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.
Who receives the Federal Updates newsletter?
The newsletter is sent to faculty, staff, and graduate students. Undergraduate students receive the option to subscribe at the beginning of each semester via iNews. Members of the university community can subscribe to the newsletter at any time using the subscribe link.
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.
Why is the university joining some collaborative actions and legal efforts but not others?
We support our students, faculty, staff, and our missions through well-established frameworks that allow us to collaborate with peer institutions and higher education organizations in a productive way. While no single institution is participating in every legal or communications action, we are leading in areas where the university can have the greatest impact for our institutions and for higher education as a whole.
What are the impacts of tariffs on university purchasing? Is there a place where I can find tariff and trade updates?
Due to evolving changes in the current trade landscape, the Purchasing and Contract Management Office website contains the most recent information on tariff and trade impacts for our university and will be updated as needed. PCMO is working closely with the university’s customs broker to ensure the information remains current.
How will the 2025 federal budget reconciliation bill affect student financial aid at Illinois?
The Department of Education released its final guidance affecting Parent PLUS and Graduate PLUS loans for the 2026–2027 academic year. The guidance largely aligns with what was anticipated in earlier projections by the Office of Student Financial Aid, and the information on the Financial Aid website now reflects the current understanding and most up-to-date information.
Financial aid considerations are complex, and the impact may vary depending on family income, program, type of degree, duration, new/existing student status, and many other factors. For questions, please reach out to the Office of Student Financial Aid.
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. 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.
Has the university implemented a hiring freeze?
No. However, colleges, institutes, and administrative units have been advised to focus hiring and investments on mission-critical activities and to postpone other initiatives. As a result, hiring next year will be slower than it has been in previous years.
Will the university have furlough days or a buyout for employees?
At this time, the university does not plan on having furlough days or a buyout for employees. With that said, as the federal funding situation evolves, our university may need to take additional actions or implement policy changes to meet funding challenges. If that happens, we’ll act transparently in line with university missions, consult with appropriate stakeholders and communicate directly with our university community
Other universities have implemented budget cuts. What has the university done so far to prepare for financial risks?
The university’s budget and resource planning team monitors financial changes carefully and evaluates their potential implications for the university’s budget. The university has taken several strategic steps since spring 2024, including:
- Reviewing and reprioritizing nonrecurring central funding commitments to identify at least $50 million in potential savings
- Slowing the growth of central administrative spending and reallocating funds toward top institutional priorities
- Requiring centrally budgeted administrative units to self-fund certain expenses and initiating a budget reduction process for FY26 and FY27
- Advising colleges and units to focus new hiring to mission-critical roles
- Restricting new spending by central administrative units to essential initiatives only
- Reviewing and reprioritizing nonrecurring central funding commitments to identify at least $50 million in potential savings
Research
What do the federal announcements mean for my research?
Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) is monitoring federal directives and is specifically tracking project‑specific award actions, such as stop work orders, termination notices, or other official notifications tied to a specific federal award number. If your federal sponsor issues one of these actions for your project, it will remain in effect until the agency provides an updated notification or modification. Federal directives may also influence proposal deadlines or funding initiatives. Researchers who are preparing proposals are encouraged to check sponsor webpages regularly or consult SPA for current guidance.
In addition, some federal announcements may address new or updated certification requirements or changes to award terms and conditions. If you receive any communication from a federal sponsor regarding proposal updates, certifications, assurance requirements, or changes to the terms and conditions of your award, please contact SPA before responding or taking any action. SPA will help determine whether an institutional response is required and advise on next steps.
If you have not received a project‑specific notice related to your award, you should continue your research activities as usual unless you are told otherwise. We encourage researchers to stay in contact with their program or technical officers at the sponsoring agency. 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, 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.
What is the university doing about the proposed changes to Uniform Guidance?
The White House Office of Management and Budget published a proposal to significantly revise the Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance (also known as the Uniform Guidance) that covers government-wide policies and requirements related to grants and other forms of federal financial assistance.
The proposed changes would have implications for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and other institutions across the country. The university is working with APLU, AAU, COGR, and other higher education advocacy groups – as well as the U of I System Government Relations team – to assess the changes and coordinate our response. The Federal Updates Steering Committee has asked the Research Working Group to document the potential university impacts of the proposed changes. As we prepare a response, please email Melissa Edwards (ovcri@illinois.edu), chair of the Research Working Group, if you would like to share specific concerns.
Why is the university engaged in legal actions against proposed F&A rate caps?
We have joined several national higher education associations and leading research universities in legal challenges to federal policies that cap reimbursement for Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs for research grants to colleges and universities. These policies conflict with long-established regulatory frameworks governing federal grants and violate fundamental principles of administrative law.
