Dear Colleagues,

On Friday, January 31, 2025, a Federal Court issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) directing Federal grant-making agencies to “...not pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate... awards and obligations to provide federal financial assistance to the States, and... not impede the States’ access to such awards and obligations, except on the basis of the applicable authorizing statutes, regulations, and terms.” You can review the TRO here.  

Several federal agencies, such as the NSF, the EPA, and others, have sent notifications that the TRO is in effect and funding can resume until further notice. Additional information is available pertaining to the NSF on the NSF Executive Order Implementation webpage. Please check that website for frequently asked questions (FAQs).

At this time, please follow the notifications and guidelines sent to you by your funding agencies regarding your grant/contract and related activity. If you have not received any notification from your funding agency, or it is not posted on their website, please follow up with your program officer.

If you receive any email to pause your grant/contract activities or funding, please let me know immediately.

Sincerely, 
Atam Dhawan
Senior Vice Provost for Research

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past several days, many of you received an email from the National Science Foundation (NSF) or were otherwise made aware of NSF guidance on the implementation of recent federal executive orders. The NSF is maintaining a web page with this information, which can be viewed via the following link:

NSF Implementation of Recent Executive Orders

Please note that this guidance continues to change in response to ongoing events. On January 29, 2025, the White House budget office rescinded the order (OMB Memorandum M-25-13) freezing federal grants. However, federal agencies may proceed with their review of programs and projects to ensure alignment with the new administration’s priorities and executive orders. 

We are continuing to monitor the situation and will keep you informed of further developments as we learn of them and determine their impact on NJIT and its research community. If you should receive a stop-work order or a request to modify or terminate an award, please promptly notify me.

Sincerely,
Atam Dhawan
Senior Vice Provost for Research

Dear NJIT Faculty and Staff,

Recent actions taken by the executive branch of the federal government have led to many questions from members of the NJIT community regarding a broad range of issues that include immigration policy and federal funding of university research and other programs as well as student financial assistance. These actions include Executive Orders related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; immigration; environmental programs; the revocation of Executive Orders from the previous federal administration; as well as a memorandum requiring federal agencies to identify and review all federal financial assistance programs and supporting activities and a subsequent clarifying memo.

This situation is evolving rapidly, and some of these directives are subject to ongoing legal challenges. We understand that this is a stressful time for those concerned about current or potential federal actions and policies. NJIT is closely monitoring this situation and working to identify any potential implications for the university and/or its community members and programs. As we determine if and how our university and its community members will be impacted, we will share that information with those affected and with the community, as appropriate.

While the status of funding for certain programs and research initiatives remains unclear, we ask that if anyone receives a stop-work order or a request to modify or terminate an award, notification be shared with Vice Provost Atam Dhawan for research grants or with the Vice President or Cabinet Officer to whom you report immediately.

Regarding the potential for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrive on our campus and what one should do if such an event occurs, please note guidance provided by the New Jersey Department of Human Services and be advised that any employee or student should contact NJIT’s Department of Public Safety by calling 973-596-3111 or dialing 9-1-1 and saying "NJIT" as the location. You can inform federal agents that NJIT Public Safety will be their liaison on behalf of NJIT. While we have no reason to expect such an occurrence, we encourage all to allow NJIT Public Safety to manage such an event.

As a reminder, benefitted faculty and staff have access to a free and confidential Employee Assistance Program that offers a wide range of services, including counseling, attorney referrals, and well being resources.

NJIT is committed to its students, faculty, and staff, as well as to delivering high impact education, innovation, and pioneering research. We value all members of the NJIT community and will support each and every one to the best of our ability.

Sincerely,
Vice President for Human Resources Bill Brady

Dear Highlanders,

NJIT takes great pride in being a welcoming university that also is an engine of innovation and opportunity for all members of our community, and we are committed to that mission.

Recent actions taken by the executive branch of the federal government have led to many questions from members of the NJIT community regarding a broad range of issues that include immigration policy and federal funding of university research and other programs as well as student financial assistance. These actions include Executive Orders related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; immigration; environmental programs; the revocation of Executive Orders from the previous federal administration; as well as a memorandum requiring federal agencies to identify and review all federal financial assistance programs and supporting activities and a subsequent clarifying memo.

This situation is evolving rapidly, and some of these directives are subject to ongoing legal challenges. We understand that this is a stressful time for those concerned about current or potential federal actions and policies. NJIT is closely monitoring this situation and working to identify any potential implications for the university and/or its community members and programs. As we determine if and how our university and its community members will be impacted, we will share that information with those affected and with the community, as appropriate.

With regard to student aid programs, the federal government has stated that “...any program that provides direct benefits to Americans is explicitly excluded from the pause and exempted from this review process.…mandatory programs like Medicaid and SNAP…Pell grants…and other similar programs will not be paused.” Should NJIT receive information indicating a change in that stance, we will work to provide timely notification and address any resulting issues to the best of our ability.

