Supporting the uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø community

Living our values in uncertain times

In moments of national uncertainty, we remain rooted in our mission and committed to the values that define us: belonging, the dignity of every person, and a commitment to preparing students for lives of purpose and leadership. 

Recent developments at the federal level and national discourse have raised pressing questions. As a campus community, we are actively monitoring these changes and responding with care and resolve.

This page serves as a central hub for information, resources and updates related to national policy shifts, campus actions, and the support available to our students, faculty and staff. It reflects the collective work of uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø¡¯s leadership and community to ensure all who live, work and learn here feel protected, valued and informed.

uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø is¡ªand will continue to be¡ªa place where all students can thrive. This institution will continue to stay true to the Lutheran values of inclusion, commitment to community and service to others, while preparing students to lead in the world that comes from a diverse campus, domestically and globally. Even as we meet legal obligations and navigate external challenges, we do so in a way that reflects the core tenets of our mission and the promise of a Bold & Boundless future.

Last updated Aug. 22, 2025

What's changing: National policies and higher ed trends

Higher education is experiencing a period of rapid change at the national level. Executive orders, legislative proposals and shifting federal enforcement priorities have created uncertainty for colleges and universities and students who are attending or plan to attend.

Developments include:

• Increased federal scrutiny of international students and scholars, including under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Executive Order 13899. These measures raise concerns about data privacy, campus surveillance, and academic freedom.
• Threats to federal financial aid systems tied to budget negotiations and proposed Department of Education restructuring.
• Evolving guidance on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices, with some states restricting DEI-related programming and training, and others reaffirming institutional commitments.
• Uncertainty around Title IX enforcement and bias-related investigations, which may impact how campuses respond to identity-based harassment and discrimination.
• Heightened federal attention to accreditation standards, with proposed oversight mechanisms intended to align institutional practices with evolving federal policy priorities.

The Chronicle of Higher Education is tracking the federal higher ed landscape. Here¡¯s the latest. 

We are monitoring changes closely in partnership with higher education associations and legal experts. You can explore ongoing analysis and updates from trusted sources:

• American Council on Education (ACE) ¨C Advocacy, policy analysis and federal updates.
• DEI Legislation Tracker
• DEI in Higher Education
• National Association of Independent uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍøs and Universities (NAICU) ¨C Policy positions and federal briefings.
• U.S. Department of Education ¨C Official regulations, notices and executive communications.
• Federal Register ¨C Executive Orders
• U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division
  • U.S. Department of Justice Guidance regarding Unlawful Discrimination

This landscape is evolving, and we will continue to keep our campus community informed and supported.

Our institutional response

uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø is actively responding to national policy developments through coordination across college leadership, legal counsel, and student-facing offices. While not every action can or should be publicized, please know that steps are being taken to ensure that we uphold our institutional values, and maintain compliance with legal requirements.

Support for international students

uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø is proud to be home to a vibrant international student community. We recognize national policy changes and global uncertainties can create added stress for students studying far from home. Our commitment is to provide consistent care, information and support¡ªduring the academic year and through the summer.

While visa processing timelines vary, approvals are tracking similarly to prior years, and we remain encouraged by the steady approvals of visas of our incoming international students.

Related policies, resources and reporting

At uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø, every member of our community has the right to learn, live and work in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and fear. We are committed to upholding those rights and providing transparent pathways for seeking help, reporting concerns and accessing support.

See also: Free expression on campus

Frequently asked questions

We understand that recent changes at the national level may leave students, families, faculty and staff with questions. Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked concerns. If you need personalized guidance, please reach out to the appropriate campus contact listed in the resources above.

Q: What if the government requests information about a student?

uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø complies with federal law, including FERPA, which protects the privacy of student education records. We do not release personally identifiable student information to outside parties¡ªincluding law enforcement or federal agencies¡ªunless legally required to do so through a subpoena, warrant or official court order.

If such a request is received, it is reviewed by the Office of General Counsel to ensure compliance with applicable privacy protections.

Q: Can uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø stop federal investigators from coming to campus?

uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø is a private institution, but we must comply with lawful investigations and federal authorities operating within their legal rights. That said, campus officials¡ªincluding Public Safety and the Office of General Counsel¡ªhave protocols in place to ensure that any interaction with outside law enforcement is handled professionally, respectfully and in accordance with student rights.

Q: What happens to financial aid if the Department of Education is disrupted?

At this time, all federal and institutional financial aid continues to be processed as usual. uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø is closely monitoring developments that could affect the Department of Education, including budget negotiations or restructuring proposals.

If changes occur that may impact student financial aid, we will notify affected students immediately and work with them to explore solutions.

For personal questions about aid status, contact:

Office of Financial Aid

• Email: financialaid@augustana.edu
• Phone: 309-794-7207

Q: What does the current federal climate mean for DEI efforts at uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø?

uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø remains committed to cultivating a campus culture rooted in connection, where every individual belongs and thrives. uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø continues to uphold the practices that support all our students, rooted in our mission and Lutheran values.

Q: How could federal policy shifts impact grants, research or institutional funding?

We are closely tracking developments that could affect federal funding for higher education, including changes to research grants, student aid programs, and institutional support. uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø regularly engages with national higher education associations to stay informed and advocate for continued investment in student success and academic opportunity. If any federal decisions are expected to affect programs or funding on our campus, we will communicate promptly and work to mitigate impact wherever possible.

How the uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø community can make a difference

At uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø, concern is not a passive emotion¡ªit¡¯s a call to action. Many faculty, staff and community members have asked what they can do to support students during this time of uncertainty. Whether you¡¯re an educator, advisor, neighbor or friend, your presence and engagement matter.

Here are meaningful ways you can help.

Support international students

• Offer mentorship or informal check-ins. Ask how they¡¯re doing, help them navigate campus systems, or simply listen.
• Invite students to meals or off-campus activities. For many students far from home, community connections are vital during holidays or summer months.
• If you're interested in participating in a more formal mentoring program, contact the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS) at oisss@augustana.edu.

Share and model accurate information

• uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø informed about institutional policy and national developments by consulting reputable sources.
• Gently correct misinformation when you hear it¡ªespecially about visas, federal investigations or student rights.
• Refer students to trusted campus offices rather than speculating or advising beyond your expertise.

Be present and approachable

• A friendly greeting, open office door, or kind word goes further than you think.
• Reassure all students that they are seen, valued and not alone.
• If a student expresses fear or distress, connect them with Counseling Services or Student Life immediately.

Other ways to help

• Faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and other community members may contribute to designated emergency funds or international student support initiatives through the Office of Advancement. For giving inquiries, contact giving@augustana.edu or visit uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø¡¯s giving page.
• Consider donating textbooks or gift cards to assist students with unplanned expenses.

In moments like these, our strength as a community is defined not just by what we believe, but by how we show up for one another. In large part, this is how uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø has remained nimble and strong through changing times, and advanced our mission for 165 years. Your care, engagement and action help ensure that uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø remains a place of welcome, safety and belonging for all.

Additional resources and external links

uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍøing informed is key to understanding how national developments may impact our campus and higher education more broadly. The links below offer authoritative updates, legal and policy guidance, and context for faculty and staff advocacy.