A message from the Leadership Team on Federal Actions
September 14, 2026
Dear URI Faculty, Staff, and Students,
As the fall semester gets underway, we want to provide an update on several recent federal actions and legislative developments that may affect members of our University community.
The federal policy environment continues to evolve rapidly. The University is closely monitoring these developments, working with our federal and state partners and national higher education and research associations, and assessing their potential implications for our students, faculty, staff, scholars, and research enterprise.
Some of the changes described below are already in effect, while others remain subject to implementation, further federal guidance, congressional action, or litigation. We will continue to provide additional information as it becomes available.
International students and scholars
One of the most significant recent developments is a change to the federal rules governing the admission and stay of international students and exchange visitors.
Beginning September 15, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will replace the longstanding “duration of status” framework for F-1 and J-1 students and exchange visitors with fixed periods of admission. The new rule includes transition provisions for individuals who are already in the United States and maintaining valid F or J status when the rule takes effect.
The new framework will require greater attention to the dates associated with an individual’s immigration status and may affect processes related to program extensions, travel, practical training, and applications to extend status.
International students and scholars should continue to follow guidance from the University’s Office of International Students and Scholars, which is the University’s primary resource for immigration information, and should contact that office with questions about their individual circumstances. Because immigration matters are highly individualized, members of our international community should seek guidance before making decisions that could affect their immigration status.
The University is also monitoring changes to visa screening and adjudication procedures, as well as country-specific visa and entry restrictions. These developments may affect visa processing and international travel.
Information on additional resources, upcoming workshops, and educational resources are available on the Office of International Students and Scholars website.
The Office of Global Initiatives also maintains a 24-hour phone line available at 401-874-4100.
Federal research funding and research compliance
Federal support is essential to our research and public-service mission. The University continues to monitor changes in federal research priorities, grant policies, funding decisions, and compliance requirements.
Researchers should continue to follow guidance from the Division of Research and Economic Development and promptly share official communications from federal agencies concerning their grants, contracts, or proposals with the Division of Research and Economic Development at FederalFundingCommunications-group@uri.edu.
The University also continues to implement federal research-security and compliance requirements. Researchers and other members of the research community should consult University guidance regarding training, export controls, research security, and other applicable requirements.
We recognize the uncertainty created by changes in federal research policy and funding. The University will continue to advocate for the importance of federally supported research and to provide guidance as requirements and agency policies develop.
Federal budget and government funding
Congress recently approved a temporary funding measure that extends federal government funding through December 11, 2026. The University is monitoring congressional negotiations concerning fiscal year 2027 appropriations and is preparing for the possibility of additional disruptions if funding legislation is not enacted before the current extension expires.
A federal shutdown could affect the operations of federal agencies, research proposal and award processes, grant administration, and other services. The University will provide additional guidance if circumstances change.
Federal student financial aid
The University is also monitoring changes affecting federal student financial aid, including changes to Pell Grant eligibility, loan limits, and FAFSA-related requirements.
Students should continue to complete the FAFSA and respond promptly to requests for information. The University’s financial aid office will continue to provide updates as additional federal implementation guidance becomes available. Students with questions should contact the University’s enrollment services office.
Higher education policy and federal legislation
The federal government and Congress continue to consider a range of policies affecting colleges and universities, including civil rights enforcement, admissions and financial assistance, diversity-related programs, academic freedom, international partnerships, and the use of federal funds.
Some recent proposals and legislation remain under consideration and therefore do not yet represent changes in federal law. The University is monitoring these developments carefully.
Supporting our community
We recognize that these developments can create uncertainty for members of our community, particularly those whose immigration status, research, or financial aid may be directly affected.
The University remains committed to supporting our students, faculty, and staff and to our fundamental mission as a public land-grant university. We will continue to work with our government partners, national higher education and research organizations, and University offices to understand these changes and communicate with our community.
We encourage members of the University community to rely on official University resources for information and to seek guidance from the appropriate University office when questions arise.
Additional information and updates will continue to be posted on the University’s Federal Actions Updates webpage.
Thank you for your continued commitment to our URI community and to our shared mission of educating and empowering students, advancing knowledge through research and creative inquiry, serving our communities, and contributing to the public good.
Leadership Team on Federal Actions