You have likely seen news reports about actions affecting international students’ status across the country, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detentions and visa revocations. We are not aware of any detentions involving 51����-affiliated individuals or any federal law enforcement activity on campus. As of this morning, April 11, we are aware of 13 51���� international students and recent graduates whose visas have been revoked or their status terminated. 51���� played no role in these revocations or terminations. 

The precise rationale for these terminations is unclear. There is no reason to believe the terminations are specific to participation in free speech events or political activity.  

51����’s Center for International Education has been or will be in contact with all affected individuals to support them as they can. In addition, CIE has proactively sent communications to all international students to remind them of available resources. While CIE cannot provide legal advice, immigration coordinators are taking appointments with students and can refer individuals to legal resources upon request. 

The Universities of Wisconsin have a  for both international students and faculty and staff on the UWs . They will continue to add additional information on visas, travel and non-citizen rights. Professional staff on 51����’s International Student and Scholar Services team are in communication with colleagues to share how best to support our international students.  

We encourage students to use the resources available, if needed, through the Student Health and Wellness Center. 

51���� continues to closely monitor developments regarding immigration and will provide current information on 51����’s Federal Updates webpage, which also includes the latest updates shared by the UWs. 

Sincerely, 

Mark Mone  
Chancellor 

Andrew Daire 
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs  

Adam Jussel 
Dean of Students 

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You have likely seen news reports about actions affecting international students’ status across the country, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detentions and visa revocations. We are not aware of any detentions involving 51����-affiliated individuals or any federal law enforcement activity on campus. As of Wednesday morning, April 9, there are 10 51���� international students and recent graduates whose visas have been revoked or their status terminated.    

There is no reason to believe the terminations are specific to participation in free speech events or political activity, and the precise rationale for these terminations is unclear.  

51����’s Center for International Education has been or will be in contact with all affected individuals to support them as they can. In addition, CIE has proactively sent communications to all international students to remind them of available resources. While CIE cannot provide legal advice, immigration coordinators are taking appointments with students and can refer individuals to legal resources upon request. 

The Universities of Wisconsin have a  for both international students and faculty and staff on the UWs . They will continue to add additional information on visas, travel and non-citizen rights, and we encourage you to check it frequently. Professional staff on 51����’s International Student and Scholar Services team are in communication with colleagues to share how best to support our international students. For questions, contact Jennifer Gruenewald at jgruene@uwm.edu. We also encourage students and employees to make use of the resources available to them through the Employee Assistance Program (for employees) and the Student Health and Wellness Center (for students).    

51���� continues to closely monitor developments regarding immigration and will provide current information on 51����’s Federal Updates webpage, which also includes the latest updates shared by the UWs. 

Sincerely, 

Mark Mone  
Chancellor 

Andrew Daire 
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs  

Jennifer Gruenewald 
CIE Executive Director  

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You can , which includes messages from Regent President Amy Bogost, Regent Joan Prince, Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman, Chancellor Mark Mone and others.

“I congratulate UW-Stevens Point Chancellor Tom Gibson on his appointment as UW-Milwaukee’s 10th chancellor. As a fellow chancellor within the Universities of Wisconsin, Tom has been an excellent colleague. I look forward to supporting his transition this summer and a strong future for 51����,” Mone said.

Watch for more information as we begin the transition process over the next few months to plan our warm Panther welcome for Dr. Gibson.

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Recent federal actions have created uncertainty for universities nationwide, including 51����. We are committed to transparency and to keeping you informed about how these changes may impact our campus, students and research. While many things remain fluid and unknown, we will continue to share information as soon as we can. 

We are committed to our guiding values, one of which is diversity in all of its definitions, including who we are, how we think and what we do. We are living in precarious times and recognize the toll that this uncertainty takes. We will work together to uphold one of our other guiding values – to be a caring, compassionate and collegial community characterized by mutual respect and safety. 

You may have seen the recent and detailing the drastic effect of cuts on research. While we continue to make the case for 51���� and the vital importance of higher education and research, we thank everyone for continuing to focus on our mission. 

