Updates on federal orders and actions

We understand that this week’s significant activity related to federal executive orders has raised questions about the impacts on employees, research projects, units and students. The Universities of Wisconsin (UWs) has formed a Federal Updates Working Group to monitor any changes and implications for UW institutions. We also have a campus group meeting regularly to monitor and assess the impacts of federal orders and actions. These groups are working in tandem.  

While there is still uncertainty, here is what we know today in two specific areas: 

Homeland Security 

The Department of Homeland Security has rescinded the previous administration’s guidance on immigrant enforcement actions in “sensitive areas,” which included schools and university campuses. For instructors and front-line personnel (including student employees) with questions about how to respond to any outside law enforcement on campus, please see this guidance. Any federal law enforcement requests for private student or employee information must continue to comply with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other privacy laws.  

Federal funding 

The Office of Management and Budget has rescinded a directive issued earlier this week to federal agencies temporarily pausing federal financial assistance. Federal student aid was exempted from the directive, and UWM student financial aid is being disbursed without interruption. There are also separate orders being issued by federal agencies that affect federal funding, including research grants. The UWM Office of Sponsored Programs has been in contact with and will continue to work with campus researchers to clarify the effect of any agency directives on ongoing research and pending and future grant applications. Units receiving other federal funding should direct any questions about pending or new directives to their division head. 

Going forward 

We understand the confusion caused by these developments and will continue to provide updates to affected areas and individuals.   

Questions about federally funded research should be directed to the Office of Research. Questions or issues for the UWs work group may be directed to Chief Government Relations Officer Keri Duce, who is UWM’s representative on that group. Questions or issues about employment matters may be directed to your unit’s assigned HR business partner.   

Employees with personal concerns about these developments may use our Employee Assistance Program. Employees should refer students in need of additional support to the Student Health and Wellness Center and the Dean of Students Office.