This is the first of many weekly notes that will provide critical updates to the College community. Today is the start of my second full week as your Interim Chancellor, and there is much important information to share.
As many of you already know, last week Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a new ruling prohibiting international students from continuing their studies in the United States if their coursework is entirely remote. Given the current public health challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, much of our Fall 2020 coursework is being offered remotely, which means hundreds of our international students could be impacted.
On behalf of the California Community College and CSU systems, last week Attorney General Xavier Becerra signed on to a lawsuit seeking an injunction against this ruling - which the College filed a motion to support. The lawsuit will be heard in court tomorrow, which is when we hope to know whether or not the new rule will be upheld. Regardless, we are doing everything we can to support our international students, and will be sending out regular information updates this week. Please continue to visit our Office of International Programs website for the latest news.
This is just the latest example of the hurdles that are continually thrown at our students, faculty, staff, and administrators. Last week I had the opportunity to meet with leaders from each of these constituency groups, and I got to see firsthand the incredible work you have done in the face of challenges. You continue to go above and beyond to serve our students, and I want to thank each of you again for this remarkable work. These conversations are laying the groundwork for our time together over the coming year, and I look forward to continuing these conversations during the first Chancellor’s Open Forum this coming Wednesday, July 29 from 2:00pm – 3:00pm. If you are interested in viewing tomorrow’s hearing, please find more information on the board of supervisors' agenda, .
Thank you all for your warm welcome, and I look forward to continuing our work together.
Rajen Vurdien, Ph.D.
Interim Chancellor
City College of San Francisco