Federal Guidance Resources | Montgomery College, Maryland

Information reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Webpage last updated: October 16, 2025

Updates Related to Federal Actions

In January 2025, the new federal administration began issuing memos, regulations, and executive orders, including some which may impact our work and community at Montgomery College.

The College’s commitment to our mission and values remains unchanged—we remain steadfastly focused on welcoming all students and employees into a community that emphasizes belonging; and we are committed to giving every individual what they need to succeed.

We understand the uncertainty that multiple policy instructions have created. Many of these are changing daily, face legal challenges, and may or may not remain in effect long-term.

Through this period of rapid change, the College is monitoring the situation closely and collaborating with legal, policy, and higher education experts to gain clarity and respond appropriately.

In the meantime, we encourage you to explore the resources below for guidance and answers to frequent questions. We are updating this site as new information becomes available.

Ready to Serve During the Federal Shutdown

With the federal shutdown now underway, Montgomery College is monitoring potential effects on students and operations. The U.S. Department of Education has indicated that it will continue providing federal financial aid—an important resource for the approximately 25% of our students who receive Pell Grants and whose average household income is less than $29,000—though processing may slow. Previously awarded grants will be disbursed, but new grants and Office for Civil Rights investigations are paused. Broader economic uncertainty caused by furloughs and layoffs of local federal employees and the end of deferred resignation program for federal workers may strain local families. College support services remain available to assist students to meet the full range of their needs, from academic support to basic needs and mental health and wellness. Montgomery College remains committed to proactive planning, ensuring service continuity, supporting career transitions, and protecting student success during this critical time.

Immigration/Enforcement Actions

We understand that members of the College community may be concerned about the possibility of immigration enforcement activity on our campuses and centers. Please be assured that Montgomery College Public Safety will never ask you about your immigration status, and will not be involved with enforcing federal immigration laws.

As a public, open access institution, portions of our College are open to the general public, including federal law enforcement authorities. However, law enforcement authorities generally need a valid judicial warrant to access non-public areas such as private offices or classrooms while classes are in session.
Although we have not had any reports of immigration enforcement activity at Montgomery College to date, in the event that you are contacted by federal authorities seeking information, access to non-public spaces, or to enforce immigration laws, employees should immediately call MC Public Safety. You can dial 7-3333 from any campus phone or 240-567-3333 to reach Public Safety Dispatch for all locations.
Public Safety will review, in consultation with legal counsel, warrants or other documentation provided by the agents and determine next steps.
College employees should inform federal immigration enforcement officials that they have reached out to campus officials for further assistance and ask them to wait until MC Public Safety arrives.
Under no circumstances should anyone physically obstruct or interfere with federal immigration authorities in the course of their duties.
Attorney General of the State of Maryland Guidance to Colleges and Universities Regarding Immigration Enforcement (2025) (PDF, )
Executive Order: Protecting the American People Against Invasion (1/20/2025)new window
Department of Homeland Security Directives (1/21/2025)new window
Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities (3/20/2025)new window
Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and other National Security and Public Safety Threats Proclamation (6/4/2025)new window
- The White House Fact Sheet about the Proclamation (6/4/2025)new window

We encourage any international students with questions or concerns about the ban to contact our International Student Office, email i20questions@montgomerycollege.edu, or call 240-567-5043.