How is Northeastern responding to the actions and policies of the new administration in Washington? Last updated: January 30, 2025 Northeastern has been actively planning for policy changes that could affect the university community and our research and teaching mission. In December 2024, the university issued guidance to international students, faculty, and staff on when to return from overseas travel. Other issues of strategic importance, including the status of research funding and student financial aid, are being closely monitored. Has President Aoun issued a statement on how Northeastern is navigating the current situation? Last updated: February 12, 2025 Yes, President Aoun sent an email to all Northeastern students, faculty, staff, and parents on Wednesday, February 12. The message was also shared via Northeastern Global News and on the university’s social media channels. Resources Reaffirming our Mission Together (President Aoun) The administration is taking steps to shut down the U.S. Department of Education. How might this affect Northeastern? Last updated: March 29, 2025 An Executive Order has been issued to close the department, but achieving this would require an act of Congress, including a 60-vote majority in the US Senate. It’s more likely that the administration will sharply diminish the agency’s staff and move most of its functions to other government agencies. At this time, the administration plans to move management of federal student aid to the Small Business Administration. Other Department of Education functions are likely to be moved to other federal agencies. For example, Title IX and Title VI civil rights enforcement would likely move to the Department of Justice. Cuts in the federal workforce could disrupt or slow down the administration of some financial aid programs. Resources Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities (The White House) Research and Teaching Is there a process for appealing the notification of federal awards? Last updated: April 30, 2025 Yes, Northeastern has established a formal process for reviewing all notifications of federal award terminations. A dedicated task force has been convened to ensure a coordinated and thorough response. Members of the taskforce will meet with the Principal Investigator to gather essential information and documentation, which will inform a recommendation for senior leadership review. As of early April, about 14 grants from a pool of about 900 had been terminated. We are continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates as needed. If you have received a termination notification, a taskforce member will reach out soon to schedule a meeting. For questions, please contact: sponsoredresearchquestions@northeastern.edu. Resources Research and Sponsored Programssponsoredresearchquestions@northeastern.edu What is the university’s stance on academic freedom for faculty? Last updated: February 12, 2025 As described in the Faculty Handbook, the university does not impose limitations upon the freedom of faculty members in the exposition of the subjects they teach. Faculty members are always expected to exercise appropriate discretion and professional judgment in all facets of their teaching and research, and abide by Northeastern’s policies. Resources The Faculty Handbook University Policies How will the recent announcement from the National Institutes of Health capping indirect cost recovery at 15% impact Northeastern? Last updated: February 11, 2025 A 15% cap on indirect cost recovery would have a profoundly detrimental effect on all major research universities, including Northeastern — along with hospitals and other research institutions dedicated to medical and scientific discovery. Like many of the directives issued by the new administration, this one will face numerous legal challenges. Researchers will continue to be updated as this fluid situation evolves. Meanwhile, Northeastern researchers should continue to pursue their work as planned. The Trump administration released, then partially rescinded, directives from the National Institutes of Health (to freeze meetings and travel), and from the National Science Foundation (to pause grant reviews). What should faculty and staff who receive federal grant funding be doing right now? Last updated: April 30, 2025 The freeze on official travel for conferences and meetings was recently reversed by the NIH and the NSF has resumed grant reviews. As of now, teaching and research should continue as planned. This is a fluid situation that we are monitoring carefully. We will evaluate any forthcoming executive orders or pauses if they happen and provide updated guidance when necessary. Specific questions related to research grants at Northeastern should be directed to sponsoredresearchquestions@northeastern.edu. Resources Research and Sponsored Programssponsoredresearchquestions@northeastern.edu Some executive orders have mentioned Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. I am currently conducting federally funded research that includes DEI related activities. Should I suspend those activities? Last updated: January 30, 2025 Faculty conducting research under previously executed contracts with federal agencies should continue to fulfill the terms of those awards, unless a U.S. Government contracts officer has issued a stop work order to Northeastern for a particular grant, contract, or project at issue. We will continue to closely monitor any litigation that may impact the university or guidance from federal agencies. Any researcher with questions about a specific project should contact sponsoredresearchquestions@northeastern.edu. Resources Research and Sponsored Programssponsoredresearchquestions@northeastern.edu Has the National Science Foundation requested that all funded projects cease any work related to ‘DEIA?’ Last updated: April 30, 2025 In January, the Trump administration had attempted to freeze grant payments for existing awards, which was later lifted by a temporary restraining order. The NSF recently terminated more than 400 active research awards nationwide, including awards that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are reviewing the university’s grant-funded portfolio to understand the potential scope and impact of the latest actions related to “DEIA.” This will include determining the current administration’s definition of DEIA. Specific questions related to research grants at Northeastern should be directed to sponsoredresearchquestions@northeastern.edu. Resources Research and Sponsored Programssponsoredresearchquestions@northeastern.edu Student Support Will the executive orders, or other directives by the new administration, jeopardize federal financial aid funding for students? Last updated: February 3, 2025 Federal financial aid for students is not currently at risk. The executive orders that have attempted to freeze spending — which are currently on hold due to a court ruling — do not apply to federal funds directed at individuals. These include federal financial aid programs such as Pell Grants, the federal Work Study program, and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG). What will happen if a PhD student is working on a federal grant that is suspended or terminated? Last updated: February 6, 2025 Northeastern outlines funding commitments to PhD students in their individual admissions letters. The university will fully honor those commitments to all currently admitted PhD students, even if a student’s federal grant funding is suspended or terminated. Immigration and International Issues In April, the State Department revoked the visas of international students across the US, followed by ICE terminating their status in the federal database. Are any Northeastern students impacted? Last updated: April 29, 2025 In early April, the Department of State and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) initiated a national effort to revoke visas and terminate the legal status of international students who have allegedly engaged in criminal behavior while in the U.S. Every Northeastern student and recent graduate whose status had been terminated, has since had their status restored in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Maintained by the Department of Homeland Security, SEVIS is a digital database of international students studying in the US. Northeastern is committed to helping our international students, faculty and staff—and our entire global community—stay informed and safe at a time of deep uncertainty. In some cases this may include allowing students to continue their studies remotely or at one of Northeastern’s international campuses in the UK or Canada. The Global Safety Operations Center (GSOC) has established a dedicated phone line at 617-373-1234, staffed 24/7 for immediate concerns about immigration enforcement on campus. F-1 and J-1 students and scholars should contact the contact the Office of Global Services (OGS) if they receive notice regarding a visa revocation. The Office of the General Counsel can answer questions about university-sponsored employment visas at ogcimmigration@northeastern.edu. Members of the Northeastern community whose visa status is independent from the university are encouraged to contact an immigration attorney and to refer to this guidance from the Massachusetts Immigration and Refugee Advocacy Coalition. Resources Contact (Office of Global Services) U.S. Immigration Legal Resources (Office of Global Services) Know Your Rights (Massachusetts Immigration & Refugee Advocacy Coalition) Office of General Counselogcimmigration@northeastern.edu Northeastern has a global campus network with international students, faculty, and staff. What is the university doing in response to changes in U.S. immigration law and enforcement? Last updated: February 7, 2025 Northeastern’s Global Safety Operations Center has established a dedicated phone line, supported 24/7, for immediate questions about immigration enforcement. Anyone approached on campus by an immigration official should call 617-373-1234. For routine, compliance-related visits regarding student, staff, and faculty visas sponsored by the university, established procedures should continue to be followed at each campus location. Resources Northeastern University Global Safety and Support617-373-1234 Some students, faculty, and staff may be considering travel outside the U.S. for academic programs or vacations. What should they keep in mind? Last updated: February 13, 2025 Members of our international and immigrant community based at a U.S. campus should continue to be proactive about travel plans and prepare for the possibility of sudden change. Any citizens of a country that was subject to a travel ban in the past may want to be particularly cautious about international travel in the coming months. Anyone who holds an Advanced Parole re-entry document (rather than