Dear Knowlton International Students,

Since Monday, the University, the College, and the Section Heads have voiced their opposition to the federal rule issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that is undermining your ability to study in the United States. I am writing to echo their message and to assure you that we are doing everything we can so that you can join us in Columbus this August.

As you are aware, the Knowlton School is preparing to offer hybrid instruction in Autumn 2020 and is therefore in compliance with the ICE requirement. Yet, given the dynamic nature of the pandemic, the situation remains fluid: we cannot guarantee that the campus will remain open. The only certainty I can offer is that section heads Kristi Cheramie, Jennifer Clark, Todd Gannon, as well as the faculty and staff are doing their absolute best to make it possible for you to join us and your student cohort. I will reiterate Executive Vice-President and Provost Bruce McPheron’s words that we all want “to develop a solution that ensures that international students who attend our campuses can successfully complete their academic work this autumn.”

I also want to add a personal note. As a former international student, I still remember the apprehension I felt when arriving at immigration, every time I entered the United States. What if they checked my bank account which did not have the necessary balance? What if my voice trembled when answering the officer’s question about the length of my stay? What if that flimsy, yet essential, pink paper stapled to my passport had fallen out? The situation you face today is much more complex than mine was. I can only begin to imagine your personal fears and the weight of your decision about your studies at Ohio State.

As a product of international exchange, I am a firm believer in the need to broaden our respective horizons. We believe in your making Knowlton a better place and Knowlton being your place.

 
Sincerely,
 
Dorothée Imbert
Hubert C. Schmidt '38 Chair and Director
Knowlton School