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CPT Policy at Westcliff University
All students enrolled in graduate degree programs are required to take an internship course and engage in an internship as an integral part of the established curriculum of Westcliff University. The internship course allows students the opportunity to gain practical training and real-life experience pertaining to their current program of study.
Students are required to complete at least one semester of an internship prior to graduation. Students have the option to acquire an internship opportunity either on-campus or off-campus. On-campus part-time internships (20 hours or less) are on an availability basis and do not require Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Off-campus internships of any kind, or on-campus internships that are full-time, will require CPT authorization for F-1 students. CPT can be paid, or unpaid, and can either be full-time or part-time. We can offer assistance in applying for opportunities through our Career Services Department and we can also guide you through the CPT process. Engaging in an internship provides students with networking, educational, and career advancement opportunities.
CPT is authorized by the DSO, who updates the student’s SEVIS record with the relevant information such as employer names, authorization dates, etc.
Important facts:
Students are advised to keep the following factors in mind:
- Preconditions: Undergraduate students must have been lawfully enrolled as a full-time student for one full academic year before being eligible for CPT. Graduate students can start CPT immediately if required by the program.
- Location: Students may engage in CPT at the employment location specified in the Employee Offer Letter provided to the DSO during the CPT approval process.
- Duration: The DSO grants CPT for the duration of one full semester (two sessions). Students can request to renew their CPT every semester.
- Hours per week: Part-time CPT is considered 20 hours or less of work per week, while full-time CPT is considered anything over 20 hours of work per week. It is between the employer and the student to determine whether the employment is part-time or full-time.
- Field/level of work: The internship must be an integral part of the student’s established curriculum and be related to the student’s major field of study.
- Offer letter from employer: The student must have an offer letter of employment signed by the employer describing the details of the student’s job and responsibilities.
- Effect on other work: Use of full-time CPT for one year or more will affect the student’s eligibility for OPT. Use of part-time CPT does not affect eligibility for OPT.
- Approval process: The student must submit the required documents (see below) to the DSO for approval. Upon approval, the DSO will update the student’s I-20 with CPT authorization. The student cannot begin CPT until the CPT employment start date is recorded in SEVIS. The DSO will also print out the updated Form I-20 reflecting the CPT authorization, which the student will need when completing the Form I-9 for the employer. Please note that USCIS approval is not required for CPT and as such no EAD is issued. Instead, the I-20 is the evidence of work authorization.
- Attendance requirement: Students must continue to maintain attendance and a full course of study in F-1 status during the period of employment. Students must also be enrolled in an internship course for the respective degree program throughout the period of employment.
Conclusion
The CPT policy at Westcliff University is designed to provide convenience and flexibility to the students. It also standardizes the procedure of admissions, hostel facilities, and commitments that students need in order to get enrolled.