In January 2025, Grand Valley State University’s Division of People, Equity and Culture (PEC) created The Hub, a website that provides updates on federal actions that may affect students. The site updated its postings since September 2025, but University administrators say the website is still being maintained as the primary location for new information and resources regarding federal policy changes.
The website was designed to keep students and the greater campus community informed about federal memos, executive orders and related litigation that may directly affect them.
Vice President for the Department of People, Equity and Culture Robert Shorty described the website as being a go-to resource for students who may be concerned about recent federal activities.
“Its primary benefit is providing a unified platform for clarity during increased federal and state actions that may impact the GVSU community,” Shorty said. “Students who are concerned about federal actions can use The Hub to access verified updates that filter out some of the other information and focus specifically on how these actions are impacting Lakers.“
In addition to keeping students apprised of the latest federal developments, The Hub also offers access to resources for students.
“Beyond information, the site provides direct links to critical support services like the University Counseling Center and the CARE Team,” Shorty said.
Since its inception, the website has covered immigration policies, anti-discrimination laws and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Shorty said the PEC is working to inform the campus community on these diverse and widespread issues.
“As with all administrations, students are impacted by decisions made at the federal level, particularly those originating from the Department of Education,” Shorty said. “At GVSU we are working to ensure that while students navigate these national shifts, they remain supported and informed.”
Though the website was routinely updated throughout 2025, the first year of President Donald Trump’s return to office, a time in which executive orders were commonly issued, The Hub has received notably less attention in 2026. Still, Shorty said administrators intend to keep using the site as a “primary communication tool.”
“While updates may appear less frequent at times, we have continued to add resources and focus on updates that have a direct, immediate impact on GVSU,” Shorty said.
Jenny Hall-Jones, vice president for Student Affairs, echoed the sentiment that federal actions can have a wide range of consequences on students and staff alike.
“We work to support our students in all the ways that they experience the world — whether it is a federal or state action that may impact their ability to show up authentically in spaces, the impact of higher gas prices on our commuting students or a student who is experiencing a family hardship,” Jones said.
With the ever-changing environment of the laws in this country, Hall-Jones said administrators are working to support all students.
“We know it is hard to be successful academically if your mind is elsewhere,” Jones said. “The world around us is changing daily, but our support for students is constant. As our students are unique, so too is our support of them.”
In addition to The Hub, Hall-Jones stressed the importance of having a variety of other resources available for students facing difficulties of all kinds.
“We do have many resources on campus available to students, and I would encourage students looking for support to reach out to the Dean of Students’ Office and the University Counseling Center as a place to start, and the staff there will get them connected,” Jones said.
Shorty said the PEC will continue to monitor the federal landscape for potential student impact.
“Federal actions can affect any student, particularly regarding tuition and financial aid,” Shorty said. “GVSU is watching the horizon and providing the necessary updates to ensure their continued success.”
