ASU President Michael Crow held a student forum on Tuesday at the West Valley campus, where he addressed the College Republicans United tabling event, the new U.S. presidential administration, the newly enacted tuition surcharge and student mental health services.
Free Speech
Sedra Shahin, the Undergraduate Student Government West Valley president and host of the forum, said several students submitted questions regarding how the University plans to foster an inclusive environment while also protecting free speech.
She said the questions were in regards to "the event that occurred on the Tempe campus on Jan. 31," referencing a College Republicans United at ASU tabling event where the organization asked students to report classmates to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The event drew in hundreds of protesters on Hayden Lawn.
READ MORE: Hundreds protest CRU at ASU event, in solidarity with immigrants and DACA students
In response, Crow said the University spends massive amounts of resources to protect student free speech. However, he also said hate speech that promotes violence will not be tolerated.
"In terms of protecting people from hearing things, we can't do that," Crow said. "You can choose whether or not you want to listen to it. You can choose whether or not you want to respond to it."
Joanne Vogel, the vice president of Student Services, said a "Situation Engagement Team" was at the CRU at ASU tabling event monitoring for anything that was against University policy or student code of conduct, and will continue to be there at similar ones in the future.
"If anybody is aware of something that happened on (Jan.) 31 that needs to be reported, please let me know," Vogel said.
Mental Health
For students who feel something is wrong, "raise your hand," advised Crow. "Everyone needs to address things that happen within (their) mental health framework."
Vogel said the University always has immediate crisis help and care available, and students can also get support from nearby faculty.
"We are building a statewide system of support," Vogel said, referencing mental health initiatives during an Arizona Board of Regents meeting. "In many ways, Arizona State is looking at how we are accomplishing that."
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Vogel said the University is working on preemptive and preventative work regarding mental health within the student body. She said the University is looked at as a model for mental health care and support.
Aaron Krasnow, the associate vice president of ASU's Health Services and Counseling Services, said ASU students have access to "Open Call and Open Chat," which is called 360 Life Services for online students. Krasnow said thousands of online students are using the software for support.
"Every day that we take responsibility for each other's wellbeing ... the better chance we have not only to be proactive in mental health response, but when someone does have an issue, they'll get the help they need," Krasnow said.
Federal Financing
Crow also alluded to executive orders from the new presidential administration and said there are several actions being taken within the government that could affect the University and its projects.
Crow said there are federal issues surrounding University financing, "all of which are going to be hopefully worked out in the courts."
One order that could affect ASU was the federal funding freeze enacted by the Trump Administration, which could potentially affect grant money given to the University. Federal judges blocked the freeze, but there is still confusion and delays in dispersing grants.
The Trump Administration's actions to cut funding from the Department of Education and its support of student research could also impact the University.
"Right now, the federal courts are looking at a number of decisions where there's conflicts going on," Crow said.
Tuition Surcharge
The tuition surcharge was enacted at the start of the Spring 2025 semester and tacks on an additional $350 to student tuition for those enrolled in seven or more credit hours. Crow explained that the surcharge came as a result of state funding cuts.
READ MORE: ASU adds tuition surcharge for Spring 2025, termination of ASU at Lake Havasu
"We work with vigilance to keep the University financially accessible," Crow said.
Crow said he is hopeful the University is making enough progress with the state to restore the cuts and eventually drop the additional charge.
"A small amount of support comes from the state, but that state support is very important," Crow said. "If it's cut, then we have to find a way to make up those resources."
Crow said students should speak with their state representatives and student government if they are concerned with how the University gets its funding.
Crow also updated the student body on a number of subjects surrounding the University's financial aid policy, technology issues, athletics, tuition and campus safety. The next student forum is scheduled for March 25 in Tempe.
Edited by George Headley, Sophia Braccio, Alexis Heichman and Katrina Michalak.
Reach the reporter at ehprest1@asu.edu and follow @ellis_reports on X.
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Ellis is a sophomore studying journalism and mass communication. This is her first semester with The State Press. She has also worked at Arizona PBS and Blaze Radio.
