International Students Face Revised Winter Break Accommodations
International students at Marist received an email on Nov. 13 specifying restricted accommodations for students remaining on campus during the winter intersession.
Deborah Holtman, director of International Student Services, reiterated that all students are expected to leave campus by Nov. 25, but students requesting to stay on campus due to “significant circumstances” were required to submit descriptions of their circumstances and supporting documentation by Nov. 17. The college would evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis.
Prior to the fall semester, international students received an email from Holtman saying that for students “living on campus, although classes will end late November, you will still have access to your residence hall through the end of the spring 2021 semester.” Now, international students must present their case in order to remain on campus.
“This is not going to be a normal winter break,” Holtman said in the recent email. “The unprecedented circumstances created by the current pandemic call for a response that demonstrates the College’s concern for the safety and security of all its students and workers, as well as the local community.”
Students approved to remain on campus will be required to adhere to COVID-19 testing protocols and other policies, including wearing masks, social distancing, and staying on campus except for essential activities. On-campus dining will only be available until Dec. 11.
The price for international students remaining on campus this winter –– $40 per day, or $280 per week –– changed from previous winter breaks, said Victoria Attala ‘22 from Argentina. Without an official start date for the spring semester, international students face an uncertain financial burden.
“Last winter break, Marist allowed me to stay during the break. The fee that I paid was $50 per week since I was working on campus –– if you do not work it is $100 per week. The accommodation provided was housing. Dining services are not available during the breaks,” Attala said. This year, no on-campus jobs will be available and students are restricted from traveling off campus to find work.
Prashansa Malakar ‘22 from Nepal planned to stay on campus during the winter break after receiving assurance that international students would have access to their residence halls. Since the email on Nov. 13 and delays with the college’s approval, Malakar made other arrangements for housing.
“This comes less than two weeks before the end of in-person classes, giving the students no time to make their decisions, mainly because some of us simply cannot afford it,” Malakar said. “Also, this has really affected people’s school work as well as their mental health because they are having to look for other accommodations last minute because Marist just isn't good at communicating.”
The college’s executive vice presidents sent a follow-up email to international students on Nov. 17 reiterating the changes for the winter intersession due to the pandemic.
“Because epidemiologists tell us that December through February will be peak season for both COVID-19 and the flu, we continue to believe that it is in the best health interests of our students, staff, and community to strictly limit on-campus housing during this time,” the vice presidents’ email said, while also noting that some students may not be able to travel home due to border closures or financial barriers.
On Nov. 24, Malakar said the administration responded after several emails and said that staff members would meet individually with students to hear concerns, but she hoped the college would revise policies to better accommodate international students. Attala agreed.
“Internationals are not asking for charity and staying for free –– we are asking for a reasonable price and a clear channel of communication since it is what we deserve as students of the college,” Attala said.
Source: Tara Guaimano