Guidance on Federal Actions

Dear Worcester State Community,

Worcester State University President Barry Maloney has signed the public statement by the American Association of Colleges and Universities, “A Call for Constructive Engagement.” As of April 27, more than 500 current leaders of colleges, universities, and scholarly societies have signed the letter. The full text is below. Please visit the AACU website to view the signatories.

A Call for Constructive Engagement

As leaders of America’s colleges, universities, and scholarly societies, we speak with one voice against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education. We are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight. However, we must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses. We will always seek effective and fair financial practices, but we must reject the coercive use of public research funding.America’s system of higher learning is as varied as the goals and dreams of the students it serves. It includes research universities and community colleges; comprehensive universities and liberal arts colleges; public institutions and private ones; freestanding and multi-site campuses. Some institutions are designed for all students, and others are dedicated to serving particular groups. Yet, American institutions of higher learning have in common the essential freedom to determine, on academic grounds, whom to admit and what is taught, how, and by whom. Our colleges and universities share a commitment to serve as centers of open inquiry where, in their pursuit of truth, faculty, students, and staff are free to exchange ideas and opinions across a full range of viewpoints without fear of retribution, censorship, or deportation.

Because of these freedoms, American institutions of higher learning are essential to American prosperity and serve as productive partners with government in promoting the common good. Colleges and universities are engines of opportunity and mobility, anchor institutions that contribute to economic and cultural vitality regionally and in our local communities. They foster creativity and innovation, provide human resources to meet the fast-changing demands of our dynamic workforce, and are themselves major employers. They nurture the scholarly pursuits that ensure America’s leadership in research, and many provide healthcare and other essential services. Most fundamentally, America’s colleges and universities prepare an educated citizenry to sustain our democracy.

The price of abridging the defining freedoms of American higher education will be paid by our students and our society. On behalf of our current and future students, and all who work at and benefit from our institutions, we call for constructive engagement that improves our institutions and serves our republic.

University Communications
Worcester State University
486 Chandler Street
Worcester, MA 01602
worcester.edu

To the Worcester State Community:

While planning international travel, please be aware that U.S. federal travel restrictions are evolving and may influence travel plans. As the summer months of increased international travel near, we are sharing general information for all employees and students regarding recent changes at the U.S. borders. Employees and students are encouraged to stay informed, be prepared and seek consultation from an attorney, should they have concerns or need legal advice regarding circumstances specific to them. 

The decision to travel to another country, as always, should be made with consideration for one’s own personal risk factors, and made with caution and vigilant attention to detail given recent federal action on immigration enforcement and enhanced vetting at ports of entry. Travelers are encouraged to inform a trusted individual remaining in the U.S. where and when they are traveling internationally. Additionally, travelers may store additional copies of their documents and inform the trusted individual of where the documents can be retrieved if necessary.

In general, all travelers, including U.S. citizens, green card and visa holders, arriving in the United State at land border crossings and airports are subject to examination, inspection, searches, and screening by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”). All travelers should be prepared when traveling overseas for CBP agents to perform the following actions:

• Request and Inspect Travel Documents: Ensure all travel documents are on your person and in valid order. The University’s International Programs Office can answer general questions regarding all other travel documents. Please also consult the U.S. Department of State’s website for any questions regarding passports.
• Questioning at the Border: Be prepared to answer questions about the nature and purpose of your travel and eligibility to be in the United States. CBP agents are allowed to speak to travelers and possess discretion to determine a traveler’s eligibility to enter the U.S. Refusing to engage with a CBP agent may cause one’s travel to be delayed or for the CBP agent to deny entry.
• Conduct Searches of Bags and Persons: CBP agents have the authority to collect travelers’ names, biographic data, biometric data, cross-reference records, and search a person and their belongings without a warrant. CBP agents are not required to have a suspicion of wrongdoing to conduct a search and are allowed to use their discretion and judgment to justify such a search or examination, or a traveler may be picked at random.
• Electronic Devices and Accounts: CBP agents may ask travelers for their voluntary consent, but can also direct them to turn over and unlock electronic devices for inspection, including cell phones and laptops. CBP agents possess the authority to inspect, examine and copy any and all content and data that is stored locally on the device, including social media accounts, email and text messages, which may be searched for content deemed by authorities to be hostile toward the United States or supportive of foreign terrorists or threats to national security and utilized when determining eligibility to enter the U.S..Travelers being admitted as a U.S. citizen can refuse to allow their device to be searched when returning to the U.S.; however, U.S. citizen travelers should be prepared for delays, and possible seizure of their device if they refuse to comply. Meanwhile, visa holders and foreign visitors can be denied entry to the U.S. if they refuse to comply. Before travelling internationally, consider which devices must be used while travelling, the content and data stored locally on your phone rather than on a cloud storage server, as well as the data you will acquire and generate during travel.

