Undocumented & DACA Student Resources

We encourage interested applicants to apply for admission regardless of their immigration status and for admitted students to explore the following resources.

Learn More About the DACA Program

Davidson College is committed to educational access and social diversity which are essential components for achieving excellence in liberal arts education. The college strives to remove social and financial barriers that may otherwise exclude students from historically underrepresented populations, such as undocumented/DACA students. Email Associate Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Meredith High at mehigh@davidson.edu to learn more about the admissions process and financial aid and scholarship options.

Undocumented/DACA students are strongly encouraged to participate in STRIDE (Students Together Reaching for Individual Development and Education), pre-orientation programs for diverse and underrepresented student populations. These programs expand students' networks with peers, faculty, and staff. Students who have self-identified themselves as African American, Asian American, Native American, Latino/Hispanic, or multicultural, will receive an automatic invitation upon matriculation. Participation is voluntary and there are no fees associated with registration. Travel grants and financial assistance are also available. Upon request, undocumented/DACA admitted students may also be put in contact with current undocumented/DACA students. 

Peer Mentoring & Social Support

Students who are unable to attend the pre-orientation portion of STRIDE may still participate in the STRIDE mentoring and academic support component once classes begin. Students seeking more specialized support and the opportunity to connect with other undocumented students on campus also may reach out to the Dean of Students Office.

Holistic Advising

Students will be matched with holistic advisers who are sensitive to, and trained about, the special needs unique to undocumented/DACA students. Disclosing their status is optional. Students may direct any concerns about their holistic advising to Academic Affairs.

Study abroad may be an option for students enrolled in DACA. Davidson students may study abroad as early as the summer after their first year. Study abroad requires planning ahead, and we encourage all students to meet with a counselor in the Education Abroad Office during their first year to begin planning for this option.

All Davidson students receive messaging about class-year-specific exercises and opportunities that are intended to support career awareness and development. Undocumented/DACA students who have more specific questions about their eligibility for Davidson College career partnerships and employment options are encouraged to make an appointment with Kelli Robinson, assistant director for the Matthews Center, at kerobinson@davidson.edu. 

Davidson College has financial resources and receives alumni gifts earmarked to assist students with limited finances. Undocumented/DACA students who may find themselves in need of additional finances to cover medical expenses, unexpected travel, or Advanced Parole fees are welcome to apply for a no-interest Student Emergency Loan for up to $500 or financial assistance that does not require repayment. Interested students should contact the Dean of Students Office to learn about options. 

The life of a college student at a selective, private institution can be stressful. For undocumented/DACA students those stresses may be compounded by their (or their families') volatile legal statuses and public opinions about immigration. Davidson has a diverse staff of counselors and mental health professionals trained to support the emotional and mental health needs of an increasingly diverse student body. Undocumented/DACA students are encouraged to be proactive about their mental health. Students may also request an appointment with Dr. David Graham, coordinator for minority outreach at the Counseling Center.

Davidson alumni and community partners are also available upon appointment as legal counsel and consultants on a wide range of immigration, travel, and social concerns relevant to undocumented communities in Charlotte and neighboring areas, including Davidson. For more information about these additional community resources and fee structures, contact each partner directly.

• William Hummel '06, Garfinkel and Associates Immigration Law Firm, 704-442-8000
• Immigration Law Clinic, Latin American Coalition in Charlotte, 704-531-3848
• Immigration Law Clinic, International House in Charlotte, 704-405-0962