Mary Stevens for the Gazette In this April 7 photo, from left, Julia Keleher, Kelly Raffaelli and Laura Bulleit answer questions from Michigan Tech students regarding changes brought on by President Trump’s executive orders.

HOUGHTON — On April 7, the Undergraduate Student Government at Michigan Tech hosted a Q&A session on the policy changes brought on by President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders. The panel included Vice President of Student Affairs Laura Bulleit, Dean of Students Kelly Raffaelli, and Director for Student Support and Mentorship Julia Keleher.

The trio started off the discussion by clarifying that no international students at Michigan Tech are being asked to leave, or having their visas cancelled. Many in Tech’s community have been concerned since Harvard and other Ivy League schools announced their international students’ visas have been cancelled or revoked. Raffaelli added that international students are a “…vital and important part of this campus.”

Given the recent executive orders, all references to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have to be removed, and universities cannot be involved in DEI-related activities. Any institution not in compliance will no longer be eligible for federal funding, including research grants.

“Those opportunities for federal funds are not something Michigan Tech wanted to jeopardize, because the effect would be disastrous for our students.” said Bulleit.

One topic of worry for many has been the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI). The CDI’s staff now works for the Center for Student Support and Mentorship, and the name ‘Center for Diversity and Inclusion’ will be phased out.

“We’re really focusing on social support and access to resources,” said Julia Keleher, who leads the center. She added that they will be using “..our pre-existing programs…and beefing up our non-traditional and transfer student support. I also want to continue developing support for students who are neurodiverse…in a non-clinical fashion.”

“A lot of it has just been names and titles. We have a lot of CDI stuff we can’t give away.” Keleher said.

“Our main goal is to make sure students thrive at Michigan Tech.” Bulleit commented.

She added that events such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth celebrations will still happen, as long as they remain federal holidays. The panel also agreed that they will support students who want to host events such as the annual Pride Parade.

Laura Putwen, the Assistant Dean of Community Conduct, was not on the Q&A panel, but spoke from the audience.

“You’ll see a little bit of change — but nothing alarming.” Putwen said of changes made to Title IX policies in regard to transgender athletes.

References to sexual orientation and gender identity have been removed from Title IX, but Putwen was adamant that the school will still address harassment.

At the end of the session, Bulleit made it clear that Michigan Tech wants to support students during this time.

“We have tried to remain true to Michigan Tech. Who we are, what we are, and what we do.” Bulleit concluded.