Ethics & Compliance Education & Training > Module 1: Compliance Essentials for F and M Visa Administration: DSO(s) and PDSO(s)

Module 1: Compliance Essentials for F and M Visa Administration: DSO(s) and PDSO(s)

Course Information:

This training is designed to provide Designated School Officials (DSOs), Principal Designated School Officials (PDSOs), and compliance administrators with an understanding of the legal, regulatory, and ethical requirements governing their role. Participants will develop practical knowledge of federal regulations, Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record-keeping, and the consequences of non-compliance.

Learning Objectives: 

  • Identify the federal laws, regulations, and agency guidance that govern SEVP-certified institutions like Purdue
  • Maintain accurate SEVIS records and fulfill your certification and reporting responsibilities on time
  • Recognize the consequences of non-compliance — for the institution and for the students you support
  • Apply sound judgment to compliance decisions and uphold the ethical standards expected of higher education professionals

Audience: Designated School Officials (DSOs), Principal Designated School Officials (PDSOs), and compliance administrators responsible for SEVP certification oversight and/or compliance, SEVIS record management, or administrative support of international students enrolled under F or M visa classifications.

Completion Time: Approximately 20 Minutes, ***You must complete the attestation in step 4 to complete this training.

Format: WebCert in Brightspace, Self-Paced Online Course

Recurrence: Upon Hire in Designated Role, Annual Renewal Required. (Automatically Reassigns every 365 Days in Brightspace)

How to Complete: Please register for the WebCert “SEVP/ISS and FAA Flight Training Programs” and complete it within 30 days of receiving notice of assignment. Please log in to Brightspace with your Purdue career account credentials and navigate to your course.

Accommodations:

Purdue is committed to making all programs accessible to participants with disabilities. To request an accommodation or special assistance with this training due to a disability, please contact vpeceducation@purdue.edu or call 1-(765)-494-6373.

Technical Support:

Questions specific to training content, error messages or completion status should be directed to vpeceducation@purdue.edu.

Questions or technical issues related to Brightspace (including log-in) can be found at: Brightspace Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

This training is a mandatory requirement for all Designated School Officials (DSOs), compliance administrators, and institutional personnel whose responsibilities include SEVP certification oversight, SEVIS record management, or the administrative support of nonimmigrant students enrolled under F or M visa classifications.

Institutions approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to enroll nonimmigrant students are bound by federal regulations governing the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). These obligations extend to the accuracy and timeliness of institutional records, the integrity of reporting practices, and adherence to the ethical standards that govern the administration of international student programs in higher education.

No. This training is required for all Designated School Officials (DSOs), compliance administrators, and institutional personnel whose responsibilities include SEVP certification oversight, SEVIS record management, or the administrative support of nonimmigrant students enrolled under F or M visa classifications.  Your completion of this course is part of your institution’s documented commitment to regulatory compliance — and your own professional protection.

Deficiencies in regulatory knowledge or administrative practice may give rise to the following consequences:

  • Institutional reputational harm and potential consequences for accreditation standing
  • Revocation or suspension of SEVP certification and the institution’s authorization to admit and enroll nonimmigrant students
  • SEVIS record inaccuracies that compromise student immigration standing and may result in visa status violations
  • Federal civil penalties, mandatory corrective action, and placement under heightened regulatory monitoring
  • Individual accountability for ethical violations or regulatory failures occurring within the scope of official duties

Resources:

PURDUE:

Purdue International Students & Scholars Homepage

Programming and Engagement Initiatives | ISS

External:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 8 CFR 214.2(f)

US Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

SEVP Resource Center

Study in the States (DHS)