*On July 14, 2020, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agreed to rescind the directive announced on July 6. However, Temple University wants our international student population to know that we remain committed to them.

Four years ago, Temple University sparked a national movement with its #YouAreWelcomeHere campaign, an effort to show international students that they are valued members of the Temple community. That movement—which demonstrated the depth of Temple’s commitment to our international students—blossomed as we raised awareness about the vital role these students play in our learning community and at colleges and universities around the nation. 

The recent federal policy change has required us to enhance our efforts to keep these international students in Philadelphia. I want to assure each of you that our Office of International Affairs is working with our international students to ensure that they remain Temple Owls this fall. As a university that is offering in-person, hybrid and remote classes, we have the opportunity to ensure that our international students will be with us when the semester begins in August. 

You should also know that Temple University is joining with the public universities who recognize that international students are important to the future of our schools, and to the success and prosperity of our nation. We are adding our voice to the initiatives of the American Council on Education,  the Association of Public & Land-grant Universities  and other groups in making clear that students from abroad deserve to live and learn in the U.S. 

One of Temple’s great strengths is the broad range of students who come here each year, seeking a world-class education in one of this nation’s iconic cities. Just as students from the U.S. grow as they work with their peers from other nations, international students learn about our great country and its roots by studying in Philadelphia. 

Our message to our international students continues to be loud and clear: #YouAreWelcomeHere. 

Sincerely,

Richard M. Englert
President