Colorado Mesa University (CMU) adopts this guidance to comply with Colorado Senate Bill 25-276 and applicable federal and state laws. This guidance protects the privacy and rights of students, employees and community members while establishing clear procedures for responding to requests from federal immigration enforcement authorities.
Scope
This guidance applies to all CMU students, employees, contractors and agents, and covers all university records and campus property.
Guidance Statement
Student and employee records are confidential and protected by law. CMU does not inquire into, collect or disclose personally identifiable information related to immigration or citizenship status, except:
- When required by federal or state law
- When necessary to perform university duties or programs (e.g., visa sponsorship, financial aid eligibility)
- Will not provide access to non-public campus areas or confidential records to federal immigration enforcement authorities unless:
- Presented with a valid subpoena, judicial warrant, or court order issued by a federal judge or magistrate; or
- Authorized by law or valid consent
CMU is committed to maintaining a safe, supportive and respectful environment for all members of the university community, regardless of immigration status.
Prohibited Information Collection
CMU employees shall not collect the following information unless required by law or necessary for university operations:
- Place of birth
- Immigration or citizenship status
- Information from passports, permanent resident cards, alien registration cards, or employment authorization documents
Access to Information and Records
Requests from federal immigration enforcement for personal identifying information must:
- Be immediately referred to CMU’s designated point of contact
- Include valid legal documentation (subpoena, warrant or court order)
CMU will only release information:
- As required by law; or
- As otherwise permitted under applicable federal or state law (e.g., FERPA)
When legally permissible, CMU will make reasonable efforts to notify the individual whose information is requested.
Access to Campus Facilities
CMU distinguishes between:
- Public Areas: open to the general public
- Non-Public Areas: includes residence halls, offices, classrooms, restricted facilities and operational spaces
Federal immigration enforcement officials:
- May access public areas without restriction
- May not access non-public areas without a valid judicial warrant or court order
Employees may not grant access to non-public areas and must instead contact the designated point of contact.
Required Procedures for Federal Requests
CMU will document and verify the following before responding to any request:
- Name, agency, and badge number of the requesting official
- Employer/agency affiliation
- Copy of subpoena, warrant, or court order issued by a federal judge or magistrate
Designated Point of Contact
All requests from federal immigration enforcement must be directed to the Office of Student Services.
No employee or student should independently respond to such requests.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees must:
- Refer requests immediately to the designated point of contact
- Refrain from collecting or sharing prohibited information
- Comply with this guidance and applicable laws
Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.