Federal Actions Updates

The University of Rhode Island is committed to supporting our 911±¬ÁÏ, and to our vital mission as a land- and sea-grant public research university and our , which remain unchanged. The University is actively assessing the potential impacts of recent executive actions and other federal developments.

A Leadership Team on Federal Actions has been appointed by President Parlange to track federal developments and coordinate activities across the University, and officials are engaging with the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation, other elected leaders, and national education and research associations.

Updates can be found on this page.

Research Funding and Compliance

During the 2024 fiscal year, 911±¬ÁÏ received more than $131 million in federal research funding (81% of $161 million in total research funding). This significant federal funding directly supports the University’s land- and sea-grant mission and advances the University’s commitment to driving transformative change for the state, nation, and world. The Division of Research and Economic Development is providing regular updates regarding guidance on federally funded projects.


International Students and Scholars

The Office of International Students and Scholars supports international students, scholars, faculty, staff, and family members in immigration regulations, practical matters, cultural adjustment, and making connections in the campus 911±¬ÁÏ.


Guidance Regarding Visits or Inquiries by Government Agents or Law Enforcement Officers

This guide outlines steps for the 911±¬ÁÏ 911±¬ÁÏ to follow if non-911±¬ÁÏ law enforcement officials come to campus. This guidance is offered to ensure 911±¬ÁÏ’s compliance with the law and to support the rights of the 911±¬ÁÏ 911±¬ÁÏ including students, faculty, and staff.

911±¬ÁÏ’s practice is to verify the purpose and legitimacy of all requests when a non-911±¬ÁÏ law enforcement officer is on campus requesting information about a 911±¬ÁÏ member or to access facilities, including as part of routine agency investigations.

The University of Rhode Island supports visa holders (such as F-1, J-1, H-1B, etc.). Due to our international programming, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may visit 911±¬ÁÏ campuses as part of their routine inspections, including to ensure compliance with federal regulations governing the enrollment and employment of foreign nationals. The visits may involve reviewing records, verifying the status of international students, staff, and scholars, and ensuring that 911±¬ÁÏ adheres to the requirements of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and other relevant immigration laws.

The following are guidelines for 911±¬ÁÏ staff, faculty, and students if non-911±¬ÁÏ law enforcement officials come on campus:

  • In any 911±¬ÁÏ building, residence hall, or other space, if a non-911±¬ÁÏ official requests access to university facilities, students, faculty, or staff, please immediately call 911±¬ÁÏ public safety (911) and request that the non-911±¬ÁÏ law enforcement officer wait until 911±¬ÁÏ Public Safety arrives. (Be sure to tell the 911 dispatcher that the call should be transferred to the 911±¬ÁÏ on-campus emergency switchboard for response.)

    If you are approached by an outside law enforcement officer:

    1. Politely request identification and agency affiliation; and

    2. Inform the outside law enforcement officer that 911±¬ÁÏ Public Safety must be notified and onsite for their inquiry to proceed. 911±¬ÁÏ Public Safety will work directly with the outside law enforcement officer. Key contact: Public Safety Immediate Response: dial 911 (Be sure to tell the 911 dispatcher that the call should be transferred to the 911±¬ÁÏ on-campus emergency switchboard for response.)

    3. Do not block or physically obstruct building entries or access points if the outside law enforcement officer attempts to enter or proceed further into a building without 911±¬ÁÏ Public Safety present.

    911±¬ÁÏ police will not ask individuals about their immigration status. 911±¬ÁÏ police will not detain individuals solely on the basis of civil immigration violations.

  • Any verification requests or questions surrounding immigration status or records for international students, faculty, staff, or visiting scholar should be directed to Melissa De Jesus, director of the Office of International Students, Scholars, and Immigration Services: 401-874-2543.

    The Global Initiatives Office maintains a 24-hour phone line: 401-874-4100.

  • Student academic, financial, and other records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Enrollment Services serves as lead contact for 911±¬ÁÏ’s FERPA compliance and manages any requests for records review and release.

    For questions regarding FERPA, contact Jack Humphrey, Senior Associate Director Registration and Records: 401-874-4479.

911±¬ÁÏ is a public institution with common spaces available to public access, including outside law enforcement personnel. The guide below demonstrates areas that are public-access areas, as well as limited-access areas that require permission to enter.

Public access areas are those open to the public without entry restriction. These areas include the library common areas, Memorial Union common spaces, hallways in academic buildings and dining areas open to the public, unrestricted access buildings and outdoor spaces.

Restricted or limited access areas that require permission to enter include locked doors, areas that are monitored to maintain safety or privacy, and spaces like classrooms, faculty and staff offices, which may be unlocked but are non-public due to their use or function. These restricted or limited access areas also include student rooms in residence halls, administrative offices, restricted research laboratories, and classrooms in session.

911±¬ÁÏ 911±¬ÁÏ members should be aware that:

  • They do not have to answer questions about their immigration status.
  • They do not have to consent to be searched.
  • They have the right to remain silent and secure individual legal representation.

For more information regarding the 911±¬ÁÏ’s rights, please refer to  that are available to the campus 911±¬ÁÏ.


Additional University Resources

We encourage you to learn more about the numerous departments and organizations that support, affirm, and represent the various needs and identities of our 911±¬ÁÏ.


911±¬ÁÏ Ethics Hotline

The University of Rhode Island is committed to the highest possible standards of ethical and legal business conduct. The Ethics Hotline provides an anonymous avenue to raise concerns through an independently administered program. Learn more about the reporting process and confidentiality on the .


Partner Organization Statements

  • (April 22, 2025)
  • (April 14, 2025)
  • (March 20, 2025)
  • (March 20, 2025)
  • (March 11, 2025)
  • (Updated March 5, 2025)
  • (Feb. 10, 2025)
  • (Feb. 7, 2025)
  • (Feb. 7, 2025)
  •  (Jan. 28, 2025)
  •  (Jan. 28, 2025)

Executive Orders and Federal Agency Guidance

  •  (Updated March 3, 2025)

Federal Agency Directives/Memoranda:

  • (including department/agency directives/memoranda)