The staff of the International Center would like to express our concern and sympathy for U-M international students, scholars, and employees who are startled and dismayed by the horrifying incidents of violence in so many parts of the world, including the U.S., the Middle East, and Ukraine. We hope that through educational interaction, and civil discourse, peace can one day be achieved. In the meantime, we want to remind the entire international population of some resources:
Mental Health, Wellbeing and Assistance
To meet confidentially with a counselor to find support and share your concerns during this stressful time, students can contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), U-M employees may reach out to Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office (FASCCO), and Michigan Medicine employees should call the Michigan Medicine Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience.
The Dean of Students Office regularly assists students who are experiencing situations that may be interrupting their academic and campus life. If you would like to discuss how the Dean of Students Office may assist you, please email [email protected] or contact them by phone at 734-764-7420. Regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The International Center has a small emergency fund to assist students facing unforeseen financial difficulties. Learn more here. The Maize and Blue Cupboard offers free food and personal items to all members of the U-M community to help address food insecurity.
Protests and Demonstrations: Safety Tips
Both the University of Michigan and Ann Arbor have a rich tradition of political speech and voicing opinions through peaceful protest or demonstration. Peaceful demonstrations and protests are protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and this applies to U-M's international community as well as to U.S. citizens. However, we encourage you to take certain precautions to ensure your personal safety and reduce the risk of violating any laws should the situation escalate. Being arrested or charged with a legal offense can affect your immigration status.
Whether you are watching a demonstration that you may or may not agree with, or would like to participate in a demonstration or a counter-demonstration, keep these personal safety considerations in mind:
Protests/demonstrations can draw very large crowds, and we advise leaving the demonstration area should there be signs that violence, property damage, or other risks to personal health or safety will occur.
If law enforcement officials are present, be sure to follow their instructions and leave the area if they direct you to do so.
You may also wish to review resources like the Dean of Students Office's Safety Tips During Protests and the American Civil Liberties Union's (ACLU) guide on knowing your rights if you are stopped by law enforcement.
We recognize the extraordinary impact and toll these recent and ongoing events are having on so many, and want you to know we care and are here for you.
Sincerely,
The International Center