2025 Government Transition

What we know (as of March 24, 2025)

• A new Executive Order related to the U.S. Department of Education was issued on March 20, 2025. It is our understanding that this executive order will not impact federal student aid funding, such as the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Student Loan programs, for the current spring 2025 semester.

Potential implications we're tracking

• The university continues to monitor the federal student aid environment and is committed to sharing any new developments on this site as they are identified.

Current guidance and resources

• As is always the case, please contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance directly at finaid@k-state.edu if you are a student or parent/guardian experiencing any challenges with aid disbursement.

Who to reach out to with questions

• Email finaid@k-state.edu.

What we know (as of June 24, 2025)

• As the Trump administration took office, multiple executive orders were issued that effectively placed a freeze on several federal funding programs with connections to university research. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released Memorandum M-25-13 issuing additional guidance on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.
  • OMB later released an additional memo Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 rescinding Memorandum M-25-13 that had been previously applied to freeze a wide swath of federal financial assistance affecting K-State research funding.
• Federal agencies have since indicated that they are reviewing their respective portfolio of programs and funded grants, focusing on compliance with applicable Executive Orders.
  • Many agencies have directly issued an immediate restriction on using federal funds for diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) activities, including within federal grants.
  • Several agencies have placed stop-work orders or have terminated grants at K-State, stating in some cases that the impacted grants "no longer effectuate the program goals or agency priorities." This form of termination cannot be appealed.
    • Where allowed, however, K-State has submitted appeals, but the status of such appeals remains in process.
  • In some cases, K-State has been allowed to work with sponsoring agency officials to adjust the program statement of work to realign the program with agency priorities. These actions have reversed or negated the termination process.
• Changes to Indirect Cost caps have been announced by multiple agencies.
  • The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a reduction of Indirect Costs to a 15% cap on all current and future proposals on Feb. 10, 2025.
  • The Department of Energy (DOE) shared a similar announcement on April 14, 2025.
    • The NIH and DOE policies are currently facing legal challenges, resulting in either a nationwide preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order halting implementation pending further court proceedings.
  • The National Science Foundation (NSF) also issued a new policy on the Implementation of Standard 15% Indirect Cost Rate on May 2, 2025.
    • Legal actions have also followed this policy issuance, resulting in NSF issuing a statement on June 23, 2025:
      
      • Update – Court Decision Issued – Indirect Cost Policy for Institutes of Higher Education (IHEs) (effective June 23, 2025): "On June 20, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, in No. 1:25-cv-11231-IT (pdf), vacated NSF's 15% Indirect Cost Rate policy (NSF 25-034). In compliance with the court's decision, NSF will not implement the policy at this time. For more information: No. 1:25-cv-11231-IT (pdf)."

    • The Department of Defense (DOD) also issued a memo (PDF) on May 14, 2025 indicating it too would pursue a lower cap on indirect cost rates at 15% “or lower” for all new financial assistance awards to institutions of higher education.

• Additional legal activity continues to surround these events at the federal level.

Potential implications we're tracking

• As noted above, federal agencies are reviewing their respective portfolio of programs and funded grants, focusing on compliance with applicable Executive Orders. This required ongoing monitoring, as the landscape continues to evolve.
  • Some stop-work orders have been received, and those have been communicated with the appropriate individuals.
• K-State continues to monitor pending litigation and updates regarding federal agency IDC rates/caps.
• Many federal agencies have reopened their grant submission opportunities, though some programs have been canceled.
• K-State continues to monitor delays occurring with the convening of peer review panels by some agencies.
• K-State continues to experience some delay in the issuance of new grant awards.
• On March 14, 2025, K-State announced the suspension of operation for two Feed the Future Innovation Labs beginning April 12.
  • On April 30, 2025, K-State announced that the Climate Resilient Cereals Innovation Lab was continuing its work after federal funding resumed.
• We continue to monitor the rapidly evolving communications from the federal government and agencies, as we understand any funding interruptions pose challenges for researchers who rely on federal funding.

