Nunez Set to Welcome Foreign Students Via SEVIS Program

Nunez Community College in Chalmette is expanding its search for new students to the entire globe.

Nunez recently received notification from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that it had satisfied all requirements to participate in the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) program, meaning the college is now eligible to admit foreign students in the country on a J1 (academic studies) or M1 (career-technical studies) visa.

Dr. April Lavergne, Nunez Dean of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success, said Nunez has been navigating the SEVIS application process for approximately the past 18 months. Nunez joins Baton Rouge Community College, Bossier Parish Community College, Delgado Community College, South Louisiana Community College and Southwest Louisiana Technical Community College as the only Louisiana community colleges to offer the program.

Nunez Chancellor Dr. Tina Tinney said the SEVIS designation is a change agent for the college and a prime example of “thinking globally, acting locally.” The initiative aligns with Nunez’s efforts to build pathways to support workforce in sector industries. Nunez’s new Wind Energy Technology program—a partnership with Energy Innovation of Norway—fits that description as it is one of only a handful of programs worldwide sanctioned by the Global Wind Organisation.

“So many people worldwide want to learn skills in relevant programs, and only a few places have it,” said Dr. Lavergne.

Dr. Lavergne said foreign students are often attracted to emerging and innovative programs at American colleges and universities. Nunez’s Aerospace Manufacturing Technology represents another unique program—the only one of its kind in Louisiana—that has become a pipeline for workers at the Michoud Assembly Facility in Orleans Parish near the St. Bernard Parish line.

Additionally, the decimation of the hospitality industry following the Covid pandemic has spurred recruitment of employees for careers in hospitality in countries such as Venezuela and Brazil. Nunez’s proximity to the New Orleans metro area could be a major draw for the college’s Culinary Arts and Entrepreneurship program, and a vehicle to supporting the local hospitality workforce.

Nunez will now begin building relationships with organizations in foreign countries that connect students looking to study in America with the appropriate programs. The draw cold begin with foreign students who already have family in the New Orleans area, but Lavergne expects word-of-mouth to become a significant factor in recruiting new students after the program has been in place for several years.

Immigrants already living in the United States can also receive J1 or M1 visas by enrolling in a college or university that is sanctioned by the SEVIS program.

About Nunez Community College
Nunez Community College is a student-centered institution that delivers relevant and innovative curriculum integrating the arts, sciences, and humanities leading to academic credentials and workforce opportunities. Nunez serves a vital role in the community by engaging with partners to support student success and personal growth. Nunez Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Nunez Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). Nunez is located at 3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA. For more information, visit www.nunez.edu.