Helping Macalester’s international students

All winter and spring, I’ve been heartened and inspired by messages from Macalester alumni, asking how you can support current students as we navigate federal policy changes, challenges, and uncertainty together. We feel your deep care—and we appreciate it very much.

On campus, we’re monitoring policy shifts, working closely with members of our community who are affected directly, and engaging in collective action with national associations and coalitions. We joined the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration and eighty-five other institutions and associations in submitting an amicus brief in AAUP v. Rubio, a case that challenges the Trump administration’s revocation of visas and detentions of noncitizen students and scholars. In April, I signed “A Call for Constructive Engagement,” a statement by the American Association of Colleges and Universities that opposes “undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses.” The next day, I spoke with Minnesota Public Radio about higher education’s sense of shared purpose in this moment—and the broad impact of recent policy shifts on how our institutions operate.

I want to be very clear: at Macalester, we remain committed to the principle of academic freedom, the rights of free speech and assembly, and the importance of respecting different perspectives, points of view, identities, and experiences.

Right now, I urgently need your help to support international students at Mac.

Throughout the semester, we’ve been in touch with our international students to protect their safety and support their well-being in light of the rapidly changing visa landscape. Many of them are scared, and we’re worried that our visa holders may not be able to get back into the United States to continue their education if they go home for the summer. For this reason, we’ve pledged to offer housing and meal plans for international students who need a safe place to stay between semesters.

This decision aligns clearly with Macalester’s values. For generations, global citizenship has been part of the college’s core mission. We welcome students from all around the world to campus; it’s just as imperative that we give them the support they need to flourish and thrive when they arrive. Although we’ve had a robust support system already in place, this year, we’ve redoubled our efforts to provide resources and counsel.

But these are big, unplanned expenses, both for the college’s operating budget and for the students who have changed their plans on short notice. Thanks to a very generous gift of $250,000, we started a fund to provide room and board, free of charge, for international students. So far, we can support 65 students. In addition, we need to create a network of support for them, mindful that most are not authorized to work in the US.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Make a gift to the International Student Summer Support Fund. Our goal is to raise an additional $250,000 by the end of May to support every student who needs a place to stay this summer. These funds will help us provide room and board for more students, stock the food pantry, create stipends for students to be able to take unpaid internships in the community (more on that below), and more. We expect students’ needs to extend beyond this summer, so any funds we don’t need immediately will be put to use over winter break. (Learn more about all the ways in which you can donate.)
2. With their change in plans, many of our international students are seeking internships and volunteer opportunities related to their majors. If your local organization can support these opportunities, please complete our #HireMac form or reach out to [email protected]. We know that most paid internships were already filled. With the funds raised, we hope to be able to provide stipends of $6,250 to at least 12 students.
3. Show your support by connecting with international students. Local alumni, we’re seeking hosts to help build community for students who are away from home and loved ones this summer. Would you like to take a few students to a Saints game, or host a picnic in your backyard for a group? We’d love to hear your ideas. Please email [email protected].
4. Contact your elected officials and tell them how you feel about threats to students, and attacks on academic freedom and autonomy at American colleges and universities.

As Commencement approaches, I’m keenly aware that this is not the first time you’ve heard the college ask for your support this year. Thousands of you already have made gifts, including during Give to Macalester Days last month. I trust you’ll understand why we are asking for your help again right away—beyond our typical fundraising plans—to support international students’ immediate needs.

Together, we’re working to build a more just and peaceful world. I’m deeply grateful for your support.

Onward,

Dr. Suzanne M. Rivera
President

May 6, 2025