Current guidance and resources

• Unless directed otherwise by official agency communication or the Office of the Vice President for Research, all research pursuits and activities should proceed as normal.
• It is prudent to be prepared to take action as we receive specific guidance from funding agencies. However, anticipatory actions should not be taken until such guidance has been received from the agencies.
• Please continue to submit grant proposals. Our sponsored programs team continues to process submissions and manage invoices to federal agencies and for other sponsored projects as we are able.
  • You are encouraged to check the websites of your particular agencies of interest for updates, especially for updated proposal guidelines.
  • The Office of the Vice President for Research continues to submit grant expenditure reimbursement requests on a proactive schedule.
• Concerns related to grant-funded personnel can be relayed to the Associate/Assistant Dean for Research within your academic college.
• Continue to read Research Weekly for the latest guidance.
• If you have any specific concerns about your grant or contract or have received correspondence directly from your program officer, reach out to Paul Lowe at research@k-state.edu.
• We strongly encourage faculty and staff to document any impacts these changes may have on their work.
• Helpful external resource: Council on Government Relations 2025 Administration Transition Information and Resources

Who to reach out to with questions

• Email research@k-state.edu.

What we know (as of June 6, 2025)

• On June 4, a Presidential Proclamation was introduced to take effect 12:01 a.m. ET Monday, June 9, 2025. Under the proclamation, the U.S. will suspend visa issuance for individuals from 19 countries.
  • These restrictions apply only to individuals who:
    • Hold nationality from one of the listed countries.
    • Are outside the U.S. as of June 9, 2025.
    • Do not hold a valid U.S. visa as of that date.
  • Countries named in the ban for full suspension (all visa types, including F and J): Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
  • Countries named in the ban for partial suspension (F, J, M, B visas): Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
  • The White House has made this fact sheet available.
• In late May, a general pause on visa issuances was reported by news media following statements from Secretary Rubio.
  • The pause is not known to currently impact students who have already secured interview slots.
  • It is unclear at this time whether the pause will affect visa renewals or extensions for students already residing within the U.S.
  • The timeframe for this pause is not yet known.
• In early April, news began to circulate from the U.S. State Department that more than 300 student visas had been revoked.
  • International faculty, scholars, students and their families are an important part of the K-State community, and we reaffirm our commitment to supporting everyone during this time of uncertainty.
  • We are actively working to ensure every individual who may be affected receives accurate information and appropriate guidance, including resources, and our offices are closely monitoring for issues and will act if needed.
• Through a directive in late January, the Department of Homeland Security rescinded guidance that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were prohibited from going after people in sensitive places such as churches, schools and colleges. 
  • K-State complies with applicable law and, when appropriate, works with local, state and federal officials to keep our campuses safe. As a state university of Kansas, we will follow and comply with mandatory state and federal legal processes, including valid subpoenas and judicial court orders.

Potential implications we're tracking

• News of the travel ban, interview pauses, visa revocations and other actions involving international colleagues and students across the U.S. are understandably raising many questions for those impacted.

Current guidance and resources

• In regard to the travel ban:
  • We encourage affected students to explore their options, including whether remote learning or other alternative educational plans may be available, in consultation with their advisor.
• In regard to the pause on visa interviews:
  • We urge mindfulness during this time, as visa scams tend to increase during periods of uncertainty. Please rely only on official sources for updates and instructions.
  • If you are a new, incoming student impacted by current appointment limitations, please reach out to K-State’s Office of Recruitment and Admissions. Future undergraduate students should email international@k-state.edu, while future graduate students should email gradapply@k-state.edu.
  • If you are a student impacted by current appointment limitations, please reach out to our International Student and Scholar Services team by emailing isss@k-state.edu.
• In regard to visa revocations and SEVIS terminations:
  • We are encouraging anyone who finds that their status has changed to contact the appropriate office listed below in the "Who to reach out with questions" section.
  • Due to the fluid and unpredictable situation, employees or students currently on a U.S. visa/non-immigrant status (such as an F-1 international student, J-1 student or visiting scholar, H-1B employee, refugee, etc.), who have immigrant status (such as permanent resident/green card), or who are undocumented, are strongly encouraged to carefully assess the necessity of international travel at this time. Although the decision to travel abroad is a personal choice, members of the campus community are advised to proceed with extreme caution if deciding to travel abroad.
• In regard to the rescinded guidance that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were prohibited from going after people in sensitive places such as churches, schools and colleges:
  • Content was refreshed in early February on the DREAMZone web pages, which are existing resources for undocumented and/or DACA-mented students, to ensure we are accurately reflecting the current environment.
  • Specific guidance for faculty and staff is also available on the DREAMZone immigration updates and resources page.