Here is what we know right now: 

• The  directing all federal agencies to end funding for diversity, equity and inclusion activities and environmental justice research is under a preliminary injunction.
• A temporary restraining order remains in place for the  issued by the National Institutes of Health capping indirect costs at 15%.
• The  (DCL) from the Department of Education provides guidelines for colleges and universities regarding the use or consideration of race in many university functions and activities. On Feb. 28, the department issued  further interpreting the DCL. We are still assessing this guidance. A lawsuit filed Feb. 25 in federal court seeks a preliminary injunction preventing the enforcement of the letter and a declaration that the DCL is “unlawful and unconstitutional.” 
• The  directs all federal agencies to review all grants and contracts for reduction or termination of funding in the next 30 days with particular attention to funding for educational institutions. No legal action has been filed as of yet for this order.
• There hasn’t been any unusual federal immigration enforcement on campus following recent changes in policies. A valid search warrant has always been required for any government agent to enter private areas of campus. Generally, federal agents may not enter private living quarters or lecture halls, classrooms, conference or meeting rooms that are in use without a valid search warrant. Employees are  to contact the 51���� Police Department and the Office of Legal Affairs if any government agent attempts to enter any private areas and to determine the validity of any warrant or for non-routine requests for information. 
• Multiple federal agencies have implemented cuts to their own workforce, canceled contracts and delayed other activities. While some of these actions have been paused by the courts, changes across the federal government will have cascading implications on our own research and operations.

We are concerned about the ramifications for our research enterprise on three fronts – grant cancellation, grant processing delays and changes to indirect cost reimbursement. As a Carnegie R1 research institution, 51���� depends on federal grants to drive innovation, support student experiential learning and collaborate with industry in southeastern Wisconsin. Two 51���� research projects were halted before the temporary restraining order was issued, and the  references other projects at risk if more grants are canceled.   

51���� remains fully engaged at the federal and state level, advocating for resources that protect our mission as a leading urban research university and sustain our university’s work educating students. On campus, we have a dedicated working group assessing these federal actions; determining their impact on our programs, research and funding; modeling different scenarios; and identifying advocacy action steps we can take alongside our partners in the Universities of Wisconsin working group.  

We will communicate the latest information as it becomes available. We will also always post campus updates and Universities of Wisconsin updates on the . We also encourage students and employees to make use of the resources available to them through the  (for employees) and the �����Ի���Dean of Students Office (for students).���� 

Sincerely, 

Chancellor Mark Mone 
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Andrew Daire 

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51���� has already ensured its compliance with the Harvard case. We will now carefully review the scope and breadth of this Dear Colleague Letter, along with any additional guidance to follow. As we do so, we’ll work closely with employees and students if any changes are necessary. There will also be clear communications to impacted groups before any changes are implemented. 

We encourage you to use the Federal Updates webpage where we post campus updates and those from the Universities of Wisconsin (UWs). 

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In the last three weeks, we’ve witnessed a whirlwind of federal actions, and that speed has come with little clarity. We, too, feel the anxiety of this uncertainty and want you to know that we are monitoring all federal updates to learn and act on as much as we can as quickly as we can. 

The latest federal action has a direct impact on our research — a pillar of 51����’s unique dual mission. The research community goes hand-in-hand with our access priority, giving all students a high-quality education and the tools to take their knowledge and innovation into the workforce and society. 

Late on Friday, the National Institutes of Health issued a  that lowered the rate of indirect cost reimbursements for all National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants effective Feb. 10. This federal funding is essential to support research on our campus. Indirect expenses are not directly for the performance of the research but are critical nonetheless: for example, research administrative support, maintaining research space, utilities and IT infrastructure.   

The budget impact would be significant to the university’s research enterprise. 51����’s on-campus research indirect rate is currently 54% for NIH and all other federal grants – the new policy lowers the NIH rate to 15%. This reduction is intended to affect any current NIH grants and future proposals. 51���� currently has approximately $7.9 million in active NIH awards.   

The research conducted with these grants affects us all. These projects support vital research that enhances quality of life by improving physical and mental health interventions, disease prevention strategies and public health policies. Just a few examples of these projects at 51���� include studies on genetic mutations linked to birth defects in children, the neuroscience of aging and the effects of wheelchair use on shoulder pain. 

Today, several state attorneys general filed suit in federal court in Massachusetts to challenge the NIH indirect rate reduction. Wisconsin is a party to this lawsuit, so any injunctive or other relief should apply to all Universities of Wisconsin campuses, including 51����. Late this afternoon, a judge granted a temporary restraining order to prevent the implementation of the rate change. Further legal proceedings in the case will occur later this month.   

