Supporting our international community
Dear RIT community,
Our university community includes students, faculty, staff, and alumni from more than 100 nations. Global engagement is an essential ingredient in the richness of the culture and programs at RIT.
As you have heard, some international students at colleges and universities across the United States recently have received unexpected notifications that jeopardize their status to remain members of the academic community in the U. S. This includes terminations of records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), maintained by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and revocation of visas.
At RIT, a few of our own international students, and alumni on Optional Practical Training (OPT), have received such notifications. RIT has not been provided with advance notice of these actions from federal authorities.
What We Are Doing
RIT’s Office of International Student Services (ISS) is actively supporting our international student and alumni community, specifically those impacted by these developments. They are in direct touch with those affected and are committed to helping them navigate the uncertainty caused by these actions.
A memo from ISS was sent to all of our international students and alumni on OPT, offering advice and support. In addition, a memo was sent from the Provost’s Office to all faculty and staff in academic affairs who work with our students. For our broader community, I reiterate some of that information here.
The notices of visa revocation have been issued to a small number of undergraduate and graduate students and alumni on Optional Practical Training (OPT). Initial reports from our community and from other universities suggest a possible pattern: some of the affected individuals have had previous legal violations, even minor ones, sometimes from years ago, and in some cases for charges that were dismissed.
ISS is monitoring SEVIS daily and is notifying any student whose SEVIS record has been terminated. We urge any student who receives any notice from an immigration agency or U.S. consular post to contact RIT’s ISS prior to responding. Call (585) 475-6943 or join an Open Advising session on Zoom. Please see www.rit.edu/iss
Although there are currently no official travel bans affecting F-1 or J-1 visa holders, students are advised to consult with ISS regarding domestic or international travel. For international students wishing to remain in the Rochester area for the summer, please consult with your advisor about possible summer study, and you also can check for on-campus employment opportunities.
There are a number of organizations providing general guidance regarding immigration rights and how to respond in the event of interactions with immigrations and customs officers (ICE). Resources such as the National Education Association’s guidance for international students includes a “Know Your Rights” section that may be helpful to students. We are working on developing a “Know Your Rights” forum for the broader campus community, including faculty and staff who have permanent residency and H-1 B visas. A separate communication regarding this forum will be forthcoming.
We continue to work in close partnership with our national associations and with federal elected officials to seek transparency and to forestall more of this activity.
How You Can Help
If you are a faculty or staff member working with international students, your support and understanding during this time are critical. If a student approaches you with concerns, please refer them to ISS for assistance.
We recognize that this situation is unsettling, especially as students are completing final projects and preparing for final exams and summer transitions. We encourage members of our community to continue to show empathy, extend support, and reinforce RIT’s commitment to creating an environment where all students can thrive.
We will continue to monitor developments and advocate for policies that allow international students to pursue their education in the United States without disruption.
Sincerely,
David Munson
President
munson@rit.edu