Student Resources and Services

• Any scholarship opportunity or service that offers to find you scholarship money for a fee should be avoided. For information regarding scams you may come across on the Internet, please visit the U.S. Department of Education website.
• Apply to as many scholarships you are eligible for.
• Start searching for scholarships in advance; five or more months before the semester starts.
• Read the scholarship application carefully and thoroughly. Every application will have specific requirements.
• Keep track of deadlines. Use a calendar and a checklist to get organized.
• Save paper or electronic copies of every scholarship application packet you submit. You can always reuse the work you submitted by tailoring it to other scholarship applications.
• Work on required documents immediately such as, request of official/unofficial transcripts, one or two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a resume, and proof of financial need.
  1. If official transcripts are required, give yourself enough time to put in your request. Remember, there is a process to request official transcripts and a fee. Request your transcripts from the Office of the Registrar. If unofficial transcripts are required, you can visit the Latino Resource Center for assistance.
  2. If letters of recommendation are required, wisely create a list of four people you can ask. Someone that will write very positive things about you. Do not ask a relative for a letter of recommendation. Letters are written by professionals that have worked with you and know about your leadership, work ethic, aspirations, and goals. These can be professionals such as, counselors, advisors, professors, managers, supervisors, coaches, organizations you volunteer for, etc. Request a letter at least one month before the deadline by sending a professional email and personally calling. Your message should be specific and include all the scholarship details. Follow up on your request within 2-3 weeks. Last minute requests are unprofessional and unacceptable.
  3. Your personal statement/essay should be personalized, passionate, and free of grammatical and syntactic errors. Read the instructions carefully. You may or may not have limitations. Some scholarships may or may not have prompts. Proofread a printed copy of your essay and the application. Ask two professionals to kindly proofread it and recommend improvements. You can visit the Learning Assistance Center to work with an English tutor.
  4. If a resume is required, allow ample time to create one and have it reviewed. You can make an appointment with the Career Development Center to see a Career Advisor to proofread your resume. Remember, a job resume is different from a scholarship resume.
  5. If proof of financial need is required, read carefully their request. Some scholarships may ask for a Student Aid Report or a memo from the Office of Student Financial Aid. If you have questions about the proof of financial need, contact the scholarship grantor for additional details.

Welcome to Chicago State University (CSU)! This page was created to ensure that all undocumented students pursuing higher education have the necessary resources and tools to succeed at CSU. CSU welcomes all students regardless of citizenship or residency. We value the diversity our students bring and we strive to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for all students. Undocumented students of all ethnicities and nationalities have a safe space at CSU. As a student you have the right to privacy that is protected by law (FERPA).

Since 2003 (passing of House Bill 0060), the Latino Resource Center (LRC) has been working with campus community, community organizations, and institutions to provide accurate and current information for undocumented students, their families, and allies. Below you will find a listing of resources regarding enrollment, scholarships, safe spaces, student organizations, and more. For additional questions, contact us at the LRC directly.

• House Bill 0060: In 2003, the State of Illinois passed bill HB0060, making instate tuition available for undocumented youth at public colleges and universities. In order to qualify for in-state tuition at CSU, students must meet specific criteria and submit an Affidavit Form. The Affidavit Form does not impact your admission decision.
• Admissions Application: The LRC collaborated with the Admissions Office to make changes to the admission application. Undocumented students now have the opportunity to submit an application without providing a social security number. A social security number is not required to apply or be admitted to CSU.
• CSU Affidavit Form: This is an oath made in writing stating that the student meets the admissions conditions and will apply for legal residency as soon as they are eligible to do so. The affidavit is kept confidential by CSU. The student who fails to file an affidavit will be charged out-of-state tuition. The CSU Affidavit Form is submitted to the Admissions Office immediately after applying to CSU.
• IB/AP Credits: Undocumented students can transfer IB or AP credits if they meet specific criteria as listed on the credit policy guide.
• Student Organizations: In collaboration with the LRC, there is a student support group specifically created with the purpose to educate students, staff, and faculty about the DREAM Act, to advocate at CSU for the DREAM Act and to facilitate D.R.E.A.Mer students identify resources that will assist them complete their degree and successfully progress in their careers. Most importantly, they are here to welcome, support, encourage and advocate for other D.R.E.A.Mers. Join the D.R.E.A.M.ers and Allies Student Organization!
• Creating Safe Spaces: In collaboration with the D.R.E.A.M.ers and Allies Student Organization and ICIRR, the LRC offers training to the campus community to promote awareness and educate professionals on how to work and support undocumented students. As part of the training, allies are given the CSU version of Dreamers Welcome display card to hang in their respective areas as well as a Certificate of Completion. The Dreamers Welcome card represents safe spaces and knowledgeable allies ready to assist.
• Campus Support: All undocumented students have the same right as others to utilize the services offered by professionals on campus. You too have access to tutors, the library, student activities, the fitness center and more!
• Scholarships: A scholarship database has been created specifically for undocumented students to utilize. There are many scholarships you can apply for to alleviate the financial stress. Every scholarship on the list has specific requirements. Some are based on financial need or are merit-based (academic potential or talent in a particular field). Please note, not all scholarships are offered by CSU. If you find a scholarship opportunity you wish to pursue, make sure to follow the instructions of the grantor of that scholarship to ensure the processing of your application. Tips on how to apply to scholarship can be found click here.
  