Who to reach out to with questions

• In regard to the travel ban and/or inability to schedule visa interviews:
  • Future undergraduate students should email international@k-state.edu, while future graduate students should email gradapply@k-state.edu.
  • Current students can reach out to isss@k-state.edu for additional guidance.
• In regard to visa revocations and SEVIS terminations:
  • International students should contact their international advisor (isss@k-state.edu or their direct email) to schedule meetings. Please see the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) website for more information.
  • Faculty, staff, and scholars can contact Helen Robson in International Student and Scholar Services via email (arobson@k-state.edu) to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment. Helen Robson's current office location is 304 Fairchild Hall.
• In regard to the rescinded guidance that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were prohibited from going after people in sensitive places:
  • Manhattan Campus: Thomas Lane, vice president for academic success and student affairs and dean of students. Call 785-395-DEAN (785-395-3326) for assistance.
  • Olathe Campus: Kimberly Voight, director of student services. Call 913-307-7313 for assistance.
  • Salina Campus: Kyle Chamberlin, associate dean for academic success and student affairs. Call 785-670-6678 for assistance.
  • Extension Offices: Gregg Hadley, assistant vice president and director for extension. Call 785-532-1624 for assistance.

What we know (as of March 14, 2025)

• Executive orders have called for the elimination of federal diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) programs and trainings.
• The Acting Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights issued a Dear Colleague letter on Feb. 14, 2025, which “reaffirms the nondiscrimination obligations of schools and other entities that receive federal financial assistance from the United States Department of Education." Subsequent clarification was issued Feb. 28 in the form of a Frequently Asked Questions document from the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.
  • In response, initial institutional guidance has been issued to review compliance in scholarship awarding, which is noted in the guidance section below.
  • Additionally, guidance for university website content is also currently being utilized.

Potential implications we're tracking

• To date, executive orders do not direct any immediate elimination of such programs or trainings at colleges or universities.
• However, we know that there are programs, research and offerings that rely on federal funding and/or are extensions of federal programs.
• Additionally, we know that many federal grants have been awarded with a DEIA component included in the original application process. This practice is under review and could therefore have future implications for those grant-funded efforts, including research, programs, etc.

Current guidance and resources

• University leaders have agreed to taking a proactive approach to the executive orders and shifting federal environment.
• As such, university leaders are working to understand what specific federal programs and trainings may be impacted by the executive order and how those programs are or are not connected to K-State programs and efforts. A proactive review is taking place to help inform any future guidance or action required.
• In light of the guidance issued through the recent Dear Colleague letter and subsequent clarification document:
  • Scholarships that involve consideration related to race, color or national origin have been paused for review.
  • Website language guidance is also currently being utilized to assist the university community in ensuring our language is compliant but does not stray from its intent of showcasing our mission of education and service for all.
• Know that K-State will always comply with state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination. If you feel that you have experienced any form of discrimination, we encourage you to file a report.
• The scope and definition of the use of the word “Accessibility” within the executive order has not yet been communicated from federal agencies. The University is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and similar laws. As such, the university will continue its efforts to meet updated digital compliance standards by April 2026 at this time.

Who to reach out to with questions

• Please submit your questions via our online form. If answers are not yet known, we will track your questions and map them into our review process and any future guidance that could result.

