About ISSO
The Immigrant Student Success Office (ISSO) believes that a sense of community is essential for feeling supported, seen, and heard. We connect students with one another and integrating them into the larger Brooklyn College family, enabling them to grow not only as students but as whole individuals. At ISSO, we view our diverse student population as our greatest strength, and we focus on programming that celebrates individuality while building connections.
Our Committment
At ISSO, we believe that every student deserves a safe, inclusive, empowering, and supportive space to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
Safety
We are committed to fostering a safe environment where students can express their identities and experiences without fear. Through confidentiality, advocacy, and access to trusted resources, we ensure that students feel protected and respected as they pursue their education.
Inclusion
ISSO celebrates the diversity of our student body and is dedicated to creating an inclusive atmosphere where every individual feels valued and seen. Our initiatives are designed to embrace students from all immigration backgrounds and life experiences, ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities.
Empowerment
We empower students by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed. Whether it’s through mentoring, workshops, or access to leadership opportunities, ISSO supports students in shaping their futures and realizing their full potential.
Support
From academic and legal assistance to personal counseling and community-building activities, we provide comprehensive support tailored to the unique needs of immigrant students. Our team is here to guide and uplift students every step of the way, ensuring they have the resources to overcome challenges and achieve their dreams.
Our Mission
- Simplify the College Process: From navigating the college application process to finding ways to finance education, we help students overcome barriers to accessing higher education.
- Provide Legal and Immigration Updates: Through partnerships and expert resources, we deliver timely immigration updates and offer free legal services to ensure students are informed and secure.
- Create a Community of Support: We work to foster a welcoming environment where students feel seen, heard, and supported as they pursue their academic and personal goals.
- Empower Students for the Future: By offering skill-building opportunities, career preparation, and guidance for graduate program applications, we prepare students for life after Brooklyn College.
Our Work
ISSO advocates for and empowers students from a variety of immigration backgrounds, including those who are undocumented, recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), seeking asylum, or holding Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), U-visas, T-visas, or refugee status. We also assist those granted asylum, Cuban-Haitian entrants, parolees, individuals protected under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and students from mixed-status families.
From the moment students begin their application process through the development of their post-graduation plans, we stand alongside them every step of the way, providing comprehensive guidance and resources to help them achieve their academic and professional aspirations.
This commitment is rooted in a collaborative effort that spans the entire institution. Everyone—from the college president to staff, faculty, and campus partners—works together to ensure that undocumented students have access to the tools, information, and support they need to successfully reach their goal of graduation.
Our holistic approach is designed to address the unique challenges undocumented students face while fostering an environment where they feel valued, empowered, and equipped to excel academically and beyond. At Brooklyn College, we remain unwavering in our dedication to creating pathways for success and building a foundation of support that uplifts every student we serve.
At ISSO, we believe in the power of teamwork and collaboration. Our success is built on partnerships across the campus community, from top administrators to dedicated staff and faculty mentors. Together, we are constantly learning and innovating to meet the unique needs of our students.
This is what we do and who we proudly serve: a community of talented, resilient, and determined students, ready to achieve their dreams with our unwavering support.
Our Team
ISSO is powered by a team of committed staff whose focus is to support undocumented and immigrant students as they navigate their academic and personal journeys. At ISSO, we proudly serve students by providing guidance, resources, and a community of care to ensure every individual feels valued, seen, and empowered.
Contact the Immigrant Student Success Office
117 Roosevelt Hall
E: ISSO@brooklyn.cuny.edu
P: 718.951.5023