Dear Students,

Many of you have inquired about summer international travel. Below are some considerations to keep in mind in light of recent developments regarding U.S. immigration policy and practice.

At this point in time, we are strongly encouraging all F-1 students to remain in the United States and not to travel abroad due to the current uncertainties. If personal circumstances necessitate travel, we will require you to meet with our international programs staff prior to travel. Please be aware that, given the evolving landscape of federal immigration enforcement, F-1 students cannot be assured of readmission to the United States.

We are also advising all F-1 students to keep photos on your phone of the following “proof of status” documentation:

• Your current I-20
• Your EAD card (if applicable)
• The ID page of your passport
• Your I-94 record

Additionally, you should carefully consider whether you should travel with a personal computer or other similar electronic device; and you should review any information and apps on any cell telephone.  These devices are subject to inspection at all U.S. borders by immigration officials, and potentially subject to confiscation.

Finally, due to the prevailing uncertainty, Worcester State urges you to stay informed of current developments.

Additional resources can be found here:

• Stay Informed About Your Rights: https://www.worcester.edu/mywoostate-facstaff/guidance-on-federal-actions/
• Executive Orders and Federal Agency Actions: https://www.nafsa.org/executive-and-regulatory-actions-trump2admin
• Travel Information: https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/border-zone#:~:text=The%20federal%20government%20defines%20a,within%20this%20100%2Dmile%20zone.
• Electronic Devices and the Port of Entry: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/cbp-search-authority/border-search-electronic-devices#:~:text=All%20travelers%20crossing%20the%20United,devices%20during%20the%20inspection%20process.

Updated Joint Guidance re Race-Neutral School Programs

State U Presidents Statement on Access to Public Education for All_2-21-25 (2)

As elected committee members, the AUC represents the entire campus community. Recently, the committee drafted a resolution affirming its commitment to university core values, and the resolution was unanimously approved. These core values will continue to guide the committee as we navigate future decisions.

We are pleased to share the the resolution with the campus community:

The All University Committee (AUC), composed of and representing the university’s faculty, staff, and students, serves as a governance body engaged in all academic matters, including curricular and policy. The AUC hereby reaffirms its commitment to Worcester State University’s core values; in particular, Worcester State is an inclusive community that respects the dignity of all of its members. The AUC believes that the success of the university as an institution is indivisible from its adherence to its core values, and encourages all members of the university community to take this opportunity to reacquaint themselves with the statements of those values.

Worcester State Core Values:

Academic Excellence: We are committed to providing opportunities to excel in a close-knit learning environment characterized by distinguished faculty, excellent teaching, and creative linkages between classroom learning and real-world experiences.

Engaged Citizenship: We are committed to promoting community service, social justice, the democratic process, environmental sustainability, and global awareness to prepare students to be active and informed citizens.

Open Exchange of Ideas: We are committed to inviting and considering the most expansive range of perspectives in teaching and learning, in scholarly and creative work, and in the governance of a complex, diverse institution.

Diversity and Inclusiveness: We are committed to being an inclusive community in which our diversity enhances learning for all and in which people from all cultures and backgrounds have the opportunity to participate fully and succeed.

Civility and Integrity: We are committed to respecting the dignity of all members of our community and to demonstrating this commitment in our interactions, decisions, and structures.

Dear Worcester State Community,

Recent federal policy announcements have raised many concerns for members of our community who are LGBTQIA+. While there are numerous changes happening at the federal level, Worcester State’s commitment to LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff has not changed. Worcester State will continue to maintain a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community for LGBTQIA+ students and employees.

Moreover, LGBTQIA+ students and employees at Worcester State are protected under the Massachusetts State Universities’ Equal Opportunity, Nondiscrimination, and Title IX Plan, and Student Code of Conduct, which prohibit acts of discrimination, bias, or harassment against LGBTQIA+ students. Worcester State’s chosen name policy remains unchanged.

In May 2022, the university established Common Ground, a space outside of the Student Center where we permanently fly the LGBTQIA+ Pride flag. This flag is an important symbol for us all, affirming the university’s support and celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. Just this week, students, faculty, and staff gathered at Common Ground for a special event led by the Black Student Union to raise the Black Lives Matter flag alongside the Pride flag. Throughout the academic year, the student-led LGBTQ+ Alliance at Worcester State hosts numerous events, and I have particularly enjoyed Lavender Graduation held in May. 

