Legislative Updates
Overview
The 美高梅官网 continues to monitor and review fast-moving legal and policy changes at various levels of government. We are committed to meeting our compliance obligations and our mission to provide a supportive learning and working environment where all are welcome, safe and free to be successful.
This is a challenging time for our campus community and for campuses nationally as our governmental and legislative context is in almost constant flux. There are many questions 鈥 concrete, important questions and concerns. Campus leaders are convening meetings with our university community to hold listening sessions and share updates related to recent and pending state and federal policy decisions.
Below is current information and guidance that may be helpful. Please check back for updates.
Page last Updated April 6, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
The university has learned that a small number of international students from 美高梅官网 have had their F-1 visas revoked by the Department of Homeland Security. F-1 visas allow international students to study in the United States.
美高梅官网 representatives are in touch with each of our impacted students, and we are doing what we can to support them during this incredibly challenging time. While we are aware that this is happening at universities across the nation, we have not been contacted by authorities, nor have we been given specific reasons for these revocations.听听
Any international student with questions or concerns should reach out to International Services.听
Updated April 3, 2025
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 1, also known as the "Enact Advance Ohio Higher Education Act," into law on March 28, following passage by both the Ohio House and Ohio Senate.听The law takes effect 90 days after DeWine signs the bill.
Updated March 28, 2025
Aside from requiring the creation of an American civil literacy course, and so long as faculty allow students to express intellectual diversity (as that term is defined in the current version of the legislation), we do not currently anticipate that this legislation will limit what our faculty can teach. In our view, the provision in this legislation that precludes taking a position on any 鈥渃ontroversial belief or policy" applies to official statements or positions by university employees on behalf of the institution.
As a fundamental principle, we must safeguard academic freedom, ensuring our ability to explore, discover and share truth and knowledge without restriction. We must continue to measure ourselves against the rigors of sound pedagogy by prioritizing critical thinking, encouraging intellectual curiosity and welcoming open dialogue. In real terms, this means presenting multiple perspectives on controversial topics and allowing all voices to be heard in our classrooms.
Updated March 18, 2025
Ohio鈥檚 Senate Bill 1 was signed into law by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine on March 28. The law takes effect in 90 days.听To prepare our large and complex institution, we have asked 美高梅官网 leaders to achieve a state of readiness as it relates to their area鈥檚 DEI programs and practices.
Additionally, to comply with the Supreme Court鈥檚 Harvard ruling, as well as subsequent communications from both Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and the Office for Civil听Rights 鈥淒ear Colleague鈥 letter, we have asked our leaders to ensure that university programs and practices do not rely on race, color, or national origin when it comes to how we make decisions related to admissions, scholarships, hiring and procurement.
Updated March 28, 2025
Leadership is engaging stakeholders at every level 鈥 including students, faculty and staff 鈥 to ensure input is received as to how best to respond to state and federal policy updates. We are engaging with various groups, including governance leaders from听Student Government, Graduate Student Government, Faculty Senate and Staff Senate. In addition, important conversations and listening sessions are occurring with leadership and within various colleges to listen to concerns and share updates. A running list of these can be seen at the bottom of this page under "Discussions and Open Forums."听
Updated March 11, 2025
We anticipate that current 美高梅官网 scholarship recipients will not lose scholarship funding, however, future selection criteria for some donor-sponsored scholarships may need to change to comply with the law, such as removing any restrictions or preferences based on race, sex, national origin or other protected classifications.
While U.S. universities have not experienced the withdrawal of state- or federal-based student financial aid, this possibility exists if universities are found out of compliance with enforced orders or laws.
We estimate that state and federal financial aid, including the Federal Pell Grant for low-income 美高梅官网 students, exceeds $62 million annually. 美高梅官网 also receives more than $320 million annually in federal research grants and contracts, some of which support students.
Updated March 7, 2025
We are working to gain clarity as to how and if Senate Bill 1 will impact 美高梅官网鈥檚 identity centers. If adjustments must be made, we will engage the communities impacted to help in determining the direction of any changes and how those would be implemented to both come into compliance and continue to support our students. Our students鈥 academic, social and personal development remain a priority.
