February 16, 2017

I am writing to you with an update on ongoing work to support Puget Sound’s commitment to protect to the full moral, ethical, and legal extent possible undocumented members of the campus community, including undocumented and DACA students.

The Undocumented Students Work Group (USWG), chaired by University Chaplain Dave Wright ’96, has been convened and has begun its work, including a discussion with student members of Advocates for Detainees' Voices. The USWG is meeting weekly to serve as a source of expertise for the campus on immigration developments.

Initially, the group is reviewing the reports of the 2011 and 2014 work group, as well as updated postings on the Puget Sound website to discern if there are areas where additional attention, work, or communication are needed. The work group has access to expert counsel, webinars, and other informational resources to assist in their developing and maintaining strong expertise from which to forward recommendations to university leaders. It will provide an initial report to Cabinet members later this month.

We have designated four contact persons to whom any staff member, faculty member, or student may refer an immigration official should one come to the Puget Sound campus with a request for information. Please cordially ask the person or persons to wait, and then contact one of these persons to address the specific request:

  • Rev. Dave Wright ’96, University Chaplain, 253.879.3818 or 253.879.3322
  • Brad Tomhave P’05, Registrar, 253.879.3529
  • Cindy Matern P'09, P'11, Associate Vice President for Human Resources and Career and Employment Services, 253.879.3116 or 253.879.3369
  • Todd Badham ’85, P’11, Director of Security Services, 253.879.3311

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to USWG Chair Dave Wright, the other designated contact persons, or other USWG members, who can bring your questions or concerns to the attention of the work group. The other USWG members include:

  • Eowyn L Greeno, International Programs
  • Prof. Pepa Lago-Grana, Hispanic Studies
  • Prof. Robin Jacobson, Politics and Government
  • Mona Lawrence, Career and Employment Services
  • Kariann Lee ’13, Academic Advising
  • Maggie A Mittuch ’82, Student Financial Services
  • Vivie Nguyen, Intercultural Engagement

Thank you for your ongoing attention and vigilance regarding this important issue in a rapidly changing and uncertain environment.

Isiaah
Isiaah Crawford, Ph.D. | President