Key Issues

The University Communications team within the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications is UIC's central information source and public voice, managing media relations, internal and executive communications, and crisis and issues management.

This website offers information and resources related to key issues of current and ongoing interest to students, faculty, staff, alums, the public and the media. This page will be updated with new information as it becomes available.

Contact the University Communications team at smcs@uic.edu for support and guidance in addressing potential and arising issues.

Issue: Executive Orders, Memos and Federal Agency Guidance Heading link

General 

Diversity, Inclusion and Equity 

Related resources:

UIC is committed to nurturing a safe, welcoming and vibrant learning environment. You are encouraged to take advantage of the resources and support services available to enhance your personal well-being, your safety on campus and your academic experience. Learn more about UIC resources for students, faculty and staff.

Research Funding and Grants  

Related resources:

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research is closely monitoring policy instructions from federal research agencies and their implications for UIC research. OVCR’s website is updated with new information about federal research agency policy changes as it becomes available. Researchers are encouraged to monitor the COGR 2025 Administration Transition Information & Resources page for frequent updates and links to primary sources.

If your work is experiencing impacts from federal policy changes or you have received direct communication from a sponsor, please contact the Office of Sponsored Programs by emailing  NotifyOSP@uic.edu. A representative of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research will respond as quickly as possible. 

Undocumented Individuals 

Related resources: 

Know your rights resources 

Gender and Gender-affirming Care 

  • UI Health statement: UI Health is committed to providing inclusive care to our community. We continue to provide gender-affirming care to our patients in accordance with the law.

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research is compiling communications it has received from U.S. federal agencies regarding the effects of recent executive orders. A breakdown of specific agency communications is available via the OVCR website.

UIC is closely monitoring policy instructions from federal agencies and their implications for research and the campus community. 

EducationCounsel is tracking Executive Orders and other administrative actions and generating summaries and initial analyses to help the education field understand what the administration has done and the likely impact of those actions.

The Federal Registrar publishes a list of recently signed Executive Orders. You may also wish to check the White House website. 

Frequently Asked Questions Heading link

For suggested questions, please contact smcs@uic.edu and include “Key Issues FAQ” in the subject line. 

How is UIC responding to executive orders and federal government directives? 

University leadership is actively working to assess the directives and their potential implications for UIC and our sister institutions within the U of I System. We continue to consult our legal counsel and national organizations, and leverage our networks to gain clarity and insights on the best ways to move forward. Information, updates and resources will be posted on our Key Issues webpage. 

How will UIC manage future directives received? 

These are deeply uncertain times, where the landscape seems to shift daily, if not hourly.  While we face challenges and rapid changes, the university will continue emphasizing the importance of good communication, anticipating and managing uncertainty, and focusing on UIC’s mission. Information, updates and resources will be posted on our Key Issues webpage. 

Is it necessary to change the language on our unit’s website? 

Currently, it is not necessary to make changes to online content, although websites should be updated to remove outdated or obsolete information about programs that are no longer operational, have been discontinued, or are no longer active. If you have specific questions or need additional guidance, please email smcs@uic.edu.   

Is UIC implementing a hiring chill due to the directives?  

The evolving federal landscape presents potential financial risks, with significant uncertainty surrounding federal support of higher education broadly. In addition, we are contending with higher costs driven by inflation and increased tariffs, possible reductions in federal grants and facilities and administration revenue, and immigration policies that could impact student recruitment and staffing. 

UIC is implementing a hiring chill and new restrictions on high-dollar investments to ensure financial sustainability as we navigate these uncertainties. The new policies and procedures are outlined in a Feb. 21 campus communication.   

What is the duration of the chill? 

No definite timeframe has been identified.  

How are scheduled interviews, scheduling of interviews, or extending offers impacted by the hiring chill? 

You may proceed with interviews that were scheduled before Feb. 21, 2025. You must obtain your unit leader’s approval before scheduling any new interviews. Offers extended on or before Feb. 21, 2025, are excluded from additional approval. Extending offers after Feb. 21, 2025, will require approval. 

