Dear USD Community,

As we approach the end of the semester and the conclusion of our 75th anniversary year, I want to extend my gratitude for all you do to make our USD community a special place. While USD has grown and changed in many important ways over the years, I am certain that our founders would be incredibly proud of how we have remained steadfast in our commitment to our mission and values - especially our care for one another and our community.

Last Thursday, the California Catholic Conference issued a joint statement on immigration by Bishops throughout the state. This message aligns with our own commitment to access and inclusion. Promoting social justice and the dignity of every person is fundamental to our identity as a Catholic university. We take seriously our responsibility to serve as an anchor institution and confront the challenges facing our world with compassion, justice, and love. At USD, we support our colleagues and neighbors, especially the most vulnerable among us.

In alignment with the statement from our Church leadership, we remain committed to and reaffirm our principles and Culture of Care that protects international students and scholars and immigrants who study and work on our campus. Over the years, many members of our community have worked diligently to develop programs and resources that support the needs of our community, living our mission and helping to ensure that all belong at USD.

As we turn the page to a new year, I encourage our community members to make sure they carefully review the academic calendar and take note of key dates and deadlines for the start of the spring semester. With possible policy changes on the horizon at the federal level, it may be prudent to plan arrival dates back to campus prior to any potential changes in national immigration policy and ensure that applications to government programs are filed well in advance of deadlines.

USD colleagues are reaching out to those who may be directly impacted. International students and scholars who have questions about international arrivals should contact the USD International Center. Community members with questions on immigration topics can call the USD Immigration Law Clinic at (619) 260-7470, or access a host of off-campus resources, including Catholic Charities.

During this festive season of hope and light, let us redouble our efforts to work in solidarity to create justice, foster peace, and ensure every member of our community is able to thrive in every dimension of their lives. I wish you and your loved ones peace and joy this Christmas season and the very best for the new year.

Peace,

James T. Harris III, DEd
President