Faculty and staff continue to be strong LGBTQIA+ advocates and allies. The university’s LGBTQIA+ Advisory Group within the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging is charged with providing educational resources and programs supporting and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community; collaborating with university offices, programs, and groups that address the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community; and making recommendations about policies, programs, and services for LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff at Worcester State. 

I’m also pleased to share that we are in the midst of hiring a new assistant director for LGBTQIA+ Outreach and Title IX Resource Coordinator. This individual will lead a newly expanded LGBTQIA+ Community Center that we will open in the Student Center. Stay tuned for this good news in the near future.

You will find resources for the LGBTQIA+ community on the new MyWooState landing page, Guidance on Federal Actions, accessible with your university sign-in. This page provides students, faculty, and staff with updates, information, and resources regarding Worcester State University actions related to executive orders and policy announcements.

Sincerely,

Barry M. Maloney

Dear Worcester State Community:

The new presidential administration’s recent executive orders and policy announcements have raised many questions about how these changes will impact Worcester State University and our students. I want to begin by underscoring that student well-being and success remain our top priorities. Through the efforts of many faculty, staff, and students, we have built a strong foundation of inclusiveness and belonging on our campus that puts students first, and that will not change. In addition, Worcester State is part of a large and diverse community where the matters at hand concern us all.

It is with that lens that the university is evaluating the federal changes both internally and in collaboration with partners across the state.

I have been working with the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, as well as other state agencies that are addressing the impact of federal changes on state universities. I am committed to keeping the campus community informed through email updates and Campus Conversations regarding the impact of these executive orders and policy changes, including, but not limited to Title IX, LGBTQIA+ rights, immigration enforcement, DEI policy and initiatives, and federal aid, as they develop and are analyzed. Recently, the university organized a very well received citywide presentation on “Know Your Rights” for faculty and students with the Mass Office for Refugees and Immigrants, and we will continue to look for opportunities to share useful information. In a separate communication today, we will provide information regarding university procedures should you be asked by immigration law enforcement about the immigration status of a student or employee.

Internally, I have charged three colleagues — Chief of Staff Carl Herrin, Vice President for Enrollment Management Ryan Forsythe, and Interim Assistant Vice President for Communications and Marketing Deborah Alvarez O’Neil — with staying abreast of the changes, gathering information, coordinating across campus divisions, and providing real-time recommendations to the university. Moving forward, we will be inviting faculty and student involvement as we navigate these changes.

On Tuesday, we began to closely monitor the pause on federal grants and loans that was issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), with particular attention to any implications for federal student financial aid and federal grants. The U.S. Department of Education has signaled that the pause would not affect financial aid. This rapidly evolving policy change was rescinded by the OMB on this afternoon, after a judge on the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., temporarily blocked the implementation of the OMB directive until Feb. 3. 

We recognize that the executive orders and policy changes raise questions and uncertainty for members of our community. At the end of this email are resources and support available to students, faculty and staff. 

Sincerely,

Barry M. Maloney

President

Worcester State University Resources

• Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging
• Title IX Office
• Counseling Services for students
• Employee Assistance Program for employees
• International Programs Office

Dear Campus Community,

As you may have heard, on January 9, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky issued a decision vacating the 2024 Title IX regulations nationwide, declaring that the Biden Administration’s changes to Title IX regulations are unconstitutional, among other reasons. 

We are aware of this decision and are currently reviewing the ruling to assess its impact on our campus policies and practices. Our state universities are committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity, and we remain dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all members of our campus community. Please be assured that we still have policies and regulations in place prohibiting and addressing discrimination and harassment. 

We will provide additional updates and guidance in the coming weeks as more information is available. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact jquinn@worcester.edu or 508-929-8243.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Quinn
Associate Dean of Student Affairs/University Title IX Coordinator

Worcester State is committed to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity. The University is dedicated to providing educational, working, and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people. LGBTQ+ Resources and Information.

Student records remain protected by Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Massachusetts Fair Information Practices Act (“FIPA”). In accordance with FERPA and other Federal and state laws, Worcester State does not share student information or other protected data unless compelled to do so by law or a court order, and only after legal review. Similarly, employee records are confidential under protections afforded by state law.

Undocumented students

Neither federal law nor Massachusetts law prohibits the admission or enrollment of undocumented immigrants at universities, nor are there any legal restrictions on an undocumented student’s ability to fully participate in the campus community and extracurricular programs. (Mass Attorney General Advisory, Jan. 23, 2025)

• University Procedures regarding immigration activity on campus
  On January 30, 2025, the university provided guidance for Worcester State University employees responding to visits or inquiries by government or law enforcement agents
• Download University Procedures