The University of Virginia entered into this agreement to address several compliance concerns raised by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), particularly related to federal civil rights laws. DOJ has the authority to impose significant sanctions if it concludes that a recipient of federal funding, such as UVA, has violated the law.

Under the terms of the agreement, UVA agrees to comply with civil rights laws and to apply July 2025 Justice Department guidance as relevant, to the extent consistent with judicial decisions, and to provide quarterly reports to the government on our compliance efforts.

Importantly, UVA retains the authority to oversee and implement its own compliance program through its established internal governance processes without an external monitor.

No. The agreement does not include any monetary penalty or required payment.

No. UVA will address these compliance concerns independently and UVA’s President will report to the DOJ quarterly on UVA’s compliance with the agreement.

No. In the agreement, the parties recognize their support of academic freedom. The agreement further states that it shall not “be construed as giving the United States authority to dictate the content of academic speech or curricula”. Information about the University’s commitment to academic freedom is available at https://faculty-handbook.provost.virginia.edu/3-1-academic-freedom.

No. The agreement does not terminate any research grants and provides that UVA will be eligible for future grants, contracts, and awards on terms no less favorable than those available to any other university.

No. The agreement was expressly structured to uphold UVA’s institutional autonomy and protect academic freedom.

No. Because UVA is a public university, free speech at the University is protected by the First Amendment. More information about the University’s commitment to free expression and free inquiry is available at https://freespeech.virginia.edu.

Yes. If the United States determines that UVA is making insufficient progress toward compliance, UVA will have 15 days to address the issue. If the United States determines that UVA has not made adequate progress within that time, or if we disagree with DOJ about what the law requires and cannot resolve that disagreement, then the United States may terminate the agreement, resume the investigations that had been in abeyance, and pursue the remedies available to it.

No. The agreement states “UVA expressly denies liability with respect to the subject matter of the [DOJ] Investigations.”

No. In the agreement, the United States acknowledges that UVA has made substantial efforts toward full compliance with the civil rights laws and agrees to hold in abeyance the remaining investigations and all other enforcement actions for alleged violations of civil rights laws so long as the agreement remains in force. On December 31, 2028, if UVA has complied with the agreement’s terms, the DOJ will close the remaining investigations.

The DOJ’s July guidance is consistent in most respects with the University’s own compliance guidance, which was issued by University Counsel in May. We have agreed to follow DOJ’s guidance only to the extent that it remains in force and is consistent with relevant judicial decisions. On a few issues the DOJ’s guidance is the subject of ongoing litigation or decisions by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals that are binding on us. Because of rulings by that court, the agreement does not obligate us to follow the DOJ guidance related to “affirm[ing] sex-based boundaries rooted in biological differences,” which includes using biological definitions to determine access to single-sex intimate spaces and athletic competitions.  

The agreement will be in place until December 31, 2028. At that time, the President or Interim President will certify the University’s compliance with civil rights laws and the agreement, and the government will close its investigations and any enforcement actions.

Interim President Paul Mahoney signed on behalf of the University on October 22, 2025.

Because the agreement involves no financial penalty or expenditure, it did not require a formal vote by the Board of Visitors. However, the Board was kept apprised of the negotiations and briefed on the final terms before signature.

While UVA has been engaged in ongoing conversations with the DOJ since the spring, this is the only agreement between the parties.

No. The Special Committee on the Nomination of a President will continue to lead the process of identifying and recommending candidates to the Board of Visitors. Under Virginia law and the bylaws of UVA, it is the responsibility of the Board of Visitors to select the University’s leader.

The agreement is a positive development for the search process in that it creates a path to resolve pending compliance inquiries and allows the institution to move ahead without distraction. We expect this clarity and stability will encourage continued interest from high-quality candidates.

