¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ

University Guidance on Federal Policies

How is Wesleyan tracking and preparing for the actions and policies of the new administration?

Wesleyan is closely tracking and planning for federal policy changes that could affect the University. We are part of several consortiums—such as Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges (CCIC) and American Council of Education (ACE)—that have been helpful in keeping us informed and advocating on our behalf. Senior administrators also regularly meet to discuss new and potential changes and how Wesleyan should respond and prepare.

Federal Funding

The administration is aiming to dismantle the Department of Education (DOE), how would that impact Wesleyan?

An has been issued to close the DOE, 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 reduce the agency’s staff and move most of its functions to other government agencies. These actions could slow down certain processes such as the administration of financial aid.

How will the recent announcement from the National Institutes of Health capping indirect cost recovery at 15% impact Wesleyan?

A 15% cap on indirect cost recovery would impact research on campus. 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.

Do the executive orders, potential dismantling of the Department of Education, or other directives by the new administration, impact federal financial aid funding for students?

No, not currently. The executive order attempting to freeze all spending—which is currently on hold due to a court ruling—does not apply to federal funds directed at individuals. These include federal financial aid programs such as Pell Grants, the Federal Work-Study Program, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants.

Law Enforcement

What are the processes we should follow if a law enforcement agent comes to campus?

• Can a law enforcement agent access campus or University buildings without a warrant?

Law enforcement agents must have a judicial warrant to enter non-public University areas. Areas open to the public can be accessed without a warrant.

• What should faculty/staff/students do if a law enforcement agent tries to enter a private building (dormitory, classroom, etc.) ?

Ask them to wait and call Public Safety, 860-685-3333. Do not accept service of a warrant or subpoena.

• If a law enforcement agent pushes back when you tell them to wait or wants you to accept the warrant or subpoena, you can respond as follows:

“I am not authorized by the University to grant permission to enter nonpublic areas, provide information about individual students or employees, or accept service of documentation on behalf of the University.”

• What should faculty/staff or others do if they observe a law enforcement agent conducting enforcement activities on campus?

Call Public Safety, 860-685-3333.

• What happens after I call public safety?

Public Safety is trained in handling these types of situations and will confer with our General Counsel or Senior Administrators if needed.

Travel/Immigration

What guidance would the University provide students, faculty, and staff who may be  traveling outside the United States for academic programs or vacations?

Members of our international and immigrant community 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 traveling outside the US 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 traveling outside the United States.

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, may face fewer risks when traveling outside the U.S. Still, all international travelers should expect additional screening by US immigration when you return to the US.

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  from the US Department of State, previously issued passports will remain in effect up to their expiration date.

If students, faculty, and staff are concerned about their immigration status, where can they go for support?

Students who have F-1/J1 nonimmigrant visas should contact the Office of International Student Affairs with any questions or concerns. Faculty and staff whose immigration status is dependent on their employment ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ should contact Mark Hovey (faculty) or Anjali Tamhankar (staff).

Wesleyan has secured a resource for initial immigration legal consults, Robinson & Cole. .

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Why is the University making changes in response to the latest orders from the administration?

We have an obligation to the entire Wesleyan community—and to society as a whole—to make sure the work of the University 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. 

What is the University doing to safeguard the rights of LGBTQIA+ members of the community?

Wesleyan 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.