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
Department of Education issues ‘National Call to Action’
The U.S. Department of Education issued a “National Call to Action” to college and university presidents and governing boards on Aug. 3. We are working with peer universities and national associations to learn more about the letter and planned responses. The letter calls for a response by the end of the calendar year.
Senate votes to delay proposed Uniform Guidance changes
The U.S. Senate has passed a continuing resolution to extend government funding until Dec. 11. It would also delay until that date any implementation of changes to Uniform Guidance proposed by the White House Office of Management and Budget. This continuing resolution still needs to be passed by the U.S. House and signed into law by the President to take effect. In July, the UW submitteda formal letter expressing concerns and opposition to the proposed changes, which govern how federal grants are administered.
International
Duration of status updates for international scholars, F-1 and J-1 students
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s duration of status rule goes into effect Sept. 15 and has implications for J-1 scholars, as well as F-1 and J-1 undergraduate and graduate students. National higher education associations, including the Association of American Universities, of which the UW is a member, had previously expressed opposition to this change. A coalition has filed a complaint and motion for preliminary injunction against the Department of Homeland Security in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts challenging the final rule.
International Scholars Operations has posted more information on the rule for J-1 scholars, including slide decks from information sessions for scholars and administrators, and a scholar FAQ.
International Student Services has posted updated guidance for F-1 and J-1 students, including FAQs for current and new students, alumni, and campus partners, along with the slide deck for each of its information sessions.
Staff and faculty who work with enrolled F-1 and J-1 undergraduate or graduate students are invited to attend ISS’ next online Campus Partner Information Session on Monday, Aug. 24.
Leadership
Understanding the UW’s budget and finances
UW staff leaders gathered in July to deepen their understanding of the UW’s budget and financial context, and to actively shape how shared services and operational excellence
can better support the UW’s work. Similar to last spring’s session for academic and administrative leaders, this session emphasized early, authentic engagement and shared understanding to ensure that staff voices directly inform priorities and next steps. A summary of the meeting, as well as slides and follow-up questions and answers are available online.
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
Teaching@UW offers extensive support for instructors
The Teaching@UW website supports instructors with a rich array of teaching resources, including guidance on the UW’s core elements of effective teaching, setting expectations for student use of AI, and strategies for designing courses and engaging students.
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.