Eastern Michigan University becomes first American university to welcome refugee students for fall semester

YPSILANTI, Mich. – Eastern Michigan University will welcome three refugee students to campus during the upcoming fall semester, officials said.

The Ypsilanti school announced that it became the first university in the United States to agree to host students as part of the Welcome Corps on Campus program.

Created by the U.S. State Department and partnering organizations, the program supports refugee students who had their studies interrupted when fleeing their home country.

“The Welcome Corps on Campus program offers students a path to citizenship while enabling them to complete their studies at American universities,” said University President James Smith in a release. “We are committed to providing refugee students with life-changing educational opportunities. Our efforts reflect the University’s All Are Welcome Here campaign, which celebrates the inclusivity of the EMU community.”

The EMU Board of Regents gave the green light for the program during its meeting on World Refugee Day (June 20).

Students are matched with universities after undergoing an intense application and screening process and must meet a university’s admission requirements.

“Both President Smith and I have attended numerous Presidents’ Alliance meetings and webinars, and have always found the group to be exceedingly valuable as we attempt to broaden our global footprint and be a welcoming space to students from around the world,” said General Counsel Lauren London.

“We are thrilled to report that EMU is one of just 18 universities nationwide to participate in the Welcome Corps on Campus program during its inaugural year, and we are the very first university to host students as part of this program. We have been matched with three students this year who have been in communication with the Office of Admissions and academic advisors as they register for classes.”

EMU’s participation in the Welcome Corps on Campus program is financially supported by the “New Future Fund” through the EMU Foundation.