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.
Federal Landscape
Funding package passed Tuesday
The House passed a spending package on Tuesday afternoon to end the partial shutdown, funding most of the federal government for the remainder of the 2026 federal fiscal year. Lawmakers rejected huge proposed cuts for federal research and education programs, and the bill includes increased funding of the National Institutes of Health, level funding for TRIO and GEAR UP programs and maintenance of the Pell Grant’s maximum grant amount.
The bill contains language that would prevent any funding from being used to reorganize the U.S. Department of Education in a way that decentralizes, reduces staffing levels, or alters the responsibilities of the department’s units. Funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will be temporary until Feb. 13, and the department’s future funding is subject to negotiation. UW Federal Relations has posted additional information.
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.
State Landscape
State agencies examining new federal Workforce Pell regulations
Washington state agencies are examining the federal Workforce Pell policy and coordinating early planning through a Workforce Pell Cross-agency Implementation Task Force. As noted in a previous update, Workforce Pell expands federal financial aid eligibility to certain short-term, workforce-focused programs, with details to be finalized through forthcoming U.S. Department of Education rules.
International
New photo, biometrics requirements for immigration benefit applications
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services released an update in December outlining new requirements for photo and biometrics. USCIS will accept only photos taken at an application support center or by other USCIS-authorized agents. The UW’s International Student Services team has confirmed that some UW international students on F-1 visas who are applying for optional practical training have received a request for evidence, requiring them to submit new photos taken at the nearest application support center located in Tukwila.
Resources for Researchers & Instructors
Survey on UW researcher perceptions of public engagement
UW researchers are invited to fill out a 10-minute survey, aimed at understanding UW researchers’ attitudes and experiences related to public engagement about research. Findings will inform the Office of Research’s efforts to support public engagement training and initiatives as well as contribute to academic research on science communication and public engagement. A UW NetID is required, but no personally identifying information will be collected. The survey will be open until Feb. 25. Questions? Contact Annie Zhang, annielz@uw.edu.
Preparing for the new ADA rules on digital accessibility arriving in April
Whether you’re just getting started or well on your way, prioritize your efforts around digital accessibility and prepare for the April deadline with step-by-step guidance from the Office of the ADA Coordinator’s course materials checklist and Teaching@UW’s making course materials accessible. Also, to support UW efforts, final drafts of new digital accessibility policies are being made available to the University community for a 30-day review and comment period.
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: Register now for the AI@UW launch ‘The students are using AI. Now what?’
Join the UW community for the official launch of AI@UW at a full-day, in-person event exploring how artificial intelligence is shaping teaching, learning and research. The program includes a keynote presentation by José Antonio Bowen, educator and author of the book Teaching with AI, as well as information sessions, workshops, and discussions led by UW faculty and leaders. Learn more and register by the Feb. 9 deadline.
REMINDER: UW protocol for responding to requests from federal law enforcement agencies
Many members of our community are experiencing stress, fear and uncertainty in light of news reports about ICE activity. To support our community, we all share in the responsibility to be prepared. Please review UW guidance for university spaces as well as guidance on limitations on federal immigration enforcement power, limits on state and local agencies from participating in immigration enforcement, and the rights of individuals and entities within Washington.
REMINDER: Funding available through Civic Health Initiative
The UW Civic Health Initiative has released a funding call for three different categories of small grants. These grant programs are designed to foster new collaborations and innovations that strengthen civic health and democratic institutions nationwide. Innovations proposed for funding to these grant programs must align with one or more of the areas of focus for the Initiative’s work. Applications for all three programs are due Friday, Feb. 6.
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.
Leadership
Provost’s town hall set for Feb. 12
Provost Tricia Serio will discuss the singular role that public research universities — and the UW in particular — play in our society when she hosts her yearly town hall at 10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 12. While in-person attendance has reached capacity, the town hall will be streamed live online, with a recording available afterward. Registration is not required to view the livestream. Featured speakers include Jodi Sandfort, dean of the Evans School, and Sarah Cusworth Walker, research professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Ted Poor, associate professor in the School of Music, will introduce the provost.