VSA Council endorses CIE statement on undocumented students

The Committee on Inclusion and Excellence (CIE) issued a recommendation that the College begin to admit undocumented students. The recommendation was released on Sept.19 and was unanimously endorsed by the Vassar Student Association (VSA) Council at a meeting on Sept 28.


The statement issued by the CIE notes that thousands of American high school graduates do not have legal documentation. A 1982 Supreme Court ruling allows these students to attend school between kindergarten and 12th grade, but there is no federal or state law regarding higher education for undocumented students. Institutions across the country have varying policies on whether or not to admit these students. New York state law allows undocumented high school students to qualify for in-state tuition at public universities, but they are not permitted to receive federal financial aid.


The CIE recommends that undocumented students be granted financial aid under the same terms as international students, who are also unable to receive grants from the U.S. government. These students, like international students, would however be eligible for private Vassar scholarships. They would not, however, be allowed Pell Grants, Federal loans, or work-study employment status.


The CIE, which drafted the recommendation, is co-chaired by Professor of Art History Lisa Collins and Professor of Political Science Katherine Hite. The Committee is comprised of various deans, professors and other faculty members. Its only student members are Syed Samin Shehab '11, who was elected to the Committee, and VSA Vice President for Student Life Nate Silver '10. Dean of Admissions David Borus, who also endorsed the statement, sits on the Committee as well.


The recommendation states, "Giving equal consideration to undocumented student applicants is consistent with prinipled and inclusive spirit of the College." It also points to the College's community involvement as evidence that Vassar students are becoming increasingly involved with undocumented students. Specific programs such as English as a Second Language tutoring, the Sponsor's for Equal Opportunity Vassar Collaboration and the Exploring College Summer Program were given as examples of the College's commitment to these under-represented students.

Before the VSA Council endorsed the document at their meeting, Strong House President Mary-Catherine Halfpenny '11explained that she has worked for the Exploring College Summer Program, which offers potential students the chance to take Vassar courses over the summer.

"As a student who went through that program, working for it for the last few years, and seeing students that are of a non-traditional backgrounds and first-generation, I believe that this is a good step for the College for accessibility—allowing students who haven't had access the access they deserve," said Halfpenny.


Some Council members were concerned about the legality of admitting undocumented students. VSA President Jimmy Kelly '09 explained that Harvard University policy admits undocumented students, but informs these students that the University cannot promise them work placement or the ability to re-enter the country after going abroad.


Class of 2009 President Luis Hoyos questioned whether undocumented students' applications would be considered need-blind. Silver noted that the financial situations of undocumented students would be complicated, as they are not eligible for financial aid. However the document does not address the issue of need-blind admission.

After the VSA endorsed the recommendation, Kelly pointed out that encouraging the College to admit undocumented students had been one of the VSA's goals at the beginning of the year.