Resource Hub on Federal Policy Changes

At Alliant International University, we recognize that changes in federal policies can impact not only our students but also faculty, staff, and the broader community. Our commitment to the Alliant Mission, Vision and IMPACT Values remains unwavering. This page provides clear, factual information on policy changes that may affect members of our university and community, along with resources for support.

1. How might recent federal policy changes impact the Alliant community?

Federal policy changes may result in adjustments to programs that impact financial aid, international students/immigration, campus policies, and institutional initiatives. While no immediate changes are expected, we remain committed to monitoring developments and providing support. Below are key areas of potential impact:

• Federal Student Aid: Potential adjustments to loan forgiveness programs and eligibility for federal grants may be reviewed, but current aid programs remain in place.
• Visa & Immigration Policies: Processing times and work eligibility for international students may be evaluated at the federal level, but no immediate changes to DACA or visa regulations have been announced. For more detailed information please visit https://www.alliant.edu/federal-policy-updates/immigration
• Title IX: Recent Court ruling on the 2024 Title IX regulations require compliance with the 2020 Title IX regulations which may influence reporting and response procedures for sex-based/gender-based harassment and sex-based/gender-based discrimination. Alliant remains committed to compliance with Title IX and related regulations, while looking to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all.
• Campus Safety: Alliant prioritizes the safety and well-being of its campus community by maintaining clear policies, resources, and response procedures to address safety concerns effectively.
• Healthcare & Insurance: While federal policies may shift, healthcare access and insurance options for students and employees continue to be provided through institutional and state-supported programs.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs: The President, through an executive order, has asked the U.S. Department of Education to provide guidance to colleges no later than May 20, 2025. We will not know what those details are until then, but Alliant continues to uphold its Mission, Vision and IMPACT Values. When the Department issues guidance on this topic, we will share and collaborate with you. (ACE Higher Ed)
• FAQs About Racial Preferences and Stereotypes Under Title VI of Civil Rights Act from the EoD Office for Civil Rights.

2. What changes have already taken effect?

As of February 4, 2025, there have been minimal, widespread changes affecting Alliant students, faculty, or staff, but we recognize that evolving policies may have varying impacts on individuals in our community. However, we continue to track developments related to:

• DACA Program Updates: The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy remains active, and renewal applications continue to be accepted. (USCIS)
• Student Loan Repayment: The federal government is reviewing student loan forgiveness and repayment options. Students are encouraged to check official updates. (Federal Student Aid)
• Title IX Adjustments: The U.S. Department of Education periodically updates Title IX guidelines, and Alliant remains in compliance with all federal and state regulations. (U.S. Department of Education). On January 9, 2025, a federal judge rescinded the 2024 Title Regulations and on January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order: Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government" therefore Alliant International University must comply with the 2020 Title IX Regulations immediately.

3. How do federal immigration policies affect Alliant's campus?

• Can federal immigration officials come onto campus?
  Alliant International University follows legal guidelines regarding law enforcement presence on campus. Federal immigration officers, such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), must follow specific legal protocols, including presenting valid warrants if seeking access to non-public areas.
• What should I do if I am approached by immigration officials on campus?
  If approached by an immigration officer, you have the right to remain silent and request legal counsel before answering any questions. You can also reach out Alliant Integrated Services (AIS) – All-in-one Support AIS@alliant.edu (858) 635-HELP (4357) or (866) 825-5426 
• Does the university share student or employee information with immigration enforcement?
  Alliant International University complies with federal privacy laws, including FERPA, which protects student records. The university does not release student or employee information to law enforcement agencies without a subpoena or court order.  Unless prohibited by the subpoena or other law, Alliant will provide notice to any individual whose records or information are sought.
• Will immigration status affect my ability to receive financial aid or scholarships?
  Certain federal aid programs are limited to U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens, but state and private scholarships are available to students, including those covered under DACA Visit the Office of Financial Aid for more information.
• What resources are available for students?
  The university provides support through the offering information on immigration policies, legal rights, and external support networks. You can reach out to the Office of International Student Services (ISS) for additional resources.
• Are there any California state policies that will supersede federal policies regarding immigration, and where can I find information on them?
  Yes, California has state policies that provide additional protections and guidance for immigrant communities beyond federal policies. While federal immigration law is supreme, California has enacted various laws and policies to safeguard the rights of immigrants, including limits on state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
  
  For more information, you can refer to the California Attorney General’s Office publications and guidance:

California Department of Justice Publications: https://oag.ca.gov/publications#immigration

Attorney General’s Response to Increased Threats to Immigrant Communities: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/response-increased-threats-california-immigrant-communities-attorney-general

4. Where can community members seek support if they are impacted by these changes?

Alliant International University remains committed to assisting students, faculty, and staff. Resources include:

• Guidance on student aid and repayment options: Office of Financial Aid AFAA@alliant.edu
• Visa and immigration support: Office of International Student Services (ISS)
• Title IX or campus safety concerns: TitleIX@Alliant.Edu
• Mental health and well-being support:
  • To access Student Assistance Program services by phone, call 800-227-1060, option 3. To access services online click, here and use username : alliant
  • To access Employee Assistance Program services by phone, call 800-634-6433.
  • To access services online click here, and use code Bert1.
• Legal Assistance Resources: National Immigration Law Center
   

5. What is the university’s stance on diversity and inclusion during these changes?

Alliant International University remains steadfast in its commitment to its Mission, Vision and IMPACT Values.

