Access to University Facilities
As a public, land-grant institution, a large portion of the campus, including the University Mall and nearly all outdoor space, is open to the general public, including non-university law enforcement.
However, many university spaces are not generally open to the public and/or public access is limited. These limited access spaces include, but are not limited to, campus buildings to which access is restricted by university-issued ID card (CatCard), such as campus residences, university classrooms, and research labs and office spaces (unless public events are being held in those locations).
Instructors have the right to restrict access to their classroom to those officially registered for the class and, in most circumstances, law enforcement officials may not enter a classroom, laboratory, dorm room, or private office without a warrant, a judicial order, or exigent circumstances. However, if law enforcement insists on entering classrooms with restricted access or other areas not open to the general public, university employees should not obstruct or interfere with their actions, regardless of whether the law enforcement official has a warrant or judicial order. If law enforcement enters a space or seeks entry into a space, university employees must contact UAPD as soon as possible, and the University Office of the General Counsel or Office of Public Safety thereafter. UAPD, the Office of Public Safety, and/or the Office of the General Counsel will address any concerns related to law enforcement access.
Responding to Non-University Law Enforcement
University employees are expected to comply when they are contacted by non-university law enforcement officials and should:
- Inform the official that you are contacting the University of Arizona Police Department to address their request and that you are not obstructing their process.
- Ask them to wait for a UAPD officer or direct them to the UAPD office located at 1852 East First Street, Tucson, AZ, 85721.
- Contact UAPD at 520-621-8273.
- Not physically block or interfere with their entry or actions.
- If contacted by non-university law enforcement while conducting university business on a third-party site (i.e., Cooperative Extension sites, research-related work, off-campus meetings, etc.), follow the rules or directions of the third-party site operator and contact UAPD, the Office of Public Safety, and the Office of General Counsel to report the contact.
If an employee receives a warrant, subpoena, or judicial order for, or is contacted by law enforcement seeking access to, university records or university property that employee should also contact the Office of the General Counsel in addition to UAPD. The Office of the General Counsel will advise the university regarding its response, which is dependent upon the circumstances and context of the situation.
Office of the General Counsel contact information is as follows:
- Email: OGC-Info@arizona.edu
- Telephone: 520-621-3175
International Students, Faculty and Scholars
The university provides resources for international students, faculty, and scholars, including important immigration and travel reminders at the below websites.
International Student Services is available to provide information and support. International students can email intl-isps@arizona.edu or call 520-621-4627.
International faculty, scholars and employees can contact International Faculty and Scholars at uaifs@arizona.edu or call 520-626-6289.
Critical Travel Reminders for International Students, Faculty and Scholars
Keep Immigration Documents Current and Accessible
Remember to keep your immigration documents in a secure but easily accessible place. It is also recommended to carry copies of essential documents (e.g., passport, I-94, and proof of status) and have digital versions saved on your phone or computer, at all times.
Traveling within the U.S.
When traveling domestically, it is important to carry the following documents to demonstrate your immigration status if requested:
- Valid I-20 for F-1 students OR DS-2019 for J-1 students
- A copy of your most recent I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- I-797 Approval Notice (if applicable)
- Valid passport
Transportation: You may be asked to show identification and immigration documents at airports, train stations, bus stations, or other transportation hubs.
Border Patrol Checkpoints: The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may conduct checks within 100 miles of the U.S. border with Mexico or Canada. These checkpoints are legally authorized and common in areas near the university, including Southern California and parts of Arizona. Be prepared to present proof of your immigration status and answer basic questions. For more details on checkpoint locations, you can visit: Border Patrol Sectors | U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Traveling Outside the U.S.
Remember to register all official university international travel in the International Travel Registry. Both business and non-business (personal) international travel must follow the latest federal travel advisories. If a travel ban that affects your country of citizenship is announced while you are abroad, be aware that you may not be able to legally reenter the U.S.
You should have the following for re-entry to the U.S.:
- F-1 Students: Valid I-20 with current travel signature OR Valid DS-2019 for J-1 students with current travel signature
- J-1 Scholars: Valid DS-2019 with travel signature and copy of your most recent I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- International Employees (H-1B, TN, O-1, etc.): Current I-797 Approval Notice
- Valid Visa
- Valid passport (ensure it is valid for at least six months beyond your expected stay in the U.S.).