Sent to UConn students on Thursday, November 10, 2016 on behalf of Michael Gilbert, Vice President of Student Affairs and Eleanor J.B. Daugherty, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students
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Dear Students:
On Wednesday, Nov. 9, students gathered on the Storrs campus to express their desire for UConn to articulate its support for those who come here from many different underrepresented backgrounds.
We also attended the rally. The indisputable value of diversity on our campuses is one we are always happy to reaffirm.
UConn has long welcomed and valued students who represent a diversity of identities, and the expression of many viewpoints and experiences is critical to the vitality of our campuses. These are core values at UConn and our commitment to inclusion does not change based on external factors.
UConn acts swiftly when it learns of any incidents in which our students are targeted or harmed by language or actions. The University’s Student Code of Conduct, Bias Response Protocol, UConn Police, services from our Office for Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of Institutional Equity, and many other approaches are used to address such cases.
UConn will continue to follow its established practice of admitting academically qualified students regardless of their residency status. We are committed to ensuring equality in our admissions standards for all students, including undocumented students, and enforcing the state-approved policy of using the in-state tuition level for eligible Connecticut high school graduates.
As we have in the past, the University will continue to support legislation which would provide state-funded financial assistance for undocumented students who meet financial need criteria.
Our Division of Enrollment Planning and Management has been actively engaged in collaboration with our undocumented students and Connecticut Students for a Dream on initiatives to address the challenges and barriers they currently face. We are pleased with the progress being made and look forward to our collective efforts to further improve and enhance the experience of all undocumented students.
The Office for Diversity and Inclusion also will act as a central point of contact to serve undocumented students after admission, and its web page will connect students with resources and support their active engagement at UConn.
Every UConn student is valued for their presence, identity and perspective. The University always has, and will continue, to encourage a culture of respectful dialogue and inclusion of all viewpoints.
Sincerely,
Michael Gilbert
Vice President of Student Affairs
Eleanor J.B. Daugherty
Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students
For more information, contact: the Dean of Students Office at 860-486-3426