Undocumented Student Resources
Westminster University Welcomes Undocumented and DACA-mented Students
Westminster University is a place where students thrive, innovate, and lead, regardless of citizenship status. At Westminster, we stand firmly with our undocumented students, especially in light of recent legislative developments, and remain committed to providing unwavering support and resources to ensure their success and well-being.
Applying to Westminster
Yes, Westminster University is committed to supporting all students and their learning. Our goal is to ensure that all of our students know that they are valued members of the university community.
Application steps and important dates are available on the Undergraduate Admissions webpage.
Consider applying to Westminster's First Scholars program, an academic program for low-income and/or traditionally underrepresented first-generation students that provides community, mentorship, and scholarships.
Paying for College
Yes, when you apply for admission to the university, you will be considered for merit scholarships for either first-year or transfer students, depending on your situation. More information about Westminster scholarships is available on the Scholarships webpage.
Even though you are not an international student, some of the information on our International Student Financial Aid webpage may be helpful to review, too.
Yes, you'll likely need to complete a CSS profile. This is an application that asks for financial information so that we can determine a student’s need and eligibility for institutional grant funding.
Immigrants Rising also has a list of scholarships and fellowships that don’t require proof of U.S. citizenship.
As a safe haven, Westminster University is committed to doing the following:
- We will not share private information about our students, faculty, or staff to anyone, unless authorized by the student or required by court order or subpoena.
- We will not voluntarily assist in any efforts by the federal government to deport our students, faculty, or staff solely because of their citizenship status, unless required by court order or subpoena.
- We will continue to admit students consistent with our nondiscrimination policies so that undocumented students will be considered for admission under the same criteria as U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- We will stay abreast of potential policy changes or legislative efforts and actively share such information and guidance as it becomes available.
- We will encourage alums and campus friends who share our commitment to make their expertise in counseling services or immigration law available to Westminster students, donating time to provide pro-bono services.
- We will strengthen our campus ties to community partners that can assist in accessing resources for undocumented students in our community.
- We will encourage the sharing of knowledge and dialogue that embraces the diverse experiences of our community members and find opportunities to facilitate conversations.
- We will not tolerate hate crimes and are committed to fully investigate any such reported conduct.
At Westminster University
As an admitted and enrolled student, you have access to many of the resources listed on the Student Life webpage. Here are a few important ones:
- Student Health Services offers quick, convenient, and affordable access to medical care provided by a family nurse practitioner who can diagnose and treat common health problems. Student Health Services offers services for well and sick visits, prescriptions, and sexual health, as well as certain immunizations, procedures, and testing. All you need is your student ID to access care.
- Counseling Center assists students in clarifying and accomplishing personal and academic goals and offers individual counseling, group counseling, support groups, referral services, and programming.
- Purple Basket provides access to free, sustainable, and ethically sourced foods as well as hygiene and basic household items.
- Student Disability Services ensures students with physical, learning, and psychiatric disabilities have equal access to academics, services, and physical spaces on campus.
- Associated Students of Westminster Opportunity Funds provides help with conference attendance, research, professional meetings, or engagement in service.
Students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are eligible to work on campus.
Associated Students of Westminster has scholarship positions that are not citizenship-dependent (e.g., President, VP of Internal Affairs, VP of Campus Affairs, VP of Government Affairs, Director of Marketing, Director of Programming, Director of Budgeting).
College is better when you’re involved with activities and events outside of the classroom. At Westminster University, you are invited to explore and ask questions, and get to know yourself and your peers better while building community and forming long-lasting friendships. On campus, you can find or create a club, program, or organization that fits just about anything you’re interested in. Here are a few places to explore:
- Student Engagement and Belonging – Student Engagement and Belonging promotes student engagement and cultural intelligence
by fostering fellowship, academics, and social engagement through student-led and
staff-supported programs that provide opportunities for students to develop their
social identities and spaces for students to gather and discuss issues of power, privilege,
oppression, and social engagement.
- Student Engagement and Belonging also provides the opportunity to be involved in 5 identity-based programs including Raíces Unidas, Queer Compass, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Life, Black Excellence, and Disability Justice. Each of these identity groups plans and executes different campus events such as social and cultural events, educational workshops, study groups, and self-care activities. If you have any questions about how to join any of these groups, reach out to Janet Reyes, the Associate Director of Student Engagement and Belonging.