6. What do I do if ICE comes to campus?

A set of FAQs have been developed and are available on this page's specific section on the matter. Also, the Office of Compliance will hold a number of sessions allowing interested individuals to ask questions and discuss practical tips. Until then, if any immigration officer or other law enforcement officer presents at one of our campuses, please direct them to the following:

• General Counsel – Afshin Afrookhteh, afshin.afrookhteh@alliant.edu, (949) 510-6951
• Chief Operations Officer – Brandon Jouganatos, brandon.jouganatos@alliant.edu, (415) 889-3748
• Vice President of Student Affairs – Esmeralda Silva, esmeralda.silva@alliant.edu, (858) 635-4535

Regarding disclosure of information about immigration status, Alliant International University is committed to complying with state and federal laws, and professional ethical standards, that protect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals. It is our practice to not share private information including immigration status without consent, unless ordered to do so by a verified warrant, subpoena, or other proper order.

Individuals always have the following rights:

• Right to Remain Silent
• Right to Not Consent to a Search
• Right to Speak to an Attorney

Consider printing the Red Card developed by UC Immigrant Legal Services. This is a wallet-sized tool that can be used to assert your rights when interacting with immigration enforcement officers.

7. What LGBTQIA+ Support and Resources Are Available at Alliant International University?

At Alliant International University, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment for all students, faculty, and staff. We recognize that members of the LGBTQIA+ community may have unique concerns, especially in light of recent policy changes and societal shifts. Our goal is to provide resources, support, and a network of allies to ensure that every individual in our community feels valued, protected, and empowered.

Support Services & Resources:

Alliant International University offers various resources to support the LGBTQIA+ community, ensuring an inclusive and supportive environment for students, faculty, and staff.

• Pride Club (Los Angeles Campus) – A collaborative LGBTQIA+ community that embraces all identities and intersectionalities, providing a safe and supportive space for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies.
• LGBTQIA+ Resource Group (San Francisco Bay Area Campus) – A group for students, staff, and faculty that fosters a sense of community through professional and social events.
• Certificate in LGBT Human Services and Mental Health – A program offered through the California School of Professional Psychology that equips clinicians with competencies in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, and families.

Wellness and Safety:

• Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) – A team of faculty and staff dedicated to supporting the well-being and safety of the Alliant community. BIT provides early intervention for individuals showing signs of distress, coordinates responses to crises, and offers guidance on health and safety concerns. Wellness checks are conducted through BIT reporting, ensuring that students, faculty, and staff receive the appropriate support and resources. Members are selected for their diverse expertise to ensure informed and compassionate responses. To report a concern, call (858) 635-4014 or fill out the online form. 
• Student Assistance Program (SAP) – A 24/7 confidential support service provided through StudentLinc, where students can speak with licensed clinicians about issues such as stress, anxiety, and personal safety concerns. Support is available at 1-888-893-5462, and students can access online resources at mystudentlinc.com using the username: alliant.
• Campus Safety Department – Provides emergency preparedness, crime prevention, and general campus security support. Students are encouraged to report incidents or concerns to campus security personnel.

Alliant International University remains committed to ensuring that all community members feel supported, respected, and valued. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact Alliant Integrated Services (AIS) at AIS@alliant.edu or (858) 635-HELP (4357).

External LGBTQIA+ Support Resources

For LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking support during tough times, the following organizations provide crisis intervention, mental health support, and advocacy services:

• The Trevor Project – A leading national organization offering crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQIA+ youth under 25. Their 24/7 helpline is available at 1-866-488-7386, with additional support via online chat and text.
• PFLAG – The nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families. PFLAG provides local peer-support chapters across the country.
• GLBT National Help Center – Offers free and confidential support through hotlines and online chat services.
  • LGBT National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
• Los Angeles LGBT Center – The world’s largest provider of LGBTQIA+ programs and services, offering health care, social services, housing assistance, and more for those in the Los Angeles area.
• GLAAD Resource List – A comprehensive list of resources across various categories, including youth support, transgender advocacy, legal assistance, and mental health services.

Q - What is the University's position on immigration status of individuals and potential raids?

A - Based on our Mission and IMPACT values, Alliant International University is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff, regardless of their immigration status. While Alliant will not affirmatively assist any officer in the exercise of their duties, the University will comply with applicable laws, and orders. This means that Alliant will comply with duly issued warrants, subpoenas and other court order. Please see below for guidance on how to respond to a warrant, subpoena or court order.

Q - Will Alliant disclose the immigration status of anyone?

