About Us

What We Do

Moving to a new country for school is challenging, which is why we offer a range of services and support. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is one of four units within the Office of Internationalization. Located in the International House with advising offices in the Community Commons, we provide the following services to international students and scholars on campus:

  • Immigration sponsorship (F-1, J-1, H-1B)
  • Advocacy for international student and scholar issues on campus
  • Cultural adjustment and immigration advising
  • Orientation and employment workshops
  • Support of international student organizations
  • Cross-cultural programming
  • Issuance of immigration documents, authorizations, and certification letters

Working With DU Partners

We seek to develop positive working relationships with other offices on campus to ensure that international students and scholars both have an exceptional experience during their stay at DU. If you have any questions about our international visitors on campus or suggestions about how we can better serve them, please contact our office at isss@du.edu.

Internationalization is Everywhere at DU

We are proud to be part of a much larger internationalization initiative at DU. If you're looking for more information on our initiative, or information about studying abroad outside the US, follow the links below.

 

Meet the Team

  • Theresa Johnson

    Director
    303-871-2371
    Theresa.Johnson@du.edu

    Hello! I joined the ISSS team in May 2022 and have enjoyed getting to know the students, faculty, and staff  here at DU! I moved to Denver from Chicago where I worked with international students and scholars at Northwestern University for 11 years. Prior to that, I lived in Washington, DC where I worked with the Fulbright Scholar Program at the Institute of International Education and earned a Master's Degree from George Washington University and a Bachelor Degree from American University. I have been to all 50 states in the U.S. and all 7 continents – although there are still many places I'd like to visit!

    Contact me for:

    • Lawful Permanent Residency sponsorship
    • H-1B sponsorship for staff positions
    • New program development
    • Student or scholar emergencies
    • General ISSS questions
    • Interest in collaboration with ISSS
    • Request for ISSS staff at a meeting/event
  • Katie Pettet

    Assistant Director
    303-871-4626
    Katie.Pettet@du.edu

    • BA in Russian and Communication Studies, University of Iowa
    • MA in Slavic Languages and Literature, University of Wisconsin-Madison
    • M.Ed in International Education, George Washington University
    • Studied abroad in Russia and the Czech Republic
    • Joined DU ISSS in 2019, previous international office experience at American University in Washington, DC

    Contact me for:

    • H-1B sponsorship for faculty, research, and postdoc positions
    • J-1 visiting scholar sponsorship (i.e. research scholar, professor, short-term scholar, or student intern)
    • ISSS policy and compliance with F-1 and J-1 regulations 
    • Departmental contact for degree program internship policies
    • Advanced or complex F-1/J-1 student immigration cases 
  • Tom King

    Senior Advisor
    303-871-4258
    Thomas.King@du.edu

    • BA in History, Texas A&M University
    • MA in Intercultural Studies, Golden Gate Seminary
    • Worked with international students in Paris for six years
    • Studied abroad in France and Morocco
    • Previous international office experience at the University of Texas Health Science Center and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston

    Contact me for:

    • ISSS policy and compliance with F-1 and J-1 regulations 
    • Advanced or complex F-1 student immigration cases 
    • Initial I-20 issuance questions or concerns
    • ISSS Portal troubleshooting
  • Samantha Gerber

    SEVIS Coordinator & Advisor
    303-871-7861
    Samantha.Gerber@du.edu 

    Hi! I joined University of Denver at the end of August 2023 and continue to enjoy the scenic views while advocating for and helping the international student population. I moved from East Texas, but I was born and raised in New England. While I have family still in the Northeast of the US, I enjoy going abroad as a vacation when possible. I have two Bachelor's and three minors from two schools in Connecticut. I am currently working on two master's and graduate certificate (part time). For fun, I like to go to concerts, explore the RTD Colorado area, and spend time with my three cats.

    • 1+ years in Denver, Colorado
    • 2+ years working with F-1 and J-1 students, scholars, and visitors
    • 3+ years in graphic design experience
    • Experience interning, volunteering, researching, and visiting abroad in multiple regions

    Contact me for:

    • Full time/under enrollment concerns for F-1/J-1 students
    • Advocacy for international student population
    • Overall international student immigration questions and concerns
    • Initial I-20 issuance questions or concerns
    • Mailing/home address issues in myDU
  • Emily Richards

    International Student Advisor
    303-871-7781
    Emily.Richards@du.edu 

    Hello! I joined the University of Denver in September 2023 and have really enjoyed working with the wonderful staff, students, and scholars that make up our ISSS community. I moved to Denver from Washington, DC where I completed my master’s program at The George Washington University and then went on to begin career in international education at the Embassy of Kuwait. I am originally from Buffalo, New York. A few of my favorite things are- learning about world cultures, cooking, skiing in the Rocky Mountains, spending time outdoors, and traveling in the U.S and abroad. 

    • BS in Childhood Education and concentration in Literacy at Buffalo State College 
    • MA in International Education and concentration in International Development at George Washington University 
    • International volunteering/research experience in Germany, Peru & Thailand. Studied abroad in Spain. 
    • Previous international education office experience at the Embassy of Kuwait and George Washington University in DC 

    Contact me for: 

    • Advisement on general international student immigration questions or concerns 
    • Contact for the Sponsored Student Program- support administrative processes for government sponsors and sponsored students
    • Initial I-20 issuance questions or concerns
    • Advocacy for international student populations on campus

 

Student Workers

  • Sandra Lin

    ISSS Graduate Assistant

    • From Guangdong, China
    • Pursuing an M.A. in International Human Rights from Korbel
    • Advocacy for international community
    • Loves parks, beaches, ultimate frisbee, spikeball, paddle boarding and naps

How to Contact ISSS

Advisors are here to help you with any academic or professional questions, concerns, and anxieties you might have. Or, if you need to speak to someone about immigration, university policies, or cultural adjustments, our advisors are available. 

Student Virtual Appointments

You can schedule a time to meet with an international student advisor via Zoom to discuss your questions or concerns. Make Virtual Appointment

Walk-In Advising 

Walk-in advising does not require an appointment and is available in the Community Commons Suite 3100 (2055 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80210).    Map

Walk-in hours are Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1pm to 3pm during the academic year (note that walk in hours are paused during summer quarter)

Please note that we do not hold walk-in advising hours at the I-House. For walk-in advising, you must report to the Community Commons Suite 3100.

Submit a Request in the ISSS Portal

Most requests for updates to your immigration record and immigration documents can be made electronically through the ISSS Portal. Once logged in, go to the Control Center tab (far right side) then click on the appropriate request.

J-1 & H-1B Scholars/Employees

Please email ISSS to request an appointment with an advisor.