University leaders have been meeting regularly in anticipation of the shutdown, and a working group is assessing key areas of potential impact daily. Student financial aid from the federal government for the fall semester is not affected; the University received all expected funding for the current semester prior to the federal government shutdown. Because federal grants operate on a reimbursement basis, faculty members with active federal research awards or proposals under consideration have received guidance to avoid discretionary spending on their grants, to pause plans for new hires unless approved by a dean or vice president, and to postpone major purchases. Guidance for UVA researchers is available on the Office of the Vice President for Research’s federal updates page.

Since January 2025, there have been numerous federal changes that affect UVA research. The White House has issued executive orders, and federal agencies have communicated about policy changes and shifts in priorities that have significant impact on the University. Some of the proposed policy changes, including changes to how federal agencies will reimburse universities for facilities and administrative (F&A) costs associated with research, have been challenged in courts and are not yet resolved. Guidance for UVA researchers is available on the Office of the Vice President for Research’s federal updates page.

As of October 22, the University has received notice of 47 grant terminations, of which eight have been fully reinstated and one partially reinstated. The total award amount of the remaining terminated multi-year grants is $74 million. These grants were in different stages, with some nearing completion and others just beginning. Of the $74 million total, approximately $60.4 million was funding that the University expected to receive but had not yet been spent and reimbursed by funding agencies. This includes two recently awarded $20 million grant terminations that were in very early stages and had not yet incurred significant expenditures. The Office of the Vice President for Research (VPR) is working with PIs and school leaders to appeal terminations in some cases. In addition to these grant terminations, 15 grants for which UVA faculty members are sub-awardees have been issued stop-work notices by their funding agencies, of which two have been fully reinstated.

Members of the University community who are engaged in federally supported research should continue with their activities unless they receive a stop-work or termination order from their funding agency. Those who receive such an order directly from an agency should contact the VPR’s office at askresearch@virginia.edu. Guidance for UVA researchers is available on the Office of the Vice President for Research’s federal updates page.

President Trump has signed multiple executive orders regarding how immigration laws are enforced across the country. The federal government has begun acting on those orders. Students and faculty at American universities have had their visas and immigration status cancelled or been detained and threatened with deportation on the basis of past legal infractions, including minor offenses, and activities that the federal government believes undermine U.S. foreign policy, including participating in protests, writing opinion pieces, posting on social media, and other expressive activities.

Following a three-week pause in the processing of student visas, the U.S. State Department resumed scheduling visa interviews in late June and began requiring all applicants to submit to vetting of their social media accounts as part of determining their eligibility for student visas. The new requirement resulted in delays of three to four weeks in adjudicating visa applications.

Starting September 2, all applicants for renewed visas, including for student (F), exchange (J), and temporary employment (H-1(B), must submit to a formal interview.

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” signed into law on July 4 mandated the collection of a new $250 “visa integrity fee” to be paid upon the issuance of any nonimmigrant visa and a new $24 fee to be paid upon application for an I-94. The U.S. government has not yet issued instructions on how these fees will be collected.

On June 4, President Trump signed a proclamation banning or severely restricting the entry into the United States of nationals of 19 countries, beginning June 9. The proclamation does not affect nationals of those countries already in the United States or in possession of a valid visa. Nevertheless, we recommend nationals of the listed countries below carefully judge the risk of traveling outside of the United States. The affected countries include:

• Afghanistan
• Burundi
• Chad
• Republic of the Congo
• Cuba
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Haiti
• Iran
• Laos
• Libya
• Myanmar
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Togo
• Turkmenistan
• Venezuela
• Yemen

Although the U.S. government canceled the visas and international student status of one student and two recent alumni who were participating in post-graduate Optional Practical Training programs in April, their status was quickly restored following legal challenges. All of UVA’s international students are currently in good standing. University officials continue to closely monitor emerging federal government policy on this question and constantly track our international student community’s status in SEVIS. We will alert any affected student to any future changes in their status and offer all appropriate support.

Students and Scholars: The University is obligated to keep information regarding the biographical data, academic program details, and employment information of all international students and scholars at the university under either F or J visa status, including students who work under an Optional Practical Training program, which it must share with Department of Homeland Security representatives (DHS) upon request. Any other information is protected student information and may only be released in response to a judicial warrant or subpoena. The University does not maintain information on students’ participation in extracurricular and non-curricular activities.

