Dear Michigan Social Work Community,
Yesterday the U.S. government issued
new guidance for international students
regarding online courses and the fall semester. We are working closely with the U-M International Center, and with the immigration advisor assigned to the School of Social Work, to discuss the implications for our students.
Based on initial review, these regulations for international students do not conflict with the School’s plans for fall term classes. SSW International students will enroll in hybrid model courses, consisting of a mixture of in-person and remote classes. We will work closely with our international students that are currently in the U.S. to ensure that their fall schedule conforms to these regulations. Many international students returned to their home countries when classes initially went online in March; we will continue working with them to advise on online coursework, which these regulations continue to allow.
Given this news, international students may have a range of complex feelings — including fear, uncertainty, anger and sadness — that make it difficult to focus on everyday issues.
U-M Counselin
g
and Psych
o
logy Ser
v
ices (CAPS)
offers various services including individual appointments and conversations. In addition, CAPS has an embedded counselor at the School of Social Work, Alejandro Rojas, MSW. You can reach him by phone at (734) 763-7894 or
aroja@umich.e
d
u
.
Michigan Social Work international students demonstrate dedication, commitment and have made sacrifices to pursue their academic goals. Their experiences and perspectives enrich us all — as academics, as social workers and as global citizens. We stand in support of our international students and will do everything possible to help each of them continue their studies with minimal disruption.
Sign the We the People petition which
asks the federal government to reconsider these immigration restrictions given the extraordinary circumstances in which academic programs seek to reopen while balancing health and safety considerations.
As the university has more information about the regulations, we will make sure to keep you updated.
In solidarity with our international students,
Lynn Videka, Dean
Willie Elliott, Director of the Joint Doctoral Program in Social Work and Social Science
Lorraine Guitérrez, Associate Dean for Educational Programs
Katie Lopez, Director, Office of Global Activities