Updated March 28, 2025
Our university has several hundred student groups, and we consider them vital to building a successful, supportive and thriving university community. We are working to gain clarity as to how and if Senate Bill 1 will impact student groups. If adjustments must be made, we will engage the communities impacted to hear their voices and work with them to determine the direction of any changes and how those would be implemented. Our students鈥 academic, social and personal development remain a priority.
Updated March 28, 2025
While DEI functions may need to cease and positions may need to be terminated to comply with new laws or orders, we are committed to offering our students the same or听greater level of staff support. We are committed to minimizing staff losses, and our dedication to student success will guide our actions.
Updated March 7, 2025
Senate Bill 1 includes a provision for eliminating majors for undergraduate degree programs if fewer than five students annually have earned degrees over three years. Otherwise, discontinuation of majors or minors is not currently expected.
Updated March 7, 2025
On the evening of February 7th, a was published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announcing a change in the Facilities and Administration (F&A) rate for all ongoing and new NIH research awards to 15 percent, effective on February 10th, 2025. This would replace the current negotiated rate.
The Office of Research awaits more specific rulings from the courts and guidance from the funding agencies to determine precise impacts and necessary actions. The Office of Research has created a site on Bearcats Landing 鈥 鈥 that contains the latest information, communication, and guidance for 美高梅官网 researchers. Students engaged in research are encouraged to speak to faculty Principal Investigators and faculty mentors.
Updated March 7, 2025
University presidents and government relations teams across Ohio spent two years advocating both privately and publicly for changes to Senate Bill 83, the first iteration of anti-DEI legislation in Ohio. President Pinto has had numerous meetings with Sen. Jerry Cirino, the bill鈥檚 sponsor, along with other Ohio legislators, to share concerns with the legislation.
Last year, President Pinto made a specific case for 美高梅官网鈥檚 inclusive strategies during his testimony in front of the Ohio Senate Workforce and Higher Education Committee, chaired by Sen. Cirino, in which he stated:
鈥淥ur students have become more diverse, with 27% of our population being students of color, an increase of 6% since 2017. Our growth, and our increasing diversity, is driven by our public mission. In fact, we believe increasing our diversity is a strategic imperative.鈥
Since the fall 2024 elections, shifting state and national political landscapes have resulted in new iterations of legislation, including Senate Bill 1, which further restricts programs and practices focused on inclusion.
美高梅官网 leaders continue to make regular trips to Columbus and DC to meet with legislators, raise concerns, demonstrate 美高梅官网鈥檚 value and encourage officials to support policies that honor the mission of public higher education.
Updated March 11, 2025
Any form of discrimination or harassment, including that based on shared ancestry such as antisemitism, will not be tolerated. We remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a civil, respectful and supportive environment for all.
Reports may be made to the Office of Equal Opportunity:
Office of Equal Opportunity
(513)556-3349
eooffice@uc.edu
A report may be submitted anonymously via EthicsPoint:
EthicsPoint Anonymous Reporting Hotline
(800) 889-1547 or (800) 889-1547
Reports concerning safety concerns should be immediately reported to law enforcement. Reports may be made simultaneously to law enforcement and the non-criminal reporting options listed above:
美高梅官网 Police Division (美高梅官网PD)
