Getting help and support

Stanford is offering a range of support services for those with needs and questions about immigration issues. The Bechtel International Center can connect members of the campus community to legal assistance, drawing on expanded staffing in the Immigrants' Rights Clinic of Stanford Law School. Informational sessions, expanded counseling services, online travel guidance and emergency financial support are among the other services being made available.

Campus contacts
Campus events
Financial assistance
“Know your rights” & other external resources

Campus contacts

If you are a STUDENT…

  • … and are a national of any of the seven countries specified in the Jan. 27 executive order (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen) with questions or concerns about travel or other immigration matters, please contact the Bechtel International Center (travelban@stanford.edu) for assistance. Bechtel staff will facilitate scheduling a consultation with an immigration attorney to discuss your specific situation.
  • … and are a non-U.S. citizen seeking information about immigration or travel issues, consider attending one of the Friday afternoon information sessions being scheduled at the Bechtel International Center (see details below under Campus Events). If you have an urgent need, contact the Bechtel International Center (travelban@stanford.edu) for assistance.
  • … and are seeking mental or emotional health support, contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at (650) 723-3785. Also consider attending one of the sessions being offered by The Markaz resource center for the Muslim community (see details below under Campus Events). Individual CAPS drop-in sessions also will be available at the Bechtel International Center on Friday, Feb. 17, from 2 to 4 p.m.
  • … and need assistance with impacts on your graduate study at Stanford, please contact the Graduate Life Office at (650) 736-7078.
  • … and need assistance with impacts on your undergraduate study, please contact your Academic Advising Director (AAD) or, if you are a student athlete, the Athletic Academic Resource Center (AARC).

If you are a member of the FACULTY or STAFF…

  • … and need assistance planning research travel, please contact the Office of International Affairs at (650) 725-0076 or attend a Friday afternoon information session being scheduled at the Bechtel International Center (see details below under Campus Events).
  • … are concerned about continuing funding support for impacted students beyond a previously anticipated separation date, please contact your school dean’s office. Emergency funds are available.
  • … and are concerned about a staff member in your department, please contact the human resources manager in your school or department.

If you are a POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR…

  • … and are a national of any of the seven countries specified in the Jan. 27 executive order (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen) with questions or concerns about travel or other immigration matters, please contact the Bechtel International Center (travelban@stanford.edu) for assistance. Bechtel staff will facilitate scheduling a consultation with an immigration attorney to discuss your specific situation.
  • … and are a non-U.S. citizen seeking information about immigration or travel issues, consider attending one of the Friday afternoon information sessions being scheduled at the Bechtel International Center (see details below under Campus Events). If you have an urgent need, contact the Bechtel International Center (travelban@stanford.edu) for assistance.
  • … and need legal assistance, contact the Postdoc Assistance Program. This program can provide resources for local attorneys. A first consultation is free, with a reduced rate for future service.
  • … and have other questions or seek other kinds of support, contact the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs for help in getting to the appropriate resource.

If you are a member of the Stanford community whose plans to seek EMPLOYMENT, INTERNSHIPS OR POSTDOCTORAL OPPORTUNITIES have been affected by the executive order…

  • Contact these individuals at the appropriate university career centers for guidance and assistance (a Feb. 21 event is also planned under Campus Events below):

Farouk Dey, BEAM, Stanford Career Education
Stephanie Eberle, School of Medicine Career Center
Sofie Kleppner, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs
Maeve Richard, Graduate School of Business Career Management Center
Susan Robinson, Stanford Law School Office of Career Services
Nereyda Salinas, Stanford EdCareers at the Graduate School of Education

Campus events

Bechtel Friday afternoon sessions: The Bechtel International Center will be holding open house sessions on Friday afternoons from 2 to 4 p.m. for students and scholars who have concerns regarding their immigration situation, or that of their students, in the context of the recent executive order. Both student and scholar advisers will be present to offer guidance. Sessions are scheduled for Feb. 10, Feb. 17, Feb. 24, March 3, March 10 and March 17.

Weekly Resources at The Markaz: In partnership with CAPS, The Markaz has expanded its on-site mental health resources for students, including weekly group therapy meetings and one-on-one drop-in sessions with Drs. Rania Awaad and Oliver Lin:

Tuesday: Drop-In Counseling Sessions
30-minute confidential sessions with Dr. Oliver Lin
When: 12 noon – 2 p.m.
Where: Room 202, Nitery Building
Day-of sign-up: Students can secure their spots at 12 noon on Tuesday by adding their name to the sign-up sheet on the door of Room 202.

Thursday: Community Healing Circle
A therapeutic gathering and safe space for students to discuss concerns, fears and anxieties, and to connect in solidarity with others. Session led by Dr. Rania Awaad.
When: 5 – 7 p.m.
Where: Turquoise Room, The Markaz: Resource Center

Friday: Drop-In Counseling Sessions
30-minute confidential sessions with Dr. Rania Awaad
When: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Room 209, Nitery (location may change)
Day-of sign-up: Students can secure their spots at 10 a.m. on Friday by adding their name to the sign-up sheet on the door of Room 209. In the future, students will be able to sign up in advance through Dr. Awaad’s MeetMe scheduler.

Friday: Hour of Reflection
A post-Jummah group gathering for community members to reflect on the week and connect with each other. Session led by Dr. Rania Awaad.
Where: Old Union Sanctuary
When: 2 – 3 p.m.

Strategizing Your Job Search: BEAM (Bridging Education, Ambition & Meaningful Work) will hold a session on “Strategizing Your Job Search in Light of the Executive Order on Immigration” on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 12 noon. View details and sign-up information.

Financial assistance

The Opportunity Fund makes financial assistance available to students for urgent, short-term needs. Click here for additional information and an application.

Another resource for students is the Office of the Dean of Students.

If you are a faculty member concerned about continuing funding support for impacted students beyond a previously anticipated separation date, please contact your school dean’s office. Emergency funds are available.

“Know your rights” & other external resources

The Immigrants’ Rights Clinic of Stanford Law School has a page of external resources, including “Know Your Rights” materials.