A regular digest for UW faculty with updates on federal, national and local issues of relevance to their teaching, research and service; actions the University is taking; and ways for faculty to be involved.
Federal Landscape
The UW submits opposition to proposed changes to Uniform Guidance
The University of Washington has submitted a formal letter expressing concerns and opposition to the White House Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed changes to the Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance (also known as the Uniform Guidance). The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities has summarized the proposed changes. We appreciate the many responses from the UW community that helped shape our formal comment.
As a public research university, the UW strongly supports financial stewardship, transparency and efficiency in administration. Unfortunately, the proposed changes would take our nation in the wrong direction, adding new layers of bureaucracy to slow down innovation and injecting politics into a process that should be about scientific merit. These changes would harm the science and innovation that have made America safer, healthier and more prosperous, and reduce our nation’s global competitiveness.
We will continue to advocate for changes that improve and streamline how research is supported in our nation, including working with members of Congress to oppose harmful proposals such as this one from OMB. The proposed effective date for the new guidance is Oct. 1, 2026. As of the morning of the July 13 deadline, OMB had received nearly 300,000 comments.
Federal financial aid changes in effect
Several changes to federal student loan programs took effect July 1, as a result of H.R. 1, The Working Family Tax Cuts Act – also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill” –which Congress passed and the president signed into law last year. In addition to a new aggregate lifetime limit of $257,500 for all federal student loans taken out by an individual, there are also new annual and lifetime limits on loans to graduate students and professional students. There are also new limits on loans to parents via the Parent PLUS Loan program. The UW Office of Student Financial Aid has posted a summary of changes relevant to UW students and families.
Workforce Pell rule takes effect July 20
The U.S. Department of Education’s final Workforce Pell rule takes effect July 20, 2026, with early implementation of eligible-workforce-program provisions permitted beginning July 1, 2026.
The final rule largely retains the proposed framework, including short-term program-length limits, governor approval after consultation with the state workforce board, U.S. Secretary of Education review and approval, 70% completion and job-placement thresholds, and a value-added earnings test. It also addresses Pell ineligibility when a student’s non-Federal grant or scholarship assistance equals or exceeds cost of attendance.
State Landscape
State anticipates budget shortfalls, challenges
The Washington state Office of Financial Management (OFM) has released a memo alerting state agencies of state budget shortfalls for the 2027-29 biennia. These shortfalls are prompted by a number of factors, including the increasing costs of providing essential services, cuts to federal funding, population growth, ongoing economic uncertainty, and court decisions with substantial or long-term funding impacts. OFM is instructing state agencies to submit operating and transportation budgets that focus on maintaining – not expanding – existing programs and services. Likewise, capital budget requests to the state should align carefully with agencies’ priorities. In light ofthis, UW leadership anticipates another challenging legislative session and will use the strategic planning work to inform our path forward.
State revenue forecast released
The Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council’s June 2026 revenue forecast anticipates modest increases for 2025-27, as well as the 2027-29 and 2029-31 biennia. UW Finance, Planning and Budgeting has posted details.
International
Duration of status change expected soon
The White House Office of Management and Budget has completed its review of the Department of Homeland Security’s proposed rule to eliminate Duration of Status for F and J visa holders. The final rule to replace Duration of Status, which is expected to be published any day, would be effective 60 days after the publication date. Duration of Status is a longstanding regulation that allows international students and exchange visitors to stay in the U.S. while they complete their degrees or exchange programs. UW International Student Services for the Seattle campus has posted more information on the current policy, proposed changes and additional resources. International Scholars Operations will issue guidance regarding the rule’s effect on scholars on J-1 exchange visitor visas once the rule is published.
Short-term extensions of temporary protected status granted
U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services has announced short-term extensions of temporary protected status work authorization for Burma, Ethiopia, Haiti, Somalia, Syria, South Sudan and Yemen. Refer to USCIS’ I-9 Central for the latest updates.
Leadership
UW task force assessing possible transition to semesters
The recently formed Exploratory Task Force on Academic Calendar Alignment has begun examining the implications, opportunities and challenges associated with a possible transition from quarters to semesters. No decision to change the academic calendar has been made. The task force will conduct a careful, evidence-informed assessment of the potential benefits, risks, costs, operational implications and academic considerations associated with a change. The task force will submit a report by the end of winter quarter 2027.
Student Support
Tuition and fees information posted
Information the UW’s tuition and fees is now posted on the Finance, Planning and Budgeting website to consolidate website content.
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
New 60-day reimbursement policy in place
Effective July 6, UW employees now have 60 days to request reimbursement for travel and non-travel expenses. Reimbursements requested within that time frame will be treated as non-taxable income.
However, if an expense report is filed 60 days after a trip ends – or 60 days after the date of purchase for a non-travel item – the reimbursements will be treated as taxable income with taxes withheld from the individual’s next semi-monthly earnings. This new rule, which the UW recently adopted, complies with Rule 2 of the IRS Accountable Plan. Read more about the UW’s 60-day reimbursement policy.
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.