Validation Reporting and 12-24 Month Evaluations 

Periodically throughout your approved STEM-OPT Extension, you are required to report to the ISO your current contact information and employment information. This occurs every 6, 12, 18, and 24 months while you are on STEM OPT.


Students will receive an email from SEVP asking to report their current employment information and address to their DSO. This can be done in the Terra Dotta System. Please mark your calendar in advance. Do not rely on email reminders!


You may submit your STEM reporting and STEM evaluations up to 30 days prior to the due date. If you submit the STEM Report Participation past the required due date, this can have a negative impact on your F-1 status.


When you are ready to submit your request, please login to the Terra Dotta System and navigate to the Request Center to find the STEM Report Participation request. We recommend that students access Terra Dotta through a desktop/laptop device, as mobile compatibility is limited. 


  • 6- and 18-Month Reporting - Every 6 and 18 months from the start date of your STEM OPT, you are to submit a validation report to the ISO to verify your information personal information and employment information on your SEVIS record. You cannot verify your own information through the SEVP portal.

  • 12- and 24-Month Evaluations - Every 12 and 24 months from the start date of your STEM OPT, you are required to submit an evaluation of your STEM progress to the ISO, along with verifying your personal information and employment information. This is the evaluation section listed on page 5 of the I-983 form. The 12-month evaluation is the top half of page 5 and the 24 month (Final Evaluation) is the bottom half of page 5 of the I-983 form.


NOTE: Employment updates or change of employers does not mean you restart your reporting and evaluations. Reporting and evaluations are dues based on the STEM OPT start date, not the employment start date.


All communication while on STEM OPT is sent to student's HU email address.


**If you cannot access your account, please do not submit a ticket to the DSO. If you have an issue with your credentials, please submit your request to IT Help Desk (not a DSO). Only IT can assist in accessing your account: IT Help desk: https://ithelp.harrisburgu.edu/support/home


Please report all changes in the Terra Dotta System.