Emerson College states: “We know that attending Emerson is an investment... That’s why we’re constantly working to ensure our programs support a fulfilling life and a successful career.” However, during this critical time for the International Student community, we have not been provided with the support the institution speaks on.

It has been days since ICE announced its order targeting International Students, specifically F-1 and M-1 Visa holders. Although Emerson College announced their hybrid program for the Fall semester and prioritizing International Students' needs, the uncertainties and limitations were not acknowledged. Other than an email stating that the college “stands in solidarity,” and vague affirmation to their course of actions, we have not received any legal guidance. The Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) has failed to address ALL International Students (Undergrad, Grad, and students applying/on OPT) in a timely manner or attempted to respond to any of our concerns and questions. We demand transparency - what actions will the institution and OISA take to protect their students.

The OISA is currently severely understaffed and not equipped to handle the large number of students impacted by this policy. This needs to CHANGE. We do not deserve delayed and fragmented responses in a time when communication - an aspect Emerson prides itself on - is vital for all of us in Boston, Los Angeles, and all over the world.

OUR DEMANDS FOR ACTION:

• ANDREA POPA, Director of OISA and any relevant staff/faculty member to hold live seminar sessions (catered to timezones) ASAP with updates and info. Directly address concerns from the student body and advise on next steps for International Students.
  • Address the students currently on OPT and clarify how this affects them as F1 Visa holders who are no longer currently enrolled and attending in-person classes.
  • Address students applying for OPT and how the H-1B freeze affects them.
  • Address how taking full online courses outside the US would affect CPT and OPT.
  • Make information accessible to ALL by including a column on the Emerson COVID-19 page specifically for OISA announcements and updates.
  • Provide virtual walk-in hours through Zoom for students. By using the waiting room feature, the host can speak to students one-on-one to address their concerns individually.
• Provide updates and details on how the hybrid model will actually work for the specific visa, location, and resource limitations.
  • Clarify and guarantee with certainty that in-person classes will be provided for ALL students staying in the US across ALL programs and departments. Prioritize this concern and do not leave it to be determined by individual professors.
  • Address whether there will be changes made to the hybrid program as currently, the plan is to end in-person classes a week before thanksgiving (this will not work as F-1 students require in-person classes every week of the semester to maintain their status, not fulfilling this will likely leading to a break in SEVIS program continuity).
• TRANSPARENCY on Plan of Action
  • Provide legal guidance and additional paperworks for safety to ensure students’ successful return back to the US.
  • How Emerson will be contributing to what MIT and Harvard have started regarding filing a lawsuit against ICE and the administration.
• Provide details on how the hybrid model will be tailored to fit International Students attending classes online outside of the US.
  • Address how students from outside the US with no access to G Suite resources will get the full experience and quality education they paid for.
  • Address how Juniors and Seniors will be prioritized to access major required classes since many have already fulfilled most liberal art requirements.

TO REITERATE:
The OISA is currently severely understaffed and not equipped to handle the large number of students impacted by this policy. This needs to CHANGE. We do not deserve delayed and fragmented responses in a time when communication - an aspect Emerson prides itself on - is vital for all of us in Boston, Los Angeles, and all over the world.