Faculty and Staff: The United States Department of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) routinely conducts unannounced visits to the worksites of employers that sponsor foreign nationals who are H-1B visa holders, including the University. UVA currently sponsors substantial numbers of H-1B employees, who work in units across the University. Employers of H-1B visa recipients are required to exchange data with federal immigration agencies regarding the terms and conditions of the foreign national’s employment. The University requires a judicial warrant or subpoena to release employee information beyond this verification. 

In-Person: If you are approached by a local, state, or federal law enforcement agent requesting information about a student, patient, faculty member or staff member, please contact University Police Division Services at 434-924-7166. They will work with University officials on a response to the request.

By Phone/In Writing: University employees who are contacted by law enforcement by phone or in writing with questions about UVA students, patients, faculty or staff should call the Office of the University Counsel at 434-924-3586 or write to them at UniversityCounsel@virginia.edu for guidance. To respect the privacy of individuals, employees should not share the details of the written request with others unless it is a University official with a legitimate “need to know.”

The University will make every effort to ensure that any immigration enforcement action conducted on or near UVA Grounds and involving members of the UVA community adheres to relevant laws.

Historically, external law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels have contacted the University Police Division (UPD) in advance of any planned activities on Grounds so that UPD can help ensure that those activities are conducted in the least disruptive manner possible.

Upon becoming aware of any immigration enforcement action, international community members should notify University Police Division Services at 434-924-7166. Student (F) and exchange (J) visa holders also should alert the International Students and Scholars Program office at 434-982-3010. UPD will make every effort to ensure that any immigration enforcement action conducted on or near UVA Grounds and involving members of the UVA community adheres to relevant laws.

There have been reports of scammers pretending to be from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS), and other government agencies who have made threatening phone calls to members of our community. It is exceedingly rare for a U.S. government official to contact an individual by phone. Any recipients of such calls should hang up immediately and report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Information about common scams is available on the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services website.

Federal law states that non-immigrants (those who have been admitted to the United States temporarily for specific purposes and periods of time), should carry the I-94 card at all times, as this is recognized as a “registration document.” While cards are no longer issued, non-immigrants may download a printable copy of the I-94.

When traveling outside the Charlottesville area, international students, scholars, and their dependents should carry their passport in addition to the I-94. Individuals in F or J status should also carry the I-20 or DS-2019 as proof of current legal status and its duration. Other non-immigrants should carry the I-797 notice. Those with approved and valid work authorization should carry the Employment Authorization Card, which also is recognized as a registration document.

Please review USCIS information on Alien Registration to determine whether you are already registered. Most international members of the University community are already considered registered by virtue of their possession of an I-94 immigration form, a work authorization, or green card and do not need to submit anything further to comply. However, USCIS states that “any alien, whether previously registered or not, who turns 14 years old in the United States” must register within 30 days after their 14th birthday.

Instructions for completing a registration are available on the USCIS website.

No. A visa is only required for crossing the border into the U.S. An expired visa has no bearing on a student’s status, legal presence, or ability to apply for benefits once the student is in the U.S. Students who are currently in the U.S. do not need to renew an expired visa.

The State Department in July reduced visa validity for nationals of several countries to three months and a single entry. While this has no bearing on the ability of visa holders to remain in the U.S. in status for the duration of their programs, it substantially will raise the risk of such visa holders’ not being able to return to the U.S. if they depart before the completion of their programs without applying for a new visa.

On June 4, President Trump signed a proclamation banning or severely restricting the entry into the United States of nationals of 19 countries, beginning on June 9.  The proclamation does not affect nationals of those countries already in the United States or in possession of a valid visa.  Nevertheless, we recommend nationals of the listed countries carefully judge the risk of traveling outside of the United States.  

The University has communicated with faculty, staff, and student nationals of the designated countries to notify them of the implementation of the order and provide advice concerning next steps.

