Colleagues:
The global nature of college admission work has become more obvious with the recent disruption on world travel caused by volcanic ash. Despite the resumption of air travel and business activity across Europe following the eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, many international students and students residing overseas may be unable to meet the May 1 National Candidates Rely Date.
NACAC urges members to consider these students and others affected by the disruption who may be unable to meet the May 1 deadline. Mail and package deliveries were halted or delayed so materials mailed to or from students may not have reached the planned destinations.
Overseas ACAC President David Allen, university guidance counselor at the British International School of Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), urges patience and consideration of the students’ “communication with chosen colleges and universities, specifically in regard to their sending in intention letters, financial documents, deposits and the to and fro of I-20s.”
Allen offered that “It should also be noted that this will have some considerable affect on students’ potential scores in their IB/AP/A level examinations as many of them are currently stranded away from their schools and missing valuable revision classes with their teachers,” Allen said.
Air travel was disrupted for six days following the eruption. Travelers, mail, and other deliveries were halted in its aftermath.
We are aware that many educational institutions (secondary and postsecondary) may communicate admission related information via the internet but in situations where mail is a part of the process, we ask that member institutions please take into account how the recent challenges impact communications with students around the world.
Thank you for your consideration,
Jim Jump
NACAC President