Guidance on Federal Regulations and Executive Orders
Last updated: July 30, 2026
Below you will find updates and resources, including frequently asked questions, regarding federal actions and policies. Please note that this page is intended to be a resource for the RISD community as we navigate these changing times together. It is neither an exhaustive report of all government activity nor is it intended to serve as legal advice.
We urge community members to use their own due diligence to make informed decisions, to seek updates on these executive orders and presidential actions on the White House website, and to also consult vetted and trustworthy news sources. RISD holds campus-wide subscriptions to several news sources, to which community members have free access online.
RISD remains committed to our institution’s mission and values—and to ensuring that every member of our community can thrive in an atmosphere free from discrimination.
Community resources
News Sources
RISD students, faculty, and staff have access to campus-wide subscriptions, including news sources tracking federal actions that affect higher education:
Resources for faculty, staff and students
Immigration Assistance: Legal Referral List
Download a list of legal and related services for faculty, staff and students
Community resources are also available from sources like ACLU Rhode Island.
You may contact General Counsel, International Student and Scholar Affairs, and Human Resources for more information. If community members seek external resources, including legal counsel, we encourage that they use their own due diligence to properly vet such resources. RISD cannot provide legal advice or representation to individuals in connection with personal matters.
Student-specific resources
Student Life staff can support you with anything you may need, and through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) you can access mental health support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 401 454-6637.
Students who experience an emergency, such as, but not limited to, food or housing insecurity, can apply for emergency funding.
If you are concerned about a student’s wellbeing, let them know help is available. Make a CARE Network referral.
Employee-specific resources
Employees who need personal support may contact Coastline EAP, our employee assistance provider at 800-445-1195 for 24/7 confidential counseling and referral/resource services.
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Travel
Due to the evolving nature of international travel, we caution individuals to consider all potential risks and outcomes of international travel at this time including the potential inability to return from a trip abroad. If you engage in international travel, please make sure to have a back-up plan and a way to return to home (emergency funds, emergency contact information in home country, etc.) in the unfortunate event that you are denied re-entry into the U.S.
For those preparing for Winter Break international travels, please review the following important guidance to best prepare for departing the U.S. and returning for the start of Wintersession 2026/Spring 2026 terms.
Travel Planning and Visa Considerations
- International students and scholars should have a valid travel signature (12 months from the signature date) signed by ISSA, and check the expiration date of your passport (validity must be 6 months beyond your date of reentry into the U.S.) and visa stamp as these documents must be valid in order to re-enter the U.S. If your F or J visa stamp has expired, we strongly recommend reconsidering international travel outside the United States.
- A visa is a travel/re-entry document that must be valid when you enter the U.S; it does not determine your eligibility to remain in the U.S. Therefore, you are allowed to remain in the U.S. after your F/J visa expires, as long as you are maintaining your F/J status and have a valid I-20/DS-2019.
- Traveling for the sole purpose of renewing your F or J visa is not recommended or necessary.
- Due to new visa processing guidelines from the U.S. Department of State, visa appointment and adjudication wait times may be significantly longer than usual. Additionally, we expect that U.S. consular offices worldwide will be short-staffed during the winter holidays, adding to potential service delays.
- Current students are expected to be physically present on campus by the start of the academic term. Please plan your travel accordingly to avoid disruptions to your academic program.
- If you are unable to return to campus by the first day of the academic term, you may need to take a leave of absence. Late arrivals for continuing/current students are not permitted. All students must comply with college attendance and absenteeism policies.
- If you decide to travel outside of the U.S., be sure to carry all required documentation when traveling.
- F1 Visa students can review requirements here for international travel
- J scholars can review requirements here for international travel
Be aware of increased scrutiny at U.S. ports of entry. This may include:
- Social media screening by Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- Device searches (phones, laptops, tablets)
- Have all travel documentation with you in an easily accessible location.
- Be prepared to answer questions posed by CBP officers honestly.
- Be sure to follow all rules and regulations of F-1 or J-1 status.
If you have any questions about international travel, please sign up for advising hours via the ISSA website.
We hope your travels are safe and easy and we look forward to welcoming you back.
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Travel FAQ
On June 4, 2025, a Presidential Proclamation was issued that affects the travel of certain foreign nationals to the United States with some exceptions. Please note that the legal landscape is changing and dynamic. We encourage you to use your own judgment, news sources, and outside counsel, as necessary, when making decisions.
What countries are targeted by the ban?
