April 18, 2025
VP@SEWB Newsletter: Know Your Resources – Georgia Tech’s Support Services for Students In Need

Aloha Yellow Jackets,

It is hard to believe that we are reaching the end of another academic year!  Next Tuesday is the last instructional day for Spring 2025, and then we look beyond that to finals and Commencement.  To those who will be receiving their degree in a few weeks – congratulations!!!!  And for those of you battling the pollen, just know that I share your pain. 😊

In this month’s issue – the last until we return in Fall 2025 – we will cover the following:

  • Immigration and Visa Concerns
  • Title IX and Where to Seek Assistance

Immigration and Visa Concerns

Over the last couple of weeks, we have heard from students and faculty concerned about the growing reports of international students having their visas and residency status revoked. Many are also fearful about the potential for immediate deportation.  We know that this issue is causing much anxiety among our international students and the Office of International Education (OIE) is working to provide direct support to our students. Each affected student has been personally contacted by OIE, and Georgia Tech staff are providing as much support as we possibly can.

There is no single, unifying factor among the affected students at Georgia Tech.  We do not know the reasons that their SEVIS (Student & Exchange Visitor Information System) records were terminated. The brief text submitted in the system is very general and not indicative of any individual’s actions, or lack of actions, as being the source of the terminations for our students.

Students who need assistance or support should contact OIE. The team at OIE is best positioned to provide accurate information, timely support, and relevant resources tailored to each student’s situation.

In addition, OIE offers daily advising services via drop-in hours, appointment-based advising, and support for email inquiries at info@oie.gatech.edu. You can learn how to access these services and view available appointments on the International Student and Scholar Services Advising page.  Students can also review travel information provided by OIE on their webpage. Additional resources based on one’s visa status are listed below: 

Students should be aware that Georgia Tech’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) is not able to provide legal assistance or advice to students - just as they cannot provide legal advice to any individual staff or faculty member. OGC only provides legal advice to the Institute.  OGC also does not have expertise in immigration matters.  However, in addition to the services provided by OIE, students can access a number of legal aid resources if they are not able to secure or afford the services of an attorney:

Lastly, for students wondering how to respond in the event that law enforcement officials come onto campus, the Georgia Tech Office of General Counsel’s FAQ website offers the following:

If a local, state or federal law enforcement agent requests access to non-public areas of campus, asks questions, or seeks records from you, either as an employee or as a student, immediately refer the agent to the Georgia Tech Police Department and call the GTPD non-emergency number at 404-894-2500 to notify them of the agent’s presence.  

Request the agent to wait in an area away from any Georgia Tech confidential, proprietary, or export-controlled information. Politely document the date, time and details of the interaction, and if available, the name of the agent, agency affiliation, identification number and contact information. While you have the right to document and report the incident, do not physically obstruct or interfere with the actions of the agents.  

Do not disclose non-public information or accept service of legal documents, such as a subpoena or warrant, addressed to the Institute.  If documents are presented to you, inform the agents that you are not authorized to accept service on behalf of the Institute or department and refer the agent to the Office of the General Counsel at 404-894-4812.  

We encourage any student who is concerned about visa- or other immigration-related issues to develop a personal plan of action, which includes identifying potential legal and other resources, and have a communication plan with family members and friends. Any undergraduate or graduate student in need of academic-related assistance or advocacy can, as always, contact the Dean of Students Office or submit a request online at https://studentlife.gatech.edu/request-assistance. General questions or concerns can be sent to vp_sewb@gatech.edu.

Title IX and Where to Seek Assistance
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and given questions posed by students during a recent Town Hall, I wanted to share information about resources for reporting and receiving assistance if you experience sexual harassment, sexual violence, or dating/relationship violence.

Title IX Coordinator. Students who are seeking support or are ready to explore options for investigation and resolution are strongly encouraged to contact the Title IX Coordinator, Alicia Carter Harris, in the Office of Equal Opportunity, Compliance & Conflict Management (EOCCM).  This office offers and implements appropriate and reasonable supportive measures and resources to students upon notice of alleged sexual misconduct, discriminatory harassment, discrimination, and/or retaliation; students do not need to file a formal complaint to seek supportive measures or resources. In addition, EOCCM coordinates investigation and adjudication processes in response to a formal complaint filed under the sexual misconduct policy; EOCCM can also facilitate an alternative, or informal resolution, pathway.

Confidential Advocates. For confidential support, students can meet with a VOICE Advocate.  Confidential advocates have been designated to speak with a Complainant or Respondent in confidence. Confidential Employees must only report that the incident occurred and provide date, time, location, and name of the Respondent (if known) without revealing any information that would personally identify the alleged victim. This minimal reporting is submitted in compliance with Title IX and the Clery Act; and it should be noted that Confidential Employees may be required to fully disclose details of an incident in order to ensure campus safety. (Refer to the Sexual Misconduct Policy for more information.)

An Advocate can be reached by calling (404) 894-9000, 24 hours a day.  Appointments can also be scheduled online. Advocates can provide short-term crisis counseling, explain the pros and cons of various reporting options, make referrals to on-and off-campus resources as appropriate, and help determine supportive measures.

Center for Mental Health Care & Resources. Students who have experienced sexual or relationship violence but remain unsure about how to proceed can always seek the services of a team member in the Center for Mental Health Care & Resources (CMHCR). They can provide crisis intervention services and counseling support in both individual and group settings, as well as help individuals weigh the various options available for recourse. They offer confidentiality by the nature of their role as mental health professionals. Students who would like to set up an appointment to receive mental health counseling can walk into CMHCR’s main location in Smithgall Student Services Building, Suite 238, or call (404) 894-2575. 

Closing Thoughts
I recognize this is always an interesting time of the year – students likely feel tremendous pressure and stress, yet at the same time, there can be a sense of anticipation and excitement. Regardless, the staff across Student Engagement & Well-Being are ready to offer support, guidance, resources, and referrals as needed.

I wish you the best of luck with your final exams and projects! Please continue to take care of yourself and each other and reach out to us when necessary.  See you next year in August!!!!

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Luoluo
Dr. Luoluo Hong
Vice President for Student Engagement & Well‐Being