Information for Faculty and Staff

If an undocumented student has disclosed their immigration status with you and seeks your advice, please consider following the next steps:

1. Thank the student for sharing information of their immigration status with you and convey your commitment to get them connected to resources they need.
2. Present openness and assurance of confidentiality.
   If a student chooses to disclose their immigration status, first and foremost, thank them for sharing this information with you and assure them that this information will remain confidential. Conveying openness and confidentiality will provide reassurance of safety to the student. Refrain from asking students questions about immigration and paths to citizenship. Remind students that your role as a staff or administrator is to help and support them and that their personal information and records fall under federal law FERPA guidelines. You can share more information about FERPA or share this website with them: Student Privacy (FERPA explained).
3. Use inclusive language.
   Language such as "undocumented student" "undocumented immigrant" "people without documents," or "people without legal status." The term "illegal alien" is derogatory and dehumanizing and will make students feel unwelcome.
4. Be sensitive to the limits that undocumented students face.
   If discussing immigration in your classroom activities and discussions, be aware and sensitive to the limits that undocumented people face. Additionally, consider the fact that not every student is eligible to register to vote, travel out of the country, or feel comfortable discussing their family's migration story.
5. Please encourage them to connect with The Office of Inclusion and Engagement for ongoing support and engagement opportunities.