Is there an email template for requests? 

While no email template has been created, the request and justification should identify the need for the position, the impact of not filing the position, the benefits of filling the position and any additional factors. If the position is grant funded, the justification should reflect the vacancy is directly funded by a grant.  

When should the bulk approval process be used to fill positions? 

The bulk approval process should be used for positions with a high volume of vacancies. These may include undergraduate and graduate students, post docs, graduate assistants, research assistants and teaching assistants.  

How should bulk approval process requests be submitted?   

An email seeking approval should be sent to the respective and appropriate leader. The email should include a detailed justification identifying the need for the positions, the impact of not filing the positions, the benefits of filling the positions and any additional factors. The number and type of positions needed (e.g., 25 grad students over the summer) should also be included. If the position is 100% grant funded, note this as your justification. For GA/RA/TA positions, the justification should include FTE percentage (e.g., 10 are .25 FTE and 15 are .50 FTE). 

What is the timeline for approvals? 

The goal is to provide final approval within 72 hours receipt of the request. This may be delayed if additional details or information are needed.

How will we be notified of approvals or denials? 

Requestors will be notified via email.  

Is there an appeal process? 

Appeal requests must be reviewed by the unit leader. Resubmission of the request should be directed to the appropriate vice chancellor. 

Do faculty promotions require approval? 

Yes. Detailed information in connection with the request, along with a detailed justification, is required. 

What is the impact of the executive orders on federal student financial assistance programs? 

Federal student financial assistance programs, such as grants and loans, have not been impacted by executive orders or other federal directives.

What actions should I take regarding my grant?  

While it remains a time of uncertainty and concern among the federal sponsors and the research community, please be assured that university leadership is actively working with our legal counsel and national network to gain clarity on each federal research agency policy change. Researchers are encouraged to maintain their operations until details can be reviewed. 

Even as certain activities continue or resume, other things may change. Any notices you receive directly from sponsors and program officers should be sent to the Office of Sponsored Programs as quickly as possible. Staff will work with each faculty member individually to address any required changes and provide appropriate guidance when available. 

What do the federal announcements mean for my research? 

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research closely monitors policy instructions from federal research agencies and their implications for UIC research. OVCR’s website is continually updated with information about federal research agency policy changes as they become available. Researchers are encouraged to monitor the COGR 2025 Administration Transition Information & Resources page for frequent updates and links to primary sources. 

If your work is experiencing impacts from federal policy changes or you have received direct communication from a sponsor, please get in touch with the Office of Sponsored Programs by emailing  NotifyOSP@uic.edu. A representative of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research will respond as quickly as possible.  

What do the federal announcements mean for UIC? 

Legal challenges have paused some of the announcements, including plans by the National Institutes of Health to cap indirect costs funding at 15% for all existing and new grants. As we await a resolution on the matter, it’s essential to be aware of how this change would have significant impacts on our entire campus community, including: 

  • Indirect costs are real costs that support campus infrastructure, including lab operations, security, information technology, research equipment, and core facilities, among other things. The proposed cuts would have significant impacts across the entire campus. 
  • We encourage investigators to consult the Office of the Vice Chancellor webpage for additional guidance on spending, unobligated balances and no-cost extensions. If you receive any communication from your sponsors, please share them with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research by emailing NotifyOSP@uic.edu. 

Should I be concerned that my work/scholarship/research may be targeted due to recent federal actions? 

We encourage you to be patient with your agency program managers, scientific review officers and other federal personnel as we sort through the recent changes. You are also encouraged to talk with your research groups about the importance of remaining focused and continuing the important work that you are all doing. If you receive any communication from your sponsors, please share them with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research by emailing NotifyOSP@uic.edu. 

Is UIC planning to eliminate all diversity programming?  