Regarding the potential for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrive on our campus and what one should do if such an event occurs, please note guidance provided by the New Jersey Department of Human Services and be advised that any employee or student should contact NJIT’s Department of Public Safety by calling 973-596-3111 or dialing 9-1-1 and saying "NJIT" as the location. You can inform federal agents that NJIT Public Safety will be their liaison on behalf of NJIT. While we have no reason to expect such an occurrence, we encourage all to allow NJIT Public Safety to manage such an event.

As a reminder, you may contact C-CAPS at 973-596-3414 for free and confidential support. You also can access Mantra’s telehealth services (log in information can be found at https://www.njit.edu/counseling/), which offer online well-being resources and virtual care.

NJIT is committed to its students, faculty, and staff, as well as to delivering high impact education, innovation, and pioneering research. We value all members of the NJIT community and will support each and every one to the best of our ability.

Sincerely,
Vice President and Dean of Students Marybeth Boger

Dear NJIT Research Colleagues, 

As new executive orders continue to be issued by the federal government, we continue to closely monitor all orders and their implications for our research community. 

Actions with immediate implications include an operations pause at the Department of Energy (DOE). This action, announced by Acting Secretary Kolb, will likely result in a pause in the issuance of new awards and contracts and may impact the disbursement of funds for existing awards. The Department of Health and Human Services has halted all public communications through February 1. As a result, NIH study sections and council meetings scheduled in that period have been cancelled. This is likely to impact the timeline for funding decisions for affected proposals. 

If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. We will continue to monitor the situation and share updates as new information becomes available. 

Sincerely, 
Atam Dhawan 
Senior Vice Provost for Research

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

Other Messages to the NJIT Community

• Update: Research Security Requirements on Federally Funded Research Grants and Contracts
• Important Update Regarding Federal Regarding Research Funding
• Guidance on Evaluating Promotion and Tenure Cases in the Context of Federal Actions
• Updates Following Recent Federal Developments
• Supporting Our International and Research Communities
• Update: Executive Orders and Federally Funded Research
• Ad-Hoc Task Force on Federal Developments Open Forum
• Update: Executive Orders and Federally Funded Research
• Recent Federal Directives
• Update on Federal Research Grants and Contracts
• Update: Executive Orders and Federally Funded Research
• Update: Executive Orders and Federally Funded Research
• Federal Government Actions and Announcements
• Federal Government Actions and Announcements
• Executive Orders and Federally Funded Research

Provost’s Ad-Hoc Task Force on Federal Developments Update - February 2026

• The Task Force met with approximately 25 graduate students and discussed a climate of fear among international students regarding federal developments. Key barriers identified include:
  • Safety and Surveillance: Reluctance to engage with unions or use social media for coursework due to fear of repercussions in home countries.
  • Advisor Dynamics: A lack of comfort in discussing sensitive visa/travel issues with faculty, coupled with a perceived lack of faculty buy-in regarding student protections.
  • Accessibility: Concerns for students currently stuck outside the U.S. or operating in low-bandwidth environments.
• The Task Force recommends the following three-pillar approach to support the graduate student community and standardize the university’s response:
  • Strategic Communication and Resource Centralization
    • Standardized Regular Messaging: Establish a predictable cadence of communication from the Provost/VPFA to the broader community to reduce uncertainty.
    • Internal Information Hubs: Move sensitive guidance to internal platforms (Intranet or Canvas) to protect student privacy and ensure accessibility for those abroad.
    • Office of Global Initiatives Digital Overhaul: Refresh the OGI website to include a comprehensive fact sheet on travel and federal policy, specifically tailored for Ph.D. coordinators and students.
  • Faculty Education and Reporting Protocols
    • Clarified Referral Pipelines: Issue a formal directive (similar to grant compliance messaging) instructing faculty to refer all visa and federal status inquiries directly to OGI.
    • Reporting Framework: Provide faculty with a clear “How/When/Where” guide for reporting student concerns while guaranteeing student confidentiality and safety from retaliation.
  • Infrastructure and Accessibility Support
    • Global Access Audit: Ensure all Canvas-hosted resources are accessible in regions where cloud services may be restricted.
    • Support Efficacy Review: Evaluate the effectiveness of current OGI office hours to ensure they are meeting the specific needs of the current federal climate.

Interacting with Federal Agents or Agencies

• 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).
• “Stop orders” regarding work on federally funded projects - If you are the recipient of any such order, please share this information with the Office of the Provost immediately.

University Resources

• Public Safety
• Human Resources
• Academic Affairs
• Global Initiatives
• Student Affairs
• Office of Inclusive Excellence
• Center for Counseling and Psychological Services