Federal updates for the UCLA community

Last updated: March 30 at 5:00 p.m.

Most recent updates:

March 5, 2026: UC sponsors SB 895 to place a $23 billion bond to fund scientific research in California on the November ballot | Video message from UC President James B. Milliken

Jan. 30, 2026: Partial Government Shutdown – Grant & Contract Considerations

Dec. 11, 2025: New SB 98 notification requirement

The suspension in 2025 of certain federal grants (now reinstated) and the uncertainty over the future of federal funding, along with other federal policy actions, have left many in our Bruin community understandably concerned. With the support of the UC Board of Regents and the UC Office of the President, UCLA is continually evaluating the best course of action. We will do everything we can to protect the interests of faculty, students and staff — and to defend our values and principles.

UC’s federal updates page provides the latest information, including weekly briefs, on federal policies impacting UCLA and the the UC system.

Below are information and resources specific to the UCLA community.

This site will be updated regularly. If you notice any inaccuracies, please contact us at media@stratcomm.ucla.edu.

Guidance on UCLA-related federal issues

UCLA research | Suspension of federal grants

The National Institutes of Health reinstated UCLA awards on Sept. 24, 2025; the National Science Foundation reinstated UCLA awards on Aug. 13, 2025; and the Department of Energy reinstated UCLA awards on Nov. 14, 2025.

MESSAGES:

Chancellor Julio Frenk shared messages about the suspensions with the campus community on Sept. 15, Aug. 22, Aug. 15, Aug. 6 and July 31.
Roger Wakimoto, vice chancellor for research and creative activities, shared messages about NIH grants being restored on Sept. 24, about NSF grants being restored on Aug. 13 and about grants supsensions and next steps on Aug. 4.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

UCLA’s Office of Research and Creative Activities is regularly updating a webpage for campus researchers, 2025 Federal Administration Transition, and posting recent messages on its website.

FAQ: Federal research grant suspensions

Which agencies have suspended funding?

As Chancellor Frenk noted, the suspension of research funds is not only a loss to the researchers who rely on critical grants. It is a loss for Americans across the nation whose work, health and future depend on our groundbreaking research and scholarship.

How will researchers know if their grants have been affected?

The UCLA Office of Research and Creative Activities has shared out a list of all suspended awards with Principal Investigators (PIs), so researchers can see if their grant has been affected. Additionally, the PI of each suspended grant will receive a direct notice from the Office of Research Administration.

Are subcontracts under suspended grants affected?

Yes. UCLA is required to extend the suspension notice to any subawardees. The Office of Contract and Grant Administration (OCGA) has already begun to notify subawardees of the requirement to stop expenditures immediately and to prepare and submit a report of expenditures up to the date of suspension.

What does the federal administration cite as grounds for suspending grants?

The federal government claims antisemitism and bias as the reasons. This far-reaching penalty of defunding life-saving research does nothing to address any alleged discrimination. As Chancellor Frenk noted, we share the goal of eradicating antisemitism across society. Antisemitism has no place on our campus, nor does any form of discrimination. UCLA has taken robust actions to make our campus a safe and welcoming environment for all students.

How is UCLA supporting researchers affected by these suspensions?

Campus leadership are working closely with departments and research administrators to identify short-term needs and provide support where possible.

We are continuing to host town halls and sharing information to keep our community updated. We are doing everything we can to protect the interests of faculty, students and staff — and to defend our values and principles. Our goal is to have these awards reinstated.

What is UCLA doing to respond to the federal funding suspensions – including legal and advocacy efforts?

The UC Board of Regents and the UC Office of the President are providing counsel as we actively evaluate our best course of action.

What will happen to pending awards? Can researchers submit for new awards?

At this time, it appears that new grant awards will not be issued by the NSF, NIH, or DOE while the suspension remains in place. We are seeking additional clarity from the agencies on the status of pending proposals and renewals, and will share updates as they become available.

How can Bruins and the broader community support the university’s efforts?

Stay informed via UCLA’s federal updates website, read Chancellor Frenk’s messages and participate in town halls. Learn more about and share the life-changing work of UCLA research. Share your stories of how UCLA research impacts lives — from scientific breakthroughs to community impact and use the hashtag #ResearchPowersProgress.

UCLA’s immigrant and international communities

We recognize that immigration policy changes can create uncertainty and concern. UCLA is committed to supporting our immigrant and international community members and ensuring access to accurate information, resources, and assistance. You are not alone. You belong at UCLA.

RESPONDING TO IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT ON CAMPUS

UCLA is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all members of our community, regardless of immigration status. If immigration enforcement activity occurs, the university has clear protocols in place to support students, faculty, and staff.

