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Today marks day 8 of the federal government shutdown. Kurt McMillen, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Administration and Interim Director for Research and Sponsored Programs, shared a message below with the UW–Madison research community. 

The Department of Education reaffirmed that, at this time, the federal government shutdown will have minimal impacts on Federal Student Aid (FSA).

UW–Madison is aware of the Presidential Proclamation “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers,” issued Friday, September 19, 2025. This proclamation outlines new rules governing the H-1B visa program. The Office of International Faculty and Staff Services communicated with affected employees over the weekend and continues to monitor the situation closely.

Please reach out to the Office of Federal Relations if you are considering submitting comments to the federal government in response to a proposed rule change or request for information in your capacity as a university employee.

International Student Services (ISS) shared information regarding the proposed “duration of status” rule for F and J visa holders.

The Board of Directors of the Association of American Universities (AAU) announced their support of the FAIR Model proposed by the Joint Accountability Group.

Higher ed associations, including The American Council on Education (ACE), the Association of American Universities (AAU), and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), advocate for the reinstatement of canceled NIH grants. UW–Madison’s Office of Legal Affairs continues to work closely with the Wisconsin Department of Justice and higher ed associations on legal challenges to prevent wrongful funding cuts, grant terminations and delays.

On Friday, July 18, the House of Representatives passed the Senate-amended rescission package with a vote of 216-213, eliminating federal funding to public media. Wisconsin Public Media (WPM) is a division of UW–Madison and relies on federal support for its operations.

President Donald Trump signed Congress’ reconciliation package, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” into law on July 4th. The most significant impacts to UW–Madison include the provision to defund SNAP-Ed and changes to federal student financial aid. 

The International Division recently shared messages with UW–Madison’s international community regarding new U.S. travel restrictions.