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Dear Â鶹ӰÊÓ community:

As we wrap up the fall semester, we encourage you to make the most of these last days together on campus before a well-earned winter break.

Many members of our community may travel during the break; the new year will bring a new U.S. presidential administration, and delays or changes to immigration and travel policies may be possible.

Given these circumstances, we offer recommendations and provide information about existing resources available for our community regarding international travel and immigration.

International Travel

We understand that this is a time of uncertainty. College leaders and staff are vigilant around changes and will continue to support our community. Although the first day of spring semester classes is Tuesday, January 21, 2025, we strongly encourage all international students to check in with International Student Services regarding their travel plans during the holiday break and consider returning to the U.S. prior to the presidential inauguration on Monday, January 20, 2025. The College’s residence halls reopen for returning students on January 18; in light of uncertainties around potential changes to U.S. immigration-related policy, the safest way to avoid additional challenges re-entering the country is to be physically present in the U.S. no later than January 19.

1. Support for International Students: Kathy Guillen Quispe, assistant director of international students and scholar services, is a knowledgeable support resource for all Pomona international students regarding travel documents needed for re-entry to the U.S.
2. Study Abroad: For international students who plan to study abroad in spring 2025, please check in with your program provider or Pomona’s International & Domestic Programs Office (IDPO) if you have questions about outbound travel to your program destination. For information related to U.S. immigration documents and return to the U.S. after travel, contact Kathy Guillen Quispe.
3. Stay Informed: Please monitor your Pomona email throughout the winter break for updates and recommendations. Do not make decisions based on social media or speculation about potential policy changes.
4. Carry Documentation: Make sure to carry documentation while abroad and in the U.S. For visa holders: I-20/DS-2019 with valid travel signature. For most: valid passport with your visa. Consider including a transcript, financial aid letter, or bank statement.
5. Support for Staff and Faculty: Staff and faculty who are traveling abroad and have questions, should contact Alejandra Gaytan, assistant vice president for HR.

Undocumented and DACAmented Student Resources

Â鶹ӰÊÓ remains committed to welcoming you, and to providing needed support and resources on our campus. We have been intentional since 2008 in welcoming undocumented students to the College because we believe that we have a moral obligation to help excellent students of all backgrounds who graduate from U.S. high schools.

The College will continue to work closely with Campus Safety to ensure our community feels safe and supported. A reminder that Campus Safety officers do not inquire about, document, or take any action based on an individual’s immigration status. This is not within their scope of responsibility, and it is not aligned with their commitment to serve and protect every individual, regardless of their background or immigration status. See .

A variety of resources are available to undocumented and DACAmented Pomona students who need support:

1. Staff Providing Support: Student affairs staff members provide support for undocumented and DACAmented students. In the Dean of Students office, Daniel Caballero serves as assistant director of first-generation and undocumented/DACAmented student programs and works closely with mentoring and resource groups.
2. Counseling Services: is open for counseling appointments and encourages students to contact them at (909) 621-8202 if they need to see a counselor immediately. Students can also contact the on-call dean 24/7 via Campus Safety at (909) 607-2000. On-campus as well as off-site counseling services are available for all students. Visit the wellness website for more information. For 24/7 access to on-demand mental health support, please contact .

Immigration Legal Resources

Current Pomona students and alumni may contact the Sagehen Pro Bono immigration legal resources network (primarily composed of alumni) via email at any time for immigration issues or concerns that may arise. The Sagehen network is for current students, alumni and their immediate family members. Current students may also contact the Sagehen Pro Bono network to arrange a consultation with a lawyer regarding legal representation resources in case of detention.

Prospective Students

In admissions and financial aid, Pomona reviews applications from undocumented and DACAmented students who graduate from a U.S. high school by the same criteria as for all domestic students. For more information regarding admissions, please contact Adam Sapp, assistant vice president and director of admissions. For questions about financial aid, please contact Paul Dieken, director of financial aid.

We wish our Pomona community a safe and restorative winter break.

G. Gabrielle Starr, president
Avis Hinkson, vice president for student affairs and dean of students
Y. Melanie Wu, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college