Newmark J-School Immigrant and Undocumented Student Resource Guide

The Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY is committed to supporting our immigrant and undocumented students in a real and practical way.

This guide is meant to give you–our students, including our immigrant and undocumented students–clear, helpful information about the available resources, along with the protections in place to support your privacy and your ability to learn in a safe environment. You will find information here about financial support, legal resources, mental health services, and career guidance.

We want to make sure you have what you need to feel supported and to succeed.

Student Privacy and Legal Protections

The Newmark J-School is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. Your personal information is protected.

Federal law, including FERPA, limits who can access your student records. In most cases, your information cannot be shared unless:

  • You give consent
  • There is a valid judicial warrant
  • There is a legitimate safety concern

New York State also has strong protections in place, including the NYS Education Law, Executive Order 170, and the Green Light Law. These policies support students regardless of immigration status.

In addition, New York City policies restrict federal immigration enforcement from entering campus spaces without proper authorization.

If You Encounter Immigration Enforcement on Campus

If you are ever approached by immigration enforcement officials, try to:

  • Stay calm
  • Avoid sharing personal information
  • Do not sign anything
  • Request to speak with an attorney
  • Document the interaction if possible

You should also contact J-School Public Safety right away at .

“Know Your Rights” cards are available at the Public Safety desk and can be helpful to carry with you. 

Front of the “Know Your Rights” card

Back of the “Know Your Rights” card

Financial Aid, Grants, and Scholarships

While federal financial aid may not be available to all students, there are other funding opportunities:

  • Private Scholarships and Fellowships
    Many organizations offer scholarships open to undocumented and immigrant students.
  • Institutional Support
    The J-School offers scholarships. Students are encouraged to speak with Admissions about available options.

Legal, Mental Health, and Student Support

Legal support
CUNY Citizenship Now offers access to attorneys who can help with immigration-related questions.

Mental health support
Confidential counseling is available through the Wellness Center at the CUNY Graduate Center.

Student support
Academic Affairs supports students by providing clear guidance on academic requirements, course planning, and policies that may impact their enrollment.

We work closely with campus partners, including International Student Services, to ensure students understand important processes such as registration, course loads, and any academic implications tied to their status. Our goal is to provide consistent advising, remove barriers where possible, and ensure that all students have the information and support they need to progress and succeed in their programs.

The Student Affairs team is here to help with academic, personal, or financial concerns. You can reach them at

Career Services and Professional Development

We are committed to helping students explore career pathways that align with their goals and circumstances. The J-School Career Services team supports all students with:

  • Career coaching and advising
  • Resume and cover letter development
  • Interview preparation
  • Internship and job search support

Student Success and Community Support

We recognize that each student’s journey is unique and are here to support you every step of the way. Students are encouraged to connect with:

  • Student Affairs
  • Career Services
  • Faculty advisors
  • Academic advisors 
  • Peer and alumni networks

Contact Us

If you have questions or would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact:

Newmark J-School Immigrant Student Success Liaison
colleen.leigh@journalism.cuny.edu

Academic Affairs
academicaffairs@journalism.cuny.edu

Student Affairs
studentaffairs@journalism.cuny.edu

Public Safety
public.safety@journalism.cuny.edu