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COVID-19 FAQs

Current students and USA GSSP/Institutional Partner Operations

  • Where can I find more information and updates with respect to what is happening on UMass Boston campus as a result of COVID-19?
    • Please refer to the UMass Boston Coronavirus website for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19. Students should also monitor their school email accounts for messages from UMass Boston and Global Student Success Program (GSSP) staff. Many of our GSSP teams are also utilizing WhatsApp and other messenger services to stay in touch.
    • For general U.S. updates, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • How are Global Student Success Program (GSSP) students being supported now that instruction has moved to online or remote learning?
    • Academic Instruction: We were able to move instruction online in tandem with our institutional partners to minimize disruption to student studies. To adhere to social distancing practices, our instructors and GSSP student advisors are available for online meetings with students.
    • If students experience technical issues or have difficulty accessing learning sites, please contact your GSSP student advisor for assistance.
    • Student Support: While we cannot have in-person activities, we have introduced a number of activities and student services we can provide remotely to ensure students remain engaged, connected, and supported (online chat/activities, games, peer support, etc.). We will also continue our proactive support to students, reaching out to them electronically to ensure they are safe and secure.
  • Are students able to remain in on-campus housing?
    • Our institutional partners monitor local conditions and public health guidelines to inform decisions regarding on-campus housing and related services. If on-campus housing closes, no student will be left without a plan. Students will be informed of their options and the GSSP staff will work closely with each student to ensure that they can either return home or access alternative housing.
    • Please refer to the UMass Boston Coronavirus website for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19. Students should also monitor their school email accounts for messages from UMass Boston and Global Student Success Program (GSSP) staff. Many of our GSSP teams are also utilizing WhatsApp and other messenger services to stay in touch.
  • Will I receive a refund for my housing fees or meal plan if I moved out of on-campus housing?
    • Refunds policies for on-campus housing and meal plan fees are determined by our institutional partners. Many have already communicated information to students. If you have additional questions or concerns, your GSSP student advisor can help connect you to the appropriate contact.
  • Does my student health insurance cover COVID-19?
    • Students’ insurance covers COVID-19 testing and treatment. Please keep in mind that eligibility for testing is based on screening measures in place by local healthcare providers (i.e. you must have symptoms or be otherwise eligible based on local requirements).
  • Can I return home and continue with my online/remote studies?
    • Your GSSP advisor can help you determine the best option for you based on current travel advisories, access to learning platforms from your home country, student visa regulations, etc.
  • What happens if I decide to withdraw from my spring courses? What happens to my student visa?
    • We encourage students to complete their spring courses using online/remote learning modes, either while remaining in the U.S. or in their home country. However, we recognize that this is an uncertain time and that students and their families may make other decisions. Please contact your GSSP student advisor to discuss your intentions to return home and the potential impact on your study plan. Many students can return home now and come back to campus this fall on their current student visas. You should check with your PDSO/DSO to confirm that you remain in active status.
  • Will we be able to return to campus for summer classes? What about the Fall?
    • Our partners and the GSSP staff are monitoring local conditions and public health guidelines to determine when it’s best to resume in person or on-campus instruction. We recommend bookmarking your school’s COVID-19 website. The GSSP team will also send updates to students as they become available.

Future Student and Student Recruitment & Admissions Operations

  • Should I still apply to study in the U.S.?
    • Yes! While COVID-19 has disrupted school schedules and other aspects of daily life, we encourage students to stay the course with their plans for education in the U.S. The U.S. and the rest of the world will recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and we want students to be ready to enroll at our partner institutions and achieve their goal of earning a U.S. degree as soon as possible.
  • What if I can’t send the required admissions application documents right now?
    • Due to school closures and other limitations, we understand that you may not be able to submit certain required documents right away. Once you submit your admissions application and all available documents, one of our recruitment team members will contact you to assess next steps. In some cases we can waive, substitute or delay the need for certain requirements to keep the admissions process moving. For example, agency or notary public certification on academic documents has been waived
  • TOEFL/IELTS testing centers in my area are closed. What should I do?
    • Many students are able to demonstrate English proficiency by taking the Pearson Versant Test (PVT) or Duolingo English Test. Both of these tests can be completed remotely, rather than at an in-person testing center.
    • The Pearson Versant Test (PVT) is available free of charge and can be arranged by contacting your recruitment representative. Please reference the U.S. recruitment representative contact list at the bottom of this Q&A list.
    • For more information and to register for the Duolingo English Test, visit https://englishtest.duolingo.com
    • In addition, we encourage you to visit the ETS (TOEFL) website for information about remote testing options now available in a limited number of ucountries: https://www.ets.org/s/cv/important-update
    • Please refer to UMass Boston GSSP Undergraduate site and UMass Boston GSSP Graduate site to review the available English proficiency test options and minimum scores for your preferred program.
  • GMAT/GRE testing centers in my area are closed. What should I do?
    • GMAT/GRE tests are not required for admission to the majority of our Global Student Success Program (GSSP) graduate options. GMAT/GRE waivers are available for some direct entry admission options as well. If you are unsure of GRE/GMAT requirements for your preferred program, please contact your recruitment representative. Please reference the U.S. recruitment representative contact list at the bottom of this Q&A list.
    • In addition, we encourage you to visit the ETS (GRE) website for information about remote testing options now available in a limited number of countries. https://www.ets.org/s/cv/important-update.
  • If I pay my enrollment deposit and later am unable to travel to the U.S. because of embassy/consulate closures, travel restrictions or other circumstances beyond my control, can I obtain a refund?
    • If students are unable to travel to the U.S. because of circumstances beyond their control, including embassy/consulate closures, travel restrictions and the like, we will offer students the chance to defer to a future term or refund their deposit.
  • What is the deadline for applications?
    • We are working with our institutional partners to be as flexible as possible with deadlines. We will update the information on the following site as conditions warrant.
    • UMass Boston GSSP Important Dates site
  • What is the deadline for enrollment deposits and required documents to obtain an I-20?
    • We are working with our institutional partners to be as flexible as possible with deadlines. We will update the information on the following site as conditions warrant.
    • UMass Boston GSSP Important Dates site
  • Will I take my classes online in the fall?
    • Our partners and the GSSP staff are monitoring local conditions and public health guidelines to determine when it’s best to resume in person or on-campus instruction. Your recruitment representative will continue to keep you updated on available options for the fall term. The UMass Boston Coronavirus update page will continue to update regarding the Fall semester.

UMass Boston GSSP Recruitment Representative

Ella Mo 
director of Recruitment
ella.mo@umbgssp.com

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