Welcome to International Services for Students and Scholars! Our office is commonly referred to as ISSS or International Services.
This page was last updated on: November 6, 2024.
Meet the Staff
Mary Nellis is the Director of International Services for Students and Scholars at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Mary is responsible for overseeing ISSS and ensuring compliance with all federal regulations.
Mary came to RPI in June 2018, bringing 15 years of experience in International Student Services. A strong advocate for international students and campus internationalization, she has spent 12 years advising on visa regulations and helping maintain institutional compliance with regard to hosting F and J non-immigrant visa holders.
In her free time, Mary enjoys volunteering, traveling, cooking, and many outdoor adventures - especially with her dog.
Emilie Buse is the Assistant Director of International Services for Students and Scholars at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She maintains the software system Terra Dotta and ensures that student data is accurate, advises and counsels students regarding immigration matters, and processes employment requests.
Emilie comes to Rensselaer from Pratt Institute, where she was an International Student Advisor for 2 years with a focus on programming, immigration advising, technology, and assessment.
Emilie earned her BA in New Media from Purchase College, SUNY and her MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs from New York University. During these degrees, she studied abroad in Spain and India. Emilie is an upstate New York native and loves going to the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.
Reba Cappelli is an International Student Advisor within the office of International Services for Students & Scholars (ISSS) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Reba earned her B.S. in Health Sciences, along with a minor in Spanish, from Russell Sage College. Reba comes to Rensselaer with nearly a decade of experience in Student Affairs, program development, & case management.
In her free time, Reba enjoys:
- Listening to audiobooks, podcasts, & musical soundtracks
- Cuddling with her Yorkie, Milo-Houdini, & her family’s newest pet; a cat who’s formally known as “ Waffles, Duke of Belgium, Mr. Cat-Cat V ” .
Michael Holderreed is the International Exchange Visitor Specialist for the office of International Services for Students and Scholars (ISSS) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Michael earned his B.A. in International Studies from the University of Oregon and his M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Portland State University.
He has been an English language teacher, a Director of Student Services and for the past 5 years he has served as both a Designated School Official (DSO) and as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) assisting students with their academic and career goals as they relate to U.S. immigration matters.
In his free time, Michael enjoys making day trips to explore the local area. He also loves to run, cook and woodworking.
Jason Ineman is the Operations Specialist for the office of International Services for Students and Scholars (ISSS) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Jason comes to RPI with more than five years of experience in higher education in roles ranging from tutor to Financial Aid Advisor.
Jason earned an A.A. in Psychology from Hudson Valley Community College and is nearing completion of his B.A. in Organizational Psychology from the CUNY School of Professional Studies (SPS). As a student, he studied abroad in Italy and spent extensive time in Peru where he took coursework entirely in Spanish. In his free time, Jason enjoys reading, traveling, attending concerts, and hiking in the Adirondacks.
Hours + Location
Here is contact information for International Services for Students and Scholars (ISSS).
Call us at +1-518-276-4966.
We are open Monday - Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m and Thursday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Email us at ISSSoffice@rpi.edu. We aim to respond to messages within 2 business days or less.
We are located on the Rensselaer campus in 1528 15th Street.
- To navigate the campus, use this map: http://bit.ly/RPI-campusmap
- ISSS is located near Academy Hall, and we are directly next to The Fire Department
- Use this Google Map link to get directions to ISSS
We are open Monday - Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m and Thursday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
To schedule virtual advising with ISSS, view the information in the Advising section at this link: https://info.rpi.edu/isss/isss-news/#ServicesAdvising.
Emergency Contacts
In case of an emergency related to immigration issues:
- During business hours, call ISSS at 518-276-4966
- When ISSS is closed, please call Public Safety at 518-276-6656
What is an immigration emergency?
An immigration emergency is if you receive a phone call from someone who identifies themselves as an ICE agent, or if you are arrested.
An immigration emergency is not that you are missing a travel signature or need to pick up documents from ISSS.
Social Media
Follow ISSS on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/RPI.ISSS/
Follow ISSS on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/rpi_isss/
Website Disclaimer
The information contained in this web site is provided as a service to the international students, faculty, staff, employees and administrators of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and does not constitute legal advice on immigration, taxes or other matters. Furthermore, due to the fluid nature of governmental interpretation, United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) may change its interpretation of immigration laws/regulations at any time. Neither Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, nor the office of International Services for Students and Scholars, is responsible for any errors or omissions contained in this website, or for the results obtained from the use of this information.