The Proclamation places countries in two categories: “full suspension” or “partial suspension.” The full suspension prohibits entry into the US by any citizen of the listed countries. The partial suspension restricts entry into the US by any citizen of the listed countries as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas.
FULL SUSPENSION BY COUNTRY FOR (no immigrant or nonimmigrant entry):
- Afghanistan
- Burma
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
PARTIAL SUSPENSION BY COUNTRY (entry as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas is hereby suspended):
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
I am a citizen of one of these countries. Are there any exceptions?
Yes, there are some exceptions. The exception most relevant to our RISD population is that the proclamation only applies to citizens of the designated countries who are outside the US on June 9, 2025 and who do not have a valid visa on that date. F, M, or J visa holders who are in the US on June 9, 2025 or who have a valid visa on that date are exempt from the ban. While this means that those with currently valid visas should be able to reenter the US after June 9, 2025, we expect additional scrutiny at the border and readmission to the US is not guaranteed. We strongly encourage those currently in the US to reconsider any international travel plans and remain in the US—even if you have a valid visa for reentry. You would be traveling at your own risk.
Lawful permanent residents who are citizens of one of these countries are also exempted. There are additional exceptions listed in the Presidential Proclamation. You can read the full list in the Proclamation.
I am a citizen of one of these countries, but my visa is expired/expiring. What should I do?
If your visa is expired/expiring, international travel would be inadvisable at this time.
If you are currently in the US and maintaining F or J status, you should continue to do so. F and J visa holders are admitted for Duration of Status (noted as D/S on your I-94). This allows you to remain in the US after your visa expires as long as you are continuing to maintain F or J status.
If you have traveled outside the US and your visa is expiring but still valid, it would be advisable to consider returning to the US before your visa expires. If you are outside the US and your visa has already expired, please contact International Student and Scholar Affairs (ISSA) at issa@risd.edu.
I am a dual citizen and one of my citizenships is on this list, but my F/J status is based on citizenship not on the list of suspended countries. How does this affect me?
The Proclamation allows an exception for “any dual national of a country designated under sections 2 and 3 of this proclamation when the individual is traveling on a passport issued by a country not so designated.”
In other words, this would not impact dual citizens who have used a different citizenship (not listed on the travel suspension list) to obtain F or J status.
What is the basis for the travel ban?
The Proclamation lists individual reasoning for each country. Common themes include concerns about vetting, national security, and visa overstay rates according to government data.
According to the “Fact Sheet” provided by the White House that summarizes this proclamation, “in Trump v. Hawaii, the Supreme Court upheld the President’s authority to use section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to protect the United States through entry restrictions.”
How long will these restrictions last and are they really effective immediately?
The Proclamation goes into effect on June 9, 2025. ISSA cannot determine whether there will be legal challenges or not, and we are not able to predict the duration of the proclamation’s restrictions.
Will there be countries added to the travel ban over time?
We are unable to predict whether additional countries will be added at a later date. The proclamation does note that Egypt’s vetting and screening procedures are under review so it is possible Egypt could be added to the ban if such procedures are determined to be deficient. If there are any additional countries added, we will notify students and scholars, with known countries of origin in affected lists, as soon as the information is vetted and its impact understood.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact issa@risd.edu.
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Immigration FAQ
What do I do if government agents are on RISD campus?
If government agents are present in academic and administrative spaces on campus, the appropriate response from faculty, staff, and students is:
- Notify RISD authorities: Immediately contact Public Safety (pubsafe@risd.edu, 401-454-6666). Provide a clear description of the agents’ presence and actions. Do not accept service of any subpoena/warrant before contacting General Counsel (risdlegal@risd.edu; 401-277-4955).
- Document the situation: If it is safe to do so, document the date, time and details of the interaction. If possible, record video or audio of the exchange while maintaining discretion and ensuring your safety.
- Do not interfere: While you have the right to document and report the incident, for your own safety, do not physically obstruct or interfere with the actions of government agents.
What should we do if government agents are present in student housing?
In this situation, a student should immediately contact Public Safety (pubsafe@risd.edu, 401-454-6666). A residence hall room is considered a limited access area and cannot be legally accessed by immigration enforcement officers without a valid criminal warrant or the voluntary consent of the occupant.
A student need not allow entry to any law enforcement officer who is not in possession of a valid criminal warrant, regardless of what that officer might say. While you have the right to document and report the incident, for your own safety, do not physically obstruct or interfere with the actions of ICE agents. Additional community resources, including what to do if ICE comes to your home, is available at ACLU Rhode Island.
