Students who are unable to re-enter the U.S. will have to apply for a Canadian study permit and would be enrolled as full-time, non-degree students at U of T's Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.Nathan Denette/The Associated Press
Harvard and the University of Toronto have agreed on a contingency plan to allow some Harvard students to complete their program in Canada if they’re unable to re-enter the U.S. because of visa restrictions.
Students at the Harvard John F. Kennedy School of Government who are unable to re-enter the U.S. will be able to finish their studies at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, the two universities announced.
It’s the first international student contingency plan announced by one of Harvard’s schools since the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s attempt last month to revoke Harvard’s ability to enroll international students.
Harvard president Alan Garber said in early June that the university would begin making contingency plans in case some international students are unable to enter the U.S. ahead of the fall term.
Harvard sued the Department of Homeland Security in May, saying the decision to revoke its ability to enroll international students – who make up 20 per cent to 25 per cent of Harvard’s student body – didn’t follow established rules.
So far Harvard has won two preliminary injunctions, which the university says should allow students to obtain visas to enter the U.S. while the matter is still before the court.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has also targeted Harvard’s federal funding for research, cutting or threatening to cut billions in funds. It has alleged the university has failed to sufficiently address antisemitism and violence on campus, failed to meet reporting requirements and co-ordinated with foreign entities, including the Chinese Communist Party, that raise national-security concerns.
In a letter to students, Harvard Kennedy School Dean Jeremy Weinstein said the school is announcing the contingency plans now to alleviate student concerns, but the programs will not officially launch “unless there is sufficient demand from students who are unable to come to the United States due to visa or entry restrictions.”
He said the contingency plans will allow the university to guarantee it can provide for its international students even if they are unable to attend the U.S. campus.
“We are deeply grateful for the support of the Munk School and other partners, who are helping to ensure that we can continue to provide all HKS students with the excellent education they deserve,” Prof. Weinstein said.
The “HKS at Munk School” program is one of two options the Harvard Kennedy School announced for international students Wednesday. Another option is being called “HKS Global,” and will involve online courses as well as up to three in-person gatherings at locations around the world for students during the academic year.
U.S. professors who left Yale for University of Toronto raise alarm about Trump crackdown
Harvard students who choose to attend U of T will be offered online and in-person courses with faculty from both schools. They will still have to apply for Canadian study permits and would be enrolled as full-time, non-degree students at the Munk School. The announcement issued by U of T said the students’ presence “would not reduce the number of spaces available for U of T students in any academic programs or in university housing.”
“These are exceptional times,” said Janice Stein, founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy.
“If Harvard Kennedy School international students are not able to complete their studies in Cambridge. Mass., the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy looks forward to providing shared academic and co-curricular experiences for students from both our schools.”
The program will only be available to international students who have already completed one year at the U.S. campus.
The Harvard Kennedy School enrolls students from all over the world in programs designed to foster leadership in public policy and government. More than half their students in recent years have come from outside the U.S.