On this and all other federal actions, 51���� staff are working closely with the Universities of Wisconsin, Wisconsin’s congressional delegation, professional associations and colleagues across the country to assess and address the potential impact on our campus and advocate for the essential research funded by NIH and other federal agencies. 

Separate from the NIH guidance, agencies are issuing stop-work orders for certain research based on other federal directives. The Office of Research is working with affected researchers to address any orders and will be following this message with specific updated guidance to university researchers. 

To provide our campus community with timely and comprehensive updates on all federal issues, 51���� has a . Use this page for one-stop access to campus messages, research updates and a link to the .   

Questions about federally funded research should be directed to the Office of Research at or-support@uwm.edu. Questions or issues for the UWs federal updates work group may be directed to Chief Government Relations Officer Keri Duce. 

Sincerely, 

Chancellor Mark Mone 
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Andrew Daire 
Interim Vice Provost for Research & Graduate School Dean Kristian O’Connor 

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While there is still uncertainty, here is what we know today in two specific areas: 

Homeland Security 

The Department of Homeland Security has  on immigrant enforcement actions in “sensitive areas,” which included schools and university campuses. For instructors and front-line personnel (including student employees) with questions about how to respond to any outside law enforcement on campus, please . Any federal law enforcement requests for private student or employee information must continue to comply with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other privacy laws.  

Federal funding 

The Office of Management and Budget has rescinded a directive issued earlier this week to federal agencies temporarily pausing federal financial assistance. Federal student aid was exempted from the directive, and 51���� student financial aid is being disbursed without interruption. There are also separate orders being issued by federal agencies that affect federal funding, including research grants. The 51���� Office of Sponsored Programs has been in contact with and will continue to work with campus researchers to clarify the effect of any agency directives on ongoing research and pending and future grant applications. Units receiving other federal funding should direct any questions about pending or new directives to their division head. 

Going forward 

We understand the confusion caused by these developments and will continue to provide updates to affected areas and individuals.   

Questions about federally funded research should be directed to the Office of Research. Questions or issues for the UWs work group may be directed to Chief Government Relations Officer Keri Duce, who is 51����’s representative on that group. Questions or issues about employment matters may be directed to your .   

Employees with personal concerns about these developments may use our . Employees should refer students in need of additional support to the  and the .

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Please visit the Free Speech, Rights and Limits site, which includes more information on free speech, expressive activity, harassment and discrimination, safety and support resources.  &�Բ�����;

Free speech and its limits 

51����, and every member of our campus community, must respect each individual’s right to speak freely and take part in peaceful protests and demonstrations. &�Բ�����;

We are a public university, and this distinction is crucial when it comes to the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. As a public institution, 51���� cannot, with very few exceptions, regulate or sanction speech based on its content or the viewpoint of the person speaking.  &�Բ�����;

Hate speech is offensive and hurtful; however, it is generally protected by the First Amendment. Learn more about hate speech in this FAQ. Some types of speech aren’t protected by the First Amendment, such as harassment, defamation, speech that unduly intimidates someone, threats a�Ի� imminent incitement of violence. &�Բ�����;

51���� can regulate speech based on the time, place and manner it occurs. Speech isn’t protected if it disrupts campus activities and operations. 51���� will take action to address time, place and manner violations, disruptions and speech that is not protected by the First Amendment. Please refer to 51����’s policy on expressive activity.����

Encampments, building occupation and other obstructions 

Encampments and occupation of buildings violate state law.  includes, but is not limited to, pitching tents and the overnight use of sleeping bags, blankets and makeshift shelters. In addition, it is prohibited to erect any structures on university property. &�Բ�����;

 are also prohibited both when buildings are open for public use and after closing hours. This includes obstructing access and movement within buildings, entering rooms and offices without permission, or assembling outside rooms and offices when they are normally in use for classes, research, and other university business.  &�Բ�����;

If encampments are erected or university buildings are occupied, 51���� will take appropriate action to enforce the rules, including ending the encampment or occupation, issuing citations and initiating student conduct and student organization conduct disciplinary processes. Protests must abide by state law and university policy. 

Chalking and postings

Chalk messages must be limited to outdoor walking surfaces that are completely exposed to the sky. Vertical surfaces (such as walls and posts) and unexposed areas (such as walkways under overhangs) may not be chalked. Only water-soluble material may be used, and such material must easily dissipate in the rain. Any chalking, painting or other forms of stenciling that do not comply with these guidelines may be removed and treated as an act of vandalism.   