Who are government agents?
Government agents may represent the following agencies:
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- U.S. Department of Labor
- Homeland Security Investigations
- Local or state law enforcement
What nonenforcement reasons might cause officials from the government to visit campus?
- I-9 audit/inspection
- Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) compliance
Who is responsible for interactions with government officials?
- Public Safety is responsible for interactions with government officials once they are notified.
- RISD community members are neither expected nor authorized to respond to any agency officials on behalf of RISD or any of its students. Community members should direct all inquiries regarding the presence of an agency official to Public Safety.
What should I not do if a government agent is on RISD campus?
- Provide false or misleading information
- Falsely deny the presence of faculty, staff, or students
- Hide faculty, staff, or students
- Assist faculty, staff, or students in leaving RISD premises
What should I document in a situation involving an agency official?
- How many agents are present (in and outside the building)?
- How are the agents dressed?
- Are the agents armed?
- Has the agent made you or anyone else present believe that you and/or they are unable to leave?
- Has the agent mistreated anyone? If yes, how?
- If the agents arrest anyone, ask the agent where they are being taken.
What are my rights?
- You have the right to remain silent. As such, you may choose whether or not to talk to agency officials.
- You have the right to speak to an attorney. If you are arrested by the police, you have the right to a government-appointed lawyer. If you are detained by ICE, you have the right to consult with a lawyer, but the government is not required to provide one for you.
What are important documents to carry?
- Most recent copy of I-94 (https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home)
- Passport (copy acceptable) or state-issued ID/license
- If applicable: Form I-20 (F-1), DS-2019 (J-1), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Permanent Resident Card, or USCIS approval notice
Please note: Carrying a copy of your I-94 is required by federal regulation.
How do we respond to questions regarding ICE while off campus in the local community or in off-campus housing?
For off-campus questions regarding ICE, there are community resources available from sources like ACLU Rhode Island. You may contact General Counsel, International Student and Scholar Affairs and Human Resources for a list of legal referrals. However, if community members seek outside legal counsel, they should use their own due diligence to properly vet such counsel. RISD cannot provide legal advice or representation to individuals in connection with personal matters.
What is a visa revocation?
Visa revocation refers to the cancellation of a previously issued visa (in a passport) used to request entry or reentry into the United States. Under the current administration, students’ F-1 status in the US (as reflected in SEVIS—the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is also being terminated in connection with the visa revocation. SEVIS record termination implies that an F-1 or J-1 student or scholar loses legal status to remain in the US, which may result in students leaving the country or requiring legal assistance to protect themselves from enforcement actions.
Why are visas being revoked and can students reapply for them?
Visas are being revoked at the discretion of the government for different reasons. Students should seek immigration counsel if they want to consider reapplying.
How will students or scholars be informed of visa revocation or SEVIS termination?
A visa revocation should be communicated to the visa holder via email or letter from the consular post/Department of State. Student and scholar visa holders should make sure to regularly check their email, particularly the account used for the DS-160 or visa process, for any consular notifications, and notify International Student and Scholar Affairs (ISSA) immediately to verify legitimacy.
In addition, ISSA regularly monitors SEVIS records for new F-1 or J-1 terminations. Please note that all individuals who have been impacted to this date have already been informed and connected to resources. If we see continued SEVIS terminations, we will notify impacted individuals as soon as possible to ensure that they, too, are connected to resources and, if necessary, external immigration counsel.
What countries could be impacted?
RISD does not know the extent of the impact.
If a RISD student’s visa is revoked, what is the timeline? How many days can they stay? Will they be deported?
RISD encourages students to seek advice and counsel from an immigration attorney. RISD cannot advise on any timeline or actions.
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International students, employees and scholars FAQ
How might the current administration’s executive orders and other guidelines impact the operations of RISD-related travel courses and field trips, domestic and international?
RISD Global will continue to manage and facilitate its outbound international portfolio per usual with its consistent assessment of travel advisories and risk management by expert teams. Both domestic and international students remain eligible for outbound travel opportunities.
We highly encourage all students interested in participating in study away opportunities to research and understand their global mobility permissions, as well as any support needs, through their host destination consulates and/or embassies. RISD and its partner institutions remain available to support student mobility documentation requirements. To learn more, please view travel and logistics information provided by RISD Global.
What is the potential impact on student visas?
