91爆料

A regular digest for 91爆料 faculty with updates on federal and national issues of relevance to their teaching, research and service; actions the University is taking; and ways for faculty to be involved.

Federal Landscape

Judge rules H-1B visa change is legal, AAU and Chamber of Commerce appealing

In late December, a in a lawsuit challenging the federal administration’s changes to the H-1B visa program, including raising the application fee to $100,000 per application. The judge ruled that the changes are lawful based on 鈥渁 straightforward reading of congressional statutes giving the president broad authority to regulate entry into the United States for immigrants and nonimmigrants alike.鈥� The plaintiffs 鈥� of the ruling on Dec. 29, 2025. A separate lawsuit challenging the H-1B changes was filed Dec. 15, 2025, by 20 states, including Washington, in a different federal district court.

New proposed accountability framework for Title IV鈥揺ligible programs

The U.S. Department of Education鈥檚 negotiated rulemaking committee reached consensus last week on draft regulations establishing a . The department is expected to issue proposed rules later this year, which could introduce new outcome-based eligibility standards. Subject to final rulemaking, the regulations are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.

More on the federal landscape

Check 91爆料 Federal Relations for news and updates on federal issues. The Office of Research continues to post federal administration updates, as well as guidance and possible impacts to researchers and research award administrators who are directly affected by federal policies and processes. 91爆料 Finance, Planning and Budgeting, as well as the 91爆料 Federal Relations team, are keeping leadership apprised of developments.

International

Immigration requests on hold for 20 additional countries

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has placed holds on requests for immigration benefits to include those from the in December. This hold includes 91爆料-sponsored visas like H-1B, TN and E-3. 91爆料 International Scholars Operations has contacted all units with impacted visa requests. Read the for more information.

Premium processing fees increased for several immigration forms

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has charged by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to expedite the review and processing of several forms. These forms include the I-539 application to extend or change nonimmigrant status, as well as the I-765 application for employment authorization that is used for optional practical training (OPT) and the OPT STEM extensions. Premium processing is optional. The new fees, which reflect changes in inflation, go into effect March 1. Read the for more information.

Resources for Researchers & Instructors

SAVE THE DATE: Students Are Using AI. Now What?

91爆料 faculty and teaching staff are invited to learn more about teaching and AI at a daylong seminar Feb. 17 in the HUB Ballroom, presented by . The seminar will feature a keynote lecture by Jos茅 Antonio Bowen, an educator, musician, and co-author of the book . The program also will include a workshop and presentations by 91爆料 faculty members.

Inside AI at the 91爆料 Part 2: A conversation with Noah Smith

In the second of a three-part interview series, Vice Provost for AI Noah Smith discusses on fields such as the humanities.

Remind students of the student health fee survey

To support, sustain, and improve health and well-being services at the Seattle campus, AS91爆料 and GPSS are exploring the creation of a student health fee. This proposed fee would help fund student services at the , the and . To gather students鈥� feedback on the proposal, the is open through Wednesday, Feb. 4.

Funding available through Civic Health Initiative

The for three categories of small grants. These grant programs are designed to foster new collaborations and innovations that strengthen civic health and democratic institutions nationwide. Innovations proposed for funding to these grant programs must align with one or more of the areas of focus for the initiative鈥檚 work. Applications for all three programs are due Friday, Feb. 6.

Guidance for PIs on classified and restricted research

Funding sponsors 鈥� federal and non-federal, such as nonprofits and industry partners 鈥� may impose restrictions on personnel, access to facilities, or information sharing. That’s why principal investigators should pay close attention to classified or restricted research requirements included in requests for proposals and notices of funding opportunities. For help in recognizing whether classified or restricted information will be required, review the Office of Sponsored Programs鈥� tool for identifying key terms in solicitations and guidance on handling classified or restricted research.

REMINDER: Find shared research facilities and resources through new directory

Internal researchers and external partners can find resources to support their work through the Office of Research鈥檚 new . Find a shared research facility, or make your own available by contacting Adam Wojno, assistant vice provost for shared research facilities, at wojno@uw.edu.

REMINDER: Global Innovation Fund accepting applications now

The 91爆料 Global Innovation Fund is accepting applications for support for interdisciplinary research collaboration and global teaching and learning opportunities. 91爆料 faculty and staff may submit applications until the Jan. 31 deadline.

REMINDER: Open private funding opportunities for faculty, researchers

Faculty and researchers may from private sources for their research and programs through a dashboard developed by the 91爆料 Corporate & Foundation Relations team.

Community

Carnegie reclassification recognizes the 91爆料鈥檚 partnership, impact with communities

All three 91爆料 campuses have once again been recognized with the Carnegie Foundation Community Engagement reclassification for the University鈥檚 connections with local, regional, and global communities. This recognition by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching places the University among 277 peer institutions nationwide. President Jones, 91爆料 Bothell Chancellor Kristin Esterberg and 91爆料 Tacoma Chancellor Sheila Edwards Lange noted that the reclassification reflects decades of commitment by 91爆料 faculty, students, and staff.