UW-Madison’s Office of Federal Relations is coordinating the campus response to emerging federal updates, including executive orders, agency directives and congressional activity. Representatives from across campus, including Strategic Communication, the Provost’s Office, the Office of Legal Affairs, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, Student Affairs, the Office of Human Resources, the International Division, the Division of Enrollment Management, UWPD, and additional offices, are monitoring these issues and coordinating communication.
Messages for Campus
Update on NIH indirect cost rate cap
On Monday, January 5, a panel of appellate judges unanimously upheld a lower court ruling blocking the National Institutes of Health from implementing a standard 15% facilities and administrative (F&A) rate across all NIH grants for indirect costs. The decision maintains current reimbursement rates, ensuring continued access to essential funding for annual expenses.
January 12, 2026UW–Madison participating in legal challenges to prevent wrongful funding cuts, grant terminations and delays (updated 01/2026)
An update on UW–Madison's participation in legal challenges to prevent wrongful funding cuts, grant terminations and delays.
January 5, 2026Business leaders urge Congress to sustain funding for the National Science Foundation
Yesterday, over 400 business leaders across the country sent a letter to Congress urging them to "sustain funding for the National Science Foundation as a cornerstone of U.S. competitiveness." UW–Madison facilitated the signatures of many Wisconsin industry stakeholders, with the support of Wisconsin Tech Council and gener8tor.
December 18, 2025Dec. 16, 2025 travel restrictions announcement
A new Presidential Proclamation was issued yesterday expanding the list of countries with full or partial travel restrictions on their nationals. Information about how these restrictions may affect UW-Madison international students, staff, and faculty can be found on the International Student Services website.
December 17, 2025Professional degree reclassifications
UW–Madison is aware of professional degree reclassifications that are part of the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee’s proposed federal student-loan changes to implement the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. These changes could impact federal loan options for students in multiple UW–Madison degree programs. We are awaiting the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register will coordinate university comments.
November 25, 2025- More campus messages regarding federal updates.
Questions?
Campus community members can reach out to University Relations, the centralized point of contact for resources and information related to emerging federal updates. Campus units are asked to coordinate with our office before planning communication on federal actions and activities.
Resources
Research & Sponsored Programs
Researchers with federally-funded projects should consult these resources.
Administrative & Congressional Updates
Additional information and resources for understanding federal activities.
Human Resources & Immigration
Resources related to immigration, administrative compliance and more.
Association & Partners Updates
Updates and information from higher-ed coalitions, associations and partners.
Other Resources
A list of resources for campus employees.
Focus on Mission
As UW–Madison assesses the evolving governmental landscape, our focus remains on our mission. We are committed to the Wisconsin Idea, which states that what we do here at the University should enhance the lives of every person in the State of Wisconsin, as well as around the nation and the world.