The safety and well-being of every member of our campus community is at the heart of our commitment to being a fully welcoming and inclusive space for all who live, work, and learn at University of Puget Sound. All members of our academic community should be free to live and learn without fear.
Our values as an institution call for us to support all members of the Puget Sound community regardless of citizenship or immigration status, as well as religion, sex, race, color, national origin, creed, age, disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law.
Higher education provides tangible benefits to our society as a whole, and we are committed to offering services and resources that help our students achieve their educational goals. To this end, our commitment to nondiscrimination includes equal protection under the law, as well as:
Enrollment and financial aid. As has been our practice, Puget Sound welcomes undocumented students to apply for admission and offers institutional financial aid regardless of immigration status. We assist undocumented students in accessing state and other aid for which they are eligible.
Protection of privacy. Puget Sound protects the privacy of all members of the campus community in accordance with federal and state privacy laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. We will not release information about the immigration status of students, faculty, or staff unless consent is given or we are compelled to do so by law. The university will do everything in its legal and moral authority to protect the privacy of our campus members.
Cooperation with immigration enforcement officials. Puget Sound will not voluntarily cooperate with immigration enforcement officials and agents or assist in any efforts to interrogate or detain, or deport our students, faculty, or staff solely on the basis of their immigration status, unless compelled to do so by law.
Support for members of our campus community. Puget Sound provides resources to support those who may have concerns about their immigration status. For additional information please contact Lorna Hernandez Jarvis, Vice President for Institutional Equity and Diversity at vpdiversity@pugetsound.edu.
Resources for Our Community
The following resources provide additional information and support:
Lorna Hernandez Jarvis
Vice President for Institutional Equity and Diversity
vpdiversity@pugetsound.edu
Dave Wright
University Chaplain and Director for Spiritual Life and Civic Engagement
dwright@pugetsound.edu
Maggie Mittuch
Associate Vice President for Student Financial Services (for questions related to student finances)
mmittuch@pugetsound.edu
Puget Sound Resources for Transgender Students
Puget Sound Employee Assistance Program
Equal Opportunity Statement
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
Immigration Law Help
Resources for Immigrants and Supporters (Tacoma Community House)