Federal government updates
Last updated: October 24, 2025
Penn is closely monitoring federal policy changes affecting institutions of higher education and academic health systems. These include a broad range of government actions that impact the University’s missions, operations, and community. Penn’s leadership is directly engaged with public officials to advocate vigorously for the essential role of higher education, scientific discovery, our values, and our service to the greater good.
This resource page informs and guides University community members on what they should know and where they can go for additional support.
“The American higher education system is one of America’s greatest strengths. A social contract has long enabled U.S. colleges and universities to serve individuals, communities, and government for the good of all. This contract has been a cornerstone of innovation and opportunity in our society.
Penn President J. Larry Jameson
I ask every member of the Penn community to come together and do what we must: take care of one another, seek help when needed, and ensure the continuation of our critically important work. Together, we will protect and preserve what defines us as Penn.”
Messages
Penn’s written response to the Compact for Academic Excellence
October, 24, 2025
An Update on Penn’s Response to the Compact for Academic Excellence
October, 16, 2025
A message to the Penn community regarding the “Compact for Excellence in Higher Education”
October 5, 2025
Penn’s Title IX Resolution with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
July 1, 2025
Visa Appointment Updates: Recent Changes and Next Steps
May 30, 2025
Message to standing faculty on the impact of external events on the tenure, promotion, and evaluation of Penn faculty
April 8, 2025
Update on SEVIS terminations and support for international students
April 7, 2025
Update on international students and scholars
April 1, 2025
An update to the Penn community on federal funding
March 25, 2025
Important information about immigration policies
March 18, 2025
Penn’s endowment, explained
March 17, 2025
A message about proactive financial measures in response to the federal funding environment
March 10, 2025
An update to the University community on recent executive orders
February 24, 2025
Takeaways to understand 'indirect costs' and NIH funding
February 24, 2025
A message to the Penn community on recently announced federal funding cuts
February 11, 2025
A message from the Vice Provost for Research regarding the reduction of indirect costs in NIH grants
February 11, 2025
Of Record: University of Pennsylvania Policy on Equal Opportunity and Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Statement
February 11, 2025
A message to the Penn community on recent developments that directly affect higher education
January 28, 2025
Resources
Information about research at Penn
Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR)
The OVPR collaborates with the Penn community and external partners to promote meaningful scholarship, uphold research integrity, and foster new discoveries, aiming to embody the University’s education and research mission.
For Penn researchers
More detailed information can be found on the Office of Research Services website (PennKey required).
New Tools to Support Penn Researchers in a Changing Federal Landscape
For faculty, staff and students
International Student and Scholar Services
Guidance and information related to immigration policy changes (PennKey required).
Public Safety
If you see any external law enforcement or have questions about encounters with external law enforcement, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on campus, please call Penn Police at 215-573-3333, who will respond and coordinate with other support resources on campus.
Faculty & Staff Advocacy Toolkit
This guide intends to share helpful recommendations and resources for Penn community members who are interested in engaging in individual advocacy with elected officials.
Wellness resources for students
Wellness at Penn
Medical care and mental health support is available 24/7 at 215-746-WELL (9355).
Cultural and community resource centers
Wellness resources for faculty and staff
Penn Cobalt
Matches Penn employees to mental health resources.
Penn Wellness resources for helping students
Additional Resources
Updates
Penn’s leadership is directly engaged with public officials to ensure that our core missions are preserved. The Office of Government and Community Affairs, our professional associations, and special coalitions help us advocate vigorously for the essential role of higher education, scientific discovery, our values, and our service to the greater good.
Learn more
Executive orders are posted on the White House’s News page.
American Council on Education (ACE) summary of executive actions
U.S. Department of Education FAQ about racial preferencing
NIH Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Grants Policy Statement: Indirect Cost Rates
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) infographic on F&A costs