Employee Resources

Please Note: The resources listed here do not constitute legal advice and are provided for informational purposes only. Should a concern arise, individuals are strongly recommended to promptly seek the advice of an attorney to discuss their unique circumstances.

Guidance on engaging with federal immigration law enforcement

  • It is WOU’s standard practice to refer all federal immigration officials and related inquiries to Campus Public Safety (call or text 503.838.8481) and the Office of the General Counsel (call 503.838.9471). Consult Campus Public Safety and/or the Office of the General Counsel before responding to any request for immigration information. Campus Public Safety is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Anyone can access the Lawyer Referral Service from the Oregon State Bar and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Immigration Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to immigration attorneys across the U.S.
  • If a member of the WOU community is detained or arrested at WOU in Monmouth or Salem and you witness it, do not directly interfere. Stay calm and gather as much information as safely possible without direct interference, such as documenting the date, time, location, and any information related to the involved agency(ies).
  • Immediately report engagement with law enforcement to Campus Public Safety at 503.838.8481.

University Personnel, please take the following steps:

Be polite, try to stay calm, and do not take any action that could be perceived as interfering with an officer’s official duties.
Inform the individual(s) that “I understand you are here to enforce immigration law. The university is represented by the Office of the General Counsel, and all warrants, orders and government subpoenas must first be reviewed by our General Counsel or Campus Public Safety. I am required to check-in with my supervisor and contact them before proceeding.”
Excuse yourself and immediately inform your supervisor. Interrupt your supervisor if they are in a meeting or on a call. If your supervisor is not in the office, call Campus Public Safety 503.838.9000. Campus Public Safety is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Supervisors, if you encounter ICE in a WOU facility or if an employee contacts you regarding ICE in a WOU facility, please take the following steps:

  1. If the ICE officials DO NOT have a warrant, subpoena, or other legal document:

    Tell the ICE officials:     “I am not permitted to provide access or information without a warrant, subpoena, or other legal document. I will contact Campus Public Safety for assistance with your request.”
    • Contact Campus Public Safety immediately to dispatch an officer to your location. Call 503.838.9000.
    • DO NOT permit access to WOU facilities or to records.
    • Campus Public Safety will interact with ICE officials, will coordinate with the Office of General Counsel, and may give you further instructions.
  2. If the ICE officials DO have a warrant, subpoena, or other legal document:

    Tell the ICE officials:     “I am required to contact Campus Public Safety as they are responsible for assisting with these matters”
    • Contact Campus Public Safety immediately to dispatch an officer to your location. Call 503.838.9000.
    • Campus Public Safety will interact with ICE officials, will coordinate with the Office of General Counsel, and may give you further instructions.
    • Campus Public Safety may ask you to take pictures of the warrant, subpoena, or other legal document presented by ICE. If Campus Public Safety asks for your assistance with this, please send the images to generalcounsel@wou.edu for review.

Email Requests From ICE

Do not reply to any email requests from ICE for student or employee information. Forward the email to your supervisor, Campus Public Safety (safety@wou.edu) and the Office of General Counsel (generalcounsel@wou.edu).

    Employee Support Resources

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

    Through the Public Employees’ Benefit Board (PEBB), all employees and their eligible family members can access free, confidential counseling and work-life support services 24/7.

    Health Insurance & Behavioral Health Benefits

    PEBB health plans include behavioral health services and telehealth counseling options. You can find provider directories through your insurance carrier (e.g., Providence, Moda, Kaiser).

    Employee Support Offices at WOU