A message from the Leadership Team on Federal Actions
Oct. 16, 2025
Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students:
We recognize the potential challenges the ongoing federal government shutdown may present to members of our University community. Late last month, we shared information regarding possible effects of an extended shutdown. The Leadership Team on Federal Actions and teams across the University continue to monitor and address federal-level developments to minimize, to the extent possible, the impacts of the shutdown.
We want to take this opportunity to remind our URI community about the many resources available to support you during this time and throughout the academic year.
Federal Actions Updates Webpage
The University’s dedicated federal actions information webpage acts as a central resource, providing access to research funding information, compliance guidelines, recent campus announcements, and University offices and services. You can visit the site at uri.edu/federal-actions/.
Office of Global Initiatives
URI’s Office of Global Initiatives remains a vital support center for our international students, scholars, and staff, offering assistance on immigration and travel matters. They can be reached at issoff@etal.uri.edu or 401-874-2395. Additionally, the URI Office of Global Initiatives provides a 24/7 line at 401-874-4100, which can be utilized in the United States and abroad.
Guidance Regarding Visits or Inquiries by Government Agents or Law Enforcement Officers
The University’s Federal Actions Updates webpage also offers guidance for the URI community to follow if non-URI law enforcement officials come to campus. The guidance is offered to ensure URI’s compliance with the law and to support the rights of the URI community, including students, faculty, and staff. That guidance can be found here.
Division of Research and Economic Development
The Division of Research and Economic Development continues to collaborate closely with our research community, addressing inquiries related to federally funded projects and research grants. Updates regarding research are regularly posted on the division’s website.
Additional URI Resources
There are numerous departments, centers, and organizations at URI that support, affirm, and represent the various needs and identities of our community. Information about, and links to, several of those offices can be found here.
We sincerely appreciate the countless ways each of you—as members of one URI community—uphold and promote our University mission and foundational values. Your dedication to fostering an inclusive community that thrives because of every individual’s contributions, and to the meaningful work and impact of URI, creates a positive difference in the lives of people and communities on campus, in Rhode Island, and around the globe. Thank you.