UTEP International Resource Center
The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to the welfare and success of all of our students, faculty and staff.
UTEP Resources and Support
UTEP recognizes that the unpredictable disruption of vehicle and pedestrian traffic flow between Cd. Juárez and El Paso, and the many issues associated with border closures, can have a tremendous impact on our community. We are prepared to offer resources and support to the University Community in light of threats to close the southern border and if need be, the actual closure of the border. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to reach out to the primary points of contact listed below and take advantage of all resources and support available.
Latest Information:
On Friday, March 29, 2019 President Donald Trump stated that he may close part or all of the southern U.S. border. Ports of Entry between Cd. Juárez and El Paso are open at this time.
Primary Points of Contact
Office of International Programs and Study Abroad
The Office of International Programs and Study Abroad is available assist students and scholars in navigating the complex U.S. government immigration by advising them on their educational, financial, personal and social concerns in relation to their status in the U.S. Staff are available to address specific concerns related to the possible closure of the ports of entry and work in partnership with faculty and staff to ensure that students and scholars receive the necessary support and assistance. Students and scholars unable to enter the U.S. OR Mexico due to the ports of entry being closed, should contact OIPSA immediately at oipstaff@utep.edu and communicate their unique situation in order for the staff to assist you further.
Contact
Location: Union Building East, Room 203
Email: oipstaff@utep.edu
Phone: (915) 747-5664
Website: https://www.utep.edu/student-affairs/oipsa
Human Resources
Staff of Human Resources are available to assist employees in navigating the complex U.S. government immigration regulations by advising them appropriately in relation to their status in the U.S. Staff are available to address specific concerns related to the possible closure of the ports of entry and are prepared to provide support and assistance where needed. UTEP employees unable to enter the U.S. OR Mexico due to the ports of entry being closed, should contact Human Resources immediately at hrs@utep.edu and communicate their unique situation in order for the staff to assist you further.
Contact
Location: Administration Building, Room 216
Email: hrs@utep.edu
Phone: (915) 747-5202
Website: https://www.utep.edu/human-resources
Temporary Housing
UTEP Housing and Residence Life
UTEP Housing and Residence Life is prepared to temporarily house students, staff and faculty who are unable to return to Juarez due to the closure of the ports of entry. Those needing temporary housing are asked to contact Housing and Residence Life.
Contact
Location: Miner Canyon Boquillas Hall, 3490 Sun Bowl Drive
Email: housing@utep.edu
Phone: (915) 747-5352
Website: https://www.utep.edu/student-affairs/housing
Food
UTEP Food Pantry
A food pantry containing non-perishable food, located on-campus is available to students, faculty and staff. UTEP community members are asked to bring their Miner Gold card to access food from the Pantry. The Pantry is open Monday-Friday with specific hours of operation available on the website.
Contact
Location: Memorial Gym, Room 105
Email: foodpantry@utep.edu
Phone: (915) 747-8053
Website: https://www.utep.edu/student-affairs/foodpantry
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank partners with more than 125 non-profit organizations throughout the El Paso County service area to provide food assistance. To find a list of locations visit El Pasoans Fighting Hunger: Need Help?
Contact
Multiple Locations
Website: https://elpasoansfightinghunger.org
Phone: (915) 298-0353
Counseling
Counseling and Psychological Services
Counseling and Psychological Services offers confidential counseling services in English or in Spanish. Counseling and Psychological Services provides group and individual counseling for currently enrolled UTEP students and consultation services for faculty and staff. Appointments can be made by visiting the Counseling and Psychological Services, Monday through Thursday during regular business hours. Students can “walk in” (without an appointment) to complete paperwork and can usually be seen by a counselor within an hour. The Center is open on Fridays for crisis counseling and scheduled appointments only. The Center also offers career counseling and educational workshops throughout the year on a variety of topics. Appointments can be made by visiting the Center. Counseling and Psychological Services also has an After Hours Line called Miners Talk (915) 747‐5302 which can be used by students, parents and other university associates.
