For more than 160 years, the Marianists have enriched our community, creating a welcoming and inclusive campus. Every person, no matter their faith or background, is treated with respect and openness. The University of Dayton is supported by The Characteristics of Marianist Universities in providing educational opportunities to:

educate for formation in faith
provide an excellent education
educate in family spirit
educate for service, justice, and peace and
educate for adaptation and change

We benefited from the all-embracing and universal vision of the Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, founder of the Society of Mary, of educating all people. The Marianist approach to higher education is deeply committed to building community across diversity and promoting the common good (Common Themes in the Mission and Identity of the University of Dayton). We recognize our responsibility to understand and improve the world. This long tradition of the University is supported by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops who have recently stated:

“We strongly urge Congress to act and immediately resume work toward a legislative solution. We pledge our support to work on finding an expeditious means of protection for DACA youth.

As people of faith, we say to DACA youth – regardless of your immigration status, you are children of God and welcome in the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church supports you and will advocate for you."

This page was last updated on July 20, 2023.

This website is intended to serve as an information hub for students and other members of the UD community who have DACA status or who are undocumented.

Support on Campus

We are here to support you. Anyone with questions or needing support, please consider the offices and individuals listed below as resources.

Office	Contact Information
The Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center	Merida Allen, Associate Dean of Students and Executive Director: mallen2@udayton.edu or 937.229.3634 Andy Reza, Engagement and Belonging Specialist: preza1@udayton.edu or 937.229.3634
Global & Intercultural Affairs Center	Tim Kao, Senior Director of International Student and Scholar Services: tkao01@udayton.edu or 937.229.2770
Campus Ministry	Crystal Sullivan, Executive Director: csullivan1@udayton.edu or 937.229.3369 Andres Lopez, Campus Minister for Neighborhood and LatinX Ministries: alopez1@udayton.edu or 937.229.3570
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion	Tiffany Taylor, Vice President: ttaylor4@udayton.edu or 937.229.4073
The Human Rights Center	Natalie Hudson, Executive Director: nhudson1@udayton.edu or 937.229.3229
Enrollment Management, Financial Aid & Admissions	Catherine Mix, Associate Vice President and Director of Financial Aid: cmix01@udayton.edu or 937.229.4311 Donnell Wiggins, Associate Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management & Dean of Admission: dwiggins1@udayton.edu or 937.229.3730
Employee Assistance Program (staff and faculty)	LifeWorks Employee Assistance Program

Financial Aid for Undocumented or DACA Students

The university is committed to supporting undocumented or DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students with financial aid. Visit the Financial Aid for Undocumented or DACA Students website or contact Catherine Mix at cmix01@udayton.edu for information regarding common questions related to eligibility.

Information on DACA

Several non-University resources listed at the bottom of this website may assist individuals in understanding components associated with the federal decision to rescind DACA. Students can call or visit the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center (MEC) if they have questions and/or to receive support. Faculty and staff should contact the Office of Legal Affairs.

US Government: https://www.usa.gov/daca

US Citizenship and Immigration Services: https://www.uscis.gov/DACA

National Immigration Law Center: https://www.nilc.org/issues/daca/

American Immigration Council: https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/

University Reaction and Communications Regarding Support for DACA

WOSU-AM: Dayton Higher Ed Leaders Urge Action for Dreamers (9/6/17)

Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) Statement on the Rescinding of DACA (9/5/17)

The University of Dayton along with 1,300 Catholic educators signed a letter to Chief of Staff General John Kelly, urging, “It is a moral and policy failure when our government targets children and young adults who simply aspire to live the American dream. Breaking up families and communities undermines the best values of our nation.”

University statement on announcement DACA will be rescinded (9/5/17)

Catholic higher education always has had a special role in educating immigrants and the children of immigrants; our campus is enriched by the many gifts and talents they bring. The order rescinding the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy is deeply concerning to many on our campus and in the Dayton community who are or have family, friends or colleagues affected by this decision. We urge our representatives in Washington to act swiftly to pass legislation that offers a path to citizenship for Dreamers. We will continue to work with national groups to advocate for a solution that is fair to these young people and will best benefit our country.

Dayton Daily News: Area college presidents rebuke Trump administration plan to end DACA (9/5/17)

Dr. Eric Spina, University of Dayton President, tweets his support of Dreamers (9/4/17).

President Eric Spina’s Blog: From the Heart

University of Dayton Immigration Work Group Established (2/21/17)

University of Dayton #YouAreWelcomeHere Video (2/1/17)

The University of Dayton has joined with more than 25 U.S. universities to create welcoming videos for international students. The #YouAreWelcomeHere campaign was initiated in 2016 to encourage universities to create and share welcoming messages. International students from approximately 70 countries add richness and diversity, and bring a global perspective to campus.

Dayton Daily News: Ohio Colleges Push for Protections for Illegal Immigrants (12/6/16)

The Washington Post: Catholic college leaders pledge solidarity with undocumented students (12/2/16)

Catholic Higher Education Leaders Affirm Support of Undocumented Students (11/30/2016)

The University of Dayton expressed its support of support of undocumented students along with more than 120 presidents of Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) member colleges and universities.

Pomona College: Statement in Support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program and our Undocumented Immigrant Students (11/21/16)

Letter From College and University Presidents Urging Congress to Take Action to Protect Dreamers (10/19/17)

http://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/Institutional-Letter-Urging-Congress-to-Protect-Dreamers.aspx

Protocol for Immigration Agent Request for Information

The University of Dayton has protocols in place for responding to government authorities, particularly as such officials engage in immigration enforcement activities. It is important all offices are aware of these protocols. Please share this information with your colleagues and especially with students who work in your office. Information about the protocol can be found here.

Non-University Resources

Because of the unprecedented nature of the situation, the University advises DACA recipients to read and follow more than one trusted source of information. In addition to the information on this webpage, also consider exploring the resources listed below. This information is from official government agencies or established professional associations.

Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE)

Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC)