Responding to Federal Policies

Tracking Impacts, Responses and Resources at Northwestern

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Federal Policy Impacts

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 July 8 to July 14, 2025

No new updates

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 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