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.
Last update: July 9, 2025
Messages for Campus
Federal Budget – Reconciliation Update
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.
July 9, 2025UW–Madison participating in legal challenges to prevent wrongful funding cuts, grant terminations and delays (updated 6/19)
An update on UW–Madison's participation in legal challenges to prevent wrongful funding cuts, grant terminations and delays.
June 19, 2025Visa appointments resume after three-week suspension
Media outlets have reported that the U.S. Department of State has instructed U.S. consulates and embassies to resume visa appointments using new guidelines to screen the online and social media presence of all applicants for student and scholar visas. The new vetting requirements and procedures should be implemented within five business days (by 25 June). UW–Madison has not received official notice regarding the new visa applicant screening guidelines.
June 18, 2025Legal challenge to the administration’s cut to critical defense research
The Association of American Universities (AAU), the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) jointly filed a new lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, along with a number of impacted research university co-plaintiffs, seeking to halt the proposed Facilities and Administrative (F&A) rate cut to 15% for all Department of Defense research grants to colleges and universities. UW–Madison is a member university of AAU, ACE and APLU.
June 17, 2025The Universities of Wisconsin: Fuel Futures
The Universities of Wisconsin are calling on Wisconsinites to share their federal financial aid stories to help preserve educational opportunities for future generations.
June 9, 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.