Federal Policy Changes

No. Emmanuel College’s application and admissions process is open to all prospective students regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Federal orders and directives do not change our admission policies or the holistic review process we use to evaluate applicants. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at admissions [at] emmanuel.edu (admissions[at]emmanuel[dot]edu) or 617-735-9715.

The federal government has made clear that while changes in federal policy may impact the administration of federal financial aid, the funding of key programs—such as student loans and Pell Grants—will remain intact. Emmanuel College also provides college-funded grants and scholarships that are independent of federal policies. Our Student Financial Services team is here to guide you through the financial aid process and help you explore all available payment options. They are located in EAB 341 and reachable at 617-735-9938 or financialservices [at] emmanuel.edu (financialservices[at]emmanuel[dot]edu).

While reductions in federal research funding through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have had a significant financial impact on other institutions, the effect on Emmanuel has been modest.

While the Trump Administration has effectively barred all colleges and universities from promoting certain practices and programs that in recent years have come under the heading of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, or “DEI,” Emmanuel remains deeply committed to social justice and to fostering a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds and identities. True to our Catholic educational mission, we continue to ensure that this is a community where all voices are heard, and all are empowered to work for a more inclusive and hopeful future. The College is reaffirming these longstanding commitments with the establishment of the Sister Dorothy Stang Center for Community Engagement.

Emmanuel is in compliance with the NCAA’s recently updated Participation Policy for Transgender Student-Athletes, which states that only student-athletes who were assigned female at birth can compete on a women’s team.

In compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), Emmanuel College has committed itself to protecting the privacy rights of its students and to maintaining the confidentiality of its records. FERPA provides certain privacy rights for students regarding their educational records. These records may include any record (in handwriting, print, tapes, film, electronic, or other medium) maintained by the College or an agent of the College that is directly related to a student.

FERPA prevents the disclosure of information maintained in the student record without express consent of the student, although there are some exceptions like directory information, school officials with legitimate interest to complete their job responsibilities, government official disbursement of financial aid or in compliance with the Solomon Amendment, requests and specific information maintained in SEVIS for international students (if requested by the Department of Homeland Security/SEVP Officials) or information requested with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. If a judicial order/subpoena has been issued, we must honor this request. However, the institution will provide notice to the student that a request has been received and that the information will be shared, if permissible in the order/subpoena.

For more information, contact the Registrar’s Office, EAB 340 or regmail [at] emmanuel.edu (regmail[at]emmanuel[dot]edu). Additional information on FERPA may be found here: Privacy | Emmanuel College. A copy of this law is available on the U.S. Department of Education website.

Advise the official to contact the Campus Safety Office, Eisner Administration Building, Room 139. Campus Safety is focused on maintaining a secure, supportive environment for all community members.

Federal regulations require you to have your U.S. immigration documents in your possession to verify your lawful status to be in the U.S. You should carry them with you at all times. These documents include:

• a printed copy of your most recent I-20
• a printed copy of your most recent I-94 arrival record; and
• your passport, which must be valid at least six months into the future.

For specific information regarding maintaining your F-1 status visit: International Students | Emmanuel College.

In general, to stay in compliance with immigration regulations, international students should:

1. Report updates to addresses, academic program or status changes
2. Maintain full-time enrollment
3. Watch program dates
4. Never engage in un-authorized employment

These steps help protect your status and ensure accurate records while you study in the U.S. The international student advisor is always here to help. Please email Kimberley Camasso, PDSO, at intenationalstudents [at] emmanuel.edu (internationalstudents[at]emmanuel[dot]edu).

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry (airport) has the authority to decide whether or not you are admissible to the U.S. This decision is based on facts and circumstances presented at the time you apply to enter. Always provide correct information to the CBP officer. If the officer needs any additional or clarified information, it is possible that you may be sent to secondary inspection where officers will take a closer look at your documents, and you may need to wait for a longer period of time. 

Emmanuel College cannot guarantee that you will be admitted or readmitted to the United States. For specific information on the documents you should have on your person upon re-entry to the United States, please review International Students | Emmanuel College.

We recognize that the challenges of our times may create anxiety or uncertainty. For compassionate support, students can turn to:

• Residence Life, (617) 73-9746, reslife2 [at] emmanuel.edu (reslife2[at]emmanuel[dot]edu), EAB 151
• Dean of Students Office, piercek2 [at] emmanuel.edu (piercek2[at]emmanuel[dot]edu), 617-735-9917, EAB 151
• Mission and Ministry missionandministry [at] emmanuel.edu (missionandministry[at]emmanuel[dot]edu), EAB 247
• Counseling Center, counselingcenter [at] emmanuel.edu (counselingcenter[at]emmanuel[dot]edu), 617-735-9920, MAR 220
  • Licensed counseling services are available 24 hours a day by calling 617-735-9920.

• Additional information on arrival to the United States and maintaining your status can be found on Study in the States, which will be a valuable resource throughout your time in the United States.
• Information for immigrant students and those at Massachusetts colleges and universities with questions about immigration enforcement.
• You may also wish to familiarize yourself with your legal rights in the event you are approached by federal immigration authorities. There are numerous “Know Your Rights” guides available online, including this guide from the National Immigration Law Center.

When Executive Orders are issued, our leadership team reviews them carefully and communicates any potential impact to our community. We are committed to transparency, student advocacy, and educational access.