The Welcome Campus Network: A Place to Build Solidarity
What is the Welcome Campus Network?
The Welcome Campus Network amplifies the work of colleges and universities in welcoming and supporting newcomers who are seeking safety from across the globe. The Welcome Campus Network highlights the innovation and transformative power of higher education institutions. Refugee and displaced students drive talent to U.S. campuses and communities, and creating opportunities for refugees to access higher education promotes economic mobility and integration. By convening the Welcome Campus Network, campuses are informed, connected, and motivated to continue the work of welcoming and supporting refugee and displaced students- maintaining and expanding the infrastructure to do such.
Goals:
- Facilitate a convening space for practitioners working at the intersection of refugees/displacement and higher education to connect and build community.
- Equip and empower practitioners on campuses and those working with campuses to share resources and effective practices.
- Create opportunities for campuses to learn from experts in the field on the latest policy updates and their impact on campuses and students.
What is the commitment upon joining the Network?
Joining the Welcome Campus Network means joining a community of colleges and universities, and organizations working with campuses that are committed to welcoming newcomers. Members participate in a monthly meeting to share information and best practices; learn from national, state, and local officials, advocates, and practitioners on current opportunities, trends, and events; and build common solidarity and community. Members of the Welcome Campus Network commit to joining the network’s listserv, attending the monthly meetings, and welcoming newcomers in the ways they can.
How to join the Welcome Campus Network?
If you are interested in joining, please fill out the Membership Form, and if you have any questions, reach out to axelle@presidentsallaince.org
What and when are Welcome Campus Network meetings?
The Welcome Campus Network meets virtually on the first Friday of every month at 1pm ET / 10am PT. A list of 2025 WCN meetings is available here and it also includes a list of past meeting topics from 2024 & 2023.
How did the Welcome Campus Network get started?
The Welcome Campus Network was established in December 2021 by Welcome.US, in partnership with the National Association of System Heads, the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, the Texas International Education Consortium, Every Campus A Refuge, and the University of Texas at El Paso – whose president, Dr. Heather Wilson (former Secretary of the United States Air Force) recruited 27 other universities and colleges to the Network.