Statement of support for Skidmore's international students
Dear Skidmore Community,
This week, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced changes to the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Program that would potentially have severe negative consequences for our Skidmore students who are from international locations. The changes suggest that if these students are not able to take any in-person classes this fall, they would be subject to deportation despite holding appropriate visas to be in the country.
These changes are inimical to the Skidmore educational mission, which asserts the values of “a diverse population of talented students” and “seeks to prepare liberally educated graduates to continue their quest for knowledge and to make the choices required of informed, responsible citizens.”
On Wednesday, I joined with the other New York Six presidents (of Hamilton, St. Lawrence, Union, Hobart and William Smith, and Colgate) to write a joint letter objecting to these actions and urging their rejection by our government. I have also written to U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko to urge the rejection of these actions, and we are engaged in similar actions through the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities.
In addition to decrying the government actions, we are committed to supporting our international students and finding solutions to enable them to continue their education at Skidmore. Staff from Student Academic Services have responded this week by reaching out to our international students to offer assistance and will be working with them to ensure that they can obtain the travel documentation to allow them to return to campus and continue or begin their education at Skidmore. The College is working closely with various offices across campus, including academic departments and programs, to identify the ways in which we can best support international students, who are integral members of our community. The resources and contacts listed at the bottom of this message can provide assistance and information to students and families who might be affected by the policy changes.
We will continue to work with all international students to make sure they feel welcome and valued as members of the Skidmore community, and we are committed to doing all we can to ensure their continued access to a Skidmore education.
Sincerely,
Marc C. Conner
President
CAMPUS RESOURCES
Student Academic Services (SAS)
SAS is the point office for all international student scholars regarding the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP). They also support international faculty.
Contacts
Mir “Subhan” Ali
International Student & Scholar Advisor
Primary Designated School Official (PDSO)
Student Academic Services
mali1@skidmore.edu
Chloe W. Jaleel
Academic Counselor and Coordinator of International Student & Scholar Services
Designated School Official (DSO)
Campus Liaison, Davis United World College Scholars Program
Student Academic Services
cjaleel@skidmore.edu
Jamin Totino
Associate Dean of Student Affairs
Student Academic Services
Designated School Official
jtotino@skidmore.edu
Fall 2020 Planning and Updates for International Students FAQS
These FAQs will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.