No. Diversity is one of our greatest assets, and we want to ensure that everyone at the University of Illinois Chicago can gain knowledge, awareness and community through celebrating our different cultures, heritages and identities.   

Although the Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions struck down the practice of using an applicant’s racial identity as a criterion during the admissions process, the court’s opinion characterized diversity-related interests as “worthy” and “commendable,” and noted that universities still “can, of course, act to undo the effects of past discrimination in many permissible ways that do not involve classification by race.”  

In alignment with our mission to foster a supportive environment for all members of our university community, we expect that any diversity programming is open to all regardless of background and does not engage in racial exclusion or discrimination. 

In what way will the executive orders impact inclusion and community-building initiatives at UIC? 

UIC steadfastly reaffirms its mission, values and commitment to fostering an inclusive community. Whether you are a student, faculty or staff, we support you. UIC is committed to nurturing a safe, welcoming and vibrant learning environment. We are going to hold true to our most deeply held values of access and excellence. 

Campus community members are encouraged to take advantage of the resources and support services available to enhance their personal well-being, safety on campus and academic experience.  

What do the actions by the federal government mean for me and any university-affiliated centers and resources that support my gender and/or community? 

Access and excellence will always remain our most deeply held values, even as we work to ensure that our policies and practices align with legal requirements. As with other issues that have arisen recently, we continue to consult with our legal counsel, in addition to national organizations and networks, on the potential implications to gain clarity and insights on the best ways to move forward.  

Updates and resources regarding this issue and others will be posted on our Key Issues webpage. 

Should I be concerned about my international student or scholar visa status? 

To date, executive orders and federal directives have not directly impacted international students and scholars. The Office of International Services staff can answer questions and provide guidance on various topics, including immigration status maintenance, cultural adjustment, navigating UIC resources and more.  

OIS recently communicated to all members of the UIC international community the steps they can take to properly maintain immigration status and seek support as needed. For specific questions, please contact ois@uic.edu.  

What are UIC’s recommended protocols for engagement with external law enforcement, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)? 

There are longstanding protocols at UIC regarding interactions with off-campus law enforcement officials, as well as those regarding email or paper-based inquiries. UIC provided these protocols and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding a safe and welcoming campus environment in a Jan. 25 campus communication that outlined measures faculty, staff and students can take and the basis for our protocols to safeguard and care for our campus community. 

What do the federal administration changes mean for undocumented UIC community members? 

UIC is closely monitoring policy instructions from federal agencies and their implications for undocumented members of the campus community. UIC community members can review guidance and resources related to campus policy and individual rights for interactions with federal immigration enforcement.

Why is Medicaid important to UI Health? 

As a public hospital, UI Health, like our patients, relies on Medicaid. Medicaid is essential to keeping the doors of our hospital and clinics open. This is also true at countless other hospitals and clinics across Illinois and the country. Medicaid is the single largest payer for mental health services in the United States.  

Why is Medicaid access and coverage essential to Illinois residents? 

One in 4 Illinois residents — more than 3.4 million people — are covered by Medicaid. Having Medicaid allows for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases and provides preventative care to keep our communities healthy. Thanks to Medicaid at UI Health, we have made meaningful progress in strengthening access to care.  

What percentage of UI Health patients depend on Medicaid to fund their care?  

Medicaid and Medicaid Managed Care represent nearly 40.5% of UI Health’s inpatient and outpatient payor mix. Almost 2 out of every 5 patients we care for rely on Medicaid.  

What is the status of tax credits for Americans who buy insurance on the Affordable Care Act marketplace? 

Enhanced tax credits that started during the COVID-19 pandemic are set to expire at the end of the year. A projection from the Urban Institute suggests this will cause premiums to nearly double, eliminate health coverage for another 45,000 Illinoisans, and leave 67,000 fewer people in the state covered by subsidized ACA plans, a decrease of 20%. If Congress does not renew it, it may cause some to drop coverage and become uninsured due to higher costs.