Dubem Akukwe
The Poke Press

McNeese State University will no longer approve off-campus Curricular Practical Training (CPT) internships for F-1 international students unless the internship is required as part of the student’s academic program. 

The Office of International Student Services notified students Tuesday, Sept. 1st that the change follows a new interpretation of CPT rules issued by U.S. immigration officials on Aug. 24th.  

Under the new rules, optional internships that fulfill elective or enrichment requirements no longer qualify for CPT authorization. New applications in programs without required internship courses will not be processed, according to the email from Emily Smith, director of International Student Services. 

Nursing and Engineering programs are no longer eligible for CPT internships, Smith said, as most of the CPT internships in those programs are competitive rather than required. 

International Student Services will contact students in affected internships to discuss steps to end their positions early. 

Kedrick Nicholas, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, addressed the issue during Wednesday’s Student Government Association meeting and said McNeese is working to ensure its interpretation follows guidance from the University of Louisiana System.  

“We’re working as hard as we can to support students through these changes,” Nicholas said.