At this time, we anticipate visa applicants may face more rigorous vetting, which could result in longer processing times including administrative processing delays by the US State Department. Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT extension applications may require longer times for review by and authorization from the US government. F-1 visa holders should apply as early as possible.
Questions regarding student visas may be directed to International Student and Scholar Affairs (ISSA) at issa@risd.edu. F-1 and J-1 visa holders may request an advising appointment via email at issa@risd.edu or attend advising hours (see ISSA on the student hub for sign-ups and times).
What is the potential impact on faculty visas?
RISD is closely monitoring the situation for its impact on faculty, including visa status. Given the changing legal landscape around immigration, visa applicants may face more rigorous vetting, which may result in longer processing times, including due to administrative processing delays by the US State Department.
What is the potential impact on employee visas?
Under certain conditions, RISD sponsors employees through immigration visas, primarily faculty. We anticipate visa applicants may face more rigorous vetting, which could result in longer processing times including administrative processing delays by the US State Department. Anyone who is applying for a new visa, applying for an extension for continued work authorization , or has questions about the status of or how to navigate the process, should contact Alison Douglas, senior human resources partner, at adouglas@risd.edu.
Whom should I contact for questions related to my visa?
Employees, both faculty and staff, should email Alison Douglas in Human Resources, or the general Human Resources inbox.
Students who hold F-1 or J-1 visas may request an advising appointment with International Student and Scholar Affairs by emailing issa@risd.edu, or attend advising hours.
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Elimination of Duration of Status and Academic Mobility Restrictions FAQ
What does the elimination of Duration of Status (D/S) mean?
For decades, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors were admitted to the United States for “Duration of Status” (D/S), allowing them to remain in the country for the length of their approved program as long as they maintained their immigration status rather than a fixed expiration date.
Effective September 15, 2026 (unless postponed by DHS, delayed/overturned by Congress, and/or halted by litigation), US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will replace D/S with a fixed admission period. F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors will have a specific end date for their authorized stay, generally based on their program end date and subject to the maximum period up to 4 years.
However, this maximum four-year fixed duration of stay is not an overall limit on the time spent in the US as an F-1 or J-1 student or scholar, or in the degree program for which the I-20 or DS-2019 is issued. The four-year duration is a maximum amount of time in which these students or scholars may be admitted to the US with reference to their I-20 or DS-2019 before requesting an Extension of stay (EOS).
Although this rule changes how long individuals are admitted to the US, it does not change the eligibility requirements for F-1 or J-1 status, length of academic programs, or RISD’s ability to sponsor students and scholars.
What are the key changes?
- Form I-94 will include an “Admit Until Date” (AUD) based on the program end date on the Form I-20 or DS-2019, up to 4 years, plus applicable grace period.
- ISSA-approved program extensions will not automatically extend authorized stay.
- Students needing additional time must file an Extension of Stay (EOS) with USCIS or depart and seek readmission. The option of departing the United States to seek readmission without filing an EOS is not fully addressed in the final rule. Specifically, the rule does not explain how this option would be implemented in practice. Additional guidance from DHS is needed.
- F-1 grace period reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
- Graduate students cannot change majors or educational levels during their program.
- Graduate students may only transfer schools with SEVP approval for “extenuating circumstances.”
- Undergraduate students cannot change majors or transfer schools during their first academic year unless approved by SEVP for “extenuating circumstances.”
- F-1 students can only change to a higher degree level after completing their current program.
- F-1 students completing a program after September 15, 2026 cannot begin a new program at the same or lower education level. Programs completed before this date are excluded.
- A 240-day extension of authorized stay and current employment authorization applies to eligible F-1 students who timely file (filed before I-20 expiration date) an EOS application with USCIS.
- A 240-day extension is available to allow J-1 exchange visitors to continue engaging in authorized employment and activities consistent with the terms and conditions of their program objectives if they timely filed (filed before admission period expiration date including the 30-day grace period for J-1) an EOS application with USCIS.
- There are transitional provisions applying to students whose most recent entry date into the US is prior to September 15, 2026.
- Overstays or status violations may result in unlawful presence and impact future visa, admission, and immigration benefits.
I entered the US before the rule’s effective date, September 15, 2026. What transition provisions apply to me?
F-1 students or J-1 exchange visitors who were admitted before September 15, 2026 and have an I-94 marked Duration of Status (D/S) are not immediately subject to the new fixed-period admission framework upon the rule's effective date. Instead, they transition under special provisions established by DHS.
