* CHICAGO – The computer system intended to track international students as part of the nation’s stepped-up security routinely loses sensitive information about foreign students and faculty, according to university officials throughout the country.
Gaffes in the $36 million Student and Exchange Visitor Information System have also left schools unable to print documents that international students and visiting scholars need to obtain visas, delaying their entry into the country.
And in an incident creating concern in academic circles, a student from Thailand attending Southeastern University in Washington was arrested March 12 by federal agents after the SEVIS database incorrectly listed her as having dropped out, university officials said.
“We are very concerned about this kind of precipitous action, especially during the time that the database is getting the kinks out of it,” said Charlene Drew Jarvis, Southeastern president.
Federal officials could not be reached for comment about the incident.

Author