Dear Simmons Community,
I write today in response to questions and concerns raised by some members of our community following recent media reports about international student visas being revoked at colleges in Massachusetts and around the country. We understand how unsettling this news is – particularly for our international and non-citizen students, faculty, and staff, and other vulnerable members of the Simmons community who may be experiencing heightened anxiety and fear.
Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. To best ensure and protect the privacy of our community members, we ask for your understanding as Simmons will refrain from confirming or commenting on any individual matters. While we will not discuss individual matters, we are actively engaged on these issues and working to ensure that anyone who might be impacted now or in the future has access to the necessary information, resources, and support.
When a student faces an immigration-related challenge, Simmons follows a two-step process to ensure they receive the support they need. First, a member of the Student Engagement, Success, and Diversity team connects with the student to identify the specific issues they are experiencing in order to provide the support they may need. Second, we consider how the challenge may impact the student’s academic needs. We collaborate with the Provost’s Office and academic leadership to address these concerns. The support we provide all Simmons students is in alignment with University policies and procedures.
Every member of our community matters and deserves to feel safe, valued, and respected. More information about the resources and supports available to our community can be found on this page. The Simmons Federal Policy Impact Task Force continues to meet multiple times a week, and new or updated policies are being developed, as appropriate and necessary. In the coming days, we will be offering additional training programs on issues related to immigration and their potential impact on students and our larger community. Please continue to visit the Community Updates webpage for additional resources.
Finally, I encourage all of us to be mindful about sharing sensitive information about individuals in our community, and to be aware of rumors and misinformation that can circulate in times of uncertainty.
If you have questions, please reach out to [email protected]. These emails will be triaged by a member of the Federal Policy Impact Task Force, and we will do our best to provide accurate information and additional clarity whenever possible. If you have a confidential question or concern, please contact the General Counsel’s office at 617-521-2501.
Now more than ever, it is important that we come together to support and care for one another. I am grateful for the kindness and empathy of the Simmons community, and as always, we remain steadfast in our commitment to our mission, vision, and values.
Lynn Perry Wooten