Impact of Federal Guidances

Teaching and learning continue as usual. While the university does not anticipate disruptions, we are actively monitoring conditions that might impact teaching and learning at the Bentley and considering potential contingencies.

Bentley recognizes that the recent executive order about the U.S. Department of Education may raise concerns for students and families about federal student aid programs previously administered by the agency, such as direct loans and Pell Grants. At this time, the federal government has indicated that there will be no changes to the available federal student aid to individual students. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates if more information becomes available. 

One grant from the National Institutes of Health has been canceled. Bentley is supporting the faculty team and student research assistants so that they can continue their vital research. As of April 10, 2025, no other federal grants have been affected.

We recognize that some of the recent executive orders and new federal policies impact our community and can create uncertainty and stress. Mental health and counseling services are available to support our students. 

• Our Counseling Center is accessible 24 hours a day for immediate support. Call (781) 891-2274 or schedule an appointment here. 

• Students living in residential areas who need support can ask the resident assistant on duty to access a staff member for support after hours. 

• Spiritual Life can be reached by calling (781) 891-2418 or at GA_Spiritual_life@bentley.edu.  

The Employee Assistance Program offers counseling and referrals to faculty and staff (and their adult household members). The program provides support around many topics: mental and emotional health, legal, family, home and work. We also encourage faculty and staff to speak with their managers or department chairs or their Human Resources business partner if they have questions or concerns. In times of uncertainty, the Bentley core values of caring — practicing understanding, compassion and kindness — and respect — recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of all members of our community and striving to better understand and appreciate everyone — will provide the backdrop for these conversations with colleagues.
 

The Center for International Students and Scholars (CISS) serves as a resource for the university’s international students and scholars through immigration advising, cross-cultural programming and resource referral. The center can be reached at (781) 891-2829 or ga_ciss@bentley.edu. 

The university admits students based on academic qualifications regardless of their immigration status.

On June 4, 2025, the United States government announced a travel ban restricting entry into the United States for citizens from certain countries effective June 9, 2025. 

Affected countries: there are two tiers of countries impacted with different restrictions  

• FULL SUSPENSION BY COUNTRY: all citizens barred from entering the U.S.: Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen 

• PARTIAL SUSPENSION BY COUNTRY: citizens holding the following visa type are barred from entering the U.S.: Immigrants and Nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J Visas: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela 

• If you are from one of the countries listed in the travel ban, CISS strongly advises against traveling outside of the United States. 

• If you are from one of the affected countries and are currently outside the United States, please contact CISS immediately. If you have a visa that is valid on June 9, it will remain valid until its expiration date, and you should be able to request entry to the United States. 

• F-1/J-1 students: If you are from one of the countries on the travel ban list and you are now physically in the U.S., you are permitted to remain in the U.S. The travel ban does not take away your nonimmigrant status. 

• International students with other visa statuses: CISS advises that you consult an immigration attorney with any questions about your legal status in the U.S. You can ask  CISS for a list of local attorneys.  

International students and faculty can contact CISS with questions at ga_ciss@bentley.edu. 

Several news outlets reported a temporary pause in scheduling F-1 student visa appointments by the U.S. Department of State. According to these reports, the pause is intended to enhance screening procedures, including a review of student applicants’ social media accounts. 

Please review the following information to assist with your travel planning: 

• Visa Validity: F-1 student visas remain valid until the expiration date listed on the visa. Unless you are a citizen of Canada, you must have a valid F-1 visa to re-enter the U.S.
• Travel Advisory: Please refer to the CISS Travel Advisory for important considerations before traveling.
• Social Media Review: Since 2019, the U.S. Department of State has routinely requested social media account information as part of the visa application process. We do not have further details about the new vetting procedures.
• Recommendation: Consider reviewing your social media and online presence to remove posts that might hurt your application for a visa or your ability to re-enter the United States 

If you have specific questions about your situation, please contact Bentley's Center for International Students and Scholars at ga_ciss@bentley.edu.

Any member of the university approached by an officer who claims to be from ICE should immediately notify University Police at (781) 891-2201 (available to help 24/7). The university's general counsel is also available to help at  gcosta@bentley.edu or (781) 891-2088.

1. If you are approached by a federal agent in person, call University Police or refer the agent to them at (781) 891-2201. University Police will review the authenticity of the person and their request before referring it to the university’s general counsel. 

