Federal policy updates and resources

• Potential changes to federal student aid programs, including Pell Grants and student loan forgiveness policies
• Adjustments to FAFSA requirements and processing timelines
• Shifts in federal work-study funding and eligibility

• Modifications to federal grant opportunities that support student success, workforce development and institutional funding
• Impact of federal budget decisions on community college funding initiatives
• New compliance or reporting requirements for federal grant recipients

• Revisions to federal regulations affecting how colleges handle reports of sexual harassment and discrimination
• Changes in protections and rights for students and employees under Title IX
• Updates on how colleges must implement and enforce policies related to gender equity and campus safety

• Federal policy changes impacting undocumented students, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
• Visa and travel restrictions affecting international students
• CCC’s response to potential actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including policies regarding campus safety and student protections

Oregon joined 21 other states to file a lawsuit regarding the federal funding freeze, and a judge last Friday released a ruling with a temporary restraining order in that case: "The federal government may not pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel or terminate" federal awards and obligations to the states and others except as allowed under existing statutes and regulations. Basically, this prohibits the freeze or stop of any federal assistance funds already approved by Congress, even after agencies complete reviews of all current funding streams. All federal grant program funding streams should be restored under this temporary restraining order. OCCA continues to monitor this as we have heard that there may still be some issues with some funding streams. We are making our national partners aware of those situations as they arise. 

With regard to the 2024 Title IX rules implemented by the Biden Administration in August 2024, on Monday, the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, issued a "Dear Colleague" letter essentially reinstating the 2020 Title IX rules. Community colleges, universities, and K-12 school districts are required to revert back to the 2020 Title IX rules and review cases initiated under the 2024 rules to ensure compliance with this guidance. Those colleges that subscribe to the OCCA Board Policy Program will receive more information from OCCA on how to update your policies soon. OCCA is working with the Community College League of California to ensure all of our board policy and procedure templates are legally compliant.

OCCA understands that this is a time of great uncertainty for our students, staff, faculty and communities. OCCA will continue to closely monitor the rapidly changing federal requirements and provide additional guidance as it becomes available from federal and state agencies.

With the new federal administration, there have been significant policy changes at the national level, and certainly more to come. We are closely monitoring these developments and working to understand how they may impact you and the Clackamas Community College community.

New laws and regulations often take time to evolve as they undergo legal and legislative processes. While these changes unfold, we are gathering resources to support you.

As we navigate this time of transition, I want to reaffirm my commitment — and the college’s commitment — to serving allstudents. We are here to support you regardless of your background, identity, or circumstances. Our mission is to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where every student can succeed. CCC remains dedicated to its values of learning, equity, student success, community, and belonging.

We understand that uncertainty can create stress and concern. If you need support, I encourage you to contact CCC’s free counseling services.

Protecting student information 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student education records. We will continue to adhere strictly to our FERPA policy, and ensure that any request for student information is handled through established processes.

Responding to law enforcement inquiries 

If law enforcement comes to campus with a subpoena or warrant, the college will review the request, verify its legal validity, and ensure it follows the law before providing any information. Our priority is to handle these situations appropriately and protect our students’ rights.

Available resources 

• Undocumented and DACA students webpage 

• American Council on Education Immigration-related campus concerns document

• Legal Rights Red Cards 

We are committed to keeping you informed and minimizing disruptions as much as possible. We are also developing a webpage with updates and resources, including translation options for accessibility. Once it is live, we will share the link.

We are here for you and will continue to advocate for and support all CCC students.

Sincerely,