April 30, 2025
Subject: International Student Visas
On April 23, CPTC shared an update [see below] about international student visas being revoked without notice across the country. Later in the week, the federal government restored the legal status of hundreds of international students after lawsuits challenged the suspension of their visas. This article from The Guardian includes information if you would like to learn more about the policy reversal.
CPTC’s process for responding to law enforcement agents on campus grounds with the intent to serve a warrant remains the same.
April 23, 2025
Subject: Student Visas & Guidance if Federal Agencies come on CPTC Grounds
The news has been filled with stories of international students whose student visas have been revoked or whose legal status has been terminated without notice. CPTC is proactively monitoring the SEVIS records of our own international student population, which numbers in the 20s.
International populations are a vital and vibrant part of our college community, and their continued well-being is a top priority. We recognize that this news has created anxiety and fear among our international populations, and we take these concerns very seriously. We are in regular contact with our documented international students through our Advising & Counseling Center.
In her role as Student Success Support Specialist in Advising & Counseling, CJ Meyer monitors the visa status of our international students and provides them with support and resources. She can also be a resource for others in the college community who have questions. Contact her at international@cptc.edu.
We understand the concern that immigration agencies may be on CPTC grounds. At this time, we are not aware of any immigration agencies or authorities visiting College locations for enforcement purposes. If enforcement officials from ICE or any agency were to enter CPTC grounds with the intent to serve warrants, faculty and staff are instructed to contact Tracey or McKenzee, in addition to the others indicated below. In all situations, enforcement officials will be escorted to a private area where their documents will be inspected by college officials.
All CPTC locations
- Tracey Songao, Associate Dean of Student Success
- McKenzee Murphy, Director of Enrollment Services and Registrar
Lakewood
Alert Security, who will escort any authorities on the Lakewood campus during business hours.
South Hill Campus
Greg Doyon, South Hill Campus Liaison
Eastside Training Center
- Lester Burkes, Dean, Trades, Transportation, and Apprenticeship
- Amy Robertson-Bullen, Associate Director, Northwest Career and Technical High School
I want to reiterate and reaffirm our support for all members of Clover Park's international community. I also want to thank you for supporting each other and for all you do for our college.
Sincerely,
Joyce Loveday
Dr. Joyce Loveday, President
Feb 27, 2025
Subject: A message of support to our students
Over the past month, actions by our nation’s political leaders and federal agencies have targeted multitudes of students who are supported by diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Clover Park Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal.
We recognize that members of our community come from a wide range of backgrounds and viewpoints. We first want to assure you that CPTC remains committed to fulfilling our values and mission. We do not build programs that discriminate. We build programs that address inequities and adhere to CPTC policies, Washington State law, and relevant federal laws. Here are some of the policies and resources related to identifying, reporting, and dealing with harassment that stems from discrimination.
Policies
- Our full non-discrimination statement is on the website, along with translations into the most commonly spoken languages in Pierce County.
- Students’ rights and responsibilities are spelled out in the code of conduct.
- Washington state law also contains a Declaration of Rights.
Resources
- If you believe you have experienced or witnessed harassment, intimidation, bullying, or retaliation, report it through A Better CPTC.
- Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown’s office has put out this page of information about civil immigration enforcement.
- The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion offers several supports for faculty staff and students, including affinity groups and the Trans Advocacy Task Force. We will continue to recognize Heritage Months and Days. Upcoming events will include Trans Day of Remembrance, National Coming Out Day, and Pride Month.
- CPTC Counseling Services are available. www.cptc.edu/advising/counseling
Finally, CPTC's End Results Policy and Strategic Plan also provide essential guidance that focuses our attention for serving our community. These documents continue to guide the work of our institution.
Jan 29, 2025 | 9:27 a.m.
Subject: Federal Immigration Matters
Dear CPTC Students,
Since its founding 83 years ago, Clover Park Technical College has held firmly to the belief that higher education should be open, inclusive, and accessible to all those seeking to better their lives through learning. In light of recent federal announcements regarding immigration, we want to share some important information that might be helpful for you.
- Our commitment to diversity and inclusivity: We remain steadfast in our values of diversity, inclusiveness, and the right of all students to pursue their educational goals free from unlawful interference. We are not, and will not become, a law enforcement agency.
- Admissions and immigration status: As an open-access institution, we do not base admissions decisions on immigration or citizenship status. Furthermore, our campus security personnel will never question or attempt to detain individuals based on their immigration status.
- Privacy protections: As required by federal law, we do not disclose protected information from student education records, except as required in response to a lawfully issued subpoena or court order. Higher education institutions do, however, share certain information called “directory information,” but students can choose to not allow even directory information to be shared. For more information about directory information and the opt-out process, please see our college webpage on the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
- Access to campus: As a public institution of higher education, our college has public spaces; however, many of our spaces are reserved for use by students and employees so our college can fulfill its mission of delivering education to students. Our employees will not grant permission for Immigration Enforcement personnel to enter these limited access, nonpublic areas (such as offices and classrooms) without a judicial order or warrant.
- Financial aid information: We understand that students and their families may be hesitant to apply for state aid through the WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) or the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) due to their immigration status. Completing a WASFA or FAFSA helps colleges determine student eligibility for resident tuition and financial aid. CPTC’s Student Aid and Scholarships team can help students determine whether or not they are qualified to apply for the WASFA or FAFSA. As we are committed to protecting the confidentiality of the information and privacy of students and their families, we do not share personal information listed on the WASFA and FAFSA for immigration enforcement purposes without a legal requirement, such as a valid court order or judicial warrant.
- Undocumented Student Resources Page: We have created an Undocumented Student Resources page that summarizes the policy for students and their families. This page will evolve as we gather more information and resources to share with students.
We know that recent federal announcements may be causing fear and anxiety for some members of our campus community. Please know that we are here to support you. Below are some resources that may be helpful:
- CPTC Counselling Services - https://www.cptc.edu/advising/counseling
- Northwest Immigrant Rights Project - https://www.nwirp.org/
- Washington State Office of the Attorney General – Immigration Services - https://www.atg.wa.gov/immigration-services
- National Immigration Law Center - https://www.nilc.org/
- Washington Law Help: Resources for Immigrants - https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/
We remain deeply committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for every student who seeks to grow and create a brighter future. You are an important part of our campus community, and you are always welcome here.
Sincerely,
Joyce Loveday
Dr. Joyce Loveday, President
Jan. 28, 2025 | 11:35 a.m.
CPTC is aware of the Executive Order from the White House Office of Management and Budget to pause federal grants and loans.
Here is what you need to know today, Jan. 28, 2025:
- The federal funding pause does not apply to student loans and Pell grants, as confirmed by the U.S. Department of Education.
- All Winter Quarter financial aid and funds have already been paid out and dispersed to students.
- Currently, we are maintaining all programs and support as usual.
We acknowledge a variety of questions and concerns with this directive. We are awaiting clarity and guidance from resources at Washington’s State Board for Community & Technical Colleges, Office of the Attorney General, and Office of the Governor.
As implications and information become clearer, our priority is to keep you informed and support you. This is our commitment to you:
- We remain committed to our students’ safety, rights, privacy, and access to education.
