51����’s new Guidance on Federal Immigration Activity webpage offers comprehensive FAQs related to several topics, including:  

• Public safety��
• Federal law enforcement access to campus spaces��
• Public vs. non-public areas��
• Additional privacy information��
• �����dzܰ��������

51���� will continue to closely monitor federal immigration policies and enforcement that may affect our students, faculty and staff. Find more information on federal activity at 51����’s Federal Updates webpage or at . 

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51���� remains committed to keeping our community safe and informed so all can navigate rights, responsibilities and resources related to law and policy.  

51���� will not provide information on the immigration status of its students, faculty or staff unless required by law.  

51���� offers this guidance on what to do if you are contacted by or come into contact with someone representing a government agency in a campus workspace. The university’s guidance has not changed. 

The guidance includes: 

• Immediately calling the 51���� Police Department at 414-229-4627 (24/7) or the 51���� Office of Legal Affairs (business hours) at 414-229-4278.  

• Agents are free to enter any public areas but must have a valid search warrant to enter a non-public area.����

• Do not give your consent to allow an agent to enter a non-public area.  

• Public areas may include reception, waiting areas and lobbies, open dining areas such as cafeterias, restrooms and other common areas accessible by members of the public without screening or escort.  

• Non-public areas include private offices and laboratories; private residential rooms; classrooms, conference/meeting rooms and lecture halls that are currently in use; and other secured or restricted-access areas designated for instructional, research, or building and campus operational use.  

Separately, the 51���� Police Department has a set of procedures and practices it follows related to immigration enforcement. 51����PD is committed to providing exceptional service to all members of the community regardless of immigration status.  The procedures include: 

• 51����PD will not participate in federal immigration enforcement operations.  

• Federal agents must use��appropriate legal��processes if they are on campus and wish to contact individuals about enforcement-related issues.������

• 51����PD does not routinely and regularly practice the collection of information about a person’s immigration status. 

• 51����PD officers will not detain or arrest an individual solely based on a suspected violation of immigration law.    

• An individual’s immigration status does not affect their ability to file a police report with 51����PD.   

• An individual’s immigration status does not determine whether 51����PD will provide campus and community safety-related services and will only be relevant if the individual is involved in serious crimes. 

For areas that are off campus, the Milwaukee Police Department has . In addition, the City of Milwaukee has posted a . 

Find up-to-date information on immigration resources on .  

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Official comments on proposed federal rulemaking 

All proposed changes to federal rules must be reported in the Federal Register. Individuals and organizations can comment on items in the Federal Register to provide input on proposed federal rules, policies or information collections issued by U.S. government agencies. 

When an agency publishes a notice or proposed rule, it opens a public comment period during which feedback becomes part of the official administrative record. Agencies are required to review and consider relevant, substantive comments before finalizing their actions. Faculty and staff at all UW campuses should be mindful that any engagement with the Federal Register must comply with applicable political activity restrictions and viewpoint neutrality policies, including distinctions between personal expression and actions taken in an official university capacity.  

Please reach out to Keri Duce, 51����’s representative on the UW Federal Updates Workgroup, if you are considering submitting comments to the Federal Register on a proposed rule change in your capacity as a university employee. Given the variety of ongoing legal and policy changes happening in Washington, D.C., any official comment must be reviewed by the UW Federal Relations and General Counsel offices to receive appropriate guidance.  

Offering comments as a private citizen 

As always, university employees retain the right to formally comment on public issues as private citizens. If you choose to provide feedback to the Federal Register or your elected representatives as a private citizen, you can do so as long as you do not represent that you are speaking on behalf of 51����. We recommend that you note your comments are not being made on behalf of 51����, but instead in your personal capacity. You may not use university resources (e.g., computers, WiFi, letterhead, e-mails, work time, etc.) in the process. For additional information, see: 

If you have questions about how federal issues may impact your area that are not addressed by the above resources, please reach out to Keri Duce at klduce@uwm.edu. 

