May 3, 2024Dear Postdocs and Associate Research Scholars,I hope you are well as this semester comes to a close.We have received a number of questions about how unionization might affect international postdocs and associate research scholars (ARSs) and what support the University currently provides for them. This message seeks to provide that information.International colleagues, who make up about 60% of postdocs and ARSs, are a vital part of the Princeton University community. Princeton has been, and continues to be, fully committed to supporting and meeting the needs of international researchers and scholars, who are indispensable to the University’s mission and excellence.As postdocs and ARSs contemplate unionization, you should know that international individuals, irrespective of their visa status, would have the same rights and obligations as all other postdocs and ARSs with regard to participation in union activities, including voting in an election. If a union is established, international postdocs and ARSs would be included in any eventual bargaining unit for which they were eligible by virtue of their status as employees. They also would be subject to the same contractual terms and union-related fees as everyone else in the bargaining unit unless a specific exception is negotiated.The following information, which may not be readily known to you, indicates the many ways in which the University supports the work and well-being of international researchers and scholars. We hope you will find this summary helpful. What to Know About Princeton’s Support for International Postdocs and Associate Research ScholarsImmigration SupportThe Davis International Center provides comprehensive resources and assistance to all international postdocs and ARSs on a variety of matters.Visa Assistance – Personalized help and advice are available to those who are on an F-1 OPT, J-1 visa, H-1B visa, or other employer-sponsored status. If you have any questions related to your status, you can reach out to an international adviser by scheduling an advising appointment. The Davis International Center hosts sessions with immigration attorneys to help international scholars looking to understand the nuances of various visa types, work authorization, and pathways to petitioning for permanent residency or naturalization. Community-Building – The Davis International Center welcomes new postdocs and associate research scholars through scholar orientation and offers programs to foster community among international workers and their families.Transition Support – Among its many services, the Davis International Center provides a bus trip in the fall to Trenton, New Jersey, for scholars to apply for a Social Security Number. The Friends of the Davis International Center hosts numerous events and activities designed to help international scholars acclimate to the Princeton community.Immigration AdvocacyPrinceton University has long been an active champion of international scholars, recognizing that our ability to attract and retain the best and brightest talent from around the world is part of what makes American universities the envy of the world.President Christopher L. Eisgruber has been a vocal proponent of international populations, contacting government officials and partnering with individuals and organizations to protect the laws, regulations, and practices that impact international researchers. Among the many letters he has penned are a 2017 letter opposing the travel ban, a 2018 letter regarding the Temporary Protected Status Program, a 2018 letter regarding J-1 exchange visas and the OPT program, and a 2019 letter expressing concern about the increased impediments to immigration. He also has authored numerous blog posts, statements, and op-eds concerning Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and the “DREAM Act” and the importance of international talent in STEM researchand in the humanities and social sciences.President Eisgruber is a founding member of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, and one of four presidents to serve on its Leadership Circle.The University maintains a presence on Capitol Hill and advocates for international scholars year-round through its Office of Government Affairs.Navigating Life in the U.S.Learning how governmental, health, and other systems work in the United States can be a source of stress for international scholars. Princeton offers many services that help them adapt to life in a new country and navigate unfamiliar organizational structures.Legal Services – As part of Princeton’s employee benefits, MetLife Legal Plans provides access to legal representation or advice, and to confidential legal assistance for only $12.80 per month. You can use this service for any of your legal needs, including immigration issues, wills, trusts, debt matters, defense of civil lawsuits and more. You must elect this plan during Open Enrollment (or when selecting benefits as a new hire) to access the benefit.Healthcare Orientation – As international scholars, you may have different needs, preferences, and levels of familiarity with benefits terminology and options. Princeton’s Benefits Office offers 90-minute informational sessions that allow those new to the United States healthcare system to ask questions about medical, dental, and vision plans, including medical terminology.Tax Assistance – Princeton's Global Financial Services offers guidance regarding payroll and tax issues for international scholars. Additionally, Princeton provides a complementary service, Sprintax Returns, to assist nonresident scholars with preparing their nonresident federal tax returns.Research FundingPrinceton maintains a robust presence at the state and national levels to showcase the world-leading research being done throughout campus, to advocate for research funding, and to build partnerships that ignite and sustain pathbreaking research. This work frequently recognizes the importance of international collaboration.Advocacy Days – Princeton organizes and participates in numerous advocacy days that bring Princeton faculty, researchers, and students to Washington, D.C., to talk about the importance of research in fusion energy, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, climate science, quantum computing, and more.Collective Advocacy – The University participates in a number of groups dedicated to increasing funding for federal research including the Coalition for National Security Research, Coalition for National Science Funding, the Energy Sciences Coalition, and the Coalition for Aerospace Science.Association of American Universities (AAU) – University officials regularly participate in and lead initiatives regarding research funding and international scholarship through the AAU. President Eisgruber is the present vice chair and incoming chair of the AAU, which represents the 71 largest research institutions in the United States and Canada.Please contact Karen Haskin, associate dean for academic affairs, or Tithi Basu Mallik, assistant dean for postdoctoral affairs, for additional information about support or resources for international scholars.Remember to vote. For or against unionization, your voice matters. A majority of those who vote will determine the outcome of the election for everyone.In-person voting for the postdoc/associate research scholar unionization election will be held:Wednesday and Thursday, May 8 and 9, 20249 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.Frist Campus Center, Room 302Best,GJ------Gene Andrew JarrettDean of the FacultyWilliam S. Tod Professor of EnglishPrinceton University
