91̽»¨

A regular digest for 91̽»¨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

Appeals court rules DEI-related executive orders lawful

Diversity, equity and inclusion programs in federal agencies and in programs supported by the federal government were targeted by presidential executive orders issued on Jan. 20, 2025, and Jan. 21, 2025. A lawsuit challenging the legality of those orders was filed, including with support from the State of Washington. It resulted in a preliminary injunction at the district court level last year, though implementation of the injunction had been stayed during appeals. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals earlier this month , ruling that some of the parties do not have standing in the case and finding that the executive orders are lawful. It has sent the case back to the lower court. We continue to monitor the effects of these and related cases on University programs, all of which were recently reviewed for compliance with longstanding state and federal civil rights laws.

More on the federal landscape

Check 91̽»¨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. 91̽»¨Finance, Planning and Budgeting, as well as the 91̽»¨Federal Relations team, are keeping leadership apprised of developments.

State Landscape

State budget forecast shows modest increase

The Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council released its on Monday, February 16. Revenue projections were revised upward for both the 2025–27 and 2027–29 biennia. This revenue forecast will inform the development of the Senate and House budgets, which will be released later in February, and the final compromise supplemental budget, which will be released before the end of session on March 12.

International

Permanent residence information updated

91̽»¨International Scholars Operations has updated its for EB-1B outstanding researchers and professors, as well as comparisons between that method and the UW’s default EB-2 sponsorship pathway.

Resources for Researchers & Instructors

Survey on 91̽»¨researcher perceptions of public engagement, deadline extended to March 4

91̽»¨researchers are invited to fill out a 10-minute survey aimed at understanding 91̽»¨researchers’ attitudes and experiences related to public engagement about research. Findings will inform the Office of Research’s efforts to support public engagement training and initiatives as well as contribute to academic research on science communication and public engagement. A 91̽»¨NetID is required, but no personally identifying information will be collected. The survey will be open until March 4. Questions? Contact Annie Zhang, annielz@uw.edu.

REMINDER: Preparing for the new ADA rules on digital accessibility arriving in April

Whether you’re just getting started or well on your way, prioritize your efforts around digital accessibility and prepare for the April deadline with step-by-step guidance from the Office of the ADA Coordinator’s course materials checklist and . Also, to support 91̽»¨efforts, final drafts of new digital accessibility policies are being made available to the University community for a 30-day review and comment period.

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 91̽»¨Corporate & Foundation Relations team.

Community

REMINDER: SPARK Salon features new music for violin, cello Feb. 19

91̽»¨School of Music faculty , artist in residence, and , assistant professor and Strings Chamber Music Coordinator, will present new works for violin and cello at the Space for Practice, Art, Reflection and Kinship (SPARK) Salon, 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at the 91̽»¨Club. The event, which is third in a series of art-focused salons and open to the public, builds community by highlighting artistic work. A cash bar opens at 4:30 p.m. and continues throughout.

Leadership

Watch provost’s town hall video, transcript posted

In case you missed it, the video and of Provost Tricia Serio’s Feb. 12 town hall are now posted. The video includes presentations by featured speakers Jodi Sandfort, dean of the Evans School, and Sarah Cusworth Walker, research professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, as well as an introduction and drum solo by Ted Poor, associate professor in the School of Music. The transcript includes links to the programs, initiatives and resources mentioned in Provost’s Serio’s remarks.