President’s Report
July 25, 2003
At last meeting, Delegate Parker inquired about the reasoning behind mandatory OSU health insurance for internationals students. After speaking with Eric Busch (Chair, Student Health Insurance Committee), this is the information I have gathered: International students are required to show proof of health insurance in order for them to matriculate to the University. The problem with this method is that many insurance policies have to be interpreted in order to determine if the coverage is sufficient. Another problem that exists is that students may show proof when they begin, but let the policy lapse therefore leaving them without healthcare. OIE approved this change in policy. As a result of this requirement, international students will receive an 8-10% discount on the OSU plan.
I would like to welcome our new co-chair for Diversity and International Concerns, Jules Angel. She is a Ph.D. candidate in Anthropology. As committee co-chair she will be concentrating on international concerns. The Governmental Relations chairmanship is still vacant. If you are interested, please email me.
Lastly, the U.S. Department of State has issued a telegram to all American consular offices stating that priority should be given to "students and exchange visitors in the professor, student, and research-scholar categories". This policy change comes from lobbying efforts of college advocacy groups. The full story can be viewed in the 3 July issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Respectfully submitted,
Jamie S. Depelteau
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