Three Edwards Center
51 West Corry Blvd.
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0215
Phone: (513) 556-1111
Dial 911 for Emergencies
Updated March 13, 2025
美高梅官网 International Services has received many inquiries from students and scholars relating to recent Executive Orders signed by the Trump Administration. The following provides some general information responsive to those inquiries. Please note that this information is not legal advice but only meant to be informational. Students and scholars are responsible for maintaining proper legal status and consulting their immigration attorney if they have any questions.听
Documentation of Legal Status
Section听264(e) of Immigration and Nationality Act听requires every individual over the age of 18 to always carry documentation of legal status. Students and scholars may consider carrying paper copies of their legal status and keeping original documents in a safe place that is easily accessible when necessary. The most common item of identification is the passport (biography page only) and the most common forms of evidence of lawful status in the U.S. are the I-94 card accompanied by the appropriate visa document (I-20, DS-2019, I-797 Notice of Action, EAD card when on OPT, etc.). I-94 cards can be downloaded electronically at .听
Maintaining Proper F-1 and J-1 Status
The University is required to track information relating to international students and scholars on F-1 and J-1 status via the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), including violations of status for things like lack of enrollment or working without authorization. As such, it鈥檚 important that F-1 and J-1 status holders follow all the rules for maintaining those statuses to avoid a terminated designation in SEVIS. Information about maintaining your status can be found at /about/international.html.
Visits to Campus By Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
On January 21, 2025, the Trump Administration rescinded previous guidance that designated universities as a 鈥減rotected area鈥 against enforcement activities by ICE. Therefore, it is possible that ICE agents may make unannounced visits to campus to execute a warrant or subpoena. The University will continue to comply with valid warrants and subpoenas as well as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, and any other applicable laws as appropriate.
Increased Visa Restrictions and Vetting
The Executive Order 鈥溾 enhances and tightens vetting for all visa applicants. Students and scholars should expect longer wait times to obtain visa appointments. Those applying for immigration benefits should apply as early as possible and expect longer processing times. Students and scholars may want to consult their immigration attorney if they are considering travel at this time.
Contact Details
Students and scholars with questions about immigration/visa related issues should engage an immigration attorney for legal advice. For issues specifically related to your F-1 or J-1 visa status, you can contact 美高梅官网 International Services or find more information at:
Phone: 513-556-4278
Email: international.services@uc.edu
Web: /about/international.html
In-person at 7148 Edwards Center One, Monday 鈥 Friday, 8:00 am 鈥 5:00 pm.
Updated March 13, 2025
Helpful Resources
Communications
Resources
- 美高梅官网 FAQ regarding new Bathroom Law
- (requires 美高梅官网 login)
- 美高梅官网 guidance related to free speech
Campus Support
Discussions and Open Forums
- April 3:听College of Allied Health Sciences Dean Charity Accurso hosts all-college meeting
- April 3: Vice President and Chief Digital Officer Bharath Prabhakaran hosts town hall with Digital Technology Solutions staff
- April 1: President Pinto meets with former student body presidents who led 美高梅官网 Student Government between 2017 and 2024
- March 28: Vice Provost for Student Affairs Nicole Mayo hosts student listening session
- March 27: Lindner College of Business Dean Marianne Lewis hosts All-College Meeting of faculty & staff
- March 27: Winkle College of Pharmacy听Dean Christopher Surratt holds open forum with Ph.D and M.S. students听
- March 26: Vice Provost for Student Affairs Nicole Mayo hosts student listening session
- March 26: President Pinto and 美高梅官网 leaders meet with representative students from 美高梅官网鈥檚 Identity Centers
- March 26: Graduate College Dean Rose Marie Ward hosts town hall
- March 25: President Pinto joins All-University Faculty Senate meeting
- March 24: Raj Mehta hosts dinner for 美高梅官网 Honors students to facilitate discussions around legislative changes
- March 24: College of Nursing Dean Alicia Ribar hosts College Assembly
- March 18: College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services Dean Lisa Huffman hosts meeting with Staff Board
- March 13: 美高梅官网 Clermont Dean Jeffrey Bauer hosts open town hall
