View frequently asked questions by topic. For suggested questions, please contact federalupdates@illinois.edu.
University response
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.
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.
Will the university protect the free speech and academic freedom of students, staff and faculty?
Free speech and academic freedom are foundational to our university’s missions of discovery and exploration. Questioning ideas, posing alternative opinions and presenting diverse perspectives is how we create and pursue the knowledge that helps us build a better world. Free speech is a constitutionally protected right of all people in the United States. Academic freedom is a concept protected through our university statutes and values, and we will continue working to uphold those.
The university remains committed to protecting the First Amendment rights of all individuals. This is a legal obligation of any public entity and, we believe, an ethical responsibility for an institution like ours that values diverse perspectives and academic interrogation. For more information, view the university’s Free Speech website.
Workforce impact
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.
Has the university implemented a hiring freeze?
No. University leadership has provided guidance to units to prepare for a likely reduction in federal monies for research and other activities. Until the scope and scale of the reductions are fully understood, units are encouraged to prioritize their spending activities on core-mission activities and refrain from launching, expanding or continuing non-mission critical activities. Implementation of that guidance may include a pause on certain faculty or staff hiring on a unit-by-unit basis.
Research
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.
I am concerned that my area of work/scholarship/research may be targeted due to recent federal actions. What can I do?
The changing federal and national landscape has resulted in a public spotlight on certain research efforts. As a result, it is possible that research, education and outreach efforts in your units may attract undesired attention. We want to ensure you have the resources and support needed to navigate any challenges. You can access Trolling and Doxxing Resources for Faculty located on the Provost’s Office website. Department heads can also work with your college administration to provide support as described on this website for executive officers.
If you receive any unusual or threatening email, text or telephone messages, immediately alert your department head. They will notify your unit’s chief communications officer and your dean and help determine any necessary actions to protect your privacy and safety. Additionally, the university’s Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing is monitoring social and other media and will alert you and your department head if they identify any risks of trolling or doxxing attacks. If you have concerns about monitoring alerts or need assistance setting up your own alerts, please contact stratcom@illinois.edu.
Is there anything I can do to help advocate for impactful university research programs that are facing federal funding cuts?
Yes, as an individual, you can use this link to urge Congress to protect federal research funding and stop harmful cuts before they do irreversible damage.
Why is the university engaged in legal action against the Department of Energy’s proposed 15% F&A rate cap?
We have joined several national higher ed associations and other leading research universities in a lawsuit challenging a new Department of Energy policy that cuts the reimbursement of facilities and administrative (F&A) costs to 15% for all research grants to colleges and universities. This policy runs afoul of the longstanding regulatory frameworks governing federal grants and foundational principles of administrative law. The federal government reimburses universities for the “Facilities and Administrative” (F&A) costs of conducting research—things such as lab space, support staff, electricity and other essential infrastructure that helps to make research possible. DOE’s plan to cap F&A costs at 15% will hinder scientific progress, jeopardize our national security and threaten our competitiveness with other nations.
Access
Is the university planning to eliminate all diversity programming?
No. Diversity is one of our greatest assets, and we want to ensure that everyone at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the ability to gain knowledge, awareness and community through celebrating our different cultures, heritages and identities.
Although the Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions struck down the practice of using an applicant’s racial identity as a criterion during the admissions process, the Court’s opinion characterized diversity-related interests as “worthy” and “commendable” and noted that universities still “can, of course, act to undo the effects of past discrimination in many permissible ways that do not involve classification by race.”
In alignment with our mission to foster a supportive environment for all members of our university community, we expect that any diversity programming is open to all regardless of background and does not engage in racial exclusion or discrimination.
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.
I’m worried about actions by the federal government that specifically target my gender identity. What do they mean for me and any university-affiliated centers and resources that support my community?
We respect the many gender identities held by our faculty, staff and students. While continuing to follow the law, the university remains committed to supporting individuals and providing resources that help foster a sense of belonging and create a welcoming environment for the entire university community.
