April 9, 2019

Dear Graduate Students,

We’ve seen some alarming messages from union organizers warning of threats from the University—threats the union says specifically target international students.

That’s not just wrong. It’s really wrong. Pitt has never threatened—and will never threaten—our international graduate students…or any of our students.   

Here are the facts:   

We have an entire office that is devoted—100%—to supporting our international community. Meet our Office of International Services. It’s not new. But it serves all 4,500 international students, scholars, staff, and faculty who call Pitt their academic home.

Visa and immigration issues are not unionization issues. The U.S. government is the only entity that can issue or deny visas and work permits or order deportations. A union cannot change the U.S. government’s authority to make these decisions.

The University of Pittsburgh is here to support graduate students—including the members of our international community. It’s why we’re here. 

Want more facts? Swing by our Town Hall tomorrow. 

WHEN: April 10, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Alumni Hall, Seventh Floor Auditorium

Provost Ann E. Cudd and I will be there to answer your questions, but you can also ask them in advance. If you can’t attend in person, the session will be live streamed.

I hope to see you tomorrow!

Best,

Nathan Urban
Vice Provost for Graduate Studies

P.S. A friendly reminder: With the April 15-18 election fast approaching, it’s important to get the facts. Keep your voice. Don’t let someone else decide your future. And VOTE!