Last updated: February 12, 2025
Upon taking office on January 20th, the Trump administration issued a wave of executive actions and other sweeping federal funding and policy changes. The university is working to evaluate the impacts of these actions on Northeastern’s teaching and research enterprise, as well as members of the university community. This FAQ is intended to share real-time information about these impacts and the university’s response. We will continue to update this page as additional information becomes available.
Northeastern has been actively planning for policy changes that could affect the university community and our research and teaching mission. In December 2024, the university issued guidance to international students, faculty, and staff on when to return from overseas travel. Other issues of strategic importance, including the status of research funding and student financial aid, are being closely monitored.
Yes, President Aoun sent an email to all Northeastern students, faculty, staff, and parents on Wednesday, February 12. The message was also shared via Northeastern Global News and on the university’s social media channels. President Aoun: Reaffirming our Mission Together
As described in the Faculty Handbook, the university does not impose limitations upon the freedom of faculty members in the exposition of the subjects they teach. Faculty members are always expected to exercise appropriate discretion and professional judgment in all facets of their teaching and research, and abide by Northeastern’s policies.
A 15% cap on indirect cost recovery would have a profoundly detrimental effect on all major research universities, including Northeastern — along with hospitals and other research institutions dedicated to medical and scientific discovery. Like many of the directives issued by the new administration, this one will face numerous legal challenges. Researchers will continue to be updated as this fluid situation evolves. Meanwhile, Northeastern researchers should continue to pursue their work as planned.
As of now, teaching and research should continue as planned. As recent news shows, this is a fluid situation that we are monitoring carefully. We will evaluate any forthcoming executive orders or pauses if they happen and provide updated guidance when necessary. Specific questions related to research grants at Northeastern should be directed to sponsoredresearchquestions@northeastern.edu.
Faculty conducting research under previously executed contracts with federal agencies should continue to fulfill the terms of those awards, unless a U.S. Government contracts officer has issued a stop work order to Northeastern for a particular grant, contract, or project at issue. We will continue to closely monitor any litigation that may impact the university or guidance from federal agencies. Any researcher with questions about a specific project should contact sponsoredresearchquestions@northeastern.edu.
We are thoroughly reviewing the university’s grant-funded portfolio to understand the potential scope and impact of the various messages and executive orders related to “DEIA.” This will include determining the current administration’s definition of DEIA.
Federal financial aid for students is not currently at risk. The executive orders that have attempted to freeze spending — which are currently on hold due to a court ruling — do not apply to federal funds directed at individuals. These include federal financial aid programs such as Pell Grants, the federal Work Study program, and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG).
Northeastern outlines funding commitments to PhD students in their individual admissions letters. The university will fully honor those commitments to all currently admitted PhD students, even if a student’s federal grant funding is suspended or terminated.
Northeastern’s Global Safety Operations Center has established a dedicated phone line, supported 24/7, for immediate questions about immigration enforcement. Anyone approached on campus by an immigration official should call 617-373-1234.
For routine, compliance-related visits regarding student, staff, and faculty visas sponsored by the university, established procedures should continue to be followed at each campus location.
Members of our international and immigrant community based at a U.S. campus should continue to be proactive about travel plans and prepare for the possibility of sudden change.
Any citizens of a country that was subject to a travel ban in the past may want to be particularly cautious about international travel in the coming months. Anyone who holds an Advanced Parole re-entry document (rather than a valid visa) and has discretionary protection (rather than legal status) may want to re-consider travel abroad.
International students, faculty, and staff who are not citizens of a country subject to a past travel ban, and who have a valid U.S. visa, face fewer risks when traveling internationally. Still, all international travelers should expect additional screening by U.S. immigration when you return from abroad.
Students, faculty, and staff who have F-1/J1 nonimmigrant visas should contact the Office of Global Services (OGS) with any questions or concerns. For faculty and staff whose immigration status is based on their Northeastern employment, please contact the Office of the General Counsel at OGCimmigration@northeastern.edu.
Those with other types of visa concerns, independent from the university, are encouraged to contact an immigration attorney. Members of the Northeastern community in Boston may refer to this guidance from the Massachusetts Immigration and Refugee Advocacy Coalition.
For additional support, Northeastern offers a wealth of student wellness resources, including University Health and Counseling Services. Faculty and staff can find assistance through Human Resources and use the Ombuds for confidential consultation on workplace issues and concerns. Any form of discrimination or harassment should be addressed to the Office for University Equity and Compliance. Any imminent threat to safety should be reported to NUPD at 617-373-3333.
Northeastern’s commitment to embracing our entire global community remains steadfast. While internal structures and approaches may be adjusted to ensure continued compliance with the law, the university’s core values don’t change. We believe that embracing our differences — and building a community of belonging —makes Northeastern stronger.
Our reimagined approach centers on embracing the experiences of individuals across the global university system to maximize impact at the institutional level. This involves offering education and workshops, encouraging participation in affinity groups, sharing best practices, and using data to inform how we focus our resources and our work.
Northeastern remains committed to providing a living, learning, and working environment free from discrimination and harassment for all members of our community. Moreover, the university’s Policy on Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity remains fully in effect. Several states where Northeastern maintains campuses (including MA, ME, CA, WA, VA, and NC) have laws expressly prohibiting gender discrimination.
For additional questions on this issue, please contact Human Resources human_resources@northeastern.edu or Student Life studentlife@northeastern.edu
We have an obligation to the entire Northeastern community – and to society as a whole – to make sure our work can continue. Failing to comply with the law could jeopardize student financial aid and federally funded research across a range of disciplines and projects.