Haven for International Students in Crisis
People come to study and work at the University of Rochester from all over the world. Diversity is one of our greatest strengths, enriching the campus experience, making it more dynamic, inclusive, forward-thinking, and – in some cases – life-changing.
When it comes to our international community, not everyone begins their journey from the same foundation. Some arrive only after an arduous journey to escape persecution, seeking a haven where they can safely pursue their academic work.
The University of Rochester is proud member of the Scholars at Risk (SAR) Network. SAR is “an international network of higher education institutions and individuals dedicated to protecting threatened scholars, preventing attacks on higher education, and promoting academic freedom and related values worldwide.”
SAR partners with its network to arrange temporary research and teaching positions for threatened scholars. These visits are intended as short-term positions of academic refuge. In their home countries, at-risk scholars typically experience very real threats to their life, liberty, and/or academic career.
Earlier this year, the University proudly welcomed our first program scholar.* SAR partnered closely with us to assist the academic and their immediate family in the extensive emigration process and subsequent orientation to Rochester, New York. Now set with a scholarly stipend and supportive environment, their research is proceeding without fear of censorship or threats. And their story is now an integral thread in our vibrant community tapestry.
Other threatened academics escape without benefit of an international organization such as SAR.* They rely instead on scholarly connections and international partner institutions to assist them in finding a safer place at which to conduct their work. Our faculty have played key roles in bringing talented academics to campus under these conditions. And here, without fear of retaliation, they thrive. Their work contributes to others’ and with open discourse, all parties learn and grow. It is a true win/win scenario.
To further support our international community, the University also has funding available to support students and scholars with financial hardships during critical situations.
The Global Emergency Response Fund may support anyone within the university community who is affected by an international crisis. With this help, recipients may continue their education and meet unanticipated challenges head-on. Most recently, funds were raised in support of students impacted by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, although students from any country experiencing crises may apply for financial assistance.
The Basic Needs Hub is yet another financial resource for students, both domestic and international. It is available in any situation where there is demonstrated need, providing assistance with food, clothing, housing, textbooks and other academic tools. This fund has assisted international students who have experienced emergencies while far from home, including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic, geo-political and natural disasters.
There are far too many resources available to enumerate here, all of which support our international community’s physical, financial, mental and spiritual needs. If you would like to donate to any of these initiatives, you may find them listed as potential gift designations on the university’s Advancement webpage.
The important takeaway is that the University of Rochester is defined by our deep commitment to Meliora, meaning “ever better.” Embedded in that ideal are the values we all share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. As the University community, we commit ourselves daily to these values, working hard to ensure a welcoming place where everyone can thrive.
* To ensure our at-risk scholars’ identities remain protected, personal details have been intentionally omitted.