
Federal Actions
UMass Amherst is committed to protecting the privacy, wellbeing, and safety of its community. This page collects and shares resources for students, faculty, and staff in response to changes in the federal landscape.
In accordance with FERPA and other federal and state laws, The University of Massachusetts (including the Dean of Students, Office of Global Affairs, University of Massachusetts Police Department, and all other offices) will not share student information, including conduct information, membership in student organizations, or other protected data unless compelled to do so by law or a court order, and only after review by the Office of General Counsel. Similarly, employee records are confidential under protections afforded by state law.
Latest Updates
February 10, 2025 — The Office of Research and Engagement has released an update on federal funding and the NIH indirect cost Announcement.
February 10, 2025 — The Attorney General of Massachusetts is one of 22 attorneys general suing the Trump administration "for unlawfully cutting funds that support cutting-edge medical and public health research at universities and research institutions across the country." The suit mentions UMass Amherst's NIH funding.
February 10, 2025 — The Attorney General of Massachusetts has issued a joint statement addressing executive orders dismantling DEIA initiatives.
February 6, 2025 — The Office of General Counsel has provided an FAQ for faculty and staff related to visits or inquiries by government agents or law enforcement officers.
February 3, 2025 — The Office of Research and Engagement has released new guidance related to federal research funding.
January 31, 2025 — The university has added a statement to the top of this page clarifying its legal obligations regarding student and employee information.
January 29, 2025 — The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access has released updates to the Title IX policy following changes at the federal level.
January 29, 2025 — The White House has rescinded the order freezing federal assistance, including research funding
January 29, 2025 — The Office of General Counsel has issued employee guidance on responding to visits or inquiries by government agents or law enforcement officers
January 28, 2025 — The Office of Research and Engagement has released updated guidance on federal funding for grant recipients. (Note: The funding freeze order was rescinded on January 29, 2025)
January 28, 2025 — The Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General has shared guidance to public colleges and universities related to immigration, including advice on responding to immigration officers
January 23, 2025 — UMass is tracking the potential impacts of a pause in NIH grant funding
If you receive an in-person visit from a government agent or law enforcement officer (Agent), inform all Agents that the University of Massachusetts (University) prioritizes cooperation with law enforcement and government agencies. Inform the Agent(s) that you are not authorized to provide information or accept service of any document. Inform the Agent(s) that you are required to contact the University’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC) at 774-570-2123 and, in the event of a criminal warrant or investigation, the University of Massachusetts Police Department (UMPD) at (413) 545-3111.
If you receive an inquiry or request via phone, e-mail, or other correspondence from a law enforcement or government agency, take the following steps.
Students should contact Student Legal Services at (413) 545-1995 or a personal attorney for legal guidance.
Faculty and staff must follow this guidance, provided by the Office of General Counsel and can find answers to frequently asked questions in this FAQ.
Importantly, employees are NOT authorized to:
- Provide any information about any University student or employee to any Agent unless OGC has specifically authorized you to do so, as doing so may be a violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) and/or the Massachusetts Fair Information Practices Act (“FIPA”) and/or other applicable federal or state law. This includes, but is not limited to, providing any personal information about a student or employee, or confirming that any person is a University student or employee.
- Allow an Agent into any non-public campus space without timely advising your Campus Public Safety or Police Department Police who will then inform OGC of the event.
UMass Amherst receives federal financial support in two major areas: student aid funding and non-aid funding. In fiscal year 24 (FY24), this amounted to more than $322 million.
The first area, student aid funding, includes Pell Grants, work-study funding, and federally-backed loans. These funds, distributed under the Department of Education via Title IV of the Higher Education Act, provided more than $143 million in FY24 to UMass Amherst students.
The second area of federal funding, totaling nearly $179.7 million in FY24, relates primarily to research funding that directly support UMass’ mission and standing as an R1 university attracting the highest quality faculty and students from across the Commonwealth and beyond. This amount includes funding from federal agencies (e.g. Health and Human Services, Transportation, Agriculture, etc.) to support groundbreaking research across the curriculum, including $43 million in direct support for salary and fringe benefits (an equivalent of nearly 300 faculty positions). Also included is approximately $26 million to support graduate student tuition and stipends.
Resources
As a public institution, UMass is bound by state and federal laws, which do not require that the university share private student or employee information—including immigration status—unless compelled to do so by a court order and only after rigorous legal review.
Under Massachusetts law, public safety officials (including UMPD) do not have the authority to and will not detain an individual based solely on a federal civil immigration detainer (ICE Detainer). Responsibility for enforcement of federal immigration law rests with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, not with local or campus law enforcement agencies.