In this uncertain time, members of our international community should carefully consider all potential risks of any planned international travel.

President Trump’s proclamation that went into effect on June 9 bans or severely restricts the entry into the United States of nationals of 19 countries. It does not address travel by American citizens or legal permanent residents to those nations. Anyone traveling with a U.S. visa should review information about international travel posted on the  U.S. Department of State’s website, including travel advisories for their planned destination(s).

Non-U.S. citizens should carefully consider the risks they may face from heightened immigration enforcement at the border when returning to the U.S. 
  
All students, faculty, and staff members should review the following information when planning any University-related international travel:

• Register International Travel:
  o    For Faculty / Staff: Report upcoming “University-Related International Travel” in the UVA Faculty-Staff Travel page. See FIN-055, Faculty and Staff International Travel for definitions and additional information. 
  o    For Students: Report upcoming “University-Related International Travel” in the UVA Student & GME International Travel Registry. Registration requires enrollment in the University's international health and emergency assistance insurance plan through CISI. See PROV-010, Student and Graduate Medical Education Trainee International Travel for definitions and additional information. 
   
• Comply with Export Controls: Taking or accessing UVA “Controlled Technology” outside of the U.S, even temporarily, is an export. Avoid inadvertent violations by submitting a Temporary Export Request Form (form behind Netbadge) to the Office of Research Security, Export Controls Program prior to travel. See FIN-043, Managing Export and Sanction Compliance in Support of University Activities for definitions and additional information. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Rob Jones, Chief Research Security Officer.
   
• Safeguard Digital Resources: Take steps to safeguard your devices and information during travel. See Best Practices for Traveling Internationally (UVA Information Security) and Travel Tips (U.S. Director of National Intelligence). Consult your Local Support Partner (LSP) (list behind Netbadge) and/or UVA Information Security for specific guidance. Note: The same precautions are advised when visiting a foreign embassy in the U.S.
   
• Applicability of Sanctions: The U.S. and international partners have established sanction programs that apply to certain activities of academic and research travelers, including remote work and access to UVA IT systems – including with personally owned equipment – from those countries. Consult with the Office of Research Security, Export Controls Program (export-controls@virginia.edu) prior to engaging in any University activities in or from a comprehensively sanctioned country or region See FIN-043, Managing Export and Sanction Compliance for definitions and additional information.
   

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has issued new guidance clarifying the Presidential Proclamation dated September 19, 2025, which introduced a $100,000 fee for certain H-1B petitions. This update has significant implications for our international hiring and visa sponsorship processes. The changes announced in the proclamation will not apply to any beneficiary of an H-1B petition filed before September 21, 2025. In regard to future H-1B filings, the University is able to file for H-1B extensions on behalf of current H-1B employees, or file a petition to change status, transfer, or amend an H-1B for beneficiaries currently in the United States without incurring the newly announced $100,000 fee. 

Department chairs should consult with UVA HR’s Immigration Services to review options for candidates currently outside the U.S. Department chairs/supervisors must notify UVA HR’s Immigration Services about any material change to the role of an H-1B employee, such as position title, duties, work location, or hours worked. 

Current employees who hold H-1B visas are free to travel internationally, taking all standard precautions. Individuals currently in the U.S. on F-1, J-1, or other statuses should avoid international travel during a change of status to H-1B, as consular processing will trigger the fee that is being applied to new H-1B visa applications. We will continue to share more information with impacted members of our international community and others who are interested as we learn more. Visit UVA HR’s 2025 Immigration Updates webpage for more information.

On Jan. 28, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order targeting gender-affirming care services for young people and instructing federal agencies to take various actions against health care providers who continue to provide those services, including threatening federal research grants and funding through Medicare and Medicaid. Subsequently, the attorney general of Virginia, who serves as legal counsel for the University of Virginia and other state agencies, released guidance on Jan. 30, indicating that agencies continuing to provide these services in defiance of the executive order risk substantial legal and financial consequences.

In response to the executive order and guidance from the attorney general of Virginia, UVA Health suspended all gender-affirming care for patients under 19 years of age.

