NEW BRUNSWICK -- After a nationwide call by college students to protect unauthorized immigrants from possible deportation under President-elect Donald Trump, Rutgers University has pledged to do everything in its legal power to keep its students safe.

The university police department does not check student's immigration status unless a serious crime has been committed, and Rutgers will not share private information about its students unless required to do so by a court order, President Robert Barchi said in a message to students.

"No matter your political view, ethnicity, religious beliefs, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or nationality, you are first and foremost a Rutgers student," Barchi said. "You are owed our respect, our support, and our best efforts to keep you safe and secure as you express your opinions and pursue your studies."

The message comes as activists and student groups from at least 80 colleges and universities across the country are planning student walkouts or protests Wednesday to demand protection and respect for unauthorized immigrant students if Trump follows through with deportation plans after he takes office.

In New Jersey, students at Rutgers, Seton Hall, Princeton, William Paterson, Bloomfield College, St. Peter's University and Bergen County Community College are among those who have said they will hold walkouts or protests, according to posts on social media.

Rutgers students are also circulating a petition calling on the state university to become a "sanctuary campus."

On a sanctuary campus, the administration, faculty, and staff establish a welcome climate for minority students, Muslims, LGBTQ students, and women, the petition stated.

"Campus police and managers of data also should refuse to cooperate with federal agents wishing to deport undocumented students," the petition said.

Since Trump won the presidential election last week, college campuses have become a hotbed for fear and unrest. Students protested at both Rutgers and Princeton last week, with some saying they were scared for their safety.

Early in the campaign, Trump said he wanted to deport all of the more than 11 million unauthorized immigrants in the country. More recently, he said his focus will be deporting "the people that are criminal and have criminal records -- gang members, drug dealers."

Without specifically addressing Trump's proposals, Barchi assured students that they don't need worry about their safety or privacy at Rutgers. He also encouraged students to continue civil discussions and embrace the university's political diversity.

"Our university is and must be a safe place for all people to live and learn, where students and others of all viewpoints may express their ideas with the full expectations that they will be heard and respected," Barchi said.

Under New Jersey law signed by Gov. Chris Christie in 2013, immigrants living in the country illegally can attend state colleges at the same in-state tuition rate as other New Jersey residents.

Unauthorized immigrants, dubbed DREAMers, previously paid out-of-state tuition, which was often double the in-state rate.

Students must sign an affidavit saying they have either applied to legalize their immigration status or will apply when eligible, according to state law.

NJ Advance Media Reporter Kelly Heyboer contributed to this report.

Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook.