01/31/2025
By Julie Chen
Dear Campus Community,
Many of you — students, faculty and staff — have been in touch with me and other university leaders in recent days with questions about how the federal government is affecting UMass Lowell, our work and our students.
Your heightened interest — and in some cases concern — is completely understandable given the recent flurry of federal activity.
Unfortunately, much remains unsettled, and we cannot currently offer many concrete answers or guidance. However, I’d like to stress a few points in hopes of addressing concerns.
The University of Massachusetts System, including UMass Lowell, is developing an understanding of the impact of the federal government's orders on our university and its campuses.
Federal Funds
The funding we receive from the federal government falls generally into two categories: 1) Title IV aid, including federally backed student loans and Pell grants, and 2) money from federal agencies supporting research and educational programs.
As of this moment, student aid, including direct loans, Pell Grants and other mechanisms, has not been impacted by the federal government's policies. We continue to analyze how recent decisions may affect research programs, and we will share information as soon as possible on the Office of Sponsored Programs website.
International Students and Immigration
As a public institution, UMass Lowell is bound by state and federal laws. These do not require that our university share private student or employee information unless we are compelled by a court order or statutory requirement.
U.S. nonresident students on university sponsored visas with questions about visa or immigration status are encouraged to contact the International Students and Scholars Office.
Also, anyone who encounters a government agent or law enforcement officer on campus seeking information may direct them to the UMass Lowell Police Department at 978-934-2398. Faculty and staff in these circumstances must follow the guidance of the University of Massachusetts general counsel.
Finally, it is worth stressing that the most important aspects of UMass Lowell’s mission are ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and employees, while providing a world-class education. This mission is served by broadly providing research and education opportunities, and we remain firmly committed to that work.
We will provide further updates in the coming weeks and months as we receive and assess information related to the federal government's orders and communications.
Thank you, as always, for all of your contributions to our community, including looking out for and supporting one another.
Julie Chen
Chancellor