In light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Office of International Affairs has compiled the following resources for the Lehigh community.
This is a volatile and fast-developing situation that we are continuing to monitor. This site will be regularly updated with additional information and resources as they become available.
News and Updates
United States DHS Designates Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status for 18 Months
On March 3, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. Following this announcement, DHS will publish a notice in the Federal Register with details about how eligible individuals can apply. OISS will contact all impacted students with more information as soon as it becomes available.
Other News
For the latest information on the conflict:
- BBC World Service (U.K.)
- Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies, George Washington University (U.S.)
- New York Times (U.S.)
- Ukrinform (Ukraine)
- U.S. Embassy in Ukraine
- U.S. Embassy Twitter
- OSAC Country Page: Ukraine (Overseas Advisory Council)
The U.S. Department of State has also created a website called United with Ukraine about the U.S. government's efforts to pursue a resolution through diplomacy.
Resources for Students
Campus Resources
The following campus resources are available to students and scholars and will be updated as we learn more about support from other partner organizations.
- The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) provides immigration advising and support services to help international students succeed. Contact at intnl@lehigh.edu.
- The Dean of Students Office provides a wide range of assistance and support. Students can call 610-758-4156 or email indost@lehigh.edu. Faculty or staff concerned about a student's well-being can notify the Care Team (go.lehigh.edu/studentconcerns) and someone from the Dean of Students office will be in touch to follow up and assist the student.
- University Counseling and Psychological Services (UCPS) offers individual and group sessions, workshops, and crisis support. Contact at 610-758-3880. Students can use the after-hours Counseling Service by calling 610-758-3880 and pressing 0.
- The Chaplain’s Office offers pastoral care and spiritual guidance. Contact at 610-758-3877.
- The International Student Assistance Fund provides financial assistance to students who are experiencing unexpected expenses.
Additional Resources
In addition to university resources, St. Mary’s Ukrainian Church in Allentown is providing resources and support for the Ukrainian community in the Lehigh Valley.
IIE, the Institute of International Education, has an Emergency Student Fund that can provide financial assistance to international students impacted by the crisis in Ukraine. Students who think they may be eligible for aid should contact the Office of International Affairs at invpia@lehigh.edu.
Several higher education advocacy groups have also collected information and resources for affected students and scholars:
- Policy and Campus Resources from the President's Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration
- Immigration Resources from NAFSA: Association of International Educators
Resources for Faculty and Staff
We recognize that the situation in Ukraine may be upsetting to many people, regardless of their country of origin. Faculty and staff members have access to an Employee Assistance Program through Uprise Health, as well as the mindfulness and meditation app Headspace for Work.