Resolution on the Student/Exchange Visitor information System (SEVIS)

Whereas, the intellectual vitality of Rutgers University is enhanced by the presence of almost 3,000 international students; and

Whereas, the scholarly community at Rutgers University is strengthened by visits from 400 international scholars each year; and

Whereas, the ability of the New Brunswick faculty members to contribute to scholarship, teaching, and service that benefit the citizens of New Jersey, the U.S, and the world is enhanced by the presence of these international students and scholars; and

Whereas, the U.S. Government has established the Student/Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which is an internet-based system that requires all universities and colleges to maintain, track and report considerable information regarding international students and scholars; and

Whereas, according to information from the Rutgers University Center for International Faculty and Student Services, SEVIS has created unrealistic deadlines and established arcane and unreliable reporting requirements that have seriously hampered the university’s ability to admit and accommodate foreign students and scholars; and

Whereas, according to accounts of Congressional hearings and experience of other universities and associations concerned with higher education, the adverse experience with SEVIS is occurring throughout the higher education community, and

Whereas, there is still significant question and debate, both within the University and throughout the nation, on the  appropriateness and adequacy of the use of SEVIS to protect domestic security and promote the values of academic freedom, which have been associated with this country and university for centuries;

Therefore, be it resolved that the New Brunswick Faculty Council, on the assumption that SEVIS will survive for the near term regardless of its merits, encourages the President and Administration of Rutgers University to continue the efforts in Washington to have the Department of Homeland Security devote the financial resources and leadership needed to improve the implementation of SEVIS; and

Be it further resolved that the Faculty Council encourages all faculty members to support efforts by Rutgers University, by higher education associations, and by professional organizations to persuade the Department of Homeland Security to make the necessary improvements in SEVIS; and

Be it further resolved that the Faculty Council encourages the President and Adminstration of Rutgers University to continue to support ongoing study of the adequacy and appropriateness of SEVIS that was not possible due to its hasty design and imposition on Rutgers and other Universities, and to support and effect the recommendations resulting from such study equally diligently; and

Be it further resolved that the Faculty Council shall transmit this resolution to the New Jersey Congressional Delegation and to other appropriate legislative and executive bodies for their consideration.