The federal government reimburses universities at a negotiated rate for the F&A costs of conducting research — things such as lab space, support staff, electricity and other essential infrastructure that helps to make research possible. Imposing an arbitrary cap would hinder scientific progress, weaken national security and diminish our global competitiveness.
Some federal agencies (e.g., NIH) are requiring institutions to certify that they do not operate any programs that advance or promote DEI, DEIA or discriminatory equity ideology in violation of federal anti-discrimination laws in order to receive federal awards. What does this mean for my work?
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is committed to complying with all federal requirements and is actively reviewing these evolving obligations. Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA), in coordination with University Counsel, is assessing these certification and terms‑and‑conditions changes on behalf of the institution.
If you receive any communication from a federal sponsor regarding new certifications, updated assurance requirements, or any changes to the terms and conditions of your award, please contact SPA before responding or taking action. SPA will guide you on the appropriate next steps and ensure that any required institutional response is handled correctly. For questions, please reach out to SPA at spa@illinois.edu.
I’m concerned about recent federal actions surrounding university research and international security issues. What university resources are available to navigate questions or concerns?
The Office of Research Security exists to meet federal research security mandates and to help researchers navigate complex and evolving research security regulations. If you have any questions, please contact researchsecurity@illinois.edu.
My grant was terminated and I want to appeal. What should I do?
The abrupt termination of a grant can be deeply disruptive, and the Research Working Group, OVCRI, SPA , and University Counsel have developed a process to guide principal investigators who may wish to take action. The process involves several steps, including information gathering and assessment. There may be legal costs associated with filing the appeal, and units should carefully evaluate the implications of a termination and the remaining balance on the award.
Does appealing a terminated grant restore my funding until the appeal has been evaluated?
Unfortunately, no. Once a grant has been officially terminated, work must generally cease, and expenses incurred beyond the effective termination date are not allowable. Any unallowable costs incurred beyond this date are the financial responsibility of the unit. However, certain unavoidable expenses, such as lease payments or noncancellable obligations, may still be considered allowable under Uniform Guidance § 200.472, Section A (Termination Costs).
For further guidance, please reach out to your SPA Award management contact.
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 Access, Civil Rights & Community provides guidance and resources 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.
What should I do if I am approached by civil immigration enforcement officers on university property?
Open Illinois houses an FAQ with relevant information, campus contacts and available resources based on specific situations regarding civil immigration enforcement agents on university property.
I am an international student or scholar. Should I be worried about my immigration status?
Illinois International and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) are actively monitoring the environment related to immigration rules and regulations. ISSS monitors the immigration status of all international students and scholars 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. Read frequently asked questions related to civil immigration enforcement agents on University of Illinois property and learn more about the university’s procedures.
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.
What is the university doing to support students who may have family or loved ones negatively impacted by immigration enforcement?
Undergraduate and graduate students at Illinois may have family or other loved ones who are impacted by detention, deportation or self-removal related to immigration enforcement. Deportation of a loved one may create financial, academic, and psychological strain on college students. University resources are available to support students.
- Immigrant Student Support (previously Undocumented Student Support) provides resources and services to students whose family may be negatively impacted by immigration enforcement. Immigrant Student Support coordinates support through direct support to impacted students and technical assistance for campus units. Contact undocumented@illinois.edu or call Ross Wantland, interim director, Academic Inclusive Excellence, at 217-244-1814.
- The Connie Frank CARE Center in the Office of the Dean of Students helps individuals understand university policies and procedures, connect with campus resources, assist in communication with instructors, and provides support in times of distress.
- Additional university resources include academic support, legal assistance, mental health support, financial aid, basic needs, and housing contracts.
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.
What are the implications of the proclamation “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers” and changes to the H-1B visa program?
While the federal government’s implementation of the proclamation continues to evolve, our current understanding is that new workers who are entering the U.S. on a new H-1B visa would be subject to a $100,000 fee to be paid by their employer. According to recent guidance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, H-1B extensions, amendments and change of status are not subject to the fee. Individuals who receive an approved change of status to H-1B will not be subject to the fee if they subsequently travel outside the U.S. and apply for an H-1B entry visa.
International Student and Scholar Services, in coordination with Illinois Human Resources, the Office for Access and Equity and University Counsel, is closely monitoring developments. Updates will be provided to unit HR contacts and other direct stakeholders as appropriate. Departments currently engaged in searches or preparing to launch searches should continue to follow their normal process for recruitment and hiring. OAE, IHR, and ISSS are available resources to work with individual hiring departments experiencing unique circumstances.