9:38 a.m., January 29, 2025

Update on January 27 White House Budget Memo

SMC Campus from the Student Services Center

UPDATE, 10:36 a.m. January 29: We have just received word, a couple of minutes ago, that the Trump administration has rescinded the executive order (opens in new window) that froze federal assistance including grants and loans, mentioned in the memo sent this morning. We welcome this news. The College will continue to monitor developments that might impact the SMC community.


Dear SMC Colleagues & Students:

These are uncertain times, with sweeping changes taking place at the federal level. Following the release of a memo from the White House budget office on January 27  about a potential pause in financial assistance, many institutions and agencies across the nation have been scrambling to evaluate the potential implications. We are waiting on guidance from federal granting agencies on how this memo will affect federal grants issued to Santa Monica College—the memo addresses federal agencies, not SMC—and will share that information when we receive it.

Here is what we know right now: The federal financial aid SMC students are eligible for is still active and being provided per usual processes. The US Department of Education has officially confirmed that federal Pell grants and student loans will not be impacted.

Yesterday, a federal judge temporarily halted the Trump administration’s executive action ruling that courts need more time to consider the far-reaching ramifications. Santa Monica College continues to collaborate closely with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and other partners to assess the impact of this and other executive orders on our college community.

Please continue to monitor your SMC email for further updates; any future news and guidance that impact the college community and regular business operations will be shared as promptly as possible. This college stands firm in its commitment to maintaining a safe, dynamic, and inclusive environment, where each individual matters—irrespective of immigration status, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexuality, gender, religion, ability, age, or socio-economic status.

We appreciate your patience as we face this evolving situation. Together, we will get through whatever lies ahead. 

Dr Jeffery signature Kathryn E. Jeffery
SMC Superintendent/President