President Bolton Offers Thoughts on Wooster as an International Campus

WOOSTER, Ohio – President Sarah R. Bolton emailed the college’s students, faculty, and staff today to offer her thoughts on a subject of great importance to all of them: Wooster’s long history as, and deep commitment to remaining, a welcoming and international community of learners. Here is the full text of her message:
Dear Wooster Community,
In the wake of this week’s Supreme Court decision affirming presidential authority to restrict immigration from certain countries, as well as the ongoing turmoil along our southern border, I write to affirm the immense importance of internationality at the College of Wooster, and to remind all international and immigrant members of our community that you are welcome, and deeply valued, here.
Wooster has been an international college for many decades. I recently met an alumnus from the class of 1947, for example, who came here from Iran during the Second World War, creating an extraordinary life of purpose and impact both at Wooster after he graduated. Today, we are proud and honored to welcome hundreds of students, staff and faculty from more than 50 countries. Some immigrated to the U.S. as children, others have come here only for college, and still others arrived later in their careers. All have undertaken complex and difficult journeys and processes in order to be here, and all are valued members of our community. Their contributions to learning in our classrooms and to life across our campus are tremendous. Indeed, as Wooster has become more international, it has also become stronger in every respect. It makes Wooster a better place to learn, work and live, and plays a crucial role in meeting our mission, which states that Wooster “prepares students to become leaders of character and influence in an interdependent global community”.
It’s crucial that international and immigrant students, staff and faculty have what they need on our campus to thrive, and we are committed to providing that.  We are also working collectively with others, including through the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, to advocate strongly for national policies to ensure access and equity for our students, staff and faculty.
I am grateful to be part of such a vibrant, flourishing and international community of learners, and grateful to all those who choose to come to Wooster from around the world. Our diversity of national origins and cultural perspectives is one of our greatest strengths, and we will continue to celebrate, welcome, and advocate for everyone in our extraordinary community.
With best regards,
President Bolton
The College of Wooster is America’s premier college for mentored undergraduate research. By working one-on-one with a faculty adviser to conceive, organize, and complete an original research project, written work, performance or art exhibit, every Wooster student develops independent judgment, analytical ability, creativity, project-management and time-management skills, and strong written and oral communication skills. Founded in 1866, the college enrolls approximately 2,000 students from more than 50 countries.

Posted in News on June 28, 2018.