Campus Allies

An Ally of undocumented students is a person who:

• Acknowledges that undocumented students have a right to be enrolled in the university
• Becomes informed about the rights afforded by law to DACA students
• Believes that children and youth ought not to be targets of anti-immigrant discrimination; i.e., children should be left out of the immigration "wars"
• Knows that because of negative attitudes toward illegal immigration and the lack of legal rights accorded to children and youth who are undocumented, that a person who has legal status has more power in initiating institutional support and can advocate against prejudice and discrimination
• Listens openly, yet does not interrogate the student on their immigration status
• Does not "out" the student to others, without the student's permission
• Does not encourage students to act on matters that may compromise them when they have the opportunity to adjust their status
• Creates a climate of trust that allows the student to reveal their situation at their own pace
• Handles student's emotions with reserve, empathy, and support, and refers to appropriate professional campus staff as needed.
• Follows up on referrals to assess the effectiveness of the referral
• Is clear about his or her own personal motivation in becoming an Ally
• Is committed to maintaining confidentiality and respecting the privacy of people who are undocumented.

The advisors in the UVU Multicultural Student Services office are available to assist with any admissions or any questions that you may have. To schedule an online academic advising appointment, please click on the “schedule an appointment” link located under each of the advisors’ photos.

See MSS Academic Advisors

Are there any majors or degrees not available to undocumented students?

Students may choose whatever major or degree they wish to study however certain career choices may require licensures and certifications that have state or national residency requirements.

1. Some professions such as teaching, nursing, mortuary science, surgical tech, and social work have additional licensing requirements at the state or national levels.
2. Majors that include a paid internship or field work (employment) as part of their curriculum typically require a Social Security number.
3. Volunteer positions and unpaid externships may be an option with a passport, visa, birth certificate, or other type of government identification that is acceptable to obtain a background check.

Can I work on campus?

Students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a renewable two-year deportation relief and employment authorization program for undocumented individuals who meet a series of extensive qualifying criteria, are eligible to work on campus.

If the DACA program is cancelled or revoked, will my status as an enrolled student protect me from deportation?

Enrolled student status does not necessarily provide protection from removal; however, a 2011 memo from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) designates college campuses as “sensitive locations,” meaning that college campuses would not be the focus of law enforcement actions (i.e. arrests, searches, interviews, and surveillance) unless: (a) exigent circumstances exist; (b) other law enforcement actions have led officers to campus; or (c) prior approval is obtained.