Community updates related to executive action
University officials have received a number of questions from community members related to executive orders issued beginning in January 2025. The University, and peers across higher education — including the Association of American Universities, Association of Public Land-Grant Universities, and the American Council on Education — continue to work to gain clarity on key matters during this time of change. The university will share more information as appropriate on key topics, and links to resources.
Page last updated on 04/03/2025
Jump to a topic for FAQs and resources:
- Research grants and funding
- DEI-Related executive actions
- International students / immigration-related guidance
- Community Resources
Research grants and funding
Ongoing updates for the research community are available on the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research’s website, at https://researchsupport.psu.edu/federal-funding-updates/. University officials will continue to monitor executive actions and federal agency communications to understand possible implications on federal research grants and other federal funding. The University will share updates with the research community on the site above, as developments occur.
DEI-Related Executive Actions
Penn State is committed to the well-being of all community members. Penn State’s mission and the role of higher education have not changed. We continue to believe in the importance of inclusive excellence in advancing student success, and we support all members of our community.
We are working to understand how recent executive actions could affect Penn State and our people. We don’t have immediate answers about the broader impact of the new policies, and we cannot speculate. This site will be updated with more information as it becomes available.
What are the implications of the Department of Education's Feb. 14 "Dear Colleague" letter for Penn State?
“Dear colleague” letters are at times sent by executive agencies to disseminate information, and, in this case, the letter lays out intended shifts in policy interpretation related to diversity, equity and inclusion. While “Dear colleague” letters are not law, they are intended to clarify how the federal executive branch intends to interpret and enforce compliance with the law.
Penn State’s leadership team is in discussion to determine how this guidance might impact the University. While the University is still gathering information, it remains committed to its mission and to fostering a culture of inclusive excellence for our community. Everyone is welcome at Penn State, and we are at our strongest when we are surrounded by a diversity of thought, perspective and experience.
What do recent executive actions mean for Penn State and its operations?
It is too soon to tell what the impact of these actions will be on Penn State’s operations. We are actively seeking additional information.
Should I alter plans for upcoming activities or meetings?
There is currently no requirement that any activity be proactively canceled, unless a specific order or directive has been communicated by a funding agency. Please consult your unit leader, dean or chancellor with questions.
International Students / Immigration-Related Guidance
Penn State is committed to the well-being of all community members.
Penn State Global recently shared this message with members of the University’s international community and also distributed this reference guide, which provides guidance on domestic and international travel as well as information on interacting with federal law enforcement authorities. If you are an international student on an F or J visa, or a J scholar or faculty sponsored by the University and you need assistance or support, review Penn State Global’s International Students, Scholars, and Faculty Immigration Resources, or reach out to the International Student and Scholar Advising Office in Penn State Global at 814-865-7681.
Students with other immigration-related concerns should contact Student Legal Services.
University Police should be informed of any immigration-related law enforcement activity at a Penn State location – 814-863-1111.
What role does University Police and Public Safety play in immigration-related law enforcement?
Do campuses have sanctuary spaces?
What if ICE or other federal agents ask me for information about students or employees?
What documents should international students and scholars carry?
It is recommended that international students and scholars carry or have electronic copies of:
a. The biographic page of their passport.
b. Their most recent I-94 admission record, which is either
– On U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s website
– If you changed or extended your status via an application or petition with USCIS (i.e. I-539 or I-129), your most recent I-94 is on the bottom of your approval
notice
c. A copy of their Form I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students).
There is no need to carry a copy of your visa stamp, as it is only relevant for entry.
Community Resources
The University’s top priority is the safety and well-being of its students, faculty and staff. Members of the community who have questions or need support should make use of the resources listed below.
For Students
814-863-2020
Counseling & Psychological Services
Counseling and mental health services available through CAPS, which can be reached at 814-863-0395 for University Park students, or at each Commonwealth Campus location.
Community and Belonging Resources
Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity: 814-863-1248
International Student and Scholar Advising: 814-865-6348 (option 2); if an adviser is unavailable please leave our name and telephone number and you will be called back.
University Health Services (UHS): Student Health Center, University Park, PA;
Hours & Location
Phone:814-863-0774;
Email: uhs-info@psu.edu
Health Services at Commonwealth Campuses
For All
For Employees