Coordinated Interagency Partnership Regulating International Students: Should International Educators Collaborate with INS, or not?

The primary research question is: How has the CIPRIS pilot program increased the speed, accuracy and reliability of up-to-date information about international students and scholars for the advisors at universities and colleges throughout the southeastern United States? The methodology conducted includes: 1) interviews with the advisors and directors of international offices at Duke University and, 2) distribution of a survey for all advisors who worked within the pilot program. This paper reveals the drawbacks and benefits of the pilot test implemented throughout universities and colleges of the Southeast. Some advisors involved with CIPRIS feel as though they have spent less time issuing paperwork with the use of the modernized computer system. This paper focuses on the important aspect of speed and accuracy of information shared between INS and international student advisors who participated in the CIPRIS pilot program. If INS is truly dedicated to improving its service, then this paper should be beneficial to those at INS, and all new advisors and designated school officials (DSO), who are responsible for legal documentation for visas, at universities and colleges around the country. International student advisors who desire to improve the methods of conducting business between their office and the INS should find this research beneficial. Contrary to the assumptions of some advisors, the computerization of such an office has created a system for students, advisors and the INS which allows for more accuracy without extending time spent on issuing legal documentation to students and scholars