TO: Campus Community
FR: Dr. Gerald L. Jones, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Dear Seawolves,
At Sonoma State University, we remain committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone in our community. In line with the CSU system and California state laws [AB 21 (Student and Campus Protections)] and [AB 450 (Workplace Protections)], this notice provides important information about immigration-related matters, including judicial warrants, and lists campus designees who are available to offer support and assistance.
If approached by someone identifying as a federal immigration official, please follow these campus protocols:
- Notify: Immediately contact Tramaine Austin-Dillon, Director of Institutional Equity and Belonging at (707) 664-2316 or [email protected] if an immigration-related warrant is being served.
- Wait: The individual should remain on site until the Director arrives. If the warrant concerns someone present, stay with them and call the SSU Police Department at (707) 664-4444 for assistance. Please note that the police department’s role is to keep the peace and might not be able to stop an arrest from taking place.
- Witness / Document: If it is safe to do so, observe the interaction. Send a summary, including officer credentials and any campus staff involved, to [email protected]
Do Not:
- Accept any warrant, court order, or legal documents from immigration officers.
- Disclose or discuss personal information about any campus member.
- Engage in physical confrontation or interference.
In-Person CHIRLA Free Legal Immigration Services
The DREAM Center, in partnership with CHIRLA, provides free legal consultations on DACA renewals, citizenship, status adjustments, advance parole, SIJS, U-visas, and more. Services are open to SSU students, staff, faculty, alumni (within two years of graduation), and their immediate family members.
Upcoming in-person appointments:
- Tuesday, September 23
- Tuesday, October 21
- Wednesday, November 5
- Tuesday, December 2
Register HERE for an in-person appointment.
Faculty Workshop: Supporting Undocumented Students & Employees
Faculty are invited to attend a workshop on Tuesday, September 30, from 9 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. in Stevenson 1301. The session will cover university protocols, available resources, and strategies to support students and employees concerned with immigration enforcement, including practice on how to respond if approached by an immigration officer. For questions, please contact Tramaine Austin-Dillon at [email protected].
Resources and Support
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CSU Resources for Undocumented Students: Updated guidance and resources from the CSU Chancellor’s Office.
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“Know Your Rights” Red Cards: Available from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center at:
- The HUB (Schulz 1058)
- Seawolf Services (Salazar Hall)
- CAASE Office
- Digital versions are also available to download in multiple languages.
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F and J Students Visa Regulation Information and Support
- International Student Advisor, Katie O’Brien
- International Student Visa Regulations, Support website
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H-1B Faculty
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Katie O’Brien and Faculty Affairs
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Mental Health and Emergency Support Services
- Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS): (707) 664-2153
- Confidential Advocate: (707) 664-2698
- Employee Assistance Program (LifeMatters by Empathia): 1-800-367-7474
- SSU Police Department (24/7): 911 or (707) 664-4444
For additional information on legal services, events, and support, please visit the SSU DREAM Center website or contact [email protected]