WCC responds to executive orders amid uncertainty

A statement issued by President Rose Bellanca’s office about a month ago addressed possible changes in policy under the new presidential administration. Courtney Prielipp | The Washtenaw Voice 

Lily Cole | Editor 

As new executive orders come out, some of which could affect policies and students at colleges and universities, understanding what that means for WCC may be difficult. 

According to Linda Blakey, provost and chief operating officer of student services, different executive orders are coming out almost every day, “we’re trying to say we’re aware these are happening and we’re collecting information.”

WCC gets its information from Blakey, the WCC Chief of Staff, the WCC general counsel, the WCC Chief Financial Officer, government-connected staff, and various organizations, such as the Department of Education, the American Association of Registrars and Admissions Officers, the Kubo, which is “like a business office,” a legal counsel, and general legal counsels from other universities. 

“We’re not getting our data from just one place,” she said. “All of these organizations are putting out updates.” 

The Michigan Community College Association (MCCA) is one such organization. MCCA acts as a unified voice for Michigan’s community colleges, empowering members to lead in student success, talent development and community vitality, according to its website. Blakey said that WCC relies on updates from the MCCA and other organizations. 

Blakey said WCC has a few staff members who continuously monitor the orders and meet frequently to discuss them, asking, “What’s coming this week?” 

What criteria does WCC follow?

For higher education processes to change, a law has to be in place–an executive order isn’t going to cut it. 

An executive order is a presidential document that governs how the executive branch operates and advances internally. Recently, executive orders have been used to implement changes to policies and programs. 

Executive orders are something the president can write and that Congress cannot simply overturn. They don’t have to be approved, either. However, Federal courts can block some executive orders while they begin to undergo review. No president can issue an order that contradicts or violates the Constitution, federal laws or Americans’ fundamental rights, according to the Campaign Legal Center, on executive orders. 

“We have to follow state and federal laws,” Blakey said. “We can try to anticipate changes, but until things actually change, we’re not going to have a knee-jerk reaction and say, ‘that’s an executive order, let’s shuffle and change everything.’ That’s not helpful.” 

According to the MCCA, while President Donald Trump’s executive orders are in effect, departments and agencies must issue public guidance detailing how they will be implemented. This will help institutions and students understand how these orders affect them. 

Blakey said, “We’re going to continue to provide accessible, high-quality educational programs and support for our students and community. That’s our focus.”

How to proceed?

Blakey said WCC isn’t going to have an immediate answer to the executive orders because they have to get clarification. However, the key to an executive order coming out is not to panic. “Chances are they’ll be rescinded,” she said. 

A couple of weeks ago, a memo about a federal funding pause caused nationwide confusion in lower and higher education. After two days, President Trump’s budget office rescinded the memo. 

Officials said a pause was needed to determine whether spending matched Trump’s executive orders on climate change and diversity programs, according to reporting by the Associated Press.

A statement issued by President Rose Bellanca’s office about a month ago addressed possible changes in policy under the new presidential administration

Blakey said the federal funding pause executive order was when WCC got the most phone calls. “There were students across the United States making panic calls about this impacting aid … we (WCC) really felt that we need to put something out.” 

“There’s different ones (executive orders) coming out almost every day,” Blakey said. “We’re just trying to say we’re aware these are happening and we’re collecting the information.” 

It’s important to note that Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other grants awarded for federal student aid are still accessible to students.

“It’s easy to say, ‘don’t worry about it,’” Blakey said. “You have to take a step back and say, ‘Okay, take a breath.’”

She also recommends that students focus on their studies and use resources, such as WCC counseling or tutoring services if they feel stressed. Blakey wants students to be aware that WCC is here to support them. 

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