In a time of financial uncertainty on campus, student health services are safe, USC said.
On July 14, USC interim President Beong-Soo Kim announced incoming layoffs and budget cuts amid federal funding shifts and a $200 million deficit for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Despite mounting losses, USC Student Health won’t suffer, according to Dr. Sarah Van Orman, the university’s Chief Health Officer. In an interview with Annenberg Media, Van Orman said there will be no changes in “access or staffing” at Student Health for the upcoming school year.
“We’re very fortunate that the services that we have been providing, we will continue to provide,” Van Orman said.
Students will receive identical care through their mandatory, semesterly Student Health Fee. That includes specialized group therapy, embedded counseling and public health and preventative care through the Engemann Student Health Center.
USC’s health services remain intact amid widespread cuts to specialized programs and non-profit healthcare organizations.
On July 17, the Trump Administration officially terminated the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ Youth Specialized Services program. Nearly 1.5 million contacts were routed to the hotline since its 2022 launch, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
On July 23, California Planned Parenthood lost all of its federal funding under a court order resulting from the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” While the state’s Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit to restore the funding, the nonprofit service faces an uncertain future in caring for young Californians.
“There’s a lot coming at people from multiple channels,” Van Orman said on the stress facing the campus community at the federal and local levels. “It is very overwhelming for individuals, including our faculty and staff who are still coming in to do the job that we need to do, and students who are coming here to do the job they need to do.”
Events and services hosted by both USC Student Health and other campus groups will continue to offer students crucial healthcare and support throughout the Fall 2025 Semester, including LGBTQ+ therapy groups and sexual health and support through the Engemann Center.
Van Orman also noted habits that students may implement for better health during a “time of uncertainty,” including exercise, healthy eating habits, quality sleep and time with friends.
“Not only is it really busy, but it’s also very chaotic in a way,” Van Orman said. “Practice self-care, stay in the moment … reach out for help and assistance if you need it.”