A - Alliant International University is committed to complying with state and federal laws, and professional ethical standards, that protect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals. It is our practice to not share private information including immigration status without consent, unless ordered to do so by a verified warrant, subpoena, or other proper order. Further, in compliance with FERPA, the university does not share any information from a student’s educational record without proper authorization or valid warrant or subpoena.

Q - Can anyone at Alliant prevent federal immigration enforcement officers from coming onto campus or entering classrooms?

A - Areas of Alliant campuses that are open to the public are also open to federal immigration enforcement and other law enforcement officers. Alliant does not have authority to prohibit officers from coming on campus to those public areas even if their purpose is to enforce federal law. Where access is restricted and requires Avigilon (OpenPath) authorization, officers will be required to have a warrant or other proper court order to access Alliant campuses or classrooms.

Q - What if I am approached by an immigration officer, or become aware that immigration enforcement activity is occurring or about to occur on campus?

A - Please notify the General Counsel or Designees:

• General Counsel - Afshin Afrookhteh, afshin.afrookhteh@alliant.edu, (949) 510-6951
• Chief Operations Officer - Brandon Jouganatos, brandon.jouganatos@alliant.edu, (415) 889-3748
• Vice President of Student Affairs - Esmeralda Silva, esmeralda.silva@alliant.edu, (858) 635-4535

If approached, you are not required to respond to any questions or otherwise engage the officers. You may inform the officer that you do not have the authority to respond to the request and refer them to the General Counsel or Designees.

Q - What if I am presented with a warrant?

A - Immediately contact the General Counsel or Designees. While you have no obligation to affirmatively assist the officers, you are also required to not interfere with exercise of their duties.

Q - Are there different types of warrants?

A - Yes. There are generally two types of warrants used by federal immigration enforcement officers: an administrative warrant, and a judicial warrant.

An administrative warrant might also be called a Warrant of Removal/Deporation. This type of warrant does not allow an officer to enter and search unless someone authorized to do so gives consent. An administrative warrant might allow an officer to arrest the person described in the warrant, if that person is in a public space.

A judicial warrant might be a search warrant, or an arrest warrant. In either case, it must describe sufficiently the location that is to be searched, or the person to be arrested (either by name, or clear description). In every instance, a judicial warrant is only effective if it is signed by a federal judge.

Q - Am I required to assist officers with execution of a warrant or subpoena?

A - No. You are not required to affirmatively assist officers, or grant permission to enter nonpublic areas of the university when officers do not have a judicial warrant or court order to enter. However, federal law prohibits you from hiding evidence, concealing or hiding individuals who are the subjects of law enforcement activity, or interfering with an arrest. Further, you should not put yourself in physical danger.

Q - What if officers wish to enter secure parts of campus?

A - Officers should present a warrant or other proper court order, which you will direct to General Counsel or Designees. If the officer declares that exigent circumstances exist and demands immediate access, comply with the officer’s orders and immediately alert the General Counsel or Designees. If the officer does not declare that exigent circumstances exist, ask the officer for their name, identification number and agency affiliation and record that information; inform the officer that you are not obstructing their process, but the designated campus official must review the documentation presented. Then contact the General Counsel or Designees.

Q - Will University employees including Public Safety or Security assist officers in the identification, apprehension, or removal of individuals from campus?

A - Absent a judicial order mandating actions, Alliant employees are not required to affirmatively assist or enforce immigration laws on Alliant campuses. Alliant employees will not be required to detain, question, arrest or remove any individual solely on the basis of immigration status. Public Safety and security officers will be required to continue their primary duties and responsibilities which include safety and security of people and property.

Alliant International University is committed to providing meaningful support for transgender and gender-expansive individuals through the following resources:

• Transgender and Gender Expansive (TGE) Work Group – A work group that has developed policies and resources to support transgender and gender-expansive individuals, including a preferred name policy and a guide on using gender-neutral pronouns.
• Rockway Institute for LGBT Psychology Research and Public Policy – A national center dedicated to using scientific and professional expertise to counter anti-LGBTQIA+ prejudice and inform public policies affecting LGBTQIA+ individuals.

External Transgender-Specific Resources

• Trans Lifeline – A peer-support crisis hotline run by and for trans individuals. Call 1-877-565-8860 for confidential support.
• National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) – Provides legal advocacy and policy updates on transgender rights.
• GLAAD’s Transgender Resources – Offers education and advocacy resources for transgender individuals and allies.

For additional support, students, faculty, and staff can contact Alliant Integrated Services (AIS) at AIS@alliant.edu.

For real-time updates on federal policy changes, visit:

• U.S. Department of Education (ed.gov)
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) (uscis.gov)
• Federal Student Aid Office (studentaid.gov)
• American Council on Education (ACE) Higher Education Policy Updates (acenet.edu)

We encourage students, faculty, and staff to reach out with any concerns or questions. Alliant International University is here to support you every step of the way.

EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) provides additional insights into practices and programs likely to be scrutinized following President Trump's DEI-related executive orders. https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-you-should-know-about-dei-related-discrimination-work