Guidance on Federal Executive Actions

Find communications about federal executive actions and their implications for our campus community here.

Last Updated: February 21, 2025

In January 2025, the new administration in Washington, D.C. issued a series of executive orders that could impact Seattle University students, faculty, staff and operations. Since then, new executive actions and policies that affect higher education and represent significant changes to previous federal guidance continue to be enacted.

While the implications of these executive orders and actions are currently unclear, and several are being challenged in the Courts, Seattle University is committed to keeping our campus community informed.

On this Page

Campus Messages, Events and Resources

Feb. 21, 2025: ICE Guidance: Key information for student employees | Email sent to non-law student employees or a supervisor of non-law student employees outlining Seattle University's current guidance surrounding ICE visits on campus. 

Feb. 18, 2025: Recent Federal Developments | Message to faculty, staff and students regarding the "Dear Colleague" letter sent by the Department of Education on February 14, 2025 that outlines the approach the Trump administration plans to take in enforcing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Jan. 28, 2025: Executive Order on the Military | Message to faculty, staff and students regarding the policies that prohibit openly transgender individuals from enlisting or serving in the military.

Jan. 24, 2025: Important New Guidance for Faculty and Staff in Support of Non-Citizen Students | Message to faculty, staff and students regarding ICE visits on campus and guidance for faculty and staff.

Jan. 6, 2025: Support for Our Non-Citizen Students | Message to faculty, staff and students from Vice Provost for Global Engagement Laura Spitz and Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Natasha Martin.

March 10, 1:00-3:00 p.m. - Undoc Ally Training
The MOSAIC Center invites SU faculty and staff to register for the winter quarter UndocuAlly Training at Casey Commons (Room 530). Registration is limited to 60. Please contact Brandon Tacadena with any questions at btacadena@seattleu.edu.

February 11, 2:05-3 p.m. - Legal and Policy Changes of the New Administration Affecting Students and Others Temporarily in the U.S
This presentation will be led by David Ware, of counsel to Ware, in Pigott Auditorium. It is sponsored by the MOSAIC Center, International Student and Scholar Center, Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Office of Global Engagement.

February 11, 12:30-1:45 p.m. - Updates on I.C.E. Enforcement Priorities and Seattle University Resources
This presentation will be led by Professor Zaida Rivera, director of School of Law’s Immigrant Justice Clinic, in Pigott Auditorium. It is sponsored by the MOSAIC Center, International Student and Scholar Center, Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Office of Global Engagement.

January 24, 2 p.m. - H-1B Work Visa Workshop
The International Student and Scholar Center is hosting an H-1B Work Visa Workshop on Friday, Jan. 24, at 2 p.m. The location will be shared with those who RSVP here. This session, an opportunity to learn more about the process for 2025, is open to all but targeted toward students here on F-1 visas.

January 13, 12 p.m. - Know Your Rights Presentation
All students, faculty and staff are invited to a Know Your Rights presentation on Monday, Jan. 13, 12:00-12:50 pm in Sullivan Hall (Room C5 or Zoom). This presentation will be led by law student Stephanie Chaparro and Professor Zaida Rivera, Director of Seattle University School of Law’s Immigrant Justice Clinic. Lunch will be served.

Campus Climate Incident Report: For SU community members to report seen, heard, or experienced harmful incidents related to one or more of your or another individual’s actual or perceived identities.

Campus Ministry: Provides emotional and spiritual support for any student member of the Seattle University community seeking to process life experiences.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Provides free online and in-person mental health counseling services to enrolled Seattle University students located in Washington State.

Dean of Students: Promotes a safe and healthy campus community by connecting students with resources and support services.

International Student and Scholar Center: Acts as a liaison with the federal government to support international student visa status and fosters cultural connections throughout campus.

The MOSAIC Center: Provides tangible resources and support for student access, inclusion and community. MOSAIC can provide emergency financial assistance to support undocumented students with DACA renewal fees or other one-time legal or processing fees related to their status.

Office of Global Engagement: Provides information about potential changes in immigration policies and seeks to answer questions about visas.

TimelyCare: Provides free online medical and mental health appointments to all enrolled students located in the United States.

Additional Resources for Minority Groups and Allies: Provides information about state, local and federal nonprofits that offer support and resources.

Campus Climate Incident Report: For SU community members to report seen, heard, or experienced harmful incidents related to one or more of your or another individual’s actual or perceived identities.

Employee Assistance Program: Provides free counseling and assessment benefits to staff and faculty experiencing personal or professional problems.

Toll Free 1-800-553-7798 | TTY 1-855-684-5661 | Local 206-654-4144
On-Line Access at http://www.wellspringeap.org/login  - Username: "Seattle University"

Federal Funding Updates: Provides updates to the Seattle University community about federal funding notices and other related changes. Redhawk Hub login required. 

Human Resources: Ensuring services are rooted in the values of inclusive excellence, with an emphasis on creating a culture and community where people can flourish.

Office of Global Engagement: Provides information about potential changes in immigration policies and seeks to answer questions about visas.

Office of the Ombudsperson: Provides informal, independent, impartial and confidential conflict management services to all employees of the university.

Additional Resources for Minority Groups and Allies: Provides information about state, local and federal nonprofits that offer support and resources.

FERPA Reminder

Seattle University protects the privacy of our students’ education records and information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Except in narrow circumstances, the university will not disclose personally identifiable information (other than directory information) from a student’s education records without the student’s written consent.

Disclosure of Student Information

Download Seattle University's student records guidelines.

For Additional Information

"As a Jesuit Catholic university, Seattle University’s mission calls us to provide the highest quality education to everyone, particularly those who have historically been, and continue to be, excluded from educational opportunity. This in turn requires us to create and sustain an academic community characterized by radical hospitality, in which people of all identities, backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints can flourish and feel welcome." - Eduardo Peñalver, Seattle University President

For members of our campus community who would like additional guidance, information or support on specific issues, the following campus resources are available.

International Student and Scholar Center
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Live Chat on Website: Monday-Friday 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

ISC@seattleu.edu
206-296-6260

MOSAIC Center
Pigott Pavilion 180
Office Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

mosaic@seattleu.edu
206-296-6070

Student Financial Services
Phone Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Drop-in Counselor Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

financialservices@seattleu.edu
206-220-8020

MOSAIC Center
Pigott Pavilion 180
Office Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

mosaic@seattleu.edu
206-296-6070