A Message from the President on Recent Federal Actions and Our Continued Commitment
Dear La Roche University Community,
In light of recent federal actions, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the uncertainty many of you are feeling. These changes have had far-reaching impacts, especially regarding immigration policies, federal aid, and funding for higher education, and I understand the concern and confusion that these shifts may cause for our community.
The full implications—and even the legal standing—of some of these executive orders will take time to clarify. Some have already been contested in court, and there is potential for them to be altered or overturned as the legal process unfolds. It also is common to experience some disarray and delays within federal agencies during a presidential transition. With this in mind, our leadership team and I are focused on navigating these uncertainties, prioritizing the safety of our campus community, and striving to minimize any disruptions caused by these evolving changes.
Immigration
We are aware of new federal actions that could impact the environment in which we live and work such as the recent policy changes permitting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to enter campus and religious spaces.
ICE officers are permitted to enter publicly accessible areas of campus during normal hours of operation. However, their access is limited in areas restricted by university-issued ID cards, locked doors, and residence halls. ICE officers must have a judicial warrant or subpoena to enter most private or limited-access areas on campus.
Please know that we are closely monitoring these actions and are committed to ensuring that La Roche University continues to be a safe and supportive environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
What to Do If You Encounter an ICE Officer on Campus
Should you encounter an ICE officer on campus, stay calm and politely state that you are obligated to contact University administration before you proceed. Do not accept service of any subpoena or warrant before contacting the Public Safety office at 412-536-1111 or the International Student Services office at 412-536-1296.
While waiting for University administration to arrive, you are not obligated to provide information to the ICE officer about yourself nor obligated to answer any questions. University administration will take responsibility for addressing the specific circumstances once on site. Please document the date, time, and details of the interaction, and refrain from physically obstructing or interfering with the actions of government officials.
Student Financial Issues
We continue to monitor the freeze on federal financial assistance. Based on current information, it appears that this freeze does not affect Title IV federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and student loans.
Campus Resources and Inclusion Forum
As we navigate this period of uncertainty, we are fully committed to providing you with the resources and support needed to understand and respond to any challenges that arise. I encourage you to attend the Inclusion Forum on Wednesday, February 19 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the Ryan Room for a panel discussion and Q&A session with local experts. Additionally, should you feel directly impacted, please reach out to any of the following campus resources available to you:
- Public Safety: 412-536-1111
- International Student Services: 412-536-1296
- Providence Campus Ministry: 412-536-1050
- Counseling and Health Services: 412-847-2506
- Inclusion and Belonging: 412-536-1243
- Human Resources: 412-536-1115
We remain steadfast in our dedication to the core values of La Roche University: inclusiveness, integrity, determination, compassion, inspiration, justice, and peace. Our focus is on ensuring that we, as a community, continue to live by these values, which make La Roche a safe and special place. At La Roche, we strive as an academic community to think critically and to engage in civil discourse, to dialogue across differences respectfully and productively. Fostering such dialogue is fundamental to our Catholic identity, our mission to promote justice and peace in a constantly changing global society, and our commitment to educating for democracy.
Thank you for your continued trust and commitment as we move forward together.
With gratitude,
Christina A. Clark, Ph.D.
President, La Roche University