- March 13: College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services Dean Lisa Huffman hosts meeting with Administrative Council including college and school leadership, faculty senators and staff officers
- March 13: President Neville Pinto and 美高梅官网 leaders meet with representative governance leaders from Student Government, Graduate Student Government, Faculty Senate and Staff Senate
- March 12: Lindner College of Business Dean Marianne Lewis hosts Lindner Tribunal student government/organization leaders
- March 12: College of Arts & Sciences Dean James Mack hosts Conversation with the Dean
- March 10:听Interim Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Kristi Nelson and 美高梅官网 leaders join panel during open joint meeting of Faculty Senate, Staff Senate and Student Government
- March 7: College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies Associate Dean Annie Straka hosts all-college听 listening sessions
- March 7:听Libraries Dean Elizabeth Kiscaden hosts town hall for faculty and staff
- March 7: Vice Provost for Student Affairs Nicole Mayo begins series of student listening sessions
- March 6:听College of Nursing Dean Alicia Ribar hosts town hall for students, as well as faculty and staff
- March 6: President Pinto and 美高梅官网 leaders meet with representative students from 美高梅官网鈥檚 Identity Centers
- March 6: College-Conservatory of Music Dean Peter Jutras hosts town hall meetings with college
- March 5: Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning Dean Tim Jachna holds open forum for faculty and staff
- March 5: College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies Associate Dean Annie Straka hosts all-college听 listening sessions
- March 4:听美高梅官网 Clermont Dean Jeffrey Bauer hosts open forum for faculty and staff
- March 4:听Winkle College of Pharmacy听Dean Christopher Surratt holds open forum with P-1 Pharm.D. students
- March 4: College of Engineering and Applied Science Dean John Weidner hosts forum with CEAS Tribunal鈥檚 Engineering Student Organization Council
- March 3: College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies Associate Dean Annie Straka hosts all-college听 listening sessions
- March 3: College of Nursing Dean Alicia Ribar hosts town hall for students, as well as faculty and staff
- March 3:听Winkle College of Pharmacy听Dean Christopher Surratt holds open forum with P-3 Pharm.D. students
- Feb. 28:听International Services Director Ron Cushing hosts meeting with hundreds of international students about rights and resources
- Feb. 27: Lindner College of Business Dean Marianne Lewis hosts meeting with Graduate Student Association
- Feb. 26:听International Services Director Ron Cushing presents Q&A at Graduate Student Government
- Feb. 26: 美高梅官网 Blue Ash Dean Robin Lightner hosts virtual Legislative Update for faculty and staff
- Feb. 26: International Services Director Ron Cushing hosts open forum with international students about enforcement concerns
- Feb. 25: College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services Dean Lisa Huffman hosts forum with faculty and staff
- Feb. 25:听Vice Provost for 美高梅官网 International Raj Mehta hosts dinner with international students from CCM
- Feb. 25: Graduate College Dean Rose Marie Ward hosts forum for graduate students
- Feb. 24: Lindner College of Business听Dean Marianne Lewis hosts All-College Meeting with faculty and staff
- Feb. 24: College of Medicine Dean & Executive Vice President for Health Affairs Gregory Postel holds forum for college department chairs, senior associate deans and executive directors for business administration
- Feb. 24: President Pinto and 美高梅官网 leaders meet with representative governance leaders from Student Government, Graduate Student Government, Faculty Senate and Staff Senate
- Feb. 24:听Winkle College of Pharmacy听Dean Christopher Surratt holds open forum with P-2 Pharm.D. students
- Feb. 21: College of Engineering and Applied Science Dean John Weidner meets with CEAS Leadership Team
- Feb. 20:听Winkle College of Pharmacy听Dean Christopher Surratt holds open forum with faculty and staff
- Feb. 17: College of Engineering and Applied Science Dean John Weidner meets with faculty Dean鈥檚 Advisory Council
- Feb. 17: College of Medicine Dean & Executive Vice President for Health Affairs Gregory Postel shares update during Faculty Forum
- Feb. 17: President Pinto meets with Faculty Senate Cabinet
- Feb. 10: 美高梅官网 Blue Ash Dean Robin Lightner hosts virtual Legislative Update for faculty and staff
- Feb. 3: College of Engineering and Applied Science Dean John Weidner meets with Professional Development and Community Impact staff
- Jan. 30:听Vice Provost for 美高梅官网 International Raj Mehta hosts dinner with Vietnamese international students
- Jan. 27:听College of Nursing Dean Alicia Ribar hosts College Assembly
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