• Counseling Center: Counseling is provided to all students. Confidentiality is honored despite of your citizenship status. Staffed by licensed mental health professionals, the Counseling Center offers individual counseling, crisis counseling, group counseling, couples counseling, academic counseling, and career counseling. Staff will work collaboratively with you to identify steps that you can take to address any personal, interpersonal, career, and academic concerns you may have.
  
• Student Health Insurance: Students enrolled full-time (12 credit hours or more) who do not have health insurance must purchase the mandatory insurance provided through the university. Students must complete and submit an online enrollment form to activate coverage after enrollment. Payment and coverage is per semester.

Response to President's Announcement on Sept. 5, 2017: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program

External Resources

• Counselor Guide to Resources for Undocumented Students
• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
• DACA and Your Workplace Rights
  
• How to Prepare an Emergency Plan/Personal Documents
• Illinois DREAM Act
• Know Your Rights Graphic
• Immigration Services Directory
• Mental Health Resources
• Non Profit Agencies Providing Free or Los Cost Assistance with Immigration Matters
• Supporting Undocumented Youth Resource Guide
• 10 Ways to Support Undocumented Students

Community Partners and Organizations

• Alliance of Filipinos for Immigrant Rights and Empowerment-Chicago
• Brighton Park Neighborhood Council (BPNC)
• Centro de Trabajadores Unidos
• Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago
• DePaul College of Law Legal Clinics
• ENLACE Chicago
• Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR)
• Illinois Dream Fund
• Illinois is Ready
• Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education
• Immigrant Youth Justice League (IYJL)
• Korean American Resource and Cultural Center (KARCC) Facebook
• Latino Organization of the Southwest
• Latinos Progresando
• Legal Assistance Foundation (LAF)
• Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund
• National Immigrant Justice Center
• Proyecto de Acción de los Suburbios del Oeste (P.A.S.O.)
• Pilsen Neighbors Community Council
• Southwest Organizing Project
• United African Organization (UAO)

*DISCLAIMER: The information presented on this page is general and for informational purposes. CSU does not constitute legal advice. Immigration questions should be directed to a licensed immigration attorney. Information provided on this page is subject to change at any time. Updates will be provided when possible, but faculty, staff and students should continue to update and educate themselves concerning the topics covered within.

Chicago State University (CSU) welcomes you! In Illinois, undocumented students have the same access to public colleges and universities as any other student. At CSU, we Embrace, Engage, Educate, Enlighten, and Empower every student. There has been many changes throughout the years to support undocumented students pursue their dream of continuing their education. The Latino Resource Center work very closely with the Admissions Office to guide students through this process.

The Admissions Office manages the following Undergraduate applications listed below. Undocumented students must meet the admission requirements based on the application that is submitted, regardless of citizenship or residency.

• Freshman
• Transfer
• Second Bachelor

Admission Application Changes: The LRC collaborated with the Admissions Office to make changes to the admission application. Undocumented students now have the opportunity to submit an application without providing a social security number. A social security number is not required to apply or be admitted to CSU.

Qualifying for In-state Tuition

The Acevedo Bill or Public Act 93-0007 or as it is commonly known, HB 0060, was passed in 2003. In order to qualify for in-state/resident tuition, a student must complete the CSU Affidavit Form and meet the following criteria:

1. The individual had to have resided with his or her parents or guardian while attending a public or private high school in Illinois;
2. The individual had to have graduated from a public or private high school OR received the equivalent of a high school diploma (GED) in Illinois;
3. The individual had to have attended school in Illinois for at least 3 years as of the date the individual graduated from high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma;
4. In case the individual is not a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States, the individual has to provide the university with an affidavit stating that the individual will file an application to become a permanent resident or the United States at the earliest opportunity the individual is eligible to do so.

CSU Affidavit Form: In addition to the admission requirements, undocumented students must complete and submit the CSU Affidavit Form to the Admissions Office immediately after applying.This is an oath made in writing stating that the student meets the admissions conditions and will apply for legal residency as soon as they are eligible to do so. The affidavit is kept confidential by CSU. The student who fails to file an affidavit will be charged out-of-state tuition.

IB/AP Credits: Undocumented students can transfer IB or AP credit(s) if they meet specific criteria as listed on the credit policy guide. Students who want to know if their AP or IB credit(s) will be accepted should contact the Office of Evaluation and Advisement or contact their academic advisor. Official transcripts indicating the completion of IB coursework and/or official copies of AP exam scores from the College Board need to be submitted in order to receive college-level credit.