a valid visa) and has discretionary protection (rather than legal status) may want to re-consider travel abroad. International students, faculty, and staff who are not citizens of a country subject to a past travel ban, and who have a valid U.S. visa, face fewer risks when traveling internationally. Still, all international travelers should expect additional screening by U.S. immigration when you return from abroad. Transgender and nonbinary U.S. citizens can continue to travel with valid passports. The administration has announced through an Executive Order that it will only issue new passports that match a citizen’s “biological sex at birth,” though this order faces legal challenges. According to guidance from the U.S. Department of State, previously issued passports will remain in effect up to their expiration date. Resources Sex Marker in Passports (U.S. Department of State) If students, faculty, and staff are concerned about their immigration status, where can they go for support? Last updated: February 1, 2025 Students, faculty, and staff who have F-1/J1 nonimmigrant visas should contact the Office of Global Services (OGS) with any questions or concerns. For faculty and staff whose immigration status is based on their Northeastern employment, please contact the Office of the General Counsel at OGCimmigration@northeastern.edu. Those with other types of visa concerns, independent from the university, are encouraged to contact an immigration attorney. Members of the Northeastern community in Boston may refer to this guidance from the Massachusetts Immigration and Refugee Advocacy Coalition. For additional support, Northeastern offers a wealth of student wellness resources, including University Health and Counseling Services. Faculty and staff can find assistance through Human Resources and use the Ombuds for confidential consultation on workplace issues and concerns. Any form of discrimination or harassment should be addressed to the Office for University Equity and Compliance. Any imminent threat to safety should be reported to NUPD at 617-373-3333. Resources Contact (Office of Global Services) U.S. Immigration Legal Resources (Office of Global Services) Know Your Rights (Massachusetts Immigration & Refugee Advocacy) Wellness at Northeastern (Office of Prevention and Education at Northeastern) Northeastern University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS) Wellness & Life (Human Resources) Ombuds for Faculty and Staff Office for University Equity and Compliance Northeastern University Police Department (NUPD) Office of General Counselogcimmigration@northeastern.edu Northeastern University Police Department617-373-3333 Belonging The administration has signaled its intention to end DEI programs within the federal government — and to examine DEI at major universities. What will that mean for Northeastern? Last updated: January 30, 2025 Northeastern’s commitment to embracing our entire global community remains steadfast. While internal structures and approaches may be adjusted to ensure continued compliance with the law, the university’s core values don’t change. We believe that embracing our differences — and building a community of belonging — makes Northeastern stronger. How is Northeastern reimagining its approach to belonging? Last updated: March 19, 2025 Our reimagined approach, which began in the fall of 2024 with the appointment of Richard O’Bryant as Chief Belonging Officer, centers on embracing the experiences of individuals across the global university system to maximize impact at the institutional level. This involves offering education and workshops, encouraging participation in affinity groups, sharing best practices, and using data to inform how we focus our resources and our work. Resources Belonging at Northeastern University What is the university doing to safeguard the rights of LGBTQIA+ members of the community? Last updated: February 26, 2025 Northeastern remains committed to providing a living, learning, and working environment free from discrimination and harassment for all members of our community. Moreover, the university’s Policy on Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity remains fully in effect. Several states where Northeastern maintains campuses (including MA, ME, CA, WA, VA, and NC) have laws expressly prohibiting gender discrimination. This policy, and the commitment we reaffirm here, includes unwavering support and respect for transgender members of our community across all of our campuses. If these individuals have any concerns, we encourage them to contact our wellness, health and counseling, or ombuds services, or contact human resources or student life for support. Resources Policy on Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Wellness at Northeastern University Health and Counseling Services Ombuds for Faculty and Staff Human Resourceshuman_resources@northeastern.edu Student Lifestudentlife@northeastern.edu Why is the university making changes in response to the latest orders from the administration? Last updated: March 24, 2025 We have an obligation to the entire Northeastern community – and to society as a whole – to make sure our work can continue. We will closely monitor the status of executive orders and actions as they are challenged through the court system. Failing to comply with the law could jeopardize student financial aid and federally funded research across a range of disciplines and projects.
