The U.S. Government, Department of Homeland Security, requires students with a J visa status to follow specific requirements while studying in the United States. Schools, including Albion College, provide advising and oversight to international students about the federal regulations and the SEVIS system.
J-1 exchange participants must report to Albion College by the scheduled orientation session, and participate in a required immigration "check-in" with the Center for International Education Director. Exchange visitors are at all times expected to maintain a valid DS-2019 and passport. Upon entry to the United States, the J-1 student will receive an electronic I-94 document, which should be checked and confirmed to state an authorized stay of "D/S." D/S stands for "duration of status" and refers to the program period listed at item 3 on Form DS-2019. The definition of J-1 "duration of status" is the period specified on Form DS-2019 "plus a period of 30 days for the purpose of travel."
J-1 exchange participants must engage in appropriate activities, and be employed only with authorization. Unauthorized employment is a violation of program status.
If you have difficulty meeting the above requirements, contact Cristen Casey, who serves as Albion College's Alternate Responsible Officer.
There are a couple of ways you can request your "official" transcripts to be sent to your home university. You can fill in the "Transcript Request" form, and return it to the Albion College Registrar in person, by fax to 517-629-0476, or by mail to Registrar's Office, Albion College, 611 E Porter St., Albion MI 49224. This results in a paper copy, and there is no charge.
You also can order your transcripts through the National Student Clearinghouse which is a secure on-line ordering service. You have the option of having a paper copy sent or having them sent electronically (a .pdf file which usually goes out within 30 minutes). There is a small fee of about $6.25 for electronic version and $5.25 for the paper ones. If your University accepts them electronically they will be considered "official" if you have them sent directly to them. The National Student Clearinghouse information is: https://go.studentclearinghouse.org/e/310171/2018-11-13/4rn36f/244743684.