Comparative Approaches to Advising for Postcompletion and STEM Optional Practical Training

Thursday, May 29, 2025

1:00 PM – 1:50 PM PST

Panelists from diverse institutions discuss how they advise students through Optical Practical Training (OPT). Advisers highlight a variety of materials used in meetings with students and lead a discussion about best practices when advising OPT applicants facing unique situations, including failure to complete educational programs, loss of employment, travel, cap-gap, and more.

Learning Objectives:

Define best practices for Optional Practical Training advising guidance.
Develop OPT & STEM OPT advising material development tools for improved advising practices.
Analyze challenging cases examples for OPT and STEM OPT advising.

Chair and Presenter(s)

Ashley Johnson, M.Ed.

Associate Director
University of Georgia

Presenter(s)

Sarah Stevens, MPS (she/her/hers)

Immigration Specialist
Georgetown University
S Nichole Hunley, MA (she/her/hers)

Associate Director For International Student And Scholar Services
Lehigh University Office Of International Students And Scholars
Liz Cosgrove Ford, MS, MPA (she/her/hers)

Assistant Director, International Student and Scholar Services
University of North Texas, Division of International Affairs