Guidance for employees

If you are approached by an officer who is seeking information held by UCLA, or access to an area of campus or other UCLA property, to execute a federal immigration enforcement action, then you should:

1. Remain calm and know that there is campus support for these encounters.

2. Request the official’s:

Name
Identification number
Agency affiliation
Warrant or court order

3. Inform the officer that you are not obstructing their access but are following campus protocol and will need to refer them to UCPD and Campus Counsel.

4. Call UCPD, available 24/7. Inform them of your current encounter with the immigration officer and share any of the details outlined in step 2. UCPD does not enforce federal immigration law and will coordinate with Campus Counsel as needed.

UCPD (24/7): 310-825-1491
UCLA Legal Counsel: 310-825-3828

Additional Support for Impacted Staff/Faculty: Call UC Immigrant Legal Services at 424-832-0977.

Download a flyer:
For faculty and staff: How to respond to federal immigration officers on campus

Guidance for students

If you are not directly approached, but you believe an immigration officer is on campus or coming to campus to enforce immigration law, contact UCPD at 310-825-1491.

For legal support, contact UC Immigration Legal Services at 424-832-0977.

If you are a student who is impacted:

Call UC Immigrant Legal Services at 424-832-0977.
Contact the UCLA Undocumented Student Program at usp@saonet.ucla.edu.
If you are on a UCLA-sponsored visa (i.e. J-1 or H1) and are approached by ICE, please contact the Dashew Center for guidance on your specific situation at 310-825-1728.

Student Affairs and campus partners are available to support you if you believe you may be subject to immigration enforcement or inquiry.

Download a flyer:
For Students: How to respond to federal immigration officers on campus

If you believe an immigration officer is on campus or coming to campus to enforce immigration law, contact UCPD at 310-825-1491; share location, timing and any relevant details.

Members of the campus community who have contact with immigration officers should also contact UCPD and campus counsel to verify the legality of any warrant, subpoena or court order.

Important reminders

Do not provide access to non-public campus areas without consulting campus authorities.
Do not share confidential university records or personal information.
Do not attempt to manage the situation independently.

UCLA policies and state law protect the privacy of student and employee information, and any requests for access are carefully reviewed in coordination with campus counsel.

Campus communication and notifications: If immigration enforcement activity is confirmed on campus, UCLA will provide notification to the campus community in alignment with state law and university policy.

Notifications are typically shared via campuswide communication
Emergency alert systems (e.g., BruinALERT) are reserved for immediate threats to safety

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

FAQ: H1-B visa proclamation

FAQ: UCLA’s undocumented and international communities (PDF)

International travel guidance for students faculty and staff

Resources for international and immigrant students and employees

Printable “Know Your Rights” wallet card (PDF)

The Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars
The serves as a resource and learning center for the entire UCLA community to promote global connection, international understanding and cultural sensitivity. The center immigration updates for F-1, J-1 and employment-based visa categories on its Immigration updates page.

MESSAGES:

Dec. 11, 2025
New SB 98 notification requirement

June 10, 2025
Reiterating our support for our immigrant and international communities at UCLA

April 6, 2025
Update on federal immigration enforcement actions

March 12, 2025
How UCLA is protecting its immigrant and international communities

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

UCLA’s Undocumented Student Program
Through individual support, education and campus advocacy, USP provides academic, wellness and emotional support to students and creates an inclusive environment and supportive community.

UC Immigrant Services Legal Center
This center serves the immigration-related legal needs of undocumented and immigrant students and their immediate family members, as well as mixed-status families across UC.

Referral List for Los Angeles Immigration Organizations
View a non-comprehensive list of trusted private attorneys that will charge for their services and non-profit organizations that provide free or low-cost immigration legal services.

UCLA’s Center for Immigration Law and Policy
The center is a hub for immigration scholarship and advocacy, engaging community organizations, practitioners, lawmakers and experts in the field.

UCLA Counseling and Psychological Services
CAPS supports students’ mental health needs as they pursue their academic goals. Services are designed to foster the development of healthy well-being necessary for success in a complex global environment.

Resilience In Your Student Experience (RISE) Center
The RISE Center’s core mission is to uplift and support every Bruin’s well-being by providing the education, resources and tools needed to foster health, healing and hope for themselves and the world around them.

Case Management Services for Students in Crisis
Case managers are available to assist students struggling with mental or physical health, facing an unexpected challenge or crisis or experiencing a personal loss. They can support students by exploring options, identifying on-campus resources and helping students to create a plan for their next steps.

Academic Support
Students in need of assistance communicating with faculty to request support for issues transpiring in their personal lives may contact the Dean-on-Call at 310-825-3871 or at Dean@saonet.ucla.edu.

Inclusive excellence

FAQs AND UPDATES:

Frequently asked questions about diversity, equity and inclusion at the University of California (PDF)

UC and UCLA are actively monitoring and evaluating the implications of the Department of Education’s recent “Dear Colleague” letter regarding diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

California’s Proposition 209, which applies to the University of California, prohibits public institutions from considering race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin in public employment, education and contracting.