EMU Today

YPSILANTI – A new video highlighting Eastern Michigan University’s welcoming community for international students is among the elements of a comprehensive effort to more clearly communicate the University’s support of international students, faculty and staff. Eastern’s new #YouAreWelcomeHere video ties in with the national movement among colleges and universities in the United States to ensure international students and scholars know they are welcome here and will find a friendly and supportive environment.

The University also has developed the #YouAreWelcomeHere website to provide a comprehensive resource to international students and scholars, with links to important offices that support Eastern’s international community on campus. .

The video features nearly 90 EMU students, staff and faculty members, including many representatives of Eastern’s international community, and will be shared widely across the University’s social media platforms.

Eastern Michigan University President James Smith, who appears in the video, said, “Eastern Michigan provides a warm, welcoming and supportive environment for international students. Time and time again, as I meet with international students, they share their views about the strong support they receive from the University and our faculty. They also reiterate the positive environment and location of the University and its proximity to the international airport at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The ease of travel and the welcoming campus make us ideally suited to attract even more international students and scholars in the year’s ahead.”

Eastern currently hosts nearly 1,000 international students from more than 80 nations.

The University is also planning a highly visible banner campaign that will feature 120 individual international students. The banners will be placed on light-posts around the campus and on major roadways in Ypsilanti. EMU will place a large banner featuring all 120 international students on its parking structure.

“Expanding awareness of Eastern’s support of our international community across the region and throughout the world is a major initiative that will continue to be a high priority going forward,” Smith said.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves 22,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.