UNC Chancellor Carol Folt wrote a letter to the campus community on Sunday saying the university had heard from “many people at Carolina who are confused, frightened and unsure of what to do,” in the wake of a presidential executive order that sparked protests across the country this weekend.

President Donald Trump issued the order on Friday limiting immigrants from seven predominately Muslim countries – Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya and Yemen – from entering the United States for 90 days. The order contained other elements as well.

While multiple courts issued partial temporary stays over the weekend, Folt wrote, “no one is really certain how this will resolve in the coming days.”

“While the full impact of this order remains unclear,” Folt wrote, “we are determined to help people who are directly or indirectly impacted in every way that we can.”

Folt specifically targeted Carolina’s more than 3,000 international students, scholars, staff and families saying they are “essential to our vibrant Carolina community.”

UNC is advising those from the countries targeted by the executive order to reach out to UNC Global with any questions and concerns. Beyond that, the university is advising “students, faculty, and staff who may be affected by this Executive Order to consult an immigration attorney prior to travel outside of the United States.”

Some other universities across the country are encouraging any campus members from the affected countries to remain in the US until the ban is lifted.

A UNC spokesperson said the university is aware of at least one individual who is being affected by the order but no other details are available.

A spokesperson for the 17-campus UNC System also issued a statement on Sunday.

“The University’s international students, distinguished researchers, and faculty are valued and important members of our University community. While the exact impact of the Executive Order (EO) on our University community remains unclear, we have asked each of our constituent institutions to advise their students and employees who are nationals of the countries identified in the EO to refrain from traveling outside the country. We are continuing to monitor the situation, and we will keep our campus communities apprised of new information as it becomes available.”

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