Drexel Stands in Support With Our International Students
July 10, 2020
Dear Students and Colleagues,
I am writing to express my strong and unequivocal support for international
students at Drexel University and to assure the University community that we
will work closely with every international student to protect their Drexel
education. This week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS)
Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) issued temporary procedural guidance
applying to international students on F-1 visas for the fall 2020 semester,
which is a significant and, I believe, ill-advised step backward from the
temporary exemption instituted in March 2020 for the spring and summer
terms. The modified guidance requires international students participating
in academic programs that are delivered exclusively online this fall to
either depart the U.S. or take other actions, such as transferring to an
institution offering in-person instruction, to remain in lawful immigration
status – not a viable option for most students given the current
circumstances at other institutions and in their home countries.
This unwelcome, unnecessary and punitive guidance is unfair to both our
international students and scholars during a time of global pandemic, and
the institutions that are enriched by their presence on our campuses. As you
know, Drexel has adopted a hybrid/HyFlex model for the fall, combining
face-to-face and remote instruction, assuming state and local authorities
allow us to offer in-person instruction during the fall term. The Provost's
Office and deans will work closely to review the course plans for the fall
and ensure that there are as many in-person options as possible to
accommodate the needs of every international student while responsibly
adhering to health and safety protocols.
The Office of International Students and Scholar Services (ISSS) is
actively communicating with all international students potentially affected
by this federal guidance to provide information and support. We are also
consulting with legal resources as we monitor this situation, which
continues to evolve as more clarifications are issued. We are committed to
ensuring that all of Drexel's international students are supported and
remain in compliance so they can continue to live and learn with their
classmates.
Meanwhile, we have joined national efforts to oppose this guidance. On
Wednesday, Harvard University and MIT jointly filed a lawsuit in a federal
district court in Massachusetts against the DHS and Immigration and Customs
Enforcement seeking both a temporary and permanent injunction. Drexel
supports these efforts and has signed on to an amicus brief on this issue
with many other members of the higher education community. We are vocal and
adamant in our opposition.
ISSS will provide updates as more information becomes available, and in the
meantime, international students with any questions or concerns should
contact ISSS at isss@drexel.edu. This situation is evolving, and we are doing our best to respond in a
timely manner.
I want to make it clear that Drexel prides itself on engaging in global
partnerships and welcoming international students and scholars from around
the world. We believe these global connections enrich and enhance our
learning, research and innovation community. We will continue to do
everything we can to support our international students, faculty and
professional staff. They are valued and vital members of the Drexel
community, and they have our strongest backing.
Sincerely,
John Fry
President