The letter is not responding to a specific executive order or piece of legislation that would threaten federal student aid, said MSU Director of Statewide Advocacy Jeremy Reuter. Rather, the email is meant to allow students to express their support for financial aid amid the "uncertain federal funding environment."

Fears that federal student aid would be jeopardized arose on MSU’s campus and across the country after the White House budget office attempted to freeze certain federal loans and grants to ensure they complied with President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders.

Concerns from students and researchers — some of whom work on projects reliant on federal funding — prompted the university to assure students that federal student loans, financial aid and Pell Grants would not be affected by the order.

Although the funding freeze was quickly blocked by a federal judge — and later rescinded entirely — the newfound instability in federal funding has instilled caution among university leaders, with some colleges across the country adopting hiring freezes and instructing internal units to spend conservatively.

"Without strong federal investment in student aid, the nation will face workforce shortages in critical industries, weaker economic development, and reduced capacity for scientific and technological advancements," the MSU email stated. "Many of our alumni would not be in their current positions without this support. For today’s students, financial aid is the key to ensuring they graduate and strengthen our economy."

For students’ voices to be most effective, the email stated, they should share personal anecdotes about how financial aid has helped them access higher education and allowed them to remain enrolled and ultimately graduate. The letter then directs students to a third-party service where they can compose and send a message to their elected officials.

Although the email originated from MSU’s Governmental Relations Office — which lobbies local, state and federal government on MSU’s behalf — students are not being asked to contact their congressional representatives on behalf of the university, Reuter said.

Nor does MSU calling on students to advocate for federal financial aid violate the university’s position of "institutional restraint," which says the university should refrain from issuing statements unless current events threaten MSU’s core missions or directly impact the MSU community, Reuter said. 

"We’re not taking a stance," Reuter said. "We’re just letting them know that this is a potential consequence and for them to share their voices."

The Government Relations email seemingly does, however, take a stance on the issue.

"Members of Congress need to hear directly from those who benefited from federal student aid and why it must continue for future generations," the email stated. "(...) Together, we can ensure that access to higher education remains within reach."