On Feb. 13, 2025, a federal court issued a temporary restraining order suspending the federal executive order on gender-affirming care. Accordingly, UVA Health has resumed the provision of those services that were previously paused in response to the order.

On Feb. 21, 2025, specific to the federal executive order on gender-affirming care, a special meeting of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia was held. A board vote supported UVA’s continued provision of gender-affirming care for existing UVA Health patients and affirmed UVA Health’s ability to engage with new patients and help them access the care they need with providers outside of UVA Health. This reaffirms our commitment to offer our patients the best care we can, in accordance with state and federal law. The resolution also makes clear that we will continue to solicit the input of our health care providers and to base the decisions we make on that expertise.

On March 4, 2025, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the executive order on gender-affirming care for patients under 19 years of age. The preliminary injunction will remain in effect until the court decides on the merits of the case. UVA Health will continue to monitor legal developments in this case and provide our patients with the best care possible under Virginia and federal law.

On Feb. 21, 2025, specific to the federal executive order on gender-affirming care, a special meeting of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia was held. A board vote supported UVA’s continued provision of gender-affirming care for existing UVA Health patients and affirmed UVA Health’s ability to engage with new patients and help them access the care they need with providers outside of UVA Health. This reaffirms our commitment to offer our patients the best care we can, in accordance with state and federal law. The resolution also makes clear that we will continue to solicit the input of our health care providers and to base the decisions we make on that expertise. The issuance of a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the federal order does not change the care provided currently under the Board of Visitors' resolutions from Feb. 21, 2025.

UVA Health encourages patients to speak with their medical providers about specific questions related to their health care. Patients and providers with additional questions, please visit Transgender Youth Health Services | UVA Health Children's.

During the government shutdown, over 80% of U.S. Department of Education (ED) employees are on furlough. During this lapse in federal funding, the office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) has announced that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will continue to function as usual, and most customer service centers will continue to operate. Federal Student Aid funds will continue to be awarded and disbursed to students, including Pell Grants, federal direct loans (including subsidized, unsubsidized, Grad PLUS, and Parent PLUS), Federal Work-Study, TEACH Grants, and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants.

Federal Work-Study is not affected by the government shutdown. Federal Work-Study participants will continue to be paid for the hours they work.

Virginia state student aid has not been affected by federal actions. If this changes, Student Financial Services will contact affected students directly.

UVA is committed to protecting the confidentiality of all student records, including financial aid records. For more information about how UVA protects privacy under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), please visit this page. Students’ information is also protected in accordance with the Higher Education Act (HEA) and the Privacy Act. We know of no current breaches of financial aid confidentiality here at UVA.

The U.S. Department of Education states publicly that it “is committed to protecting student privacy” and “administer[s] and enforce[s] student privacy laws such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).”  The Department encourages students to contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at (800) 433-3243 if they believe their privacy has been compromised.

Virginia agencies, including the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, also protect the privacy of student records, including information provided when applying for financial aid. In addition, the Virginia Freedom of Information Act excludes from mandatory disclosure scholastic records that contain information concerning identifiable individuals.

There have been no changes to Veterans Educational Benefits; if you are eligible for benefits, you should continue to receive them without interruption. More information on military benefits is available on the Student Financial Services website. If you have additional questions regarding your federal military educational benefits, please connect with our Military Affiliated Students support team, or if you are experiencing unexpected financial hardship, please visit our Care and Support Services and Hoo Needs Help.  

As of this writing, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) has not reported any substantial disruptions with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or other federal financial aid processes they administer. We will continue to work with the ED to ensure that students receive the federal aid for which they qualify. UVA’s Office of Student Financial Services continues to prepare financial aid packages for new and returning students. For more information, please visit the Student Financial Services website.

Following a significant unanticipated change like the loss of employment, a student may appeal to have their family’s special circumstances reviewed for additional financial aid consideration. Appeals are reviewed by Student Financial Services on a case-by-case basis and must be accompanied by documentation of your circumstances.