2. If you receive a request by email, voicemail or mail, send it to the university’s general counsel, Guilherme Costa, at  gcosta@bentley.edu or (781) 891-2088. Do not reply to the request. 

3. Faculty and staff should continue to process routine, non-immigration-related requests as they normally would. For example, refer requests about a student’s enrollment status to the registrar, etc.  

4. Do not hand over any documents or interfere with the agent. 

Bentley University Police does not enforce federal immigration law or detain individuals based on immigration status. Bentley police will also never ask you about your immigration status. 
 

You should carry documentation of your U.S. immigration status with you at all times. Federal regulations require you to have the following documents in your possession to document your lawful status to be in the U.S. 

You should: 

• Carry a printed copy of your most recent I-20 or DS-2019 document. 

• Carry a printed copy of your most recent I-94 arrival record. 

• Carry a copy of your passport, which must be valid at least six months into the future. 

• Do not use digital copies of your immigration documents on your phone. Carry physical copies.  

• You may also wish to familiarize yourself with your legal rights in the event you are approached by federal immigration authorities. There are numerous “Know Your Rights” guides available online, including this guide from the National Immigration Law Center. 

• Update your address. You are required to update your local U.S. address and your foreign address within 10 days of a move. Check Workday to make sure your address is updated and accurate. You should also register your address with USCIS within 10 days of any change. It is possible that updating Bentley with your address will not be considered sufficient. To update your address, complete a Form AR-11 online. You can complete and submit the form online by creating a USCIS account.   

• Stay enrolled full-time at all times. International students are required to maintain a full course load (12 credits for undergraduate students and nine credits for graduate students) during the academic year (Fall and Spring) to comply with immigration regulations. Maintain physical presence in your classes as required by your status. Contact the Center for International Students and Scholars if you think you may qualify for a reduced course load. Do not withdraw from a class without consulting your CISS advisor.  

• Check the end date on your I-20 or DS-2019. It is the expiration date of your lawful F-1 or J-1 status. If you need more time to complete your studies, submit a Form I-20 End Date Modification Form. You must submit an extension request before your current end date expires.  

• Do not engage in unauthorized employment under any circumstances. Consult the CISS website for more information on international student employment options.  

The Center for International Students and Scholars can not guarantee entry or re-entry into the United States. Consider postponing international travel whether personal, academic or professional.  

If you do decide to travel, make sure to bring all required documents with you:  

• Passport (valid for at least six months into the future) 

• Valid F-1/J-1 visa     

• Most recent Form I-20/DS2019 (with a valid travel signature) 

• Consult the Center for International Students and Scholars website for more information on travel.  

The university cannot guarantee entry or re-entry into the United States. Consider postponing travel, whether personal, academic or professional. Faculty and staff who must travel internationally for Bentley-related business, conferences or research should consult with their dean or vice president.

Bentley welcomes, values and supports students, faculty and staff of all gender identities and sexualities. At this time, all resources, organizations, offerings, offices and health care services on campus continue to follow the same practices that have been in place. The only change applies to the participation of transgender student-athletes in varsity athletics, for which the NCAA has changed its policy and which Bentley is required to follow. (See the separate FAQ on that question.) 

Consistent with our university values of Caring, Respect and Diversity, we support our colleagues and students by using their gender identity, pronoun and chosen name. 

On Feb. 6, the NCAA released an updated participation policy for transgender student-athletes in response to Executive Order 14201. The new policy applies to all NCAA sports in which the NCAA conducts championships separated by gender. All varsity athletics at Bentley are subject to the governing policies of the NCAA. Students with questions about the new NCAA policy should contact Catie Noons, assistant athletic director, Compliance and Academics. 

We have compiled information and links to offices that provide support to LGBTQ+ and all members of our community on this page of our website.

The Office of International Education has put together a great deal of information for LGBTQ+ students who are traveling or studying abroad, from questions about passports and travel insurance to layovers in LGBTQ+ unfriendly countries. Visit their LGBTQ+ Travel FAQ page for more information. 

Faculty and staff may have specific concerns beyond the information available on the LGBTQ+ Travel FAQ page, and we recommend you consult with your manager, dean or vice president to discuss specific travel plans.