Supporting the Augustana College 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 Augustana’s leadership and community to ensure all who live, work and learn here feel protected, valued and informed.

Augustana is—and will continue to be—a 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 July 16, 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—especially for international students and others whose identities or legal statuses are directly affected by federal actions.

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) – Advocacy, policy analysis and federal updates.
• DEI Legislation Tracker
• DEI in Higher Education
• National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) – Policy positions and federal briefings.
• U.S. Department of Education – Official regulations, notices and executive communications.
• Federal Register – Executive Orders

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

Our institutional response

Augustana 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—quietly and with care—to ensure student privacy, uphold our institutional values, and maintain compliance with federal requirements.

Support for international students

Augustana 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—during the academic year and through the summer.

Related policies, resources and reporting

At Augustana College, 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?

Augustana 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—including law enforcement or federal agencies—unless 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 Augustana stop federal investigators from coming to campus?

Augustana is a private institution, but we must comply with lawful investigations and federal authorities operating within their legal rights. That said, campus officials—including Public Safety and the Office of General Counsel—have 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. Augustana 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

How the Augustana community can make a difference

At Augustana, concern is not a passive emotion—it’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

• Stay informed about institutional policy and national developments by consulting reputable sources.
• Gently correct misinformation when you hear it—especially 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 students—especially those from marginalized or vulnerable groups—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 Augustana’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 Augustana College has remained nimble and strong through changing times, and advanced our mission for 165 years. Your care, engagement and action help ensure that Augustana remains a place of welcome, safety and belonging for all.

Additional resources and external links

Staying 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.