Key Issues: Updates
Introduction
This section serves as a central source for university updates and support resources related to key issues and policy changes affecting the UIC community. Students, faculty, staff and alums are encouraged to check this page for the latest updates and resources, which will be updated as new details become available.
Issue: Executive Orders, Memos and Federal Agency Guidance
UIC Updates
General
- Staying informed and supported during uncertain times Oct. 13, 2025
- Campus update on recent federal lawsuit Sept. 3, 2025
- Guidance for external law enforcement engagement, campus safety and well being resources Sept. 2, 2025
- Two updates: international students and budget uncertainty June 4, 2025
- Important updates and support: Immigration, research and finances April 10, 2025
- VIDEO: A message of gratitude and support from Chancellor Miranda Feb. 24, 2025
- New guidelines to support financial stability Feb. 21, 2025
Budget
- Given the ongoing fiscal uncertainty, UIC is now moving forward with a set of actions to proactively strengthen its financial footing. The latest policies and procedures are outlined in a June 4 campus communication. Budget-focused FAQs are available via the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Finance website.
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.
Gender and Gender-affirming Care
- UI Health statement:
After careful review of recent federal government directives, UI Health has made the difficult decision to make changes to its gender-affirming surgical services for patients under age 19.
Effective August 1, 2025, UI Health will suspend gender-affirming surgical procedures for patients under age 19.
-Previously scheduled surgeries for patients under age 19 will be postponed until the patient reaches age 19.
-Current patients under age 19 and working toward surgery will not be able to schedule a procedure date that occurs before their 19th birthday.
We recognize the importance of gender-affirming care in supporting the health and well-being of our patients. We are committed to working closely with affected individuals and families to ensure continuity of care and support. UI Health remains steadfast in its mission to provide compassionate, inclusive, and patient-centered care for all. We are closely monitoring federal updates to determine if or when to resume these services to patients under age 19.
International Students and Scholars
- (May 29, 2025) The University of Illinois Chicago is actively assessing recent policy changes related to the issuing of visas and their potential effects on our international community. We are in direct communication with our international students and scholars to ensure they have the support and information they need.Without question, our international students and scholars make UIC a better institution. UIC stands by its commitment to access and excellence, including robust global engagement.Our mission and values are our greatest strength, and they will guide us as we navigate this rapidly evolving situation with care and integrity. A diverse international presence is vital to UIC’s strength in the heart of Chicago. It enriches learning, drives innovation, and equips all students to succeed in a globally connected society.
- (April 28, 2025) Legal status was restored to the international students and scholars at the University of Illinois Chicago who previously had their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System status terminated. Per federal privacy laws, we are not sharing individuals’ information. The university will continue to monitor the SEVIS status of our international community and any additional federal immigration actions.
Related resources:
The Office of International Services is available to answer questions, discuss options, and assist you in navigating both on and off-campus resources. It operates a hotline for immigration-related emergencies that occur outside of normal hours of operation (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The office’s after-hours emergency contact number is 312-415-0334 from within the United States and 001-312-415-0334 from abroad. Students may call also call the Office of International Services at 312-996-3121 or visit their offices (2160 Student Services Building) during normal hours of operation. Learn more by visiting the OIS website.
Research Funding and Grants
- Navigating uncertain times Feb. 10, 2025
- Court order temporarily removes holds on federal awards Feb. 2, 2025
- Federal financial assistance update Jan. 28, 2025
- Effects of communications pause at federal research agencies Jan. 24, 2025
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
- Staying informed and supported during uncertain times Oct. 13, 2025
- Campus update on recent federal lawsuit Sept. 3, 2025
- Guidance for external law enforcement engagement, campus safety and well-being resources Sept. 2, 2025
- Well-being, safety and support resources for our community Jan. 21, 2025
- Campus protocol on external law enforcement Jan. 20, 2025
Related resources:
U of I System Updates
- System response to recent federal actions April 11, 2025
- A message from U of I President Tim Killeen on federal directives Jan. 29, 2025
Federal Agency Guidance
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.
Executive Orders and Memos that may impact higher education by Topic
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.
External Resources
- American Association of Colleges and Universities
- Association of American Universities
- Association of Public and Land-grant Universities
- Council on Governmental Relations
- Association of American Medical Colleges
- Education Council
- Legend Labs, tracking the executive orders and the impact on higher education
- Just Security, tracking legal challenges to executive orders and administration actions
- Akin, searchable tool from law firm tracks executive orders covering dozens of industries