Political change has swept through our nation’s capital with unprecedented force. For our School of International Service (SIS) community – those who have dedicated themselves to learning or working on bridging divides, championing equity, and serving globally – the first few weeks of the Trump 2.0 administration have brought stark challenges. Hiring freezes, mass layoffs, dismantling of diversity initiatives, among others have not only interrupted futures but challenge the very core of our collective mission.

To those who face uncertain or unexpected horizons, your commitment to international service remains undiminished. We are merely facing temporary obstacles in a journey marked by resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication to creating meaningful change.

Our strength has always been our community – a network of passionate professionals who understand that service transcends momentary political shifts. We've compiled resources, opportunities, and pathways forward to support you during this critical transition, whether that means exploring graduate studies, finding alternative career routes, or sustaining your commitment to global understanding in new and innovative ways.

For Those Seeking Help

The path forward begins with support. "Right now, our priority is ensuring that no student or recent graduate feels alone in this challenging moment," says Sara Jones, director of career development. "We've mobilized every resource to provide both immediate assistance and long-term strategic support."

The SIS Office of Career Development is creating a comprehensive list of alumni and students who have been directly impacted by these directives who would like support by way of job opportunities or personalized support. If you’ve been affected, please email us with your name, graduation year, company, and job status. One of our team members will be able to share a list of open jobs from members of our community who quickly answered the call and are hiring or know of opportunities. You can also browse a curated list of opportunities within the development sector from eager-to-help individuals across the globe (sourced from LinkedIn members).

Additionally, the career team also offers daily drop-in career advising sessions – both in-person and online – as a lifeline for those navigating unexpected career challenges or clarity. You can also check the SIS LinkedIn group for daily job opportunity posts or our website for a suite of events like the “Community Forum on Dramatic Changes & Threats to USAID” (Thursday, February 6, 3-4 p.m.) or the “Now What? Navigating Career Shifts Under a New Administration" virtual panel (Tuesday, February 25, 3-4 p.m.) that provide insight and hope for those seeking alternative career paths.

Financial support is also critical during this time. Your academic advisor is standing by to work with those affected to understand your full enrollment options and ways you can continue your degree with minimal disruption. The SIS Emergency Fund stands ready to assist students experiencing immediate hardship, while the Van Kirk Book Fund helps alleviate additional financial pressures by assisting with the costs of books for class. For those considering continued education, federal loans remain available for Spring 2025, with financial aid advisors prepared to explore additional funding options like the Grad PLUS loan.

For Those Who Want to Help

The SIS community has always been defined by its commitment to supporting one another. "This is a moment that calls on our alumni and supporters to demonstrate the true meaning of community," notes Josephine Tayal, assistant dean of development and alumni relations.

Alumni, families, and supporters can make a meaningful difference through various means:

• Share job opportunities for talented professionals unexpectedly seeking new roles within your own organization or at others.
• Contribute to crucial support funds that provide:
  • Emergency financial assistance
  • Scholarships for students pursuing international service
  • Funding for transformative experiences like study abroad and internships
  • Research and innovation support that continues critical global conversations

Every contribution, whether a job lead or financial support, helps sustain the mission of international service during these challenging times. To make a gift or learn more about the kind of impact you can have, please contact sisadvancement@american.edu.

Other Paths Forward

For those seeking alternative routes, graduate school emerges as a powerful option. "We've designed our professional graduate programs with flexibility and purpose," explains Jia Jiang, senior director of graduate admissions. "This is an opportunity to deepen your expertise, pick up new tools, pivot your career, and emerge even stronger."

The School of International Service offers flexible graduate degree options, including:

• Part-time to full-time study paths
• Customizable degree tracks aligned with individual passions
• Tuition savings of 30 percent for AU undergraduate alumni looking to pursue a master’s degree via a Double Eagle Graduate Scholarship

For employees affected by the current federal hiring changes, our admissions team is extending the application deadline for those considering pursuing a graduate degree for fall 2025. We are also able to offer an application fee waiver for fall 2025 and dedicated Zoom sessions unpacking career-focused degree options. If you’re interested in either of these options, please email us to learn more.

The current political landscape may present challenges, but it cannot diminish the passion and commitment of those dedicated to international service. Each obstacle is an opportunity for growth, resilience, and innovative thinking.

“The work of the SIS community is most important when there’s turbulence in the world,” says Simon Nicholson, associate dean for research. “Now, more than ever, we need motivated, globally minded people coming together to advance the SIS mission of ‘waging peace.’”