Dear UMB Community,

By now, you’ve likely seen that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued a new rule that international students will not be able to remain in the country this fall if they take only online courses. The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) continues to plan for instruction that keeps students, faculty, and staff healthy and safe during this global public health crisis.

I know this new information causes additional stress for UMB’s international students, and I want you to know that you are welcome and valued at UMB. We are reviewing the ICE policy to assess its potential impact. We will do everything necessary to make sure that our international students remain qualified to continue and complete their programs, including safe in-person learning opportunities that comply with Student and Exchange Visitor Information System requirements.

As I shared in my recent letter, general frameworks for the fall 2020 semester have been approved and each dean will announce school-specific plans soon. While further details are forthcoming, I want you to know that we are working to ensure that all students will have a quality educational experience this fall.

As soon as we are able, we will share updates for international students on the Office of International Services website. We will support our international students through this moment in all the ways we can.

Sincerely,

Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS
Interim President