UMass Amherst to Continue Accepting International Students

Strategic Insights -

The University of Massachusetts Amherst has issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to non-discriminatory admissions and education, despite announced policies regarding the admission of Iranian students into science and technology programs. Chancellor Kumble R. Subbaswamy emphasizes the importance of educating students without discrimination, adhering to federal laws and regulations that protect campus safety and security. The university will continue to accept international students, contingent on U.S. Department of State-issued student visas.

To ensure compliance with federal laws and regulations, the university has established several principles, including equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion, academic freedom, excellence and innovation in research, fairness, transparency, and clarity on policies and practices, and a supportive relationship between the institution and its members. The university will also broaden its training and education program to inform faculty and students about federal laws affecting U.S. visa issuance and research compliance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The University of Massachusetts Amherst will continue to accept international students from all nationalities.
  • Chancellor Kumble R. Subbaswamy emphasizes the importance of educating students without discrimination, adhering to federal laws and regulations.
  • The university has established several principles to guide campus practices, including equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion, and a supportive relationship between the institution and its members.
  • Faculty and students will receive training and education on federal laws affecting U.S. visa issuance and research compliance.
  • International students will be individually advised and offered guidance on visa issuance, travel to the U.S., visa renewal, and re-entry to the country.
  • Faculty and staff will be required to undergo annual training in export control laws through the University of Miami's Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI).
  • The university will assess whether to expand the CITI training requirement to a broader list of fields over the next year.
  • International students will not face restrictions on regular coursework, but capstone and independent studies may require case-by-case reviews by faculty or staff who have undergone CITI training.

Statistics:

  • 15-member International Admissions and Federal Compliance Committee
  • 100% of international students will be individually advised and offered guidance on visa issuance, travel to the U.S., visa renewal, and re-entry to the country
  • 100% of faculty and staff will be required to undergo annual training in export control laws through CITI
  • 100% of international students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields will be required to write a brief research statement for visa renewals

Sources:

  • "UMass Amherst Issues Statement on International Students." The Massachusetts Daily Collegian. June 30.
  • [Source URL: https://dailycollegian.com/2023/06/30/umass-amherst-issues-statement-on-international-students/]