No person may erect, post or attach any notices, posters, pictures or any item of a similar nature in or on any building or upon other university property except on regularly established bulletin boards, or as otherwise authorized.  may be removed. &�Բ�����;

Additionally, message content is subject to applicable law and 51���� policies, including 51����’s Discriminatory Conduct Policy (SAAP 5-1).  

Behavior expectations 

We fully support the right to free speech and expression, including protests and demonstrations, but they must abide by state and federal laws and university policy. 

For those who plan to engage in any form of expressive activity on campus, here’s what you need to know: 

• Be respectful of others’ rights and opinions, even when they differ from your own.  
• Follow campus policies regarding time, place and manner for demonstrations. These can be found at the Free Speech, Rights and Limits website or 51����’s Interim Expressive Activity on Campus Policy.����
• Avoid any behavior that disrupts university operations or violates the safety and well-being of others.  
• Civil disobedience does not create a defense to consequences for the failure to follow the law or policy. It is a form of protest where people peacefully and intentionally break the law to bring attention to their cause. It also means that people are prepared to accept the applicable punishment as part of their protest. 

Student code of conduct violations will be addressed through the student nonacademic misconduct disciplinary process. Violations of the Discriminatory Conduct Policy will be addressed through that process, and other violations may be addressed by law enforcement. Student organizations may also be subject to discipline for violations of law or policy. 

Campus safety 

51���� is committed to a safe campus for students, faculty, staff and visitors.  &�Բ�����;

Students and employees are encouraged to download the Rave Guardian app — a safety tool that connects you directly with 51���� Police Department resources. Use the app as a virtual safe walk companion, to receive emergency alerts and to text directly with the 51����PD. &�Բ�����;

In an emergency, please call the 51���� Police Department at 911 on a 51���� Teams account or 414-229-9911 on a cellphone or off-campus phone. 911 may be used from off-campus locations or from your cell phone to reach City of Milwaukee police, fire and ambulance services. &�Բ�����;

Learn more 

• Visit 51����’s Free Speech, Rights and Limits site 
• Read 51����’s Interim Expressive Activity on Campus Policy 
• See the employee guidelines on statements 
• �����  
• Watch the  

Support 

Here are some of the resources and support available across campus: 

•  for any student or employee who believes they have been subjected to, or who has witnessed, an incident of hate or bias &�Բ�����;
• Support U site for a list of student support resources such as health, financial and processes for complaints and grievances  
• Dean of Students Office &�Բ�����;
• 51���� Police Support &�Բ�����;
• 51���� Employee Assistance Program &�Բ�����;

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51���� was alerted to email messages directed to a student organization that included intimidating and hostile language regarding Palestinians. 51���� strongly denounces these anti-Palestinian, anti-Arab and Islamophobic messages and any behavior based in Islamophobia or that targets people or communities because of their national origin or ancestry. 51���� is investigating and continuing to monitor campus. Every student, employee and community member must feel safe and welcome on our campus. 

51���� takes hostile and intimidating messaging seriously. While hateful speech is often legally protected by the First Amendment, it conflicts with the respect and conduct we ask of each member of our community. Where hostile speech is not protected by the First Amendment, 51���� will address it through appropriate processes, once any individuals responsible are identified.  

The Dean of Students Office has reached out to provide support to the impacted campus organization. 

Any member of the campus community can request support from the 51���� Police Department. Download the  to receive emergency alerts and to text directly with the 51����PD and connect with 51���� Police resources. 

In an emergency, please call the 51���� Police Department at 911 on a 51���� Teams account or 414-229-9911 on a cell phone or off-campus phone. 911 may be used from off-campus locations or from your cell phone to reach City of Milwaukee police, fire and ambulance services. 

51���� recognizes that this information can cause significant stress and fear among our campus community. 51���� offers mental health resources for students and employees. Students can access the UW Mental Health Support Line 24/7 at 888-531-2142. Reach 51����’s  for virtual or in-person mental health services. To schedule a teletherapy appointment, visit . &�Բ�����;

Employees are encouraged to use the services of 51����’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), through Acentra Health, which is available to all 51���� employees and their family members. Acentra Health is free, confidential and available 24/7. Please contact Acentra Health at 833-539-7285 or online at  Sign in using 51����’s password: SOWI.   &�Բ�����;

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