- Health, Wellness, and Athletic Center (HWAC) – From a climbing wall and group exercise to certifications and personal training, the Health, Wellness, and Athletic Center has a lot to offer to help you shape your personal approach to health and wellness.
- Athletics – Westminster University Athletics is a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) and NCAA Division II. Westminster University currently has 17 NCAA II sports teams and 7 non-NCAA sports teams.
Research is a great opportunity to grow your skills, knowledge, and network. There are several ways to get research experience as an undocumented student:
Fellowships include summer experiences and developmental opportunities while you're enrolled at Westminster University, as well as post-graduation internships, training, and jobs. The Office for Fellowship Advising works closely with students to identify and apply for fellowships. Many undocumented and DACA-mented students have won prestigious fellowships in their fields. Check out some additional resources for fellowships:
- Immigrants Rising – has a variety of resources to support undocumented students (and educate allies), including scholarships, fellowships, how to create fellowships, law and policy, and higher ed-specific topics.
- My Undocumented Life – provides up-to-date information and resources to undocumented students, their families, and allies (including educators, counselors, and administrators).
- United We Dream – provides live, national updates and resources.
- National Immigration Law Center – is a leading organization in the U.S., dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of immigrants with low income.
- Catholic Community Services of Utah Division of Immigration and Refugee Resettlement – provides legal services to refugees and migrants at each stage of the immigration process. Services are available in both Salt Lake City and Ogden.
- Comunidades Unidas/Communities United – connects Latinx immigrants to social service programs and provides opportunities to organize.
- Holy Cross Ministries of Utah Immigration Services – is dedicated to helping immigrants and their families gain legal status.
- Immigrant Legal Services – helps individuals and families navigate the complex immigration system through affordable legal representation.
- International Rescue Committee (Salt Lake City Office) – helps people affected by humanitarian crises, including the climate crisis, to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives.
Contact Us
If you have more questions, don't hesitate to reach out and ask.
Kelly Asao
Associate Professor
Audrey Clare
Career Coach
Helaman Hernandez Salas
Academic Advisor
Jose Hernandez Zamudio
Assistant Dean, Honors College
Janet Reyes
Associate Director, Student Engagement and Belonging
After Westminster University
Finding employment can be tricky. Here are some resources to help you navigate the process:
- Life After College: A Guide for Undocumented Students – includes information, tips, and resources as well as personal narratives, student testimonials, and advice from experts.
- My Undocumented Life – provides up-to-date information and resources to undocumented students, their families, and allies (including educators, counselors, and administrators).
- Westminster Career Center – alumni have free, lifetime access to the Career Center and all of our resources.
- Suazo Business Center – advises minority-owned businesses on all aspects of starting and running a business, and they’re located right here in Sugar House.
You should pay attention to the licensing requirements of your desired career (e.g., social security card) that vary by state. These are constantly changing, but check out the Higher Ed Immigration Portal guide to licensing in Utah for help. Keep in mind that you may be able to get a license in your chosen field in other states (e.g., social work in California or teaching in Nevada).
Check out these helpful resources to start your journey in applying to graduate school:
- Undocu-Grad School Guide from New York State Leadership Council
- The Dream.org Grad School Resource Guide
Check out these resources for information about specific fields:
- Pre-Health Information:
- Pre-Law Information:
Resources for Faculty and Staff
- Immigrants Rising – provides a variety of resources to support undocumented students (and educate allies). Resources include scholarships, fellowships, how to create fellowships, law and policy, and higher ed-specific topics.
- My Undocumented Life – provides up-to-date information and resources to undocumented students, their families, and allies (including educators, counselors, and administrators).
- HigherEd Immigration Portal – provides a list of people from across the country who work in higher education with undocumented students.
- Undocu Career and Entrepreneurship Resources – provides career resources for undocumented and DACA students.
- Supporting Undocumented Students – provides resources to learn how to be an ally to undocumented students.
- Supporting Undocumented Students and Mixed Status Families – provides resources for how teachers can create a safe and inclusive environment for students navigating immigration status stress.