How is Northeastern responding to the actions and policies of the new administration in Washington? Last updated: January 30, 2025 Northeastern has been actively planning for policy changes that could affect the university community and our research and teaching mission. In December 2024, the university issued guidance to international students, faculty, and staff on when to return from overseas travel. Other issues of strategic importance, including the status of research funding and student financial aid, are being closely monitored.
Has President Aoun issued a statement on how Northeastern is navigating the current situation? Last updated: February 12, 2025 Yes, President Aoun sent an email to all Northeastern students, faculty, staff, and parents on Wednesday, February 12. The message was also shared via Northeastern Global News and on the university’s social media channels. Resources Reaffirming our Mission Together (President Aoun)
The administration is taking steps to shut down the U.S. Department of Education. How might this affect Northeastern? Last updated: March 29, 2025 An Executive Order has been issued to close the department, but achieving this would require an act of Congress, including a 60-vote majority in the US Senate. It’s more likely that the administration will sharply diminish the agency’s staff and move most of its functions to other government agencies. At this time, the administration plans to move management of federal student aid to the Small Business Administration. Other Department of Education functions are likely to be moved to other federal agencies. For example, Title IX and Title VI civil rights enforcement would likely move to the Department of Justice. Cuts in the federal workforce could disrupt or slow down the administration of some financial aid programs. Resources Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities (The White House)
Is there a process for appealing the notification of federal awards? Last updated: April 30, 2025 Yes, Northeastern has established a formal process for reviewing all notifications of federal award terminations. A dedicated task force has been convened to ensure a coordinated and thorough response. Members of the taskforce will meet with the Principal Investigator to gather essential information and documentation, which will inform a recommendation for senior leadership review. As of early April, about 14 grants from a pool of about 900 had been terminated. We are continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates as needed. If you have received a termination notification, a taskforce member will reach out soon to schedule a meeting. For questions, please contact: sponsoredresearchquestions@northeastern.edu. Resources Research and Sponsored Programssponsoredresearchquestions@northeastern.edu
What is the university’s stance on academic freedom for faculty? Last updated: February 12, 2025 As described in the Faculty Handbook, the university does not impose limitations upon the freedom of faculty members in the exposition of the subjects they teach. Faculty members are always expected to exercise appropriate discretion and professional judgment in all facets of their teaching and research, and abide by Northeastern’s policies. Resources The Faculty Handbook University Policies
How will the recent announcement from the National Institutes of Health capping indirect cost recovery at 15% impact Northeastern? Last updated: February 11, 2025 A 15% cap on indirect cost recovery would have a profoundly detrimental effect on all major research universities, including Northeastern — along with hospitals and other research institutions dedicated to medical and scientific discovery. Like many of the directives issued by the new administration, this one will face numerous legal challenges. Researchers will continue to be updated as this fluid situation evolves. Meanwhile, Northeastern researchers should continue to pursue their work as planned.
