Federal Directive Updates

Update Regarding New Federal Executive Orders, Policies and Directives

January 27, 2025

CSCU is sensitive to the potential impact new executive orders, policies and directives may have on our students, faculty and staff.

In response to recent federal actions impacting higher education, CSCU will conduct a comprehensive review to ensure that our policies and practices align with the new requirements and will provide guidance to our six institutions so that it may be shared with their campus communities. 

CSCU is committed to ensuring and maintaining its mission of access and opportunity for all students and employees. We will continue to monitor the situation, collaborate with stakeholders, and provide updates to you as new information becomes available. 

Our priority is to ensure adherence to federal requirements while upholding CSCU’s mission to serve Connecticut residents’ educational and professional aspirations.

By working collaboratively, we will ensure CSCU meets its obligations and continues its legacy of access and opportunity for all.

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Message Regarding Pause on Federal Grants and Loans

January 28, 2025

Dear CSCU Community,

The White House Office of Management and Budget sent a memo to federal agencies Monday, ordering a temporary pause to all grants and loans disbursed by the federal government effective at 5:00 p.m. today.

At this moment, the scope of the impact of this memo on higher education and CSCU remains unclear. However, the memo does indicate that the term federal financial assistance does not include assistance provided directly to individuals, nor does it impact Medicare or Social Security. Our immediate concerns surround not only financial assistance to our students in many forms and other higher education grants, but also the other federally funded programs that so many of our students and their families rely on.

CSCU is closely monitoring the situation and has reached out to our partners at the state and federal levels. We understand the challenges this situation presents, and we will provide updates to you as new information becomes available.

Thank you,

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Update on White House Decision to Rescind Pause on Federal Loans and Grants

January 29, 2025

Dear CSCU Community,

Today, the White House’s Office of Management and Budget rescinded its directive to pause federal loans, grants and other financial assistance.

We are relieved, for now, that this federal directive has been rescinded as it only created significant concern and uncertainty across our system.

CSCU will continue to actively monitor the situation and work closely with state and federal leaders to navigate this confusing and frustrating time. We will provide updates as new information becomes available.

We remain committed to our mission of providing access and opportunity for all students and employees.

Thank you,

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor