UTEP Resources and Support
The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to helping our students be successful academically, professionally and socially during their time at college. There are times when our students experience difficulties that disrupt their academic, professional and personal lives, and rely on faculty and staff for assistance. Events such as the issuance of executive orders and/or proposed policy changes by the White House is one example of such disruptions.
The UTEP community is greatly enriched by students and scholars from around the world. We value the contributions these individuals make to our university community and take seriously our responsibility to promote inclusivity and respect. The diversity of backgrounds, thoughts and ideas is central to the institution’s mission of providing a high-quality educational experience for all members of the campus community.
The following offices have identified key resource staff members to assist our international students and scholars as well as undocumented students with questions or concerns about their specific circumstance.
- Office of International Programs and Study Abroad
- Enrollment Services
- Counseling and Psychological Services
- Dean of Students Office
- Student Outreach & Support (SOS) Program
- UTEP Food PantryDean of Students Office
- Academic Advising Center
- Dream.US Scholars
- Foster Homeless Adopted Resources (FHAR)
Office of International Programs and Study Abroad
Email: oip@utep.edu
Phone: 915-747-5664
Key contact: Dr. Dania Brandford-Calvo, Executive Director, dbrandford@utep.edu
The Office of International Programs and Study Abroad assist students and scholars in navigating the complex US government immigration regulations by advising them on their educational, financial, personal and social concerns in relation to their status in the US. The staff also support students and scholars with specific work authorization in order to be employed on-campus or applying for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) in order to work off-campus. The office administers the PASE tuition discount program for Mexican nationals, sponsors programs and activities that help students expand their cultural awareness and understanding of their connection to the global community, facilitates international education opportunities through study abroad/study away programs, coordinates activities leading to the recruitment of international students, and houses a Passport Acceptance Facility.
Enrollment Services
Phone: 915.747.7321
Key contact: Amanda Vasquez, Assistant Vice President, avasquez6@utep.edu
Enrollment Services provides assistance with admission requirements and procedures, in-state tuition eligibility (also called tuition residency), new student orientation, student testing, course registration, financial resources and signing-up for payment plans, academic course offerings, transcripts, and general information about the University. Dr. Vasquez is happy to assist DACA students with questions about tuition residency requirements, any services listed above, and steps to staying enrolled as a Miner.
Counseling and Psychological Services
Phone: 915-747-5302
Miner Crisis Talk Line (available 24 hours a day/7 days a week and holidays: (915) 747-5302
Key contact: Cecilia Holquin, Community Liaison and Social Worker, cmholquin@utep.edu
The University Counseling Center (UCC) offers confidential counseling services in English or in Spanish. Distance learners are invited to contact the University Counseling Center for a one time consultation regarding their specific needs. The UCC provides group and individual counseling for currently enrolled UTEP students and consultation services for faculty and staff. Appointments can be made by visiting the University Counseling Center, 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. The University Counseling Center also has an After Hours Crisis Line, 915-747-5302, which can be used by students, parents and other university associates.
Dean of Students Office
Email: DOS@utep.edu
Phone: 915-747-5648
Key contact: Matt Crouse, Assistant Dean of Students, mcrouse3@utep.edu
The Dean of Students Office helps students and their families navigate the campus community and find the resources needed to be successful academically, professionally and socially while enrolled at UTEP. The Office also coordinates and approves university organized student domestic and international travel. Requests from federal agents pertaining to international students or undocumented students should be routed to the Dean of Students office for follow-up.
Student Outreach & Support (SOS) Program
The SOS team coordinates proactive and follow-up case management support services for students referred for personal, emotional, and academic concerns. SOS staff coordinates care across campus resources such as Emergency Aid Network, Academic Advising units, Counseling and Psychological Services, Center for Accommodations and Student Support, Miner Learning Center, and Student Health and Wellness Center.
UTEP Food Pantry
All current students can access non-perishable food and toiletry products through the UTEP Food Pantry. Available weekdays in Memorial Gym, students can check utep.edu/foodpantry for the most current hours of operations and resources available.
Academic Advising Center
Email: eadvise@utep.edu
Phone: 915-747-5290
Key contact: Mario Rodriguez, marodriguez22@utep.edu
The Academic Advising Center provides individualized advising support and resources to UTEP Students, and offers several specialized student support programs.
Dream.US Scholars
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a partner of TheDream.US, the nation’s largest college access and success program for DREAMers. TheDream.US provides scholarships to help immigrant students fulfill their dreams of obtaining a college education. UTEP DREAMers have an assigned Scholar Advisor at the Academic Advising Center who assists with priority registration and progress toward degree completion.
Foster Homeless Adopted Resources (FHAR)
FHAR connects foster, homeless and adopted students with resources that provide personalized academic and social support throughout their UTEP experience.
FHAR program services include housing referrals, household, hygiene and schools supplies, bus passes, and referrals to off-campus services. Students can learn more at utep.edu/fhar or by emailing fhar@utep.edu.