To Our International Students:
It is very important to us that all our students feel that they are part of the UConn community. We are living in a challenging time, and being away from home, watching the war in Ukraine, and experiencing the economic difficulties in the US is difficult for many people, but it can be particularly challenging for international students.
I want you to know that UConn is an inclusive and caring community. Whether someone is a student from Connecticut, from another U.S. state, or an international student from Kyiv, Moscow, Shanghai, or Mumbai – anywhere across the world – each of you is integral to the UConn community. Our diversity is our strength.
We recognize that for many of you this has been a very uncertain past two weeks. At UConn our mission and vision is to embrace global citizenship, provide an excellent academic experience and carry out exceptional and ethical research. We are committed to a climate of civility and respect for all.
UConn is home to international students from 91 different nations across the globe. You are our students – you are HUSKIES – because we welcome people of every national origin, race, religious belief, sex, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. You deserve to feel safe, secure, welcomed and respected at UConn and we are dedicated to being, and educating, global citizens.
Throughout the last two weeks, the office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) has communicated directly with students from Ukraine, Russia and neighboring countries to share resources and support. ISSS hosted a meeting Friday afternoon with campus partners for students who are impacted by the crisis to share further resources and provide students a space to talk and discuss needs. ISSS also maintains a webpage with resources for students impacted by the war.
If you are worried or just looking for someone to talk to, then please contact International Student and Scholar Services, Dean of Students, Graduate School or SHaW Mental Health. They can provide support, comfort, and assurance.
Sincerely,
Radenka Maric
Interim President
Carl Lejuez
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Daniel Weiner
Vice President for Global Affairs
