Topeka, Kan. – Washburn University President Jerry Farley sent a letter to the university community today expressing concern over new federal policies about international students. The new policies state that students attending U.S. colleges and universities can’t remain in the country if they are being taught entirely online.
“We agree with other institutions that this policy is unnecessarily harsh,” Farley said, “but we want to assure our international students that we are working to protect their interests and their ability to remain on campus and in our community.”
The letter noted that Washburn will ensure that international students will continue to have at least one face-to-face or hybrid class in order to meet the new requirement even if conditions change.
“Promoting global understanding and exchange is part of Washburn’s core values. International students bring a richness to our university community,” Farley said. “It is imperative that we continue our relationships and global partnerships for the benefit of everyone.”
Washburn expects to enroll about 200 international students this fall from more than 30 countries and has exchange programs with universities in a number of regions including Europe and the Far East.
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