Dear Students,
Earlier this week, I joined with the other presidents of the Massachusetts community colleges and the superintendent of the Boston Public Schools to express our deep concern over the decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA). Here is a link to our letter. I want to echo that message and tell each of you directly how important you are to our community.
MassBay is a community of learners that welcomes all students. We consider our diversity to be critical to our identity. As the president of MassBay, I have witnessed how our community is stronger and more vibrant because of the diverse backgrounds of our students. We want MassBay to remain your institution of learning and for you to know we are dedicated to your success.
The faculty and staff of MassBay are committed to our students regardless of their immigration status. We want each of you to feel safe and supported as you pursue your education. Should you need to talk, our staff in Student Development and the Admissions Office have an open door for you to reach out. As always, our Counseling Services staff is available to any enrolled MassBay student and is free and confidential. The Counseling Office is located in the Student Development Office in Room 130 in Wellesley and Room 316 in Framingham. In addition, faculty and other staff are eager to support you. We are here for you regardless of your immigration status.
The Admissions Office, Student Development, and the Diversity Office will offer a safe space for a conversation about the recent DACA decision. This pizza lunch will be a time for members of the community to come together to talk about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences relative to the DACA decision. This gathering will be held on Thursday, September 14, at noon (12 p.m.), the Alumni Board Room (Room 219) on our Wellesley campus. We welcome all members of the community to attend.
In addition, our Student Development team has put together a list of resources to support our students and their friends or families who need assistance around DACA issues.
Again, please know that we will do all we can to make MassBay a supportive, welcoming place where all students are free to pursue their education. Please do not hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.
Sincerely,
David Podell
President