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
Appeals court rules DEI-related executive orders lawful
Diversity, equity and inclusion programs in federal agencies and in programs supported by the federal government were targeted by presidential executive orders issued on Jan. 20, 2025, and Jan. 21, 2025. A lawsuit challenging the legality of those orders was filed, including with support from the State of Washington. It resulted in a preliminary injunction at the district court level last year, though implementation of the injunction had been stayed during appeals. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals earlier this month overturned the lower court, ruling that some of the parties do not have standing in the case and finding that the executive orders are lawful. It has sent the case back to the lower court. We continue to monitor the effects of these and related cases on University programs, all of which were recently reviewed for compliance with longstanding state and federal civil rights laws.
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 budget forecast shows modest increase
The Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council released its February 2026 revenue forecast on Monday, February 16. Revenue projections were revised upward for both the 2025–27 and 2027–29 biennia. This revenue forecast will inform the development of the Senate and House budgets, which will be released later in February, and the final compromise supplemental budget, which will be released before the end of session on March 12.
International
Permanent residence information updated
UW International Scholars Operations has updated its permanent residence page to include information about sponsorship for EB-1B outstanding researchers and professors, as well as comparisons between that method and the UW’s default EB-2 sponsorship pathway.
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
Resources for Researchers & Instructors
Survey on UW researcher perceptions of public engagement, deadline extended to March 4
UW researchers are invited to fill out a 10-minute surveyaimed 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 March 4. Questions? Contact Annie Zhang, annielz@uw.edu.
REMINDER: 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.
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.
Community
REMINDER: SPARK Salon features new music for violin, cello Feb. 19
UW School of Music faculty Pala Garcia, artist in residence, and John Popham, assistant professor and Strings Chamber Music Coordinator, will present new works for violin and cello at the Space for Practice, Art, Reflection and Kinship (SPARK) Salon, 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at the UW Club. The event, which is third in a series of art-focused salons and open to the public, builds community by highlighting artistic work. A cash bar opens at 4:30 p.m. and continues throughout.
Leadership
Watch provost’s town hall video, transcript posted
In case you missed it, the video and transcript of Provost Tricia Serio’s Feb. 12 town hall are now posted. The video includes presentations by featured speakers Jodi Sandfort, dean of the Evans School, and Sarah Cusworth Walker, research professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, as well as an introduction and drum solo by Ted Poor, associate professor in the School of Music. The transcript includes links to the programs, initiatives and resources mentioned in Provost’s Serio’s remarks.