for company, give
finance presentations to clients and potential clients, and assist in troubleshooting finance
matters for clients.
Please let me if know if you have any further questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Sarah Smith
President
ABC Company
EMU Office for International Students and Scholars
Last Updated 8/4/2015
240 Student Center
www.emich.edu/oiss
Tel: 1(734)487-3116
Fax: 1(734)487-0303
Z:\Student_Affairs\sa-ois\Documents\MASTER\CPT\Sample Job Offer Letter.docx
The Home for International Advising, Activities, and Assistance
Curricular Practical Training Authorization Request Form
Section to be completed by student:
Last
Name:
EMU Email:
First
Name:
Phone:
E ID:
Have you been approved for CPT before? Yes or No
If YES, did you submit evaluation? Yes or No
Company Name:
Company Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Job Title:
Number of Hours Per Week:
Start Date:
(mm/dd/yyyy)
End Date:
(mm/dd/yyyy)
Major:
I am enrolled in the course listed below and I understand that not successfully completing the course voids my CPT authorization. I understand I am only
permitted to work at the employer above during the approved CPT dates on my I-20. I will update the OISS should my job duties or employment
information change. I understand I will lose my F-1 visa status if I fail to abide by the CPT regulations and my SEVIS record will be terminated.
Student Signature:
Date:
Section to be completed by academic advisor:
1.
2.
3.
Has the student already completed all program requirements for degree completion? Yes or No
Expected completion date of degree requirements _______________________
This CPT work is (circle response):
A. REQUIRED for all students in this major for graduation.
Course Name and Number: __________________________ Semester Enrolled: ___________________
B. Cooperative education authorized by the UACDC and is directly relevant to the student’s program of study
C. NOT REQUIRED FOR graduation but directly relevant to the student’s program of study.
__________________________________
Academic Advisor Name
_________________________________________
______________
Academic Advisor Signature
Date
Section to be completed by Co-op Advisor if B was chosen above:
1.
2.
3.
Has the student been approved for co-op credit? Yes or No
If so, how many credits? _________
Start Date of co-op:___________________
End Date of co-op:___________________
Describe how the co-op meets the student’s academic objectives:
__________________________________
Co-op Advisor Name
_________________________________________
Co-op Advisor Signature
______________
Date
Section to be completed by Class Professor if C was chosen above:
1.
2.
3.
Course Number: ___________ Course Name ______________________________________Semester Enrolled: ______
I have read the student’s offer letter and Statement of Purpose. I agree the work serves as an “integral part of the
student’s curriculum”? Yes or No
Please describe how the work is directly relevant to the academic objectives of your class:
_________________________________
Professor Name
Section completed by OISS
_________________________________________
Professor Signature
______________
Date
GPA: _______ CPT evaluation received: ____ Enrolled for class: ______ Attended seminar: __________CPT approved: ________
EMU Office for International Students and Scholars
Last Updated 8/4/2015
240 Student Center
www.emich.edu/oiss
Tel: 1(734)487-3116
Fax: 1(734)487-0303
Z:\Student_Affairs\sa-ois\Documents\MASTER\CPT\CPT Rqst Form.docx
EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
PRACTICAL TRAINING
EMPLOYER EVALUATION
 CO-OP
INTERNSHIP  PERCEPTORSHIP  VOLUNTEER  GENERAL EMPLOYMENT
STUDENT NAME ____________________________ MAJOR_______________ EMU STUDENT #E____________
EMPLOYER NAME______________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS:_________________________________________________________PHONE_____________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
City
State
ZIP
SUPERVISOR NAME ________________________________________WORK PERIOD_______________________
(Please print)
TO THE EMPLOYER: Please have the student’s immediate supervisor evaluate the student based on the following
standards. Feel free to include any comments as needed (attach additional sheets if necessary). The supervisor
should review this evaluation with the student following his approved work period. The student should return the
completed form to the Office for International Students and Scholars, 240 Student Center, Ypsilanti, MI 48197,
upon completion of the course and work period. Thank you for your cooperation.
PLEASE CIRCLE ONE LETTER FOR EACH CATEGORY:
RELATIONS WITH CO-WORKERS
ATTITUDE
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Works extremely well with others
Works well with others
Has some difficulty working with others
Works very poorly with others
Very positive & enthusiastic
Fairly positive & enthusiastic
Somewhat negative & unenthusiastic
Very negative & unenthusiastic
JUDGEMENT
DEPENDABILITY
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Always uses good judgment
Usually uses good judgment
Sometimes uses poor judgment
Consistently uses poor judgment
Always dependable
Usually dependable
Seldom dependable
Never dependable
ABILITY TO LEARN
QUALITY OF WORK
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Very quick learner
Fairly quick learner
A fairly slow learner
A slow learner
Superior
Excellent
Always high quality
Usually high quality
Usually poor quality
Always poor quality
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall Performance:
Attendance:
Punctuality:
Comments:
PLEASE COMPLETE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE BACK SIDE OF THIS FORM
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What suggestions do you have for the student to assist in their professional development?
________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Please note that the student will need to submit a new Curricular Practical Training (CPT) request
to the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) for additional work authorization.
Supervisor’s Signature
Date
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To be completed by student prior to submitting to the Office for
International Students and Scholars (OISS).
I agree________ /disagree_________ with my supervisor’s evaluation.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Student’s Signature
Date
If you do not agree with your supervisor’s evaluation, please comment as to your reasons:
What were the top 3 things you learned from this professional experience?
1.
2.
3.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you for assisting the student in this practical educational experience!!!
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