Resources for students who have DACA or undocumented status

All campus departments and resources are available to you as Gettysburg College students.

This page lists resources you might find particularly helpful as a student with DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status, or who is undocumented.

National legislation updates and resources

Looking for the latest updates on legislation and national resources? Consult the following sites:

Initial point of contact for DACA questions

Your initial point of contact for DACA questions is Brenda Reyes-Lúa at x6490 who:

Serves as point person for student concerns
Connects students with campus resources
Supports students in DACA renewal application process
Updates campus resources webpage

Working group supporting DACA and undocumented students

College Life has a Working Group entitled “Supporting Students with DACA Status or who are Undocumented.” Reach out to any of these individuals with suggestions and concerns:

Rebecca Barth, Center for Career Engagement
Chris Bloomford, Center for Career Engagement
Darrien Davenport, Office of Multicultural Engagement
Brad Lancaster, International Student Services
Marcela Manzo Vessi, Center for Career Engagement
Gretchen Carlson Natter, Center for Public Service
Brenda Reyes-Lúa, Center for Public Service
Jeff Rioux, Center for Public Service

Student advocacy and peer support resources

The Butterfly Coalition

The goal of the Butterfly Coalition is to provide support to undocumented students on campus and embrace the intersectionality and multifacetedness within the community.

butterfly kite flying over stage at Salsa in the Square event — Photo from “Salsa in the Square,” 2019

Logistical support from the College

1. Student emergency fund

Students may apply for emergency grant assistance through the Student Emergency Fund when other traditional methods of funding have been exhausted. This fund is not meant to replace existing financial aid, and does not need to be repaid. Students are eligible for grants up to $1,000 per academic year.

2. Immigration advising

Immigration advising is provided through the College. Contact Brad Lancaster for information.

3. Transportation for immigration-related appointments

Transportation for immigration-related appointments is provided through the College. Contact Brad Lancaster for information.

On-campus employment, internship and career resources

Consideration for on-campus work, fellowships, internships, and career resources are provided through the Center for Career Engagement. A comprehensive list of resources for students with DACA on Handshake.

Semester-long study within the United States

Semester-long study options within the United States are provided through the Center for Global Education. See CGE-affiliated program information to get started.

Local community resources

Connections to resources and opportunities in the local community are provided through the Center for Public Service. Connect with the Adams County immigrant community through community partnerships such as Painted Turtle Farm, Casa de la Cultura, and more.

Training

Professional Development Workshops (piloting Spring Semester 2020) will be available for College Life staff who wish to gain greater understanding and skills for supporting students with DACA or who are undocumented.

Official campus communications

Campus communications and signed letters in support of students with DACA status or who are undocumented: