To the University Community,

UConn prides itself on being both one of Connecticut’s greatest assets and a global university. We attract outstanding students from our state as well as students, faculty, and staff from more than 100 other countries to engage in world-class research and scholarship in our state. UConn faculty, staff, and students contribute to Connecticut’s future and help to change the world for the better through advances and innovation in a multitude of fields.

As a follow-up to last week’s message on immigration resources and information: You may be aware of recent reports of student visa revocations and SEVIS record terminations disrupting the lives and academic careers of international students and scholars in the U.S.

These actions have touched UConn as well, and while the number of impacted students here is small, consequences for those impacted are significant. UConn, through its International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) unit, monitors the SEVIS records of our international students and visiting scholars on F and J visas daily, auditing records for any changes initiated by external government officials.

At the first sign of a change, the ISSS will email the student or visiting scholar to inform them of the update and ask them to visit the Center for International Student and Scholar Services (CISS) to meet with a staff member who can connect the student to legal resources and university support services.

ISSS will also notify the student or scholar’s department head and dean so that the student’s academic unit can provide appropriate support. Each student or visiting scholar’s situation is unique, and support for each case is coordinated through ISSS in collaboration with many campus partners, including the Dean of Students Office, The Graduate School, the Division of Student Life and Enrollment, the Cultural Centers, academic deans, and department heads.

UConn Health’s International Office administers a separate SEVIS program and will follow similar procedures. To date, no cases have impacted international students and scholars at UConn Health.

Our university units are working together to prepare our campuses and respond as quickly as possible to this rapidly evolving situation. In February, UConn established a rapid response team to address immigration policy changes impacting our community. The team is co-chaired by Rae Alexander, Assistant Vice President for Global Affairs, and Fany DeJesus Hannon, Dean of Students. It includes representation from the Office of the General Counsel, The Graduate School, the Division of Student Life and Enrollment, University Communications, and UConn Police.

We understand that there are multiple conversations happening on campus about this important issue. We invite you to send your inquiries to Rae Alexander, rae.alexander@uconn.edu, to ensure your questions and concerns reach the team.

You may be asking what you can do at this time:

• International students and visiting scholars can visit the Center for International Students & Scholars website for updated guidance on travel concerns and emerging trends related to their immigration status, and to connect with international advising staff who can provide individualized guidance.
• Undocumented students can reach out to the Dean of Students Office and view the Undocumented Student Resources
• General student support is also available from the Dean of Students Office and The Graduate School.
• UConn employees who have questions about their employment-based visa sponsorship can reach out to Alison Cutler or Christene Cooper in Human Resources.
• The International Office at UConn Health is responsible for all visas for international students and staff/faculty employed through UConn Health. Reach out to Kaitlin Dornenburg, Department of Human Resources, for assistance.
• All UConn faculty and staff can reach out to Rae Alexander, Assistant Vice President for Global Affairs, with general questions or concerns about changing immigration policies and their impact on our community.

We also want to remind students of the mental health support services available to them:

International students at UConn Health:

• Student Behavioral Health

International students at UConn Storrs and the regional campuses:

• Office of Student Care and Concern – 860-486-8777
• Student Health and Wellness Mental Health – 860-486-4700
• Student Health and Wellness Immediate Support Services – 833-308-3040

International employees, including graduate assistants represented by the GEU at UConn Storrs and regional campuses:

• Employee Assistance Program – 1-800-676-HELP (4357) (for employees, including graduate assistants)

International employees at UConn Health:

• Employee Assistance Program

Finally, we encourage everyone to bookmark the new Legal Resources and Community Partners webpage, which will be updated as information and resources are confirmed.

If you have not been directly impacted by what has been happening in the U.S., now is the time to check in on your friends and fellow Huskies who may be feeling scared and isolated. Now is the time for us as a community to support each other.