Supporting Our Community
A Message from Joel Towers, President and University Professor; and Renée T. White, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
We want to address the uncertainty surrounding recent Executive Orders and directives by President Trump and their potential impact on The New School. We recognize that these developments have fueled questions and confusion on a number of issues that directly affect our community—from immigration policies to freezing federal funding for public and private institutions. We want to take this opportunity to update you on the steps the university is taking to protect international and undocumented members of our community, students receiving federal financial aid, and ensure that federally funded research continues.
As leaders of an institution of higher education, we are deeply concerned by the actions and rhetoric of the new administration. Our university remains unwavering in its commitment to provide an open, safe, and inclusive academic environment to a globally diverse community of students, faculty and staff. They infuse our campus with a wide range of cultural, political, ethnic, racial, and religious perspectives that add immeasurably to our scholarship, creativity, and ability to engage effectively with complex global issues.
Supporting International and Undocumented Members of our Community
- It is, and has been, our policy to welcome, admit, and support students without regard to their citizenship status.
- We steadfastly protect the privacy rights of all our students, faculty, and staff.
- We do not release records in our possession that may disclose citizenship status to any law enforcement authority, absent a court order or legally enforceable subpoena.
- The New School does not permit law enforcement authorities, absent a court order, legally issued warrant, or other legal mandate, to enter university buildings for the purpose of detaining any student, staff member, or faculty member solely based on immigration status for the purpose of possible deportation.
If our existing policies prove insufficient to protect the university mission and our community, we will pursue additional measures on our own and in collaboration with other universities.
Update on Federal Funding Freeze
On Monday, the White House Office of Management and Budget announced a freeze on federal grants and loans in a memorandum titled “Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance Programs.” Despite a federal injunction late last night that temporarily blocks the freeze, we are working quickly to create plans to minimize disruptions for our university community.
The U.S. Department of Education has clarified that the freeze does not apply to Title IV federal financial aid programs that are provided to individual students, such as Federal Pell Grants and Direct Loans. We will continue to monitor new information and respond accordingly to support our students.
The outlook is uncertain regarding federal funding for research. We are working quickly to review additional information and assess potential implications for New School research projects and teams. Research leads will be receiving more specific guidance on how they should proceed.
Let us be clear: Amid the dynamics in Washington, D.C., The New School remains committed to upholding our academic mission and the values of diversity, inclusiveness, openness, and critical scholarly inquiry that are inherent in a strong university culture.
University Resources and Support
We will continue to support our community in every way we can—from access to support and resources to collective advocacy to oppose actions that threaten higher education and programming to help our community stay abreast of the issues. Many members of the university community are working in different ways to address aspects of these issues and how they connect to our academic mission. These include:
- Establishing a cross-functional university working group charged with gathering information and making recommendations to help our community navigate these issues.
- Direct outreach by our International Student and Scholar Services team with students to let them know the team is available to answer questions and offer guidance.
- Support and guidance from Office of Research Support staff that is relevant to awarded and in-process federal grants.
- And outreach by our admission team to prospective international students and their families to offer reassurance that we remain committed to global diversity and inclusiveness.
This is a dynamic, evolving situation, and the scope and impact of the Executive Orders and directives continue to unfold. We hope you will carefully review the list of resources below. Please look for updates as we become aware of any new information or significant changes.
Our values as a community are more important than ever, and we encourage you to remain steadfast in your support of those ideals and your fellow New Schoolers.
Resources for Students
- International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS): ISSS advising staff are available to offer support and discuss student concerns. You can schedule an appointment through Starfish, attend our Virtual Drop-In Advising Tuesday 2:00-4:00 p.m. Zoom Link, In-Person Drop-In Advising Thursday 2:00-4:00 p.m., email iss@newschool.edu, or call 212.229.5592.
- Student Success: Staff within Student Success are available to help you and your family navigate and access an array of resources. Please email studentquestions@newschool.edu if you need further support.
- Dean of Students: As an advocate and resource for all New School students, the Dean of Students, Dr. Shondrika Merritt, is available to help students and families navigate these issues. Reach out via deanofstudents@newschool.edu.
- Office of Equity and Belonging: The Associate Provost for Equity and Belonging, Lorenley Báez, is available to provide support to students and families as they navigate these concerns. Reach out to her via BaezL@newschool.edu.
- Student Support and Advocacy (SSA): SSA staff are here to help you with a broad range of non-academic challenges and resources. Reach out to studentsupport@newschool.edu to discuss how SSA can support you both on and off campus.
- Counseling at Student Health Services: Counselors at Student Health Services are available for in-person or virtual telecounseling if you would like to talk. Visit shsportal.newschool.edu to make an appointment.
- Student Success Advising: Your academic advisor is available to discuss your academic plan and direct you to the best support services for your needs. Find yours on Starfish.
- Academic Deans: Your dean’s office can help guide you through academic and other concerns.
- Campus Safety: The university’s Campus Safety staff are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies on campus. Call 212.229.7001.
- Learn more about your rights and find help here and on the NYC Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Affairs site.
Resources for Faculty and Staff
- Employee Assistance Program: Through the Employee Assistance Program, The New School offers all faculty and staff work and life benefits, at no cost, including counseling sessions that focus on emotional well-being, stress management, and more. Call the EAP number, 888.238.6232 anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit The New School EAP website.
- International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS): ISSS advising staff are available to offer support and discuss J-1 Scholar and Professor concerns. You can schedule an appointment by calling the office at 212.229.5592, attend our Virtual Drop-In Advising Tuesday 2:00–4:00 p.m. Zoom Link, In-Person Drop-In Advising Thursday 2:00–4:00 p.m., or email iss@newschool.edu.
- The Office of Research Support: Our staff can provide guidance relevant to awarded and in-process federal grants. Read more here.
- Campus Safety: The university’s Campus Safety staff are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies on campus. Call 212.229.7001.
- Learn more about your rights and find help here and on the NYC Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Affairs site.