Additionally, UMPD stands by its policy to not specifically request information about the citizenship or immigration status of anyone with whom officers interact. Students, faculty, and staff should not feel compelled to share immigration and citizenship status information.
Note: If you receive an in-person visit from a government agent or law enforcement officer (Agent), inform all Agents that the University of Massachusetts (University) prioritizes cooperation with law enforcement and government agencies. Inform the Agent(s) that you are not authorized to provide information or accept service of any document. Inform the Agent(s) that you are required to contact the University’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC) at 774-570-2123 and, in the event of a criminal warrant or investigation, the University of Massachusetts Police Department (UMPD) at (413) 545-3111.
If you receive an inquiry or request via phone, e-mail, or other correspondence from a law enforcement or government agency, take the following steps.
Students should contact Student Legal Services at (413) 545-1995 or a personal attorney for legal guidance.
Faculty and staff must follow this guidance, provided by the Office of General Counsel and can find answers to frequently asked questions in this FAQ.
Importantly, employees are NOT authorized to:
- Provide any information about any University student or employee to any Agent unless OGC has specifically authorized you to do so, as doing so may be a violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) and/or the Massachusetts Fair Information Practices Act (“FIPA”) and/or other applicable federal or state law. This includes, but is not limited to, providing any personal information about a student or employee, or confirming that any person is a University student or employee.
- Allow an Agent into any non-public campus space without timely advising your Campus Public Safety or Police Department Police who will then inform OGC of the event.
Resources
- The Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General has shared guidance to public colleges and universities related to immigration, including advice on responding to immigration officers
- Free, confidential legal advice for students is available through the Student Legal Services Office at (413) 545-1995.
- The Immigration Advocates Network Legal Directory lists legal services providers by state, county, or detention facility. Only nonprofit organizations that provide free or low-cost immigration legal services are included in this directory.
- The City of Boston provides free legal immigration consultations.
- Know your rights. Print out and carry a Know Your Rights Red Card in multiple languages.
- The National Immigrant Justice Center provides guidance around the expedited removal program.
- The National Immigration Law Center
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
The Stonewall Center provides support, resources, programming, and advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual (LGBTQIA), and allied students, staff, and faculty at UMass Amherst and for the larger Pioneer Valley.
Importantly, while the federal definition of sex discrimination under Title IX regulations no longer includes gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, Massachusetts law prohibits discrimination and harassment based on gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The University of Massachusetts Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence incorporates and retains these protections.
Resources
The Stonewall Center maintains a comprehensive list of resources, including support for legal name changes on university and government documents. Contact the Stonewall Center at (413) 545-4824.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst, as a public land-grant institution, has a responsibility to provide access and opportunities for all people while demonstrating our commitment to inclusion of historically underrepresented groups. We believe that a culturally diverse campus is integral to academic excellence and that our students, faculty, and staff should reflect the diverse world in which we live. The Office of Equity and Inclusion oversees both equity and inclusion efforts and the university’s equal opportunity and engagement compliance (including Title VI and Title IX).
Importantly, while the federal definition of sex discrimination under Title IX regulations no longer includes gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, Massachusetts law prohibits discrimination and harassment based on gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The University of Massachusetts Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence incorporates and retains these protections.
Title VI and Title IX Resources
The Equal Opportunity and Access Office provides resources, reporting, and information on Title IX processes and investigations.
Climate and Bias Reporting
If you or someone you know has experienced an act of mistreatment, bias, or discrimination, please report it and get support. Reporting these acts enables us to track incidents, observe patterns, and take corrective steps.
Equity and Inclusion Resources
The Office of Equity and Inclusion maintains a list of resources, including educational opportunities and grants, aimed at building a community and climate rooted in equity and inclusion.
News
- On January 31, 2025, the Attorney General of Massachusetts issued a joint statement addressing executive orders dismantling DEIA initiatives.
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services provides advising and immigration services support to UMass' diverse international community of students and scholars on UMass-sponsored visas. Information on current travel advisories and support for international students and scholars can be found on the Office of Global Affairs website. Contact the Office of Global Affairs at (413) 545-2710.
In FY24, UMass received nearly $179.7 million in federal research funding. This funding directly support UMass’ mission and standing as an R1 university attracting the highest quality faculty and students from across the Commonwealth and beyond. This amount includes funding from federal agencies (e.g. Health and Human Services, Transportation, Agriculture, etc.) to support groundbreaking research across the curriculum, including $43 million in direct support for salary and fringe benefits (an equivalent of nearly 300 faculty positions). Also included is approximately $26 million to support graduate student tuition and stipends.
For detailed news and updates on federal funding as it pertains to research and engagement, visit the Office of Research and Engagement.