Today's Update: Monday, February 2, 2026

February 2, 2026

Dear Student Life team, 

I want to highlight some information that was shared at last week’s University Senate meeting. Partners from Legal Affairs and Public Safety presented guidance for how campus community members should respond if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were to be present on Ohio State’s campuses.  

Please be aware that we are only aware of a very few instances of ICE coming on to a college campus across the country, but we want to make sure the guidance is clear if an occasion would arise.  

This is an important and exceptionally complex topic, and it is also one that can spark a wide variety of feelings and emotions. As always, I want to remind us of our Culture Commitments of Care and Support, and encourage you to ask questions if you would like additional information that would make you feel more prepared. 

You can find high-level information on Ohio State’s Key Issues page and much more detail and tips on the Legal Affairs website. For students who need immigration-related support and assistance, please refer them to the immigration coordinators at the Office of International Affairs at iss@osu.edu or to seek support through Student Legal Services. Accordingly, students can also seek more general support through our Counseling and Consultation Service, the Student Wellness Center and the Student Advocacy Center. 

The key takeaway from the University Senate presentation is this: Generally, all local, state and federal law enforcement agencies – including ICE – coordinate with the Ohio State University Police Division when they have enforcement needs on campus. We anticipate that the process will continue to be followed; however, if any non-OSUPD law enforcement comes to your space or office, contact OSUPD at 614-292-2121 for assistance. 

There are a number of reasons ICE might be on campus, and only OSUPD and the Office of Legal Affairs have the ability to evaluate the situation, on behalf of the institution. Neither university employees nor students should, under any circumstances, obstruct, interfere with or provide false information to ICE officers

Remember, too, that federal law, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), both explicitly limit what information we can provide about students and patients. Immigration status is included on the list of information that cannot be disclosed without a subpoena or court order. 

As I mentioned, the information shared above is very high-level, so I encourage you to review the links that I provided for more information. As always, I am Scarlet and Grateful for each and every one of you who work so hard to support students and our team members.  

 

Melissa S. Shivers, PhD          
Senior Vice President for Student Life           
The Ohio State University