Dear Clemson Family:
As I promised in my message to you Saturday evening, I am writing to provide the latest information on how Clemson University is responding to the recent executive order from President Trump regarding travel and immigration policies for non-U.S citizens from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
This situation is extremely fluid with legal challenges pending that could impact the executive order. Clemson’s focus remains squarely on supporting our students, faculty and staff who may potentially be affected by this situation.
The university administration has identified our students from the affected countries – approximately 115 – and is in the process of reaching out to help them access resources, get answers to their questions regarding the executive order and provide additional assistance as we can. Clemson knows of no students from the affected countries who are currently traveling outside the United States.
Additionally, we are in the process of identifying faculty and staff from those same countries so that we can assist them as well. Our advice to all students, faculty and staff from those countries remains the same as I shared Saturday – it is our recommendation that those individuals refrain from traveling outside the United States if at all possible for the time being.
Our international students, faculty and staff, and their families, are a valued and vital part of our university community. Furthermore, diversity and inclusion are foundational values of our university and necessary for Clemson to fulfill its mission. In order to support anyone who has questions or concerns about the executive order, we have scheduled a series of informational sessions, starting today, that are open to anyone who wishes to attend.
All sessions will be held in the McKissick Theatre at the Hendrix Student Center. Dr. Sharon Nagy, Associate Provost for Global Engagement, and members of her team will be on hand to answer your questions and listen to your concerns. Times are as follows:
• Today: 4 – 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesday: Noon – 1:30 p.m.
• Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• Thursday: 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Finally, students, faculty and staff should feel free to reach out to Dr. Nagy at snagy@clemson.edu or call the Office of Global Engagement at (864) 656-3614.
Our first priority is to support our students, faculty and staff. We will continue to closely monitor this situation and provide further information as warranted.
Sincerely,
James P. Clements, Ph.D
President
