Advisory Council on Global Affairs

The Advisory Council on Global Affairs has developed a “What Will Union Do?” action list in reference to the recent Executive Orders focusing on a travel ban and immigration law challenges. Union is required to protect privacy rights by federal law to keep confidential any identifying information on race, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity documentation. In addition, Union College will offer the following to members of our campus community:

We will provide information sessions and/or updates to our community members on issues related to the Executive Orders focusing on a travel ban and immigration law enforcement challenges.
We will continue to maintain our Campus Safety and professional practice to not share student and employee personal information to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or any other authorized legal authority without a lawfully issued subpoena or as required by law.
We will not gather information on immigration or citizenship status for undocumented members of our community.
We will maintain our current financial aid application and awarding process to ensure that our students who are potentially impacted by these executive orders can continue in their studies.
We will assist with the needs of students who elect not to return to their home countries out of concerns about their re-entry into the United States.
We will assist members of our community who have immigration law concerns and questions with finding confidential legal support.
We will provide counseling for students through our Wicker Wellness Center and for employees through our e4health Employee Assistance Program to assist with processing the emotional stress and trauma that may occur while handling these issues.

It is important for our campus to come together in Unity for the betterment of the College. The Council members wish to thank Campus Action - our College student group - for their work on these issues as well. As a component of Union College’s Strategic Plan, we encourage our faculty, administrators, staff and students to continue to work together to strengthen and enhance our diverse and inclusive community and to provide protection and support to those in need.

The Advisory Council on Global Affairs includes the following administrators:

Christa Grant, Assistant Dean of Diversity and Inclusion/Director of Intercultural Affairs
Lara Atkins, Director of International Programs
Michelle Pawlowski, Assistant Director of International Advising
Peter Bedford, Professor of Religious Studies/Director of Religious Studies
Stephanie Frantz, Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Nicole Buenzli, Director of International Admissions

Please feel free to contact ACGA@union.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

Updates:

Coronavirus Critical Resources(NAFSA: Association of International Educators)
COVID-19 Restrictions on U.S. Visas and Entry (NAFSA:Association of International Educators)
SEVP-COVID-19 and Fall 2020 July 6, 2020 ICE updates for F and M student visas.
SEVP Frequently Asked Questions - Fall 2020 term/semester guidance
Coronavirus Updates
Travel Advisory (The Legal Aid Society)
Executive Order Travel Ban: NAFSA Resources (NAFSA: Association of International Educators)
Dreamers Allowed to Stay in the U.S. (The Daily Gazette, June 2017)
Temporary Protected Status (More than 100,000 Haitian and Central American Immigrants Face Decision on Their Status)
Temporary Protected Status (NPR WMHT:Immigrants Fear End of TPS)
Travel Advisories (Travel.State.Gov)

The executive order:

Executive Order: "Protecting the Nation from Terrorist Attacks by Foreign Nationals"
(The White House, Office of the Press Secretary)
This Executive Order suspends the refugee resettlement program for 120 days; indefinitely suspends the admission of Syrian refugees; and suspends entry by non-citizens from Muslim and Arab majority countries for at least 90 days, among other things