International Student Services
Welcome to new and returning International Students
Choosing to study in another country, speaking a new language in everyday life and in university classes, adapting to a new culture and educational system can be challenging. It is our mission and pleasure to help you adjust to and enjoy all of these new experiences.
We are delighted that you have chosen Dominican University, a small private Catholic Dominican university for both undergraduate and graduate students, domestic and international. Our inviting campus is located a mere 10 miles/16 km from downtown Chicago, in the safe and beautiful suburb of River Forest, Illinois. Our small size ensures that you will never be just an ID number, but will become an integral member of the Dominican University community.
The International Student and Scholars Advising staff will remain an integral part of your life here as a student: issuing your initial I-20, giving you an orientation, making sure that you maintain your F-1 status, authorizing your internship through CPT and celebrating your graduation, among other milestones.
The links on the left side of this page are for your information but are never meant to be a substitute for a personal meeting or a phone call or an email to one of the DSOs. We are here to serve your needs and answer your questions.
We work closely with international admission, but the staff in International Student and Scholar Advising is not able to answer admission questions. Please contact Nereida Encina, Director of International Enrollment.
International Student Advising Staff
Andrea Leinweber, PDSO and RO
Principal Designated School Official for F-1 and Responsible Officer for J-1
Andrea is chiefly responsible for SEVIS compliance and record-keeping, redesignation and recertification, annual reports to SEVP and other administrative matters. She acts as a back-up contact for the DSO listed below.
Andrea is also the director of undergraduate programs in the Brennan School of Business and an academic advisor for students majoring in business/finance/accounting, etc. Her office is located in Lewis Hall, room 203. Contact her at aleinweber@dom.edu or (708) 524-6181.
Sue Ponrémy, DSO and ARO
Designated School Official and Alternate Responsible Officer
Sue is chiefly responsible for all immigration procedures for both graduate and undergraduate students, including monitoring F-1 and J-1 status, change of status (COS), curricular practical training (CPT) and optional practical training (OPT), and many other duties. Her office is Crown 133, in the Tutoring Center on the first floor of Crown Library. Contact her at sponremy@dom.edu or (708) 524-6965.
Nereida Encina, DSO
Designated School Official for F-1
Nereida is chiefly responsible for the issuance of I-20s and of all international enrollment. She is also the director of international enrollment and the liaison to the ELS program. Her office is located in Lewis Hall 116A. Contact her at nencina@dom.edu or (464) 600-3429.
Nan Metzger, M.A., M.S.
Director of Study Abroad
Nan is chiefly responsible for assisting Dominican University students to study away or study abroad, as well as connecting with international partners. She acts as a primary contact for international exchange agreements with partner universities. Her office is in Lewis 216 D. Contact her at nmetzger1@dom.edu or (708)524-5940.