January 28, 2025
Dear SRJC Colleagues,

Yesterday, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a sweeping memo announcing a temporary pause on federal funding programs. The scope of this directive is broad and disruptive, raising significant questions and understandable concerns. The memo is limited to programs, projects and activities implicated by the President’s Executive Orders. Additional guidance was issued which confirmed that federal financial aid to students will not be affected by the memo.

We are actively consulting with our partners including legal, Chancellor’s Office, California Community Colleges Student Financial Aid Administration Association (CCCSFAAA) and our U.S. Department of Education liaisons to ensure we have a thorough understanding of any current or future implications for SRJC and will provide updates to the community as this evolves. 

For example, within the last hour, a federal judge in the District of Columbia temporarily blocked the President’s order until 5:00 PM (EST) on February 3, 2025, to freeze dollars in federal grants and loans, that were scheduled to go into effect today at 5:00 PM (EST). While there will continue to be a flurry of responses and actions related to the OMB memo, we will provide information that is relevant to the impact on students and our federally funded programs throughout the District.

Sudden developments such as these are extraordinary, and we recognize they may cause stress and uncertainty for you, your loved ones, and your community. Our focus remains on minimizing disruption for students, providing support to employees and the broader community, and ensure compliance with federal requirements. The Student Financial Services team is here to support students and answer any questions.

We are aware that this memo may have impacts on federally funded grant programs and the employees working in or supporting those areas. We are working with each of the grant managers to assess the possible effects.

We will provide updates as we learn more and identify actionable steps. Attached to this communication are two resource documents: 1) Q&A from the OMB and 2) a message from the CCCCO Chancellor. From our local district to state and national partners, a strong coalition is actively working to protect students’ ability to access public higher education.

Thank you for your patience, dedication, and unwavering support of our students and community.

In Community,  

Dr. Angélica Garcia, Ed.D.
Superintendent/President
707-527-4431, angelicagarcia@santarosa.edu