Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Q: I have a question about my sponsor but I'm not sure who to contact.
A: To start, you can email the Sponsored Student e-mail account at intl-sponsor@pdx.edu. Based on your question, you may need to connect with an International Student Advisor, Academic Advisor or another PSU resource. We are happy to help you figure it out.
Q: I would like to take a class at PSU during summer, but my regular university is not PSU.
A: We welcome you to join PSU for the summer, or any other term, as a non-degree student. The first step is to complete the non-degree application. Once this application is processed, you will receive information about registering for a class. We will need your financial guarantee at the beginning of the term in order to process the invoice for your Sponsor.
Q: What's covered by the scholarship and what's not?
A: What's covered: tuition and mandatory fees. What's not: parking passes, transportation, on-campus housing, extra printing, SHAC co-pays and fees, OPT fees. In addition, certain classes such as PE, music, or art studio are often not covered by scholarship programs unless they are directly related to your major.
Q: Why do I have a balance on my account?
A: It's possible to have a balance on your student account if there is a charge not covered by your sponsor or if we have not received your financial guarantee for the term yet. If you have a question about your student account, please contact Third Party Billing at 3rdparty@pdx.edu.
Q: How many credits do I need to take each term?
A: Most sponsors request that undergraduate students complete 45 credits in one academic year. If possible, it is recommended to take 15-16 credits per quarter. However, this can be flexible depending on major requirements. if you have concerns or questions about your enrollment, please email intl-sponsor@pdx.edu.
Q: I'm a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident. I need a letter for my sponsor but I can't use WorldLink.
A: Please email intl-sponsor@pdx.edu with your request or questions.
Q: When are schedules sent to me or my sponsor advisor each term?
A: Schedules are sent the day after the add/drop deadline each term.
Q: Can I take an online or hybrid class? Is there a limit on the number of online and hybrid classes that I can take?
A: Yes, generally you may take one online or hybrid course. You will need to request an Online Course History Letter in WorldLink to submit to your sponsor. There are limits on the amount of online or hybrid courses you may take during your program. Please confirm with your sponsor on the amount you can take each term and the total for your degree.
Q: How do I receive approval to take a course at another college or university.
A: You can make a request in WorldLink for a "Co-enrollment Letter (for sponsor)". Our office will verify how the course will transfer back to PSU and how it will apply towards your degree.
Q: I need to drop my classes. What do I need to do?
A: If you will be dropping below 12 credits (undergraduate) or 9 credits (graduate), please email intl-sponsor@pdx.edu to share your plan. After that you will receive instructions for next steps.
Q: I've graduated from PSU. How do I received the documents I need to authenticate my degree?
A: To authenticate your degree, you need to submit an "Enrollment Verification Request" from the Office of the Registrar. In the form, fill all the required boxes (the ones that are starred with a *) and then check the "other" box and simply write in "Degree verification needed for sponsor". Send the completed document to registrar@pdx.edu. You can choose to send it to yourself or directly to your sponsor.
Q: How do I send my official transcript to my sponsor?
A: Official transcripts can be ordered through the Parchment website. For instructions on how to request a transcript, please be directed to the Office of the Registrar’s transcript webpage. When selecting who you want to submit it to (under “school search”) you can select “self” and it will be sent directly to you or you can send it directly to your sponsor.
Q: How do I get my study plan for the Kuwait Cultural Office completed?
A: If your sponsor is requesting a term-by-term plan showing all classes you will take in your degree program, please contact your academic department directly. You will need to make an appointment with your academic advisor to complete your study plan.
Q: Can I take my classes Pass/No Pass?
A: We advise you check your sponsorship rules for Pass/No Pass grading options. As of April 2021, it is our understanding that Saudi students should not take Pass/No Pass classes in order to prevent issues with degree authentication.
Q: How do I request a scholarship extension?
A: You can make a request in WorldLink for a "Scholarship Extension" letter. The letter will include your current major, GPA, when you started in your degree program, how many credits you have completed, remaining, and your estimated date of graduation.
Q: I don't understand the request from my sponsor. Can you help me?
A: Yes! Email intl-sponsor@pdx.edu and our office can help you determine what your sponsor needs.