Supporting our students and community members

November 14, 2024

Dear Campus Community,

The results of the election have likely left many with questions on how we will serve our students and employees who may be undocumented or who are members from an underserved community. We are writing to let you know that our mission has not changed, and we will remain the same going forward.

At Chaffey, we are here to serve ALL students, and all of us - regardless of political affiliation – will continue to make our students feel welcome, safe and protected.

As a campus community, our first priority is to provide ongoing support for students to help them achieve their academic and career goals. A critical part of this support is keeping the documented status of our students private. As a member of the California Community Colleges, we echo the recent words of Chancellor Sonya Christian, who said:

“We do not participate in federal enforcement of national immigration regulations unless compelled to by state or federal law. Our system does not capture information on undocumented students and our colleges will not release personally identifiable student information related to immigration status unless required by judicial order.”

Likewise, if the federal government limits Title IX protections against harassment or discrimination, our students, faculty, staff and administrators will continue to be protected under California law regardless of sexual orientation or identity.

Chaffey College is committed to our undocumented students and LGBTQIA+ students. We have established a fellowship for them, provide free legal immigration services, and we will do all that we can within the law to protect and support our undocumented students. For all students, we currently offer basic needs support, mental health services, student health insurance with additional Telehealth, emergency grants, and more.

If you are looking for a way to support undocumented students, please consider joining the Undocumented Advocates Group or please consider signing up to be an UndocuSuccess Fellowship mentor. Through this program, undocumented students will be paired with a Chaffey employee to gain skills needed in a professional environment as well as career guidance.

We appreciate everything that you do to support the success of our Panthers.

Thank you,

Lisa Bailey
Acting Superintendent/President
Associate Superintendent, Business Services and Economic Development

Michael McClellan
Interim Associate Superintendent, Instruction and Institutional Effectiveness 

Alisha Rosas
Associate Superintendent, Student Services and Strategic Communications 

Troy Ament
Associate Superintendent, Administrative Services and Emergency Operations