January 30, 2017

Dear UH Community

Last Friday, the White House issued an executive order temporarily banning the entry of people from seven countries to the United States. While the details of the executive order are still evolving, its immediate impact on the academic community is significant and is of great concern to the University of Houston.

The University of Houston currently has 280 students from the impacted countries as well as many faculty and staff. In addition we have thousands of international students who are an integral and valued part of our Cougar family. As a diverse and inclusive community that believes in the power of education, the University of Houston stands with our students, faculty and staff from all countries, races, religions and backgrounds. We understand the anxiety of the members of our campus community who may be affected by this and offer support to them.

First, we advise everyone who could be affected by the executive order to avoid traveling outside of the United States until this matter has been resolved.

Our Office of International Students and Scholar Services is available to provide advice and counsel to the students specifically affected by this travel ban and to other students impacted that have concerns.

Any faculty or staff members who face complications, either direct or indirect, as a result of this order are urged to contact the Office of the Provost for guidance.

In addition, the Immigration Clinic at the UH Law Center has been and continues to be a rich resource for advisement and assistance for those impacted by the executive order.

We respect and value those members of our campus community potentially affected by this executive order. They play a crucial role in contributing to this University’s impressive diversity, academic distinction and research excellence. UH has been greatly enriched by their presence and we look forward to their continued involvement in all that we do. 

With warm regards,
Renu Khator
President