DATE:
January 27, 2022
TO:
High School Principals
High School Assistant Principals
High School Counselors
High School Registrars
FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Caleb Olson, Consultant, Planning & Enrollment
SUBJECT:
Foreign Non-Immigrant Student Graduation and Course Selection
Effective immediately, please note the following changes to procedure regarding foreign non-immigrant students (typically referred to as “foreign exchange students” and including students on J-1 or F-1 visas). A revision to Policy AS66 – Non-Resident and Charter School Enrollment is being prepared for Board of Education review and approval. Online documentation at the Planning & Enrollment website will be updated when the policy change has been approved.
Graduation:
Any foreign non-immigrant student who completes their 12th grade year in a District high school and meets all current Utah requirements for graduation is eligible to receive a diploma and to graduate. As part of this process, students will need to provide transcripts from their home country so that transfer credits can be granted; however, even after transfer credits are granted, these students may still need to complete a significant number of make-up credits. The time and expense for make-up credits rest with the student. School staff should assist with this process as they would with any other student.
Foreign non-immigrant students who complete their 12th grade year in a District high school and opt to not receive a diploma may still be recognized by school administration during the graduation program.
Course Selection:
Prior District procedure did not allow foreign non-immigrant students to enroll in Driver Education courses. These students may now elect to participate in Driver Education but assume all responsibility for any additional expense or requirements that may exist due to their visa status.
This change means that foreign non-immigrant students may access the same course opportunities as a typical student. The only exception remains that they may not enroll in fully virtual or online courses. The visa requirements for these students require in-person instruction. The requirements do not prevent them from completing online components or assignments of in-person classes or from virtual learning during health- or weather-related emergencies.
