Responding to Federal Policies
Tracking Impacts, Responses and Resources at Northwestern
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Northwestern is closely monitoring and responding to federal actions, including Executive Orders and agency policy changes that affect higher education. This website provides updates and resources for members of the Northwestern community that are informed by a robust set of guiding principles.
Weekly Update
Updates from August 19 to August 25, 2025
Research
- NIH, NSF announce plans to implement gold standard science across agency activities
Past Updates
University Messages
- Updates on visa application interviews (June 23, 2025)
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services sent updates to members of Northwestern’s international community. - Update on new immigration restrictions (June 5, 2025)
The White House has announced a travel ban that will stop nationals from 12 countries from entering the United States. - New interim guidance on NIH subawards (June 5, 2025)
After careful consideration, Northwestern will no longer support outgoing subaward activity on NIH awards while we are not receiving reimbursements from the NIH. - Update on student visa issues (May 29, 2025)
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services sent updates to incoming international students and current international students. - Supporting your research during federal funding uncertainty (May 1, 2025)
Interim guidance to address research affected by federal funding freezes to minimize disturbances to the work and dedicated teams supporting it while responsibly managing the University's financial exposure.
For previous messages, visit Leadership Notes or the Office of the Provost news page.
Weekly Updates Archive
Updates from August 12 to August 18, 2025
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Presidential Action: Ensuring Transparency in Higher Education Admissions
- Accompanying Fact Sheet
- Department of Education follow-up memo
Updates from August 5 to August 11, 2025
Research
- Aug. 7 Executive Order: Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Aug. 7 Presidential Action: Ensuring Transparency in Higher Education Admissions
- Accompanying Fact Sheet
Updates from July 29 to August 4, 2025
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- July 29 Department of Justice Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination
Updates from July 22 to July 28, 2025
Athletics
- July 24 Executive Order: Saving College Sports
Updates from July 15 to July 21, 2025
No new updates
Updates from July 8 to July 14, 2025
No new updates
Updates from July 1 to July 7, 2025
No new updates
Updates from June 24 to June 30, 2025
No new updates
Updates from June 17 to June 23, 2025
University Messages
- The Office of International Student and Scholar Services sent updates to members of Northwestern’s international community regarding visa application interviews
Travel and Immigration
- June 18 U.S. Department of State Press Release: Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants
Updates from June 10 to June 16, 2025
Research
- June 16 Research guidance webpage updated.
- Added bullet point to Proposals section to indicate that federal sponsors continue to accept proposals submitted by Northwestern.
- Added new Awards section.
Updates from June 3 to June 9, 2025
University Messages
- June 5 Northwestern provided uupdates on new immigration restrictions to international students and scholars.
- June 5 New interim guidance on NIH subawards says Northwestern will no longer support outgoing subaward activity on NIH awards while we are not receiving reimbursements from the NIH.
Travel and Immigration
- June 4 Presidential Proclamation: “Restriction the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats”
- Accompanying Fact Sheet
Updates from May 27 to June 2, 2025
University Messages
- May 29 Update on student visa issues. The Office of International Student and Scholar Services sent updates toincoming international students and current international students.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Anti-discrimination guidance published for Northwestern programming and activities.
Travel and Immigration
- May 28 Secretary of State statement on visas of Chinese students.
Updates from May 20 to May 26, 2025
No new updates
Updates from May 13 to May 19, 2025
Antisemitism- Health and Human Services Civil Rights Office announces investigation into alleged civil rights violations
Updates from May 6 to May 12, 2025
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- May 6 Health and Human Services Dear Colleague Letter clarifying interpretation of requirements under Title VI and commenting on medical school operations
Updates from April 29 to May 5, 2025
University Messages
- May 1 University leadership update on Northwestern’s response to federal measures
- May 1 University leadership message to faculty and research staff on supporting research during federal funding uncertainty
Research
- University published interim guidance on support for research
Travel and Immigration
- University published new resources and guidance
Antisemitism
Accreditation
- On April 28-29, University hosted on-site visit by a team of Higher Learning Commission peer reviewers
Updates from April 22 to April 28, 2025
University Messages
- President Schill joined hundreds of college and university presidents and chancellors in signing A Call for Constructive Engagement
Travel and Immigration
- April 23 Executive Order: Transparency Regarding Foreign Influence in American Universities
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- April 23 Executive Order: Restoring Equality of Opportunity and Meritocracy
- April 23 Executive Order: Reinstating Common Sense School Discipline Policies
Accreditation
- April 23 Executive Order: Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education