Supporting Our Students, Scholars and Peer-reviewed Research

Dear students, faculty and staff,

Several federal policy changes on the horizon will significantly impact the University of Minnesota and higher education. I’m writing to share how we are responding to the changes, supporting you and sustaining our commitment to ensure the University remains strong for another 175 years. 

As Minnesota’s public land-grant University, we are steadfast in our commitment to defend against restrictions that threaten to disrupt our mission of education, research and public outreach. We will not waver from that commitment. 

Visa implications for international students and scholars

A newly published Department of Homeland Security rule will change how international students and scholars maintain lawful status in the United States. The rule establishes a four-year period of authorized stay for many international students and scholars and may have implications for some faculty and staff and their families.

The University is reviewing all aspects of the final rule to fully understand how it may affect our international community members. Current immigration regulations remain in effect until the rule's official effective date of September 15, 2026, so there are no immediate changes to immigration status or University processes.

News about changes to immigration policy can be unsettling, particularly when details are still being reviewed. Please visit the Rapid Response website for the latest information, answers to frequently asked questions, and available support resources. We will continue to update that information as we learn more.

International students and scholars are essential members of our community whose contributions enrich the University through teaching, research, innovation and service, and we remain committed to providing the guidance and support needed to navigate these changes.

Changes to grantmaking processes

We all have reason to be incredibly proud of the groundbreaking research that happens across our University—work that relies on fair and rigorous peer review. That is why we oppose an updated rule coming out of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in its current form that would change how federal agencies review and select grant proposals. 

The proposed change would fundamentally disrupt our ability to deliver on our mission and would impede inquiry and scholarship across all areas of our University. This shift would undermine our core mission and curtail the vibrant scholarship I see every day. To protect the integrity of that research, the University is standing firmly against this proposed rule in its current form. We support transparent and independent review, and are advocating for a path forward that supports the scientific community. 

The impacts extend beyond research. Federal financial assistance supporting education and workforce development programs, public health and community initiatives, agricultural activities, equipment and infrastructure projects, and other public service activities could be at risk. In short, the rule could change how a wide range of programs are selected, funded, administered, monitored and potentially terminated. If enacted as is, this rule will weaken scientific innovation and decrease our national competitiveness. 

Last week, we formally submitted the University's institutional response and comment letter to OMB, along with more than 496,000 others who responded. You can learn more in this message that was sent to our research community, and in our FAQs, which will be updated as we have more information. 

I fully recognize that these federal policy changes bring a lot of uncertainty and you may be feeling the weight of the potential impacts on your work and studies.— not just for individuals at the University, but also for your families and communities. You are not alone in navigating these shifts. The University will continue to advocate for our mission, provide timely information and connect affected community members with resources and individualized support. 

Sincerely,

Rebecca Cunningham, President