A regular digest for UW faculty with updates on federal and national issues of relevance to their teaching, research and service; actions the University is taking; and ways for faculty to be involved.
Note: Federal Policy Updates will be on hiatus over winter break and will resume Jan. 7, 2026.
Federal Landscape
Workforce training programs may be able to access Pell Grants
The U.S. Department of Education’s negotiated rulemaking committee reached consensus last week on draft regulations for the Workforce Pell program. The draft regulations describe how certain short-term workforce training programs could become eligible for Pell Grants, subject to statutory requirements such as accreditation, state (including gubernatorial) approval, and new accountability guardrails. The Education Department is expected to publish the draft regulations for public comment before issuing final rules. The program is scheduled to begin July 1, 2026, subject to final regulations and implementation requirements.
More on the federal landscape
Check UW Federal Relations for news and updates on federal issues. The Office of Research continues to post federal administration updates, as well as guidance and possible impacts to researchers and research award administrators who are directly affected by federal policies and processes. UW Finance, Planning and Budgeting, as well as the UW Federal Relations team, are keeping leadership apprised of developments.
Resources for Researchers & Instructors
REMINDER: AI@UW offers SEED-AI grants for faculty, teaching staff
Faculty and teaching staff can apply for grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 to fund projects that explore how artificial intelligence can enhance teaching and learning. The grants are offered through AI@UW, the University’s AI initiative announced last monthand led by Vice Provost for AI Noah Smith. Applications are due Feb. 1, 2026, with awards announced on or around March 1, 2026. Learn more at AI@UW’s newly launched website.
Key links
- Office of the Provost’s Federal Policy Updates
- UW Medicine’s Federal Policy Updates (UW NetID required)
- Office of Research’s Federal Policy Guidance
- UW Research Makes America
Tell us what you think
REMINDER: Global Innovation Fund accepting applications now
The UW Global Innovation Fund is accepting applications for support for interdisciplinary research collaboration and global teaching and learning opportunities. UW faculty and staff may submit applications until the Jan. 31, 2026, deadline. Learn more from the UW Office of Global Affairs.
REMINDER: Open private funding opportunities for faculty, researchers
Faculty and researchers may search current open funding opportunities from private sources for their research and programs through a dashboard developed by the UW Corporate & Foundation Relations team.
International
Washington state joins lawsuit against fees for H-1B visas
The State of Washington has joined a coalition of 20 states filing a lawsuit against the new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas. The UW has provided information in support of the lawsuit.
Additional social media screening put in place
Some U.S. consulates abroad are cancelling and rescheduling H-1B visa stamp appointments to accommodate additional social media screening. The UW’s International Scholars Operations is advising against international travel for employees on H-1Bs who do not have a valid H-1B visa stamp. See the ISO blog post for more information.
White House adds 27 countries to full, partial travel ban list
The White House has issued an updated proclamation restricting the entry of foreign nationals that will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. An additional 27 countries have been added to the full and partial travel ban list. F-1 and J-1 nationals from any of these countries who are outside the U.S. or who do not have a visa issued prior to Jan. 1, 2026, will be subject to the ban. The UW’s International Student Services is reaching out directly to each student from the countries added to the travel restriction list with further information and guidance.
Community
Nominate a student for the Husky 100 by Jan. 9
This spring, the Husky 100 will recognize 100 outstanding UW students who are making the most of their time at the UW. This is a remarkable way to recognize UW students who are demonstrating the University’s innovative spirit and commitment to improving our world, and faculty and staff are invited to nominate undergraduate and graduate students for the Husky 100 by Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at 5 p.m.
New Seattle campus map improves wayfinding
Navigating the UW’s Seattle campus is now easier thanks to a new interactive map developed by UW Facilities, UW Civil Rights Compliance Office and University Marketing & Communications, along with other campus partners. The new mobile-friendly, 3D map is accessible and designed to better meet the needs of all visitors, faculty, staff and students. The team hopes to further develop the map to include all UW campuses and medical facilities.
Leadership
Get the latest on the UW’s strategic planning efforts, an inclusive, community-informed process to develop a plan that will guide the University through 2030 — one that is ambitious, rooted in the UW’s distinctive capabilities and regional assets, and accessible to the public. Have an idea that you would like the committee to consider? Want to ask a question about the planning process? Submit this form to tell us what you think.