Response to the Executive Order on Immigration

In response to President Trump’s executive order on immigration, MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon sent a letter to the MSU community on January 29, 2017 expressing her concern that this runs counter to the global nature of our university community and our nation.

The MSU WorkLife Office staff want to assure international faculty and staff and those who may have international family and friends being impacted by the recent executive order on immigration that we welcome all members of the MSU community and that we are available to support you. Our mission is to “help create an inclusive, responsive work environment where all faculty and staff are respected and supported.” We offer resources and support on campus and in the local community – people, places and programs that can offer connection and continuity in challenging times. In keeping with MSU’s core values of quality, inclusiveness, and connectivity, we believe that, as global citizens, we are responsible for supporting our international faculty and staff.

If you need a moment of pause due to current uncertainties about this executive order, we invite you to visit our Welcome Room, a quiet space in Linton Hall, Room 116 (479 West Circle Drive). You may drop in at any time between 8:30AM—4:30PM to pause, collect your thoughts and refocus when current situations are disturbing and may affect your concentration.

James Dorsett, Director of the Office for International Students and Scholars advises that if you have a specific issue or immigration question related to this executive order, to please consult the Office of International Students Scholars. Drop in appointments are available from 1:00PM—3:00PM, or you can contact the OISS International Student/Scholar Advisors at the OISS office at (517) 353-1720. OISS will continue to monitor developments and keep you informed. Please be sure to read all communications from OISS.

On Monday, February 13, 2017 a Reflect & Connect session titled “Resilience in Times of Chaos and Uncertainty” is being held from 11:30AM—1:00PM in Chittenden Hall, Room 110 (466 West Circle Drive). During times of uncertainty, such as those caused by new policies that impact our students, colleagues and family/friends, we can quickly feel unbalanced. Sometimes uncertainty can make our lives feel chaotic and exhausting. Many of us have multiple roles that require us to be in service to other people. This is an opportunity to gain intentional practices to help ground ourselves in order to serve others in our roles as employees, coworkers, parents, partners, and community members. Guest speakers: Amber Cordell, Office for International Students and Scholars and Lisa Laughman, Employee Assistance Program/Health4U. This event is co-sponsored by MSU Office for Inclusion & Intercultural Initiatives, WorkLife Office, and Office of the University Physician-Employee Assistance Program.  

If these changes are negatively affecting you or your ability to be a successful scholar or staff member, campus resources are available to assist you, including the Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential counseling (www.eap.msu.edu). Maintaining healthy routines can help ease anxiety, using fitness facilities and eating well help to sustain you, and engaging with friends and colleagues can ease stress.

Please feel free to drop by the WorkLife Office and explore what can help you be at your best, at work and at home.