Following a series of executive orders and new legislation from the new U.S. presidential administration and 119th U.S. Congress, a cross-functional team of university leaders has been working together with peer organizations to review the orders and gather accurate legal guidance before determining which actions are necessary at the university. This is an urgent situation for many in the Marquette community, and it may be some time until there is clarity around the potential impact on students, education, operations and research. At this time, there are very few answers, but the university will share more as the situation unfolds.
As a Catholic, Jesuit institution, Marquette University remains steadfast in its commitment to serve all as a welcoming learning community that is open to people from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives. This commitment means working with students, faculty and staff to navigate these changes and ensuring all in our community know they are valued and supported. With heightened concerns about immigration, identity, processes and culture, Marquette University reminds students, faculty and staff about existing policies and resources in place to support those in our community who are feeling especially stressed and anxious.
Existing protocol to respond to requests from outside law enforcement agencies
Occasionally, outside law enforcement agencies will come to campus for investigations under their jurisdiction. For any outside agency that comes to campus, it has always been Marquette’s policy to direct officials to MUPD first to verify there is a legitimate, lawful request and then to respond as required under the law.
- If you are in a Marquette building and approached by an official from an outside law enforcement agency who requests access to university facilities, students or student education records, you can contact MUPD at 414-288-1911 and ask the non-MUPD law enforcement official to wait until an MUPD officer arrives or direct them to the MUPD office.
- Under no circumstance should you physically block or interfere with their entry/enforcement action. For more information, consult this guidance for interacting with non-MUPD law enforcement agents.
The university does not release student records unless required by law or court action
Federal privacy laws (absent a health or safety emergency) generally prohibit the release of information from a student’s records to law enforcement officers except pursuant to a valid court order or subpoena, both of which must be lawfully issued, as determined by the Office of General Counsel, or upon the written consent of the student. Accordingly, it is the policy of the university not to release any information about students to any third party, unless authorized under the university’s Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) policy.
- The university does not track whether students are undocumented.
- Bound by FERPA, the university will not release information about students unless required to by law or court action.
- Faculty and staff, as employees of the university, should be aware of their legal obligations to protect student information under FERPA. Student education records include any written or recorded information about students, contact information, grades or advising records, medical information, student life or behavior records, etc.
- When creating content that includes students, such as for social media or event materials, make sure you obtain photo and video permissions before publishing.
- Use notices for events where the crowd may be photographed or recorded on video to ensure all attendees are aware.
As always, support resources are available around campus
STUDENTS
- Office of Inclusion and Belonging: Staff are already working with those in our community to provide more individual or group support as well as connect them with resources. Please contact Jacki (Jacqueline) Black.
- Counseling Center: The Counseling Center provides a variety of clinical and consultation services to support the mental health needs of Marquette students. If you are seeking support, schedule a consultation appointment to discuss your support needs, eligibility and treatment options.
- For a life-threatening mental or physical health emergency, call (414) 288-1911 (on or near campus) or go to the nearest emergency room.
- For non-life-threatening mental health emergencies:
- During regular business hours, call us at (414) 288-7172 or walk into the center to meet with the next available on call counselor.
- After business hours, weekends, holidays, and university closures, call the Counseling Center main line at (414)-288-7172 and select option 2 to be connected to a trained mental health professional.
- Office on International Education: Consult this team for any questions related to student visas.
- Campus Ministry: For spiritual and pastoral support, connect with Steve Blaha for individual or group support and opportunities for prayer, service, reflection, connection and ongoing spiritual care.
- The Jesuit community: Please contact Rev. John Thiede, S.J., and Rev. Greg O’Meara, S.J.
FACULTY AND STAFF
- Marquette Employee Assistance Program (Lifematters): This free, confidential resource is available 24/7 for all employees and members of their households. Contact the EAP service by:
- Calling 1-800-634-6433
- Texting “Hello” to 61295
- Through mylifematters.com (password MU1)
- Faber Center: Faculty and staff are encouraged to contact Dr. Michael Dante and Dr. Danielle Nussberger for support.
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Marquette offers a variety of groups to promote a sense of community and gather people with common experiences or shared interests. These resource groups offer support and opportunities to connect meaningfully with others. Any employee can join any ERG.
- Office of Inclusion and Belonging: Jacki (Jacqueline) Black welcomes outreach from faculty and staff who are interested in learning more about how to support students who may be potentially affected by changes in immigration law enforcement.
Be mindful of travel plans amid potential changes in the law
Students and faculty should consult with the Office of International Education before traveling abroad.
As the situation develops, the university will share more information about its response. Watch Marquette Today for any future updates.
