University Message Regarding International Students

Dear Members of the Trojan Community,

USC’s vibrant international community is vital to our University and has been since our founding in 1880. We are deeply troubled by the updated guidance that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released Monday requiring international students to take at least one in-person class to maintain their visa status. Issued without warning or broad consultation, the policy could negatively impact countless international students, and restrict research and competitiveness not only here but at research universities across the nation. We are very proud of our international students and their families across the world, many of whom have sacrificed so much to enable them to come to America. This policy is especially concerning as it comes in the midst of a global health pandemic when universities need the autonomy and flexibility to adopt nuanced, multi-faceted models of instruction and research while preserving the health, safety and well-being of all our students, faculty, and staff.

To our international student community – please know that we are strongly advocating against this policy and are working closely and collaboratively with higher education colleagues across the nation. USC’s deans and senior leadership are working tirelessly with the faculty to support your academic progress. Given the broad range of courses being offered, both in person and online, we are optimistic we will be able to support our international students to study in person safely if they wish, but it may take a few days. We understand that you have many time-sensitive decisions. We will write soon with more details and options, and appreciate your patience.

Please send any questions and concerns to covid19@usc.edu. Individual schools also will be offering additional support. Rest assured that we will do everything possible to ensure you can continue your path to graduation from anywhere around the world. Fight On.

Sincerely,

Carol L. Folt
President

Charles F. Zukoski
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Amber Miller
Dean, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

William Holder
Dean, Leventhal School of Accounting

Milton S. F. Curry
Dean, School of Architecture

Haven Lin-Kirk
Dean, Roski School of Art & Design

Erica Muhl
Dean, Iovine and Young Academy for Arts, Technology, and the Business of Innovation

Geoffrey Garrett
Dean, Marshall School of Business

Elizabeth M. Daley
Dean, School of Cinematic Arts
Interim Dean, School of Dramatic Arts

Willow Bay
Dean, Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism

Avishai Sadan
Dean, Ostrow School of Dentistry

Pedro Noguera
Dean, Rossier School of Education

Yannis Yortsos
Dean, Viterbi School of Engineering

Pinchas Cohen
Dean, Davis School of Gerontology

Andrew T. Guzman
Dean, Gould School of Law

Catherine Quinlan
Dean, USC Libraries

Laura Mosqueda
Dean, Keck School of Medicine

Robert A. Cutietta
Dean, Thornton School of Music
Dean, Glorya Kaufman School of Dance

Vassilios Papadopoulos
Dean, School of Pharmacy

Anthony Bailey
Dean, Bovard College

Dana Goldman
Interim Dean, Price School of Public Policy

Sarah Gehlert
Dean, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

cc: President’s Senior Leadership Team
Provost’s Leadership Team
Academic Senate
Staff Assembly
GSG President
USG President