What legal resources does the university make available to students, staff and faculty?
If a student is facing a legal issue, they have access to Student Legal Services and the Immigration Law Clinic. When the legal issue does not fall under the purview of either of these offices, they will be guided to external legal resources. In addition, attorneys in the Office of University Counsel are available to provide legal advice to the university and its employees who seek such advice on behalf of the university arising out of their official university responsibilities.
Immigration
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 SEVIS status?
Illinois International and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) are actively monitoring the environment related to immigration issues. ISSS monitors the immigration status of all international students and scholars under the university’s SEVIS program and will immediately contact any individuals affected by a status issue. For federal policy changes that may affect a broader community, ISSS will continue to communicate promptly and directly with international students and scholars.
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.
Does the university assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)?
The university does not assist federal law enforcement in their enforcement of immigration laws, unless mandated by law, such as when presented with a lawfully issued criminal warrant signed by a judge. State law largely prohibits Illinois law enforcement agencies, including the University of Illinois Police Department, from participating in or providing resources to assist federal immigration authorities. The university and UIPD strictly adhere to all relevant laws and policies. More information is available online.
I have heard rumors about ICE being on campus. Is that true?
The university has investigated several claims of ICE on campus from email tips, Reddit and other social media comments, and we have found no evidence of any confirmed cases of ICE on the Illinois campus this semester.
What actions should be taken if 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 or Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents.
For more information, visit the FAQ.
What is Illinois doing to help international students and scholars whose immigration status have been terminated by the federal government?
We recognize and value the unique contributions that international students and scholars make toward our academic and research missions. International Student and Scholar Services is actively monitoring all status changes that affect our international community. When a status change is identified, the affected individual is alerted by ISSS and provided resources to navigate any applicable next steps, which will vary depending on individual circumstances. ISSS, with the support of StratCom, will also alert university leadership, the relevant dean or unit head, and the dean of students or appropriate human resources representative. ISSS has prepared a list of frequently asked questions about immigration to help our community better understand these issues. We will approach this situation with empathy, compassion and a deep respect for the dignity and privacy of those affected.
If an international student’s immigration status is terminated by the federal government, will they be able to continue their program?
The revocation of an international student’s immigration status does not automatically impact their enrollment at the university. Impacted students are being advised to work closely with their department and college. We are asking colleges/departments/professors to explore potential options that may allow students to continue their programs remotely. However, each situation is unique, and our colleges will be working with impacted students to help identify the academic options that may be available for a particular student in a particular situation. Colleges and departments should contact Export Controls at exportcontrols@illinois.edu if they make plans for students to work and/or study outside the U.S.
What can I do to support those who might be affected, even if I don’t know who those individuals might be?
This is a very sensitive issue, and we know our entire campus community wants to support those who might be impacted. Here’s how you can help:
- Respect individual privacy. Each person’s situation is unique. Questions about who has been impacted, why they have been impacted, what someone’s status is and the like can be uncomfortable or create undue stress — even if well intentioned. Understand that if you have not already been contacted, there may not be anyone affected within the scope of your work.
- Avoid speculation and refer to trusted resources. Encourage individuals to meet with ISSS for more information and to confirm any details if they are uncertain of what their next steps should be.
- Think proactively. Review the frequently asked questions provided by ISSS. Reflect on what you might be able to do within your own course or capacity as a researcher to support someone who might be impacted based on the current information available.
- Confer with your college and departmental leadership. Members of leadership for the colleges that have been impacted by this issue have already been working proactively to support affected students. If you’d like to learn more about the efforts specific to your college — and how you may or may not be able to help — you should contact your dean or department head.
- Lead with kindness and empathy. If an individual approaches you who has been impacted by an immigration status issue, be supportive and encourage individuals to utilize support resources on campus and speak with academic leaders in their department.