UNCW Chancellor Sartarelli responds to Trump travel restrictions

Echoing statements from other college administrators across the U.S., UNCW’s Chancellor Sartarelli addressed President Trump’s travel restriction executive order in a letter to staff and students on Monday. The full letter is pasted below.

“Dear Campus Community:

Like many higher ed institutions across the country, UNCW is awaiting more information about the potential impact of the executive order issued on Friday. We will ultimately be adhering to the guidance administered by GA [UNC General Administration], but as the situation continues to evolve, I want to address the concerns and confusion potentially facing many of our faculty, staff and students.

Our campus commitment to diversity is a fundamental element of our Strategic Plan. In recent months we have underscored the need for a renewed look at our principles and practices to ensure we are offering our students and employees a respectful and inclusive environment. Too often, “diverse” and “international” are used interchangeably, when in fact they represent such different benefits to our community and our world. In this case, however, we cannot ignore the rich diversity of background, experience, talent, and perspective that we gain from the presence of our international students and scholars. Instead of quantifying the international students and faculty currently in the U.S., I will instead point to the unquantifiable value they offer our landscape: We are a richer country, and a richer campus, for these cultural, academic, and civic contributions. UNCW will remain steadfast in acknowledging our commonalities and embracing our differences, regardless of how the coming days play out.

If you have questions or concerns about how the executive order could affect your status or your ability to travel, please contact our Office of International Programs at international@uncw.edu.

I will communicate any updates as they become available, but in the meantime, I encourage you to remain focused, as best you can, on the work you’re doing at UNCW and the goals you have set for yourself. No matter your background or the journey that led you here, your presence enriches the fabric of our community — and it is a presence I genuinely value as your chancellor.

Sincerely,

Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli”