Federal Policy Updates
The university has assembled a Federal Updates Steering Group that includes university leadership, federal relations staff, legal, civil rights and compliance experts, faculty and other subject matter experts who will concentrate on understanding and addressing the impacts of these new federal updates on our university. They will begin by focusing on four critical areas: immigration, expanding access, research funding and impact to our workforce.
Throughout this work, we will hold fast to our core principles of safeguarding the university’s land-grant mission; adhering to relevant laws and regulations; and supporting the well-being and privacy of all members of our campus community. We remain unwavering in our commitment to our values.
Our overriding goals will be transparency and compassion as we navigate these important issues together.
University Messages
University Resources
FAQ
For suggested questions, please contact federalupdates@illinois.edu.
How is the university responding to directives from the federal government?
The university has formed a leadership response group to coordinate the careful review of any emerging changes and to analyze any implications for our students, faculty, staff and university missions. This process will tap into the extensive expertise across our university, as well as our stakeholders, peer institutions and higher education organizations and advocacy groups across the country. Their work will focus initially on four specific areas: immigration, expanding access, research funding and the impact on our workforce.
How will the university respond to directives?
The university does not act based on speculation before thorough analysis of specific laws, regulations and orders take place. University leadership will make recommendations about how to move forward in a way that is consistent both with the law and the cornerstone values of our university to uphold our missions and to prioritize the well-being of students, faculty and staff.
A new executive order affects my work or studies. What should I do? When will I receive more details?
Proposed changes may cause uncertainty and concern. Until we can review the details in consultation with our legal team, please do not take action based on speculation and continue to operate as you have been. We will provide guidance and communicate to campus community members as clarity about the next steps emerges.
My position is funded with federal grants. Am I going to lose my job?
We understand this uncertainty is creating concern among our community. The impact on our workforce is one of the four areas the Chancellor’s steering group is exploring.
Will the federal funding freeze affect my financial aid or student loans?
The White House has rescinded the Jan. 27 memo freezing certain categories of federal funding though they said they are still committed to a review of funding. The Trump administration has said that programs that provide direct assistance to Americans, such as financial aid and student loans, would not be affected by the memo.
What do the federal announcements mean for my research?
Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) is monitoring the potential impacts of these federal directives and has created a webpage to share information. If you have received a project specific notification citing your federal award number from your federal sponsor, such as a stop work order, termination notice, or other action, these directives will remain in place until the funding agency issues an official notification or modification. If you have not received a project specific notification regarding your award, continue your project as usual until further notice. We encourage researchers to stay in contact with their specific federal program or technical officers. If you have questions about research projects or awards, please contact SPA at spa@illinos.edu.
Do I need to make any changes to the language on my website?
At this time, there is no need to do so. If you have specific questions about your department’s website or statements about the university’s efforts in this area, please email federalupdates@illinois.edu.
Will the university change its values around inclusion and community building?
No. The university remains committed to pursuing strategies and initiatives that help foster a sense of belonging and create an inclusive and welcoming environment for the university community. This includes the university’s commitment to combatting discrimination and complying with anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation laws and protections.
What do the federal administration changes mean for undocumented members of our community?
New federal policy and legal changes may impact undocumented, DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (temporary protected status), asylee and mixed-status students in higher education. The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is hosting programming to provide guidance to educate all members of our university community about campus policy and individual rights for interactions with federal immigration enforcement. Find more information at open.illinois.edu.
I am an international student or scholar. Should I be worried about my visa status?
Illinois International and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) are actively monitoring the environment related to immigration issues. Currently, there has been no direct impacts, but ISSS intends to communicate promptly and directly with international students and scholars if they detect any changes in the federal government’s approach.
For the latest communication sent to our international community, please visit the ISSS Announcements blog. For specific personal questions related to your immigration status, please contact isss@illinois.edu.
What actions should be taken if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is on campus or comes to my office or classroom?
If a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent requests access to non-public areas of university property, asks questions, or seeks personally identifiable information or non-public records from university personnel, immediately refer the agent to the University Police and call the University Police non-emergency number at 217-333-1216 to notify them of the agent’s presence.
Do not disclose non-public information, such as student information protected by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), or accept service of legal documents, such as a subpoena or warrant, before contacting the Office of University Counsel at 217-333-0560. If documents are presented, inform the ICE agent that you are not authorized to accept service on behalf of the university or department and refer the agent to the Office of University Counsel.
If it is feasible to do so, document the date, time and details of the interaction, and, if available, the name of the agent, agency affiliation, identification number and contact information.
While you have the right to document and report the incident, do not physically obstruct or interfere with the actions of ICE agents.
For more information, visit the FAQ.