Concerns for international students returning to the U.S. after inauguration day are largely moot in central Ohio, as classes at most central Ohio universities start before Jan. 20.
Some U.S. schools that begin their spring semesters later in January, including Cornell University, the University of Pennsylvania and a smattering of New England schools, advised international students to return from winter break before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, NPR reported.
In his first term, Trump issued travel bans and increased visa security. Now, he's promising stricter policies. He's also singled out international students in recent campaign speeches.
An Ohio State University spokesman said the school did not issue any special advice to international students. Classes resume Jan. 6. OSU has around 6,000 international students from around 125 different countries.
Ohio Wesleyan University students head back to class on Jan. 15. A spokesman there said he isn't aware of any specific messages sent to international students. About 200 of Ohio Wesleyan's 2,000 students are international, the school reports. Students come from about 30 different countries.
Denison University's spring semester starts on Jan. 20, but dorms open to international students two days earlier. A spokeswoman said students were reminded to travel with necessary documents, but that's normal. The university reports around 17% of its 2,400 students are international.
Kenyon College and Ohio University students also head back to class before the inauguration.
Kenyon students head back to class Jan. 13, with dorms opening two days earlier. The university reports that international students on campus represent almost 50 countries.
Ohio University reopens residence halls for returning students on Jan. 11. Ohio University has around 1,000 international students.
