DACA/Undocumented Students

Students Solidarity Statement

Syracuse University has a long, proud history of/for its commitment to diversity, social justice, civic engagement and cultural pluralism. In order to honor that commitment as a higher education institution, we must continue to mindfully develop a student body that is not only diverse, but also informed, socially aware and truly committed to seriously engaging with all members of the University community. It is our belief that the future of the 2012 executive action, known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), merits further discussion among the SU community. DACA has granted many youth and young adults the ability to be gainfully employed and pursue advanced educational opportunities, thereby becoming contributing members of society.

Syracuse University welcomes all students. We were reminded as an academic community that it is our responsibility to support our community of Dreamers, who are eligible for deportation if lack of action among Congress and the President results in jeopardizing the opportunity for these young people to legally remain in the only country many of whom have only known for most of their entire lives.

The University has demonstrated support for our community of Dreamers. In a December 7, 2016 message to the University community, Chancellor Kent Syverud charged members of the SU community to work together to ensure all members of the community are protected from physical harm, discrimination and intimidation. An Ad Hoc Committee on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)/Undocumented Students was formed in February 2017. The committee focused on establishing opportunities for dialogue and reflection among students, faculty and staff regarding this important issue. A report with was made to the Chancellor in late May 2017 with specific recommendations as to how best to support our DACA students. All recommendations were approved.

We must continue to work and advocate for our DACA students. It is imperative that, as a University, we are vigilant to the specific challenges this population faces. We must ensure adequate resources are provided to allow them to be informed of their rights, feel protected in their surroundings, and achieve successful completion of their academic course of study.

Syracuse University stands firmly behind our DACA/undocumented students. We must continue to remain informed and vigilant about federal policies. We will continue to support and fight for the best interests of all of our students, whether they are DACA, undocumented or mixed status students. We believe in their promise for the future of this country and for Syracuse University.

Know Your Rights

Legal Support at Syracuse University (not official legal counsel)

Legal Resources in Syracuse

Campus Support and Resources

Below are numerous resources that can help you navigate our campus community. Some individuals have been highlighted who are sensitive to the needs of DACA/Undocumented students and students with “mixed-status families”.

DACA/Undocumented Student Liaison
Carlota Deseda-Coon
Director, Kessler Scholars Program
Intercultural Collective
315.443.4486

Academic Advising
Academic advisors at Syracuse University all support DACA/Undocumented students and students with “mixed-status families”. They are aware of the issues facing undocumented students and are prepared to support these students. (There will soon be particular individuals in each school and college trained to assist students. These names will be posted once their training is complete.)

Admissions and Financial Aid
The Office of Admissions is generally your first point of contact at Syracuse University. Undocumented students and students with DACA status should connect with the International Admissions team if they have questions. We are very happy to assist you with navigating the nuances of the application process to Syracuse University.

Michelle Prince
Associate Director, International Undergraduate Admissions
200 Crouse-Hinds Hall
315.443.3611
miprince@syr.edu

Institutional need-based aid is available for undocumented undergraduate students regardless of DACA status. Aid is based on your completion of the CSS Profile application. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not required. For more information on how to apply, please contact Laura Ortiz.

Scholarship Information

Cathy Hill
Assistant Director
200 Bowne Hall
315.443.1513
Finaidu1@syr.edu

Career Services
Syracuse University Career Services can help connect your dots, from your first year through your last, and beyond. With a team focused on helping you discover your passions, explore your options, build skills and make connections, we can assist you in discovering who you want to be and where you want to go. We can assist you in finding internships and job opportunities, exploring graduate and law programs or discussing your career goals.

Daniel Pack
Career Exploration Specialist
dvpack@syr.edu

Counseling Center
The Counseling Center supports and enhances student health and wellness by providing comprehensive and holistic mental health, substance abuse, and sexual assault and relationship violence-related services. Operating within a multicultural framework and with a social justice orientation, the Counseling Center strives to assist students by providing support during times of crisis, providing advocacy when needed, facilitating problem resolution, enhancing coping skills, promoting personal growth, and supporting academic success.

Maricelis Abreu
Staff Therapist
150 Sims Drive
315.443.4715

Finding your “Home”
These departments, offices, and centers are more than just places to take a class, listen to a lecture, or participate in a program. They are places where you can find someone who will listen to you and that can provide community and support. They can be a place where you can find a “home”. Participating in a mentoring program is great way to actively learn how to navigate the campus, and to be supported in engaging in the student experience. A list of mentoring programs can also be found below.

 

Graduate School
Graduate study and research have been recognized as a critical piece of Syracuse University’s mission since its inception in 1870. Today, every school and college at Syracuse offers graduate study, and the University awards approximately 1,700 master’s degrees and certificates of advanced study and 150 doctoral degrees annually. In all, more than 135 graduate degree and certificate programs are offered at the University.

Glenn Wright
Executive Director of Professional and Career Development
304 Lyman Hall
315.443.3458
glwright@syr.edu

Student Outreach and Support
Student Outreach and Support assists students, faculty, staff, parents and supporters in identifying and removing barriers to help students meet their goals. Student Outreach and Support helps students with navigating challenges inside and outside the classroom by providing solution-focused and comprehensive support services. Connect with this team if you or a student you know is facing a personal difficulty or challenge, and has questions, concerns or is unsure where to start in navigating this challenge. Student Outreach case managers can offer referrals, outline resources and provide ongoing support.

Website: Home – Student Outreach and Support – Syracuse University

111 Waverly Ave, Suite 220
315.443.4357
studentsupport@syr.edu

Public Safety
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure living, learning and working environment in partnership with those it serves by respectfully employing the highest professional standards and providing exceptional services to the Syracuse University community.

It is not DPS’s responsibility to enforce federal laws regarding immigration status, and DPS will not inquire about the immigration status of students.

Kathleen Pabis
Commander
005 Sims Hall
315.443.5735

Off-Campus Resources

Contacts within relevant multicultural student organizations

Here is a small sampling of student organizations that may interest undocumented students.

Here is the list of over 300 student organizations.