There have been no changes announced impacting federal, state, or institutional financial aid eligibility based on citizenship status. See the Student Financial Services website for more information on financial aid eligibility at UVA.

As noted in our Notice of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity, UVA doesn’t discriminate in its programs or activities on the basis of sex, gender identity, or gender expression. Gender is currently an optional question on the PDF version of the 2025-26 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and is used for demographic purposes only. It is not shared with the schools listed on your FAFSA and is not a factor in determining financial aid eligibility. To comply with the Executive Order issued by the President of the United States on January 20, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education has changed this question on the online FAFSA from gender to sex and the question is not optional. It will continue to be asked for demographic purposes and will not be shared with schools, nor will it impact financial aid eligibility.

Federal Student Aid’s website has a section on managing federal student loans to address your federal student loan questions. UVA’s Student Financial Services website also covers a wide variety of topics on financial aid, tuition and billing, and personal finance.

The University of Virginia is committed to the academic freedom of our faculty, to the freedom of our students “to speak, write, inquire, listen, challenge, and learn,” and to the belief that “[a]ll views, beliefs, and perspectives deserve to be articulated and heard free from interference.” The University’s Statement on Free Expression and Free Inquiry, along with links to various specific speech-related policies, resources, and FAQs, can be found on UVA’s Free Speech website. The University’s commitment to academic freedom is further explained in §§ 3.1 and 3.2 of the Faculty Handbook.

Students at American universities have been detained and threatened with deportation on the basis of activities that the federal government believes undermine U.S. foreign policy. Some of these activities involve violations of law, but some detentions are linked to participating in protests, writing opinion pieces, posting on social media, and other expressive activities.

University employees are free to communicate with public officials in their individual capacities. Informed voices of faculty and staff members with subject matter expertise (e.g., researchers, healthcare providers, those who work with international students and employees) can be particularly helpful to legislators and their staff as they consider policies related to these areas. Faculty and staff members who choose to engage with lawmakers should do so on their own time, should speak for themselves and not for the University or in their capacity as a UVA employee, and should refrain from using official University resources (email addresses, administrative support, letterhead), unless they have prior written approval as explained more fully in University Policy EXT-003: Communicating with Government Officials. For guidance about how to advocate effectively, please contact the University’s office of Federal Relations. 

The University will defend its commitments to free speech and academic freedom rights. When an individual expresses personal views in their private capacity as a citizen, they are speaking for themselves. Just as an employee’s affiliation with the University does not curtail their free speech rights, the University has no obligation to provide individuals with legal counsel in any lawsuits or enforcement actions that may arise from things they have said or done in their capacity as private citizens.

Free speech and academic freedom carry with them some limits and corresponding obligations, most of which exist to ensure equal latitude and protection for the rights and freedom of others. The University has, for example, content-neutral rules about the time, place, and manner of expressive activities on University property, which are summarized on the University’s free speech website. The University also maintains specific policies that deal with forms of expression that may amount to harassment, discrimination, and other forms of abuse.

The 1940 Statement of Principles of the American Association of University Professors, which is endorsed in Section 3.1 of the Faculty Handbook, also explains that “Teachers are entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing their subject, but they should be careful not to introduce into their teaching controversial matter which has no relation to their subject.” It further explains that when scholars “speak or write as citizens, they should be free from institutional censorship or discipline” but that “their special position in the community imposes special obligations,” including the obligations to strive “at all times [to] be accurate,” to “exercise appropriate restraint,” to “show respect for the opinions of others,” and to “make every effort to indicate that they are not speaking for the institution.”

The University’s Statement on Free Expression and Free Inquiry affirms that “[f]ree and open inquiry inevitably involves conflicting views and strong disagreements,” and that the University will not attempt to “regulate the tone or content of responses that stop short of interfering with others’ speech or violating the law.” At the same time, “[w]e act as responsible members of a shared community when we engage as empathetic speakers and generous listeners.” We hope that all members of our community will strive to engage with issues and each other in an open and generous spirit.