2025 Federal Transition
Updates, Guidance and Resources
Since the transition to a new U.S. presidential administration on Jan. 20, 2025, several executive orders have been signed, signaling potential changes in federal priorities. These executive orders and other guidance, in some cases, have begun to affect areas of UNMC.
Please know, university leaders are carefully monitoring the situation to determine what specific programs and trainings may be impacted by executive orders. We are working closely with lawmakers at the local, state and federal levels to ensure they understand the significance of our work and the potential consequences changes may bring.
UNMC will use this page and other means to communicate timely updated guidance as it is confirmed with and verified by federal sources.
Submit your questions related to new executive orders and federal guidelines. Although we will not be able to reply to individual inquiries, we will regularly post information of broad interest on this webpage.
Current Information Regarding Executive Orders
This guidance is subject to change as more information is learned and/or as we receive questions from the university community that can be addressed by adding additional guidance. As updates are made, we will note dates appropriately.
UNMC is committed to being a place where every individual feels welcomed and valued. As Nebraska’s only public health sciences center, our mission is to train students and residents with the necessary competencies to care for patients from a wide range of populations and conduct research that makes lives better.
Executive orders have called for the elimination of federal diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility programs and training. We are working to understand how the recent executive actions could affect UNMC, our people and the work we do. We know there are programs, research and offerings that rely on federal funding and/or are extensions of federal programs.
While we don’t know the extent of the impact these executive orders might have on accreditation requirements or federal grants with DEIA, we will update this site as more information becomes available. Notably, UNMC will always comply with state and federal laws, including those that prohibit discrimination.
As of Feb. 7, 2025, multiple federal sources have stated that student financial aid and grants that are distributed directly to an individual – loans or Pell Grants – will continue. The federal work study program will continue to be funded. UNMC leadership continues to monitor any federal activity related to or with potential impacts for student financial aid.
Students or parents with financial aid questions or experiencing challenges with financial aid disbursement may email the Office of Financial Aid.
UNMC is dedicated to ensuring the safety of everyone on our campuses. We will adhere to all laws and collaborate with outside law enforcement, as needed.
The Department of Homeland Security has revoked its policy that designated schools, hospitals and churches as "sensitive locations," which previously restricted Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in these areas, including college campuses. As a state university, we will follow mandatory Nebraska and federal legal processes, including valid subpoenas and judicial court orders. Because we are a public entity and largely open to the public, ICE and other law enforcement agents may enter public areas without a warrant. Other areas of campus, such as buildings, classrooms and offices are generally not considered open to the public and may require a judicial warrant.
In accordance with NU Executive Memorandum 43, if you encounter an ICE agent or any other law enforcement member on campus, please contact the UNMC Public Safety Department via their non-emergency phone number at 402-559-4439 or the NU Office of General Counsel at 402-472-1201 to assist in providing guidance. It is important to remain calm and professional and not interfere with law enforcement.
An executive order increases vetting and screening for all visa applicants, including F-1 and J-1 students. The order directs the departments of State and Homeland Security to ensure that applicants "do not bear hostile attitudes" toward U.S. institutions. These provisions could impact visa processing times and have other implications.
The order also clarifies that "admitted aliens ... already present in the United States ... do not advocate for, aid, or support designated foreign terrorists and other threats to our national security," which could impact international students or employees involved in protests.
UNMC is monitoring the situation carefully. The experts in our Office of Global Engagement continue to assist and advise international students, scholars and employees regarding visa sponsorships, in accordance with all current laws. Email their office or call 402-559-8449 if you need assistance.
Most Recent Communications from Leadership
UNMC statement on NIH indirect cost guidance
Dele Davies, MD, and Ken Bayles, PhD, provide insights on the new Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Grants Policy Statement: Indirect Costs.
UNMC webpage offers federal transition resources
Ken Bayles, PhD, UNMC vice chancellor for research, launched a website to provide continuous updates and resources specific to researchers.
A Message from NU Leadership on Our Commitment to You
NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, and each campus leader from UNK, UNL, UNMC and UNO release a statement of advocacy and unity.
FAQ
U.S. law requires anyone who is not a U.S. citizen to always carry evidence of status. In most cases, traveling around Omaha or Nebraska at large should only require that you carry either a state ID/driver’s license or your passport, though having digital copies available of other immigration documents, like I-94, I-20 or DS-2019, is recommended. If traveling outside of Nebraska, carrying hard copies of these documents to present just in case is also advisable.
It is also recommended that you have multiple copies of these documents and store them in separate places (e.g., not all on your person or on a single device you are carrying) to reduce the risk of losing all documentation at once.
Email the Office of Global Engagement or call 402-559-8449 if you have any questions.
Our Department of Public Safety works to provide a safe environment for those who work on, learn at and visit our campuses. The officers do not inquire about anyone's immigration status. UNMC Public Safety does collaborate with the city, county, state and federal authorities, when necessary.
UNMC is committed to complying with federal and state law, and you should not obstruct the actions of law enforcement. Follow these three steps if you are approached by ICE or other federal agents:
- Remain calm and professional to avoid escalating the situation.
- Ask for official documentation, including the agent's name, identification number, agency affiliation and warrant.
- Inform the officers that you are not obstructing their process but need to contact the NU Office of General Counsel or the UNMC Public Safety Department for guidance, as you want to make sure you remain compliant with FERPA and other applicable privacy laws. General Counsel can be reached at 402-472-1201 and Public Safety at 402-559-4439.
Refer to NU Executive Memorandum 43 for full details.
Executive orders have called for the elimination of federal diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility programs and training. We are working to understand how this could affect UNMC, our people and the work we do. We know there are programs, research and offerings that rely on federal funding and/or are extensions of federal programs. UNMC will always comply with state and federal laws while also maintaining a commitment to being a place where every individual feels welcomed, heard and valued.
The impacts of the executive orders are still unfolding. Please continue with work on existing funded projects under the terms and conditions of that award. If there is a change to your award, SPA should receive an amendment from the funding agency notifying us of the change. Please visit the VCR's research federal transition page for updates and information.
Have Additional Questions?
Submit your questions related to federal orders, memos and agency guidance. The form is anonymous. Although we will not be able to reply to individual inquiries, we will regularly post information of broad interest on this webpage.
Submit a Question
Navigating Uncertainty
Times of uncertainty can be difficult. If you feel that you need professional help, a good place to start is with your primary care provider, who can screen you for depression as well as common physical causes of low energy and low mood. Primary care providers also can prescribe medications to help depression, when it’s appropriate to do so, and can help you find a mental health provider when that’s necessary, as they work with these fellow professionals regularly.
Additionally, UNMC employees and their family members can take advantage of our Employee Assistance Program and are eligible for up to five no-cost counseling sessions per event. If you need something more, assistance program staff can help you find other providers who can help. Nebraska Medicine employees have their own Employee Assistance Program, called CuraLinc.
UNMC students can use Counseling and Psychological Services for no charge, and UNMC residents can email Susan Smith with the House Officer Assistance Program.
Find more UNMC wellness resources.
Your voice is one of our most powerful tools
The work you do at UNMC transforms lives — not just through groundbreaking research and education but with direct impact on communities across Nebraska. Your contributions matter. As private citizens, you have the right to share your stories — whether in your community, with neighbors or with elected officials — to highlight why supporting academic health sciences and research is essential.
UNMC is more than a university; it is an engine for economic development, health care innovation and a stronger Nebraska. Your voice can help ensure that policymakers understand the true value of our mission and the people behind it.
As Interim Chancellor Dr. Dele Davies said, "make your voice heard."