Welcome to this week’s Monday Musings! Major policy changes, student success strategies, and debates over diversity initiatives are making waves in higher education. Let’s explore the key developments shaping the sector this week.

1. Colleges No Longer Protected from Immigration Raids

On January 21, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security rescinded its previous guidelines that classified colleges, schools, hospitals, and churches as "sensitive" locations. This change allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents to conduct enforcement operations on college campuses.

While the administration argues this move strengthens law enforcement’s ability to address serious crimes, immigrant advocacy groups warn it may deter undocumented students from pursuing higher education or seeking essential services. Colleges must now navigate this shift while supporting affected students.

Key Takeaway: Institutions should assess policies and resources available to undocumented students as enforcement dynamics change.

2. Executive Order Could Impact Collegiate DEI Initiatives

A new executive order signed by President Trump targets diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in higher education. The order claims DEI initiatives may conflict with federal civil rights laws and directs federal agencies to investigate up to nine organizations, including colleges with endowments exceeding $1 billion, for compliance violations.

Critics, including Jeremy Young of PEN America, argue the order threatens academic freedom and could lead to excessive government intervention in university governance. The broad language of the order raises concerns over its impact on campus diversity efforts and how institutions will respond.

Quick Insight: Colleges should prepare for potential scrutiny of DEI programs while maintaining commitments to inclusion and equity.

3. Research Shows Academic Alerts Impact Grades and Withdrawals

A new study highlights the positive impact of academic alert systems, which notify students early about performance issues. The findings suggest that when institutions intervene promptly, students are more likely to improve their grades and stay enrolled.

Institutions looking to improve student retention and success are encouraged to expand or refine their early alert systems to provide timely academic support.

Key Action: Colleges should integrate proactive academic alerts as part of a broader student success strategy.

4. Is the New Way to Remediate Community College Students Working?

Many community colleges are shifting to corequisite remediation, a model that places students directly in college-level courses while providing additional support, rather than requiring remedial classes.

Early data suggests this model improves completion rates for gateway courses in math and English, reducing time to graduation. However, challenges remain, including faculty training and resource allocation. Continued assessment is necessary to determine long-term student success and institutional outcomes.

Quick Insight: While promising, corequisite remediation requires sustained investment in faculty training and student support services.

Stay informed on the latest challenges and opportunities in higher education! Sign up now for our upcoming Friday 5 Live! podcast on TRIO funding challenges, and don’t miss our latest episode on diversity and inclusion in higher ed—listen here.

Published: February 3, 2025