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As federal agencies resume operations, it will take time for all services to return to normal. Given the length of the shutdown, processing times and communications with agencies may be delayed in the coming days. 

For operations related to our campus community: 

• Student Aid: The U.S. Department of Education will resume regular processing of FAFSA applications, Pell Grants and federal student loans as operations stabilize. Students do not need to take additional steps at this time but should continue to monitor their campus email and the Financial Aid Office website for updates.��

• Research Activities: Faculty and research staff may begin reconnecting with their federal program officers as agencies reopen. Please be aware that response times may be slower than usual.��

• Campus Services: University operations remain normal, and no interruptions to campus services occurred during the shutdown.��

We encourage anyone experiencing difficulties in their interactions with federal agencies—whether related to research funding, student aid, or other programs—to continue to share those experiences by emailing Keri Duce, chief government relations officer, so assistance can be provided as appropriate.��

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We want to share an update regarding the federal government shutdown that may affect our campus operations.   

Following the absence of agreement, the federal government shut down non-essential government operations as defined by federal agencies just after midnight.��We cannot say with certainty when Congress will advance funding legislation that has the effect of resuming normal government operations. Please be assured, we continue to work closely with our partners at the Universities of Wisconsin (UWs) as we coordinate contingency plans and monitor the situation.������

We believe the immediate impact on our operations is limited. Federal financial aid has mostly been disbursed, and we are carefully monitoring federal grant funding reimbursements and other activities for potential impact to our university community. For those with federally funded grants or contracts, please be aware there may be delays in processing or requests for alternate plans.    

The 51���� Office of Research is fully engaged. For principal investigators on federal grants, any shutdown-related correspondence from the sponsor (e.g., stop work order) should be shared immediately with the Office of Sponsored Programs via OR-Support@uwm.edu. In addition, a virtual forum for faculty and staff engaged in research will be hosted at 1:15 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, by Vice Provost for Research Ali Abedi and Chief Government Relations Officer Keri Duce.��More details about how to join the forum will be sent this afternoon from OSP.����

We are gathering real-time information from our higher education colleagues, our government partners and the UWs to inform our planning. We will share updates as they are available. The UWs Federal Updates Work Group continues to meet on a weekly basis and posts . Keri Duce is 51����’s representative on the federal work group.     

Employees with personal concerns or questions are encouraged to connect with resources through 51����’s Employee Assistance Program.  

We are doing everything possible to keep core campus operations stable and to support our community through any disruptions. We will communicate as necessary as the situation develops, and individuals may be contacted directly with information that pertains to their situation.   

Thank you for your patience as this situation evolves. 

Robin Van Harpen��
Senior Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administrative Affairs��

Andrew Daire����
Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs��

Ali Abedi����
Vice Provost for Research��

Keri Duce����
Chief Government Relations Officer����

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Dear students, 

I want to share with you the following statement from 51����:

SEVIS records restored

51���� can confirm that as of Monday, April 28, all 13 of its international students and recent graduates whose statuses were terminated in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) have been returned to active status. 

The reversals mean they may continue their studies at 51���� or post-graduation . 51����’s Center for International Education has notified the students and graduates of the change to their records and will continue to provide information, resources and support. Neither 51����, nor the students, were given an explanation for the initial or recent changes in status. 

51���� remains committed to supporting our international students and graduates and is grateful to everyone who helped assist our students. 

As always, if you have questions or concerns, please email isss@uwm.edu or call 414-229-4846 to make an appointment with an immigration coordinator.

All the best, 

Kevin Beisser
Director, International Student and Scholar Services
Center for International Education

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Dear 51���� students,  

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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Dear 51���� faculty and staff,  

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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To our campus community, 

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 , 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  and  (for students).   

Sincerely, 

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

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On Friday evening, the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a����providing its interpretation of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in��Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) v. Harvard, which prohibits race-conscious decisions in college admissions. ��

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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