Frequently Asked Questions

Home International Students Frequently Asked Questions

Admission and Application Information

No, OPSU’s application for admission is free!

The university publishes the annual cost of attendance for tuition and fees. International students must demonstrate they or their sponsor are able to cover the cost of their tuition, fees, housing, meals, and personal expenses to gain admission to OPSU.

The breakdown of the required financial proof can be found on the university’s financial guarantee form.

 

Residential Housing, Meals, and Closures During Breaks

Residence Halls and the Aggie Apartments are closed for the summer, but students can arrange with the housing office to stay in Holter Hall (dorms) for the summer break.

The cafeteria is closed during Fall break, Thanksgiving Break, Christmas Break, Spring Break (March), and the summer break.

Students can lower or cancel a meal plan during the first two weeks of the term. Meals can be added at any time during the term. All Holter Hall residents must have a 10 meal plan at minimum.

Semester Check-In

All international students must physically check in with the international student coordinator each semester. During this meeting, the student’s schedule will be reviewed to ensure full course of study, confirm the student’s major, and answer any questions.

New students should bring a copy of the I-20 and their visa to the appointment and be prepared with any questions.

You are at risk of your SEVIS (I-20) record being canceled due to failure to register.

There are local cell phone companies located in Guymon, about ten miles from campus. There is a bank located in Goodwell, walking distance from campus and several banks in the Guymon. Students should consult with those banks first to determine what kind of information will be required to open the bank account.

Academics and Enrollment

You should enroll in at least 12 credit hours to remain in compliance with your visa status. Three credit hours of these 12 can be online, other than the minimum for in person courses is nine credit hours. There are some exceptions for students in their last semester only.

You should notify the international student coordinator if you intend to change your degree plan so your I-20/SEVIS record can be updated. Any changes to the length of time to your program should be immediately reported to the international student coordinator.

Don’t struggle in silence. Talk to your advisor, your coach if you play a sport, and your instructors. The Academic Resource Center, located in McKee Library offers academic coaching and tutoring services free to students. A counselor is also available to students for mental health support.

Employment

International students may work immediately if they have obtained a U.S. Social Security Number and receive a work permit from the International Student Coordinator.

  • International students must first be hired to work on campus. Once hired, the hiring manager must write an employment letter confirming the employment. This can be obtained from the International Student Coordinator.
  • Students then complete the application for a new social security number online at SSA.gov and then schedule an in-person appointment to complete the process.
  • Students have a length of time to arrive at the social security administration office to complete the application process with their documents: Active I-20, I-94 found at I94.gov, passport and visa, and letter of employment.
  • The social security number will be mailed to your local address; it is important that this information is accurate. When the card is received, bring the card to the International Student Coordinator’s office for input into the system. A work permit will then be issued to the student.
  • An employment packet should be completed and then turned into the Human Resources office, along with the student’s social security number, active I-20, I-94, work permit, and passport. The human resources office will provide the student with clearance to begin working on campus.

Several ways: applying online here, and then word of mouth. Inquire with the library, cafeteria, Noble Center, and athletics to determine if they are hiring. Other departments occasionally are hiring.

Looking for off-campus employment? See the off-campus details here.

No, OPSU does not currently require international students to have health insurance, but it is highly recommended. There are many viable options for purchase. Please do your own research to find the best fit for your needs and budget.

Yes, international students can qualify for academic and athletic scholarships. Academic scholarship information and qualifications are listed on our scholarship page.

International students must submit an SAT score to be considered for an academic scholarship.

Your application for admission is also your application for academic scholarships. A separate application is not required.

Our beautiful campus is in Goodwell, Oklahoma about two hours or 120 miles from Amarillo, Texas, or 56 miles or one hour from Liberal, Kansas. Both Amarillo and Liberal have an airport and ground transportation available for hire from the airport to campus. Please note, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is approximately 275 miles or four and a half hours away from campus. Amarillo or Liberal are the closer choices for flights.

When booking your flights, be sure you have coordinated with the Housing Office to ensure someone is available to check you in with university housing before your departure.

OPSU does not provide transportation services from the airport to campus, it is the responsibility of the student to secure transportation.