Statement from ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ ReBecca Koenig Roloff ’76 and Executive Vice ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ and Provost Anita Thomas, PhD
As a women’s Catholic institution with a liberal arts foundation, St. ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ University values inclusion and has always welcomed a diverse ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ body. We are disappointed with the recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency regarding changes in requirements for international ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s. Learning is enhanced through the diverse voices of our ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s, faculty and staff, and we are committed to including and supporting international ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s in all of our programs.
St. Kate’s is working to ensure our international ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s are meeting the guidelines from the U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The guidelines issued this week specify requirements for international ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s who hold F-1 visas that allow them to study at U.S. colleges and universities. The order would prohibit these ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s from entering or remaining in the country if their fall classes will be taught exclusively online. For the fall semester, courses at St. Kate’s will be delivered in three formats: face-to-face, hybrid, and online. Our Academic Advisors have worked with our international ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s to verify their enrollment in face-to-face and hybrid courses, and we continue to work with these ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s to ensure they have the support they need to continue pursuing their educational goals.
We have also taken actions to promote advocacy and legislative work to overturn the new policy and ensure that international ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s are not penalized for decisions universities make in order to address safety and public health concerns. We have signed the as part of our relationship with the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities. We also have signed an amicus brief in support of Harvard's and MIT's suit challenging the forthcoming ICE SEVP rules barring online study for international ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s through The ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s' Alliance. Finally, Rep. Betty McCollum has communicated and received feedback from Minnesota Private College Council presidents regarding the order and the impact on our institutions, and has committed to working to protect our ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s.
We stand firm in our commitment to social justice and inclusive excellence. We will continue to monitor this situation and serve as advocates for our ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s.