Student Resources

International students are a uniquely valuable part of the Anna Maria College community, enriching our academic and social life with a global perspective. As an international student, you gain exposure to leading academics and an engaged, passionate student body located on a serene campus setting, not far from New England’s largest cities.

Undocumented and DACA Students and Families

Anna Maria College strives to welcome individuals into the community and does not make lawful status in the U.S. a condition for admission. We are committed to making every effort to ensure, within the bounds of what is legally permissible, that the experience of undocumented students is as similar as possible to the experience of all other students. The core mission of higher education is the advancement of knowledge, people, and society. As educational leaders, we are committed to upholding free inquiry and education in our colleges and universities, and to providing the opportunity for all our students to pursue their learning and life goals

The Office of Admission will consider undocumented and DACA students as domestic applicants, and their applications will be evaluated accordingly. Undocumented and DACA students will follow the same application process as those of domestic first-year or transfer applicants, and are welcome to share relevant narratives unique to their circumstances. Undocumented and DACA  students will be eligible for both merit and need based scholarships as they apply for admission into the college. All admitted applicants (Undergraduate and Graduate) are considered for merit based scholarships at the time of admission.  Although undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid they can apply for  need based financial aid.  Undocumented and DACA students should follow the financial aid application process for International Students.

Since the beginning of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in 2012, we have seen the critical benefits of this program for our students, and the positive impacts on our institutions and communities. DACA beneficiaries at Anna Maria  have been exemplary student scholars and student leaders, working across campus and in the community. There are currently no state or federal laws prohibiting Anna Maria College from admitting and enrolling undocumented students, nor does Anna Maria  have any legal obligation to notify immigration officials of the presence of undocumented students on campus. Pursuant to FERPA and Anna Maria College policy, we will not share information on the immigration status of undocumented students to any third party unless legally required by subpoena, warrant, or court order, or if approved by a student. The International Services staff is always available to answer questions and provide assistance in strict confidence.  Additional information is available for both undocumented and DACA students and families here.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

The Obama Administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy allows undocumented students who (1) came to the U.S. before they turned 16; (2) have lived here continuously since June 2007; (3) are under the age of 31; and (4) have a clean criminal record and do not pose a threat to national security or public safety, to apply for deferred action on deportation proceedings. A student who obtains DACA approval may also be eligible to work and travel outside of the US. Check the USDHS website regarding DACA for more information.

USCIS has resumed accepting requests to renew a grant of deferred action under DACA  Anna Maria College  students with questions about the program’s status, or their own immigration status, may contact the colleges  International Student Services Office in confidence at 508-849-3306 or by email. The Anna Maria College Faculty staff and administrators continue to express strong support for DACA students and continue to advocate for immediate action that would implement a permanent solution to allow these students to remain in the US to achieve their professional and educational goals.

Who Can File for Renewal of DACA?

You may request renewal of DACA if you met the initial 2012 DACA guidelines and you:

  • Did not depart the United States on or after Aug. 15, 2012, without advance parole;
  • Have continuously resided in the United States since you submitted your most recent DACA request that was approved;
  • Have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors; and
  • Do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

As noted above, you may only request renewal of DACA if you previously received DACA and your DACA expired (or will expire) on or after Sept. 5, 2016. If you previously received DACA and your DACA expired before Sept. 5, 2016, or your most recent DACA grant was previously terminated, you cannot request DACA as a renewal, but may instead submit a new initial DACA request with evidence that you meet the initial DACA guidelines.

How to Renew?

Complete and sign

  • Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
    Use the most recent version of Form I-821D on our website or the previous edition dated 6/04/14, or USCIS will reject your request.If you previously received DACA and your DACA expired on or after Sept. 5, 2016, you may still file your DACA request as a renewal request. Please list the date your prior DACA ended in the appropriate box on Part 1 of the Form I-821D.If you previously received DACA and your DACA expired before Sept. 5, 2016, or your most recent DACA grant was previously terminated, you cannot request DACA as a renewal (because renewal requests typically must be submitted within one year of the expiration date of your last period of deferred action approved under DACA), but you may nonetheless file a new initial DACA request in accordance with the Form I-821D and Form I-765 instructions. If you are filing a new initial DACA request because your DACA expired before Sept. 5, 2016, or because it was terminated at any time, please list the date your prior DACA expired or was terminated on Part 1 of the Form I-821D, if available.
  • Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
    Use the most recent version of Form I-765 on our website or USCIS will reject your request.

    Follow the instructions on all three forms to submit them to USCIS. Make sure you submit the correct fees or an approved fee exemption request.

Additional Documents

Do not submit any additional documents at the time you request renewal unless:

You have new documents involving removal proceedings or criminal history that you did not already submit to USCIS in a previously approved DACA request.

USCIS may request additional documents or statements to verify information provided in support of requests for renewal of DACA. We may contact other government agencies, educational institutions, employers, or other entities in order to verify information.

If you knowingly and willfully provide materially false information on Form I-821D, you will be committing a felony punishable by a fine or up to 10 years in prison, or both (see 18 U.S.C. § 1001; 18 U.S.C. § 1546 ). In addition, you may be placed into removal proceedings. 

Additional Important DACA Information

CIS Ombudsman Encourages DACA Recipients to File Renewals as Early as Possible The Office of the CIS Ombudsman encourages recipients to file their Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal request as early as possible. USCIS’s recommendation is to submit the DACA renewal request 150 to 120 days (four to five months) before the expiration.

Shuttle Services

AMC provides round-trip shuttle trips between our campus and Union Station (Worcester’s train station) through weekdays for students who utilize the Commuter Rail. For more information, please contact Student Life at studentlife@annamaria.edu.

Day Shuttle Routine

Monday – Friday (Departs Campus)
7 AM
8 AM
11:30 AM
2:30 PM
4:00 PM

Evening Shuttle Routine

Monday – Friday (Departs Campus)
6 PM
7 PM
8 PM
9 PM
 

The shuttle departs campus at the time listed above and arrives to union station 20-30 minutes later

Commuter Meal Plans

Full-service breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available in the main Dining Hall. One ID swipe provides an “all you care to eat” meal. Downstairs in the Campus Center at the HUB, students have a quick-service alternative with popular options for lunch or dinner. Vegan and gluten-free meals are available, as well as allergy accommodations. Students are encouraged to contact Dining Services directly to discuss any specific dietary needs.

Options for 20 or 40 meals per semester are available for commuters. For20 meals it is $150 and 40 is $280.
There is also an option to add “Flex Cash” to your Student ID which is a dollar-for-dollar option to buy items a la carte at The Hub. If you would like to add a meal plan or Flex Cash to your account, please contact Student Accounts at (508) 849-3425. You also may “pay as you go” with cash or credit/debit card:

Breakfast $6.25, Lunch $7.50, Dinner $9.00.

Hours for the Dining Hall & Hub

Dining Hall Hours:

Monday – Friday
Breakfast 7:30AM – 10:00AM
Lunch 11:30AM – 2:00PM
Dinner 4:30PM – 7:30PM
Saturday-Sunday
Brunch 11:30AM – 1:00PM
Saturday Dinner (Located in the Hub) 4:30PM – 10:30PM
Sunday Dinner 4:30PM – 6:30PM

The HUB Hours:

Monday – Friday
11:30AM – 10:00PM
Saturday – Sunday
4:30PM – 10:30PM

Local Resources

The city of Worcester and the local area has many resources that can help support you as a student.