Global
Creating a strong community of support for international students and scholars
Posted: February 25, 2026Over the past year, many international students and scholars have had an increased sense of anxiety and fear amidst change and uncertainty in immigration policies outlined by the federal government.
With a commitment to being a safe space for its community, the University of Minnesota has dedicated staff and faculty who support international students and scholars in a variety of ways.
Providing guidance in an ever-changing policy landscape
One of those resources is International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), which is dedicated to serving the international community on the Twin Cities campus.
ISSS offers support that includes ensuring these students and scholars have a smooth transition to the University, understand and follow regulations pertaining to their visa type, are connected to campus resources and much more.
Beth Isensee, associate director of student engagement in ISSS, works with University partners to create an inclusive and engaged international learning community.
ISSS provides guidance around immigration policies, which is made more challenging by the frequent changes that have been announced over the past year.
“When a new policy comes out, we receive the information at the same time as everyone else,” she says. “We have to determine what it means and provide the correct guidance. We also want to make sure students and scholars feel supported.”