Contact
Location: Union Building West, room 202
Phone: (915) 747‐5302
Website: https://www.utep.edu/student-affairs/counsel
Miners Talk After‐Hour Crisis Line: (915) 747‐5302
Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program provides free and confidential assessments, short term counseling, referrals, prevention, and education services for employees and their dependents. A trained counselor is available 24/7, 365 days of the year. The service is provided through Deer Oaks EAP Services. Employees and their dependents can access services through the Deer Oaks EAP Services website: https://www.deeroakseap.com/member-login/ Username and Password: UTEP. Refer to the Employee Assistance Program brochure: https://www.utep.edu/human-resources/services/benefits/EAP%20Brochure.pdf
Contact
Phone: 866-327-2400
Website: https://www.utep.edu/human-resources/services/benefits
Case Management
Dean of Students Office
Staff of the Dean of Students Office in partnership with the Office of International Programs and Human Resources will assist members of the university community in the unique needs of those impacted by the threat of closing the southern border and if needed, the actual closure of the ports of entry between Cd. Juárez and El Paso. The staff is available to help students, staff and faculty navigate the campus community and find the resources needed including temporary housing and food, arranging counseling and working with faculty so students can complete coursework.
Contact
Location: Union Building West, room 102
Email: DOS@utep.edu
Phone: (915) 747-5648
Website: https://www.utep.edu/student-affairs/dean-of-students-office
Additional Resources
Local Resources
National Resources
- Department of Homeland Security
- U.S. State Department
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center
- National Immigrant Justice Center
- National Immigration Law Center – Know Your Rights
Frequently Asked Questions
The University community has been strongly encouraged to work with students, faculty and staff who may be impacted by long wait times at the ports of entry due to the re-assignment of CBP officers. Students are encouraged to communicate with their respective faculty and on-campus employers about their unique situations and similarly, university employees are encouraged to work with their supervisors.
Notifications have been sent to faculty encouraging them to work with students who may be impacted if the ports of entry are closed. Students are encouraged to work with their faculty to identify a plan for continued success academically. Staff of the Dean of Students Office is prepared to assist students who need assistance in contacting faculty and completing coursework.
Employees who are unable to cross the border and report to work should contact their respective supervisor immediately. Human Resources is available to work with employees and supervisors and provide necessary guidance and support related to the employee’s classification at UTEP.
No. Students are encouraged to work directly with their respective faculty on a plan to complete work virtual (via blackboard or email) if a student is unable to be physically present in class.
The U.S. Constitution guarantees rights to all people in the U.S., regardless of citizenship status, which includes the right to be free from unlawful searches and seizures. In practical terms, that means that during a police or immigration officer encounter:
- You have the right to remain silent.
- Stay calm and be polite. Do not lie about your citizenship status or provide fake documents.
- You do not have to sign anything. If you sign, you may be giving up your opportunity to stay in the U.S.
- If immigration comes to your home, you do not have to open your door unless an officer has certain kinds of warrants. Ask the officer to slip the warrant under the door or hold it up to a window so you can inspect it.
- If you are taken into immigration custody, you have the right to a lawyer. However, please note that the government does not have to provide one for you.
- Additionally, if you are in immigration custody, you have the right to contact your consulate.
UTEP has mobilized a team led by Catie McCorry-Andalis, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students and Sandy Vasquez, Associate Vice President for Human Resources to provide resources and support for students, staff and faculty who are impacted by the threat to close or the actual closure of the southern border. Members of UTEP’s response team include John Wiebe, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; Matt Crouse, Assistant Dean of Students; Victoria Suttmiller, Executive Director of Housing and Residence Life; Dania Brandford-Calvo, Executive Director of International Programs and Study Abroad; Brian Sneed, Director of Counseling and Psychological Services; and Arizve Ochoa-Retana, Director of Workforce Management.