January 29, 2025

Dear Students,

Yesterday, we received news of possible federal actions that would freeze distribution of federal aid to students. By the end of the day, an injunction was filed against those actions.

Financial Aid, Grants, and Loans

An Office of Management and Budget memo, reported in today’s news, announced a pause on certain financial assistance programs, including student grants and loans. The pause did not impact “assistance received directly by individuals,” which includes Title IV and HEA funds that are provided to individual students. The actions of a federal judge also mean that pauses will not go into effect at this time. We continue to receive ongoing clarification from the Department of Education and will send updates as we hear more information regarding Federal Student Aid funding as they become available. If you have concerns about other financial aid matters, please reach out to the Financial Aid office.

Immigration

Westminster University is a place where students thrive, innovate, and lead, regardless of citizenship status. At Westminster, we stand firmly with our undocumented students, especially in light of recent legislative developments, and remain committed to providing unwavering support and resources to ensure their success and well-being. In support of this commitment, Westminster will continue to admit students consistent with our nondiscrimination statements so that undocumented students will be considered for admission under the same criteria as U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Westminster will maintain the privacy of information about students, faculty, and staff unless authorized by student or required by court order or subpoena, and will refrain from voluntarily assisting in the deportation of students, staff, or faculty unless required by court order or subpoena.

Resources for Students

Reported events and news coverage on topics and legal actions that may impact you as a student will continue to change over the coming days. Each of you have unique lived experiences, identities and beliefs about the impact of current events. At Westminster, we are committed to the safety, inclusion, and success of all of our students. To best support you, Student Care is available to meet individually with students to provide support for individual concerns and questions. In-person and virtual Student Care appointments are available by contacting vpstudentaffairs@westminsteru.edu or calling Student Care at 801.832.2230. Student Care is located in L.S. Skaggs Integrated Wellness Center on the second floor.

The Counseling Center offers individual therapy services for students looking for ongoing emotional support and processing.  Same day crisis appointments are available for those experiencing mental health crisis and distress including crisis related to experiencing a recent traumatic event.  To schedule an appointment or to ask questions, please contact the Counseling Center at frontdesk@westminsteru.edu or 801.832.2465.

In Community,
Dr. Jessica

Jessica Darnell Brazell-Brayboy, PhD
(she, her, hers)
Vice President for Student Affairs and Athletics