Dear Highlanders,

From its very beginning, NJIT has been a trailblazer in expanding access to higher education and preparing students for career success. Over 140 years ago, this institution was established to educate a technical workforce for the City of Newark, a population with limited access to higher education until that time. And throughout our history, we have created opportunities for all of our students to pursue, advance and thrive within the technological and related fields. Our community knows our purpose and will steadfastly commit to our values, our commitments and our responsibilities.

Recent events in the news have indicated there are potentially fundamental changes happening that are impacting research and educational opportunities at universities throughout the country. I understand that this is of serious concern to many within our community, and so I am writing today to make clear where NJIT stands.

The Board of Trustees and I recognize our obligation to adhere to federal and state laws, and we are resolute in our determination to continue the pursuit of our university’s mission and to embody its core values, which include excellence, integrity, civility, sustainability, social responsibility, diversity, and communication. NJIT fills an essential role as an urban, public, polytechnic, research university that is New Jersey’s greatest producer of technological talent and knowledge. We are a research powerhouse, an engine of opportunity, and a welcoming community for all students, faculty, and staff. Excellence and diversity are parts of our DNA and are among our greatest strengths, because learning and innovation happen when talented, intelligent, and dedicated people with different experiences and perspectives share their knowledge, test their assumptions, and work collaboratively to pursue their shared goals.

We will continue to conduct research and creative works that improve lives and the world in which we live. We will continue to support and value all members of our community. And our institution will continue to hold free speech, civil discourse, intellectual curiosity, and academic freedom as essential components of our educational community while ensuring that our campus remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

The commitment to our mission and values that guides our institution is what has made NJIT a great university throughout its history. That also is what continues to make our university a place that attracts talented and hard-working students, faculty and staff from a broad and vibrant array of backgrounds and cultures. That is who we are.

Sincerely,

Teik C. Lim
NJIT President

Employees and Students Seeking Support

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If you encounter a federal law-enforcement agent of any type on the NJIT campus, you should immediately contact the Department of Public Safety by dialing 9-1-1 and saying "NJIT" as your location. Inform them of the situation and allow them to engage with the federal agent(s). Read more here.

Many university resources and policies already in place to support those experiencing distress may also support those impacted by recent federal developments. Available support includes counseling and wellness resources, Human Resources support, student services, academic resources, and employee assistance resources. See the resource links below for information on specific topics.

Students who are unable to attend class or complete coursework due to personal, family, legal, immigration, financial, health, or other related circumstances are encouraged to contact the Dean of Students Office as soon as possible. The office can help students identify available support resources, communicate with faculty when appropriate, and connect students with academic or personal support services. Students should also communicate directly with their instructors whenever possible regarding missed coursework or attendance concerns. Learn more here.

NJIT offers Counseling and Psychological Services (C-CAPS) to support students experiencing stress, anxiety, uncertainty, or other mental health concerns. Students are encouraged to seek support early and may access confidential counseling services, wellness resources, crisis support, and referrals through university support offices.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to be attentive to signs that a student may be struggling academically, emotionally, financially, or personally. Concerning behaviors may include significant changes in attendance, academic performance, communication, emotional well-being, or engagement (learn more here). Individuals who are concerned about a student are encouraged to submit a CARE Team concern report so the university can assess the situation and connect the student to appropriate support resources.

Students experiencing unexpected financial hardship are encouraged to contact the Dean of Students Office to discuss available support resources and emergency assistance options. Depending on the situation, students may be referred to university resources, community support programs, or emergency funding opportunities designed to help students remain enrolled and supported during difficult circumstances. Learn more here.

Members of the university community should carefully evaluate international travel plans and ensure they have appropriate documentation before traveling. Because federal immigration and travel policies may evolve, travelers are encouraged to stay informed and seek guidance from the Office of Global Initiatives before departure, if they have concerns.

International Students, Scholars, Faculty, and Staff

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NJIT is preparing a separate FAQ focused specifically on international travel considerations for students, faculty, and staff. In the meantime, employees with questions are encouraged to contact Human Resources (hr@njit.edu) or the Office of Research (export-controls-group@njit.edu) for guidance based on their individual circumstances. Students should contact the Office of Global Initiatives (global@njit.edu). Travelers should also review NJIT’s Interim Policy: Use of University Issued Computing Devices When Traveling Internationally, which outlines requirements for the use of university-issued devices during international travel.  

NJIT remains committed to supporting its international community. Individuals with concerns related to immigration, travel, visa status, or federal policy changes are encouraged to contact NJIT’s Office of Global Initiatives .

Visas from 21 current and former students were previously revoked during the spring of 2025, but they have all been fully restored. Our Office of Global Initiatives continues to monitor this situation closely and will provide guidance to any community member impacted by visa-related matters. To contact OGI, please call 973-596-2451 or email global@njit.edu.  

Research and Sponsored Programs

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If you receive any notification that includes a specific stop order, termination, budget change on indirect cost rate on your award/proposal, or request to sign any attestation from any funding agency, please forward the notification with any attachment to me immediately at dhawan@njit.edu and copy Eric Hetherington at erich@njit.edu.  Please do not sign any document sent to you regarding any attestation on the federal research grants. 

We recognize the potential difficulties these actions and proposed cuts pose to our research community. In response, NJIT has established a Stop-Gap funding policy designed to support researchers affected by these federal developments, ensuring continuity and mitigating disruptions to ongoing research activities. Any faculty or lecturers impacted by grant terminations should discuss the application process with their department chair.

Please immediately bring to our attention any new certifications or conditions you find in a grant application, Notice of Award, or other communication with the funding agency, which may include language specifically related to Presidential Executive Orders, indirect cost caps that fall outside our standard negotiated rates, DEI/DEIA or equity initiatives, "Gender ideology" or definitions of sex, or any other atypical language or requirements. Please forward any such language to Eric Hetherington at erich@njit.edu. If you find this language in a grant application, a grant renewal, or during discussions with an agency (before a Notice of Award), please pause and wait for guidance from Eric before taking any further action.

The National Science Foundation now requires research security training certifications for all proposers and senior/key personnel. This training must cover cybersecurity, international collaboration, foreign interference, proper use of funds, disclosure, and conflicts of interest/commitment. Going forward, in the post-award phase, all personnel, including students, postdocs, etc., working on the project are required to take the research security training as a part of the federal or institutional policy. Through the CITI Program, NJIT has the required courses available.  Learn more here.

NJIT continues to support federally funded research activities while monitoring evolving federal guidance and requirements. Because agency actions and expectations may change, researchers are encouraged to stay informed through university communications and updates.

Faculty and Academic Affairs

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Recent federal actions have disrupted traditional patterns of research funding, altered agency priorities, and placed new constraints on scholarly work. These developments have the potential to affect faculty productivity in ways that are outside an individual’s control. The Provost’s Ad Hoc Task Force on Federal Developments has developed guidance and offers recommendations on how Promotion and Tenure committees may take such factors into account when evaluating cases. The guidance is available here.

To acknowledge the extraordinary circumstances impacting research and academic activities, faculty seeking promotion are now encouraged to include an impact statement in their promotion dossiers detailing how these federal developments have influenced their professional work. See the guidance about preparing this impact statement for details.

Resources for Safety and Wellness


Resources for Faculty and Researchers

 

Resources for International Programs and Members of Our Community

 

Guidance from the State of New Jersey

 

Other Messages to the NJIT Community