Doing an academic summer workshop after program completion & before OPT start date
I want to participate in this 1-week academic summer workshop. My DSO says we better not do that, because we are only allowed to do recreational classes during OPT. It's not really a class imo – it doesn't involve credits or go towards any degree. It's more like an academic conference, but I can see how some people might see it as a class. It also pays a stipend, though I can decline the money or let the organizer just cover my expenses instead of paying me anything. Is the only safe way to do this to not get any money (not even get expenses covered) AND not appear on their website or internal record at all as a registered participant? Has anyone done something similar during OPT or during the period before opt & after program completion? Thank you all!