What we know (as of July 8, 2025)

• Last spring, the Kansas legislature passed and the Governor signed into law 2025 Senate Bill 125. Section 161 of the Senate Bill contains a proviso (Kansas Senate Bill 125, section 161, page 254 (pdf)) that requires the Kansas Department of Administration to certify that state agencies are in compliance with a set of outlined requirements, specifically relating to diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, on August 1, 2025.
• The Kansas Board of Regents, or KBOR, recently issued guidance to institutions (pdf) under its governance — which includes Kansas State University — requiring their compliance with a specific legislative action passed during the 2025 legislative session.

Guidance from the Kansas Board of Regents

• For the purposes of compliance, KBOR ‘s guidance defines DEI as “the use of state sponsored grants or contracts, and university positions, mandates, policies, required employee trainings, programs or activities (“University Activities”), where such University Activities are intended to intentionally give preference to individuals or groups, to the exclusion of others, on the basis of race, color, or national origin. University Activities shall not include curriculum, instruction, or research.”
• Further, KBOR has stipulated that “programs focused on interests in particular cultures, heritages, and areas of the world do not in and of themselves violate Title VI, assuming they are open to all students regardless of race, color, or national origin. Additionally, educational and/or cultural observances that celebrate historical events and contributions or promote awareness do not fall under the definition of DEI as long as they are open to all regardless of race, color, or national origin.”
• Under these definitions, the university advises all faculty and staff to continue to approach each contract, position, mandate, policy, training, program or activity by ensuring it is open and available to all regardless of race, color or national origin. Faculty and students are also encouraged to continue the practice of robust civil discourse under academic freedom in the classroom and academic settings.

Implications

• One explicit component of the proviso requires the removal of “gender identifying pronouns or gender ideology from email signature blocks on state employee's email accounts and any other form of communication.”

Actions for faculty, staff and student employees

• It’s important to understand that K-State email accounts are subject to these state requirements (cf. PPM 3410), as K-State is under the governance of the State of Kansas and provides email accounts for official university business use only. Therefore, this component requires your individual action.
• All faculty, staff and university employees are asked to review and update your signature block accordingly by July 31, 2025.
• To make this action as simple as possible, the university has created an email signature guidance page, which offers an email signature generator for your use. Additionally, you can utilize instructions in the K-State Knowledge Base regarding how to change your email signature in either the Outlook app or Outlook for web. Furthermore, an FAQ is also available for your review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Definitions

• In the proviso language, it mentions gender ideology. What does gender ideology include?
  “Gender ideology” refers to a belief that human individuals are properly described by their gender identity that may differ from their sex assigned at birth. Common ways of showing support for gender ideology include disclosing one’s gender identity or pronouns in everyday communication or the display of Progress Pride flags.

Resources

• What are some email signature block guidelines to utilize?
  Your email signature represents your business role at the university and at Kansas State University. To provide clarity, consistency and professionalism, your position title and contact information, including email, phone, mailing and physical address, are appropriate for email signatures. Visit the university emails signature standards to learn more and update your signature.

Enforcement

• How will the proviso relating to personal pronouns or gender ideology be enforced?
  We expect everyone who is a K-State employee (faculty, staff and student employees) and who utilizes an email signature to comply with the proviso. Each employee is asked to remove pronouns and/or gender ideology from K-State email signature blocks, business cards or other forms of official university communication. Failure to comply with the proviso requirements may result in restricted technology access and/or discipline in accordance with applicable university policies. (cf. PPM 3410.070)
• As a supervisor, how do I handle employees who do not comply with the proviso regarding personal pronouns or gender ideology?
  Employees are expected to comply with the personal pronoun and gender ideology proviso requirement as a condition of employment.
  Employees who do not comply should be reminded of the proviso by their supervisor and provided resources as needed. If, after additional resources are shared, an employee refuses to comply, you may contact Employee Relations & Engagement to assist with guidance around disciplinary action as needed.

Additional FAQs will be added to address questions and comments, and provide additional clarification as needed. Check back often for updates.