The Trump administration released, then partially rescinded, directives from the National Institutes of Health (to freeze meetings and travel), and from the National Science Foundation (to pause grant reviews). What should faculty and staff who receive federal grant funding be doing right now? Last updated: April 30, 2025 The freeze on official travel for conferences and meetings was recently reversed by the NIH and the NSF has resumed grant reviews. As of now, teaching and research should continue as planned. This is a fluid situation that we are monitoring carefully. We will evaluate any forthcoming executive orders or pauses if they happen and provide updated guidance when necessary. Specific questions related to research grants at Northeastern should be directed to sponsoredresearchquestions@northeastern.edu. Resources Research and Sponsored Programssponsoredresearchquestions@northeastern.edu
Some executive orders have mentioned Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. I am currently conducting federally funded research that includes DEI related activities. Should I suspend those activities? Last updated: January 30, 2025 Faculty conducting research under previously executed contracts with federal agencies should continue to fulfill the terms of those awards, unless a U.S. Government contracts officer has issued a stop work order to Northeastern for a particular grant, contract, or project at issue. We will continue to closely monitor any litigation that may impact the university or guidance from federal agencies. Any researcher with questions about a specific project should contact sponsoredresearchquestions@northeastern.edu. Resources Research and Sponsored Programssponsoredresearchquestions@northeastern.edu
Has the National Science Foundation requested that all funded projects cease any work related to ‘DEIA?’ Last updated: April 30, 2025 In January, the Trump administration had attempted to freeze grant payments for existing awards, which was later lifted by a temporary restraining order. The NSF recently terminated more than 400 active research awards nationwide, including awards that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are reviewing the university’s grant-funded portfolio to understand the potential scope and impact of the latest actions related to “DEIA.” This will include determining the current administration’s definition of DEIA. Specific questions related to research grants at Northeastern should be directed to sponsoredresearchquestions@northeastern.edu. Resources Research and Sponsored Programssponsoredresearchquestions@northeastern.edu
Will the executive orders, or other directives by the new administration, jeopardize federal financial aid funding for students? Last updated: February 3, 2025 Federal financial aid for students is not currently at risk. The executive orders that have attempted to freeze spending — which are currently on hold due to a court ruling — do not apply to federal funds directed at individuals. These include federal financial aid programs such as Pell Grants, the federal Work Study program, and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG).
What will happen if a PhD student is working on a federal grant that is suspended or terminated? Last updated: February 6, 2025 Northeastern outlines funding commitments to PhD students in their individual admissions letters. The university will fully honor those commitments to all currently admitted PhD students, even if a student’s federal grant funding is suspended or terminated.
In April, the State Department revoked the visas of international students across the US, followed by ICE terminating their status in the federal database. Are any Northeastern students impacted? Last updated: April 29, 2025 In early April, the Department of State and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) initiated a national effort to revoke visas and terminate the legal status of international students who have allegedly engaged in criminal behavior while in the U.S. Every Northeastern student and recent graduate whose status had been terminated, has since had their status restored in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Maintained by the Department of Homeland Security, SEVIS is a digital database of international students studying in the US. Northeastern is committed to helping our international students, faculty and staff—and our entire global community—stay informed and safe at a time of deep uncertainty. In some cases this may include allowing students to continue their studies remotely or at one of Northeastern’s international campuses in the UK or Canada. The Global Safety Operations Center (GSOC) has established a dedicated phone line at 617-373-1234, staffed 24/7 for immediate concerns about immigration enforcement on campus. F-1 and J-1 students and scholars should contact the contact the Office of Global Services (OGS) if they receive notice regarding a visa revocation. The Office of the General Counsel can answer questions about university-sponsored employment visas at ogcimmigration@northeastern.edu. Members of the Northeastern community whose visa status is independent from the university are encouraged to contact an immigration attorney and to refer to this guidance from the Massachusetts Immigration and Refugee Advocacy Coalition. Resources Contact (Office of Global Services) U.S. Immigration Legal Resources (Office of Global Services) Know Your Rights (Massachusetts Immigration & Refugee Advocacy Coalition) Office of General Counselogcimmigration@northeastern.edu
Northeastern has a global campus network with international students, faculty, and staff. What is the university doing in response to changes in U.S. immigration law and enforcement? Last updated: February 7, 2025 Northeastern’s Global Safety Operations Center has established a dedicated phone line, supported 24/7, for immediate questions about immigration enforcement. Anyone approached on campus by an immigration official should call 617-373-1234. For routine, compliance-related visits regarding student, staff, and faculty visas sponsored by the university, established procedures should continue to be followed at each campus location. Resources Northeastern University Global Safety and Support617-373-1234
