About the Government Affairs Updates series
As the federal policy landscape continues to shift rapidly, potential impacts on higher education, and Metropolitan State University of Denver in particular, are top-of-mind. MSU Denver’s Office of Strategy and External Affairs, in partnership with University Communications and Marketing and experts from across the University, is providing timely, transparent and clear information through this series of Early Bird Q&A articles. Visit the Government Affairs website for more information and updates.
Q: How does MSU Denver support immigrant and undocumented students?
A: MSU Denver is one of the few universities in Colorado to host a student-support program specifically for immigrant and undocumented students. Created in 1989, the Immigrant Services Program is open to all students and campus community members, and it functions as a one-stop destination for questions about higher education at MSU Denver and across the state. Key supports include:
- One-on-one meetings with students and community members to assist with forms and processes, financial-aid applications, academic and career guidance, English-language development, and more.
- Free and confidential access to immigration attorneys via Legal Info Sessions.
- Legal Info Sessions are available online, bimonthly on Tuesdays. Email [email protected] to sign up.
- Recordings of workshops and resources on topics such as H-1B visas, changes to immigration law and more are available on the Immigrant Services website.
- Coordination of financial resources such as scholarships or funding for internships.
Q: How are international students supported, especially given recent visa policy changes?
A: MSU Denver supports international students through its dedicated International Student Support (ISS) team in the Office of the Registrar, which takes a multifaceted approach to ensure students have the knowledge, tools and resources needed to maintain their status and complete their education, including:
- Personalized advising (phone, email virtual and in-person).
- Monitoring and communicating policy and visa updates.
- Reviewing immigration and academic records proactively to prevent status issues.
- Helping students understand and respond to travel, employment or regulation changes.
Q: How are faculty and staff supported with immigration or visa needs?
A: Many resources provided through Immigrant Services are also available for faculty and staff members, including immigration-related legal consultation, confidential information sessions, and regular updates and workshops regarding immigration laws and policies.
Human Resources also helps sponsored employees navigate visa processes, providing documentation, updates on regulations and connections with partner attorneys.
Q: What can members of the MSU Denver community do to stay informed and supportive?
A: Consider the following:
- Attend the upcoming Contract Work and Self-Employment Workshop:
- Thursday, Oct. 9: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Aerospace and Engineering Sciences Building, Room 150
- Get tips and resources for immigrant professionals
- No advance sign-up needed
- Subscribe to the Immigrant Services Program mailing list ([email protected]) for updates.
- Keep informed about federal policy changes.
- Be a source of community and reassurance — especially to immigrant and international students and staff members — so they know MSU Denver is ready to help.
Resources and support
MSU Denver’s Financial Aid Office and Government Affairs team are monitoring these changes closely and will share updates and guidance directly as more details are available.
