A Call to Action – Protect Student Aid

  • June 18, 2025
  • Faculty and Staff Students University Updates

Dear Regis Community,

Congress is currently deliberating H.R. 1, "The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act," which has passed the House and awaits Senate consideration. I want to draw attention to the profound impact these proposed changes would have on our students and countless others seeking the transformative power of higher education.

Our Jesuit Catholic Calling to Support the Most Vulnerable Among Us

For almost 500 years, Jesuit education has stood as a beacon of hope for those seeking to better themselves and serve others. The education provisions within H.R. 1 would eliminate $350 billion from student financial aid programs, disproportionately harming the very students we are called to serve: first-generation college students, working parents pursuing degrees part-time, and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Considering these policy changes through the lens of Ignatian spirituality, we must ask: How do we choose what is for the greater good? The details and specific impact include:

  • Federal Pell Grants are becoming more restrictive, excluding part-time students, many working parents, and adult learners seeking to improve their circumstances
  • Subsidized loans for undergraduates would be eliminated, forcing students to accrue interest while studying and creating new financial barriers to an education
  • Graduate PLUS programs would be eliminated, particularly impacting healthcare students when our nation continues to face critical labor shortages
  • Parent PLUS loan restrictions limiting opportunities for middle-class and working families to access higher education

Our Magis Moment

In Jesuit spirituality, we speak of magis, the call to do more, to seek the greater good. This is our magis moment. We have the opportunity to stand in solidarity with students working to better themselves and who embrace their commitment to serve others. We can be voices for those often unseen and unheard in the corridors of power.

The students we serve at Regis, many first-generation college students, working adults, and those from modest economic backgrounds, represent the members of our community these cuts would most severely harm. As their educators and advocates, we have the moral authority and obligation to speak on their behalf.

How We Can Respond Together

I invite each member of our community to join me in advocating for educational justice by:

  • Praying for wisdom for our elected officials and for the many students who would be adversely affected by these changes
  • Reflecting on how these cuts align with our values of justice and care for the marginalized
  • Engaging your networks that share our commitment to make available educational opportunities for all students
  • Acting by contacting your senators and representative through the Student Aid Alliance's Contact Congress web page

Moving Forward in Hope

As we confront these challenges, we do so with hope that embodies our Jesuit Catholic identity and tradition. We believe in education's power to transform lives and communities. Together, as one community, we are committed to the greater glory of God and to serving humanity.

I invite you to please join me in responding to this moment with the courage of our convictions and the compassion of our calling.

Kindly,

Salvador D. Aceves, Ed.D.
President, Regis University

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