Some students, faculty, and staff may be considering travel outside the U.S. for academic programs or vacations. What should they keep in mind? Last updated: February 13, 2025 Members of our international and immigrant community based at a U.S. campus should continue to be proactive about travel plans and prepare for the possibility of sudden change. Any citizens of a country that was subject to a travel ban in the past may want to be particularly cautious about international travel in the coming months. Anyone who holds an Advanced Parole re-entry document (rather than a valid visa) and has discretionary protection (rather than legal status) may want to re-consider travel abroad. International students, faculty, and staff who are not citizens of a country subject to a past travel ban, and who have a valid U.S. visa, face fewer risks when traveling internationally. Still, all international travelers should expect additional screening by U.S. immigration when you return from abroad. Transgender and nonbinary U.S. citizens can continue to travel with valid passports. The administration has announced through an Executive Order that it will only issue new passports that match a citizen’s “biological sex at birth,” though this order faces legal challenges. According to guidance from the U.S. Department of State, previously issued passports will remain in effect up to their expiration date. Resources Sex Marker in Passports (U.S. Department of State)
If students, faculty, and staff are concerned about their immigration status, where can they go for support? Last updated: February 1, 2025 Students, faculty, and staff who have F-1/J1 nonimmigrant visas should contact the Office of Global Services (OGS) with any questions or concerns. For faculty and staff whose immigration status is based on their Northeastern employment, please contact the Office of the General Counsel at OGCimmigration@northeastern.edu. Those with other types of visa concerns, independent from the university, are encouraged to contact an immigration attorney. Members of the Northeastern community in Boston may refer to this guidance from the Massachusetts Immigration and Refugee Advocacy Coalition. For additional support, Northeastern offers a wealth of student wellness resources, including University Health and Counseling Services. Faculty and staff can find assistance through Human Resources and use the Ombuds for confidential consultation on workplace issues and concerns. Any form of discrimination or harassment should be addressed to the Office for University Equity and Compliance. Any imminent threat to safety should be reported to NUPD at 617-373-3333. Resources Contact (Office of Global Services) U.S. Immigration Legal Resources (Office of Global Services) Know Your Rights (Massachusetts Immigration & Refugee Advocacy) Wellness at Northeastern (Office of Prevention and Education at Northeastern) Northeastern University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS) Wellness & Life (Human Resources) Ombuds for Faculty and Staff Office for University Equity and Compliance Northeastern University Police Department (NUPD) Office of General Counselogcimmigration@northeastern.edu Northeastern University Police Department617-373-3333
The administration has signaled its intention to end DEI programs within the federal government — and to examine DEI at major universities. What will that mean for Northeastern? Last updated: January 30, 2025 Northeastern’s commitment to embracing our entire global community remains steadfast. While internal structures and approaches may be adjusted to ensure continued compliance with the law, the university’s core values don’t change. We believe that embracing our differences — and building a community of belonging — makes Northeastern stronger.
How is Northeastern reimagining its approach to belonging? Last updated: March 19, 2025 Our reimagined approach, which began in the fall of 2024 with the appointment of Richard O’Bryant as Chief Belonging Officer, centers on embracing the experiences of individuals across the global university system to maximize impact at the institutional level. This involves offering education and workshops, encouraging participation in affinity groups, sharing best practices, and using data to inform how we focus our resources and our work. Resources Belonging at Northeastern University
What is the university doing to safeguard the rights of LGBTQIA+ members of the community? Last updated: February 26, 2025 Northeastern remains committed to providing a living, learning, and working environment free from discrimination and harassment for all members of our community. Moreover, the university’s Policy on Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity remains fully in effect. Several states where Northeastern maintains campuses (including MA, ME, CA, WA, VA, and NC) have laws expressly prohibiting gender discrimination. This policy, and the commitment we reaffirm here, includes unwavering support and respect for transgender members of our community across all of our campuses. If these individuals have any concerns, we encourage them to contact our wellness, health and counseling, or ombuds services, or contact human resources or student life for support. Resources Policy on Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Wellness at Northeastern University Health and Counseling Services Ombuds for Faculty and Staff Human Resourceshuman_resources@northeastern.edu Student Lifestudentlife@northeastern.edu
Why is the university making changes in response to the latest orders from the administration? Last updated: March 24, 2025 We have an obligation to the entire Northeastern community – and to society as a whole – to make sure our work can continue. We will closely monitor the status of executive orders and actions as they are challenged through the court system. Failing to comply with the law could jeopardize student financial aid and federally funded research across a range of disciplines and projects.