Nov 11, 2014 01:17 PM EST By J Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

Saint Peter's University in New Jersey is opening a center for undocumented students to shed intellectual light on the political and economic realities of immigration in our world today and to create a community where undocumented students feel welcome.

The mission of The Center for Undocumented Students (TCUS) is to support the academic work of these students. The center will work with community organizations, government agencies, high schools and other Jesuit colleges and universities to create better access to higher education and increase retention rates among undocumented youth.

"Saint Peter's has proudly educated immigrant students since it first opened in 1872 and seeks to continue and enrich this tradition by extending its welcome and support to undocumented students, otherwise known as dreamers," Eugene J. Cornacchia, president of Saint Peter's University, said in a statement. "We are proud to be a part of the large group of Jesuit colleges and universities that continue to advocate for dreamers."

TCUS will also create curriculum and training for faculty, administrators and staff in order to build institutional support. The training will provide employees with the knowledge necessary to identify and appreciate the special needs of undocumented students. Trained faculty and staff will offer guidance to undocumented students on scholarship funding, academics employment or education after college, and guidance with office visits on campus with departments such as enrollment services or financial aid.

"Undocumented students face concerns and challenges beyond what is experienced by a traditional college student," Jennifer Ayala, associate professor of education at Saint Peter's University, said in a statement. "They may have feelings of anxiety, isolation, loneliness or depression. In order to provide the appropriate support for these students we have the support of a number of departments on campus ranging from student activities to campus ministry."

The university will also host monthly events throughout the academic year featuring immigration lawyers who will offer pro bono legal services and counseling workshops for undocumented students. Undocumented students will also be invited to participate in activities such as film festivals and potluck dinners with other members of the undocumented student community.

TCUS is the result of a coalition of the Public Policy Program, the Social Justice Program and the Guarini Institute for Government and Leadership, the Department of Sociology and Urban Studies, the Department of Political Science, the Department of Education, Campus Ministry, the Africana Studies Program, the Women's Studies Program and the Latin American/Latino Studies Program.

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