J-1 exchange visitors: Their authorized stay will continue until their program end date as listed on their DS-2019 (not to exceed 4 years) as of September 15, 2026 plus a 30-day grace period. If more time is needed, then exchange visitors must file form I-539 for Extension of Stay (EOS) with USCIS to obtain a new fixed admission period.
Enrolled F-1 students: Their program end date as listed on their I-20 (not to exceed 4 years) as of September 15, 2026 plus a 60-day grace period. If more time is needed beyond the I-20 end date, then students must file Form I-539 for Extension of Stay (EOS) with USCIS to obtain a new fixed admission period.
F-1 Students on an approved OPT or STEM OPT, their admission period will continue until their expiration date of their EAD as of the rule effective date, plus 60-day grace period.
F-1 students maintaining status on September 15, 2026 do not need to file Form I-539 EOS if they:
- File Form I-765 for post-completion OPT on or before March 18, 2027, before their admission period expires (including the 60-day grace period); or
- File Form I-765 for STEM OPT extension on or before March 18, 2027, before their current OPT EAD expires.
- Travel impact:
- An F-1 student who leaves the U.S. before filing OPT/STEM OPT and returns with a fixed admission period must file both Form I-765 and Form I-539.
- Students who travel while an I-765 is pending or approved will be admitted according to the new fixed admission rules.
Beyond the transitional period, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors who need to remain in the United States beyond their authorized admission period must apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) with USCIS.
If my program lasts more than 4 years, do I need to complete my degree requirements within the 4-year admission period?
No, this maximum four-year fixed duration of stay is not an overall limit on the time spent in the US as an F-1 or J-1 student or scholar, or in the degree program for which the I-20 or DS-2019 is issued. The four-year duration is a maximum amount of time in which these students or scholars may be admitted to the US with reference to their I-20 or DS-2019 before requesting an extension of stay.
Therefore, if your program lasts more than four years, you must either apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) with USCIS before your admission period expires or depart the US and seek readmission for the additional period of stay.
I’m an EFS student and I will declare my major after completing EFS. Will this new rule impact me?
No, because your declared major will be changed in SEVIS after you have completed one academic year of studies.
How will the new rule affect international travel?
If you depart the United States and seek to return after September 15, 2026, you will be admitted under the new fixed admission period rules based on your current I-20 or DS-2019 end date, plus a grace period of 30 days.
If I need more time to finish my program, can an ISSA advisor simply extend my I-20 or DS-2019?
No.
Under the new rule, a DSO or RO/ARO (here at RISD is your “ISSA advisor”) may continue to update your SEVIS record and issue updated immigration documents when appropriate. However, a SEVIS extension alone will not automatically extend your authorized stay in the United States.
To request additional time beyond your authorized admission period, an ISSA advisor must first extend your program based on valid reasons. Next, you must file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS before your current authorized period expires or you may leave the US to seek readmission for the additional period of stay.
The option of departing the United States to seek readmission without filing an Extension of Stay (EOS) is not fully addressed in the final rule. Departing the US and seeking re-entry may be possible instead of filing an EOS application. There are pros and cons to both options that can be discussed with an ISSA advisor. The decision will ultimately be on the student or scholar to determine which is right for you.
Can I extend my I-20 if I need additional time due to academic probation or suspension?
No. Delays caused by academic probation or suspension are not valid reasons for an I-20 program extension. ISSA may extend your program only for compelling academic reasons, documented medical reasons or circumstances beyond the student's control, including a natural disaster, national health crisis, and/or the closure of an institution.
Students who are ineligible for an I-20 extension and cannot complete their program by their I-20 end date must either apply for reinstatement (if eligible) or depart the United States.
Do I need to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with my OPT or STEM OPT application on or after the effective date of the new rule, September 15, 2026?
You do not need to file an EOS application with your OPT or STEM OPT application if you apply for OPT on or before March 18, 2027.
If you are applying for OPT or STEM OPT after March 18, 2027, you will need to file an EOS in addition to the OPT/STEM OPT application.
Will my OPT or STEM OPT period still be the same?
The OPT and STEM OPT employment authorization period itself does not change under this new rule. The only major change is the requirement to file for an EOS if filing after March 18, 2027.
I’m a J-1 exchange visitor. Can I continue working while my Extension of Stay (EOS) application is pending with USCIS?
J-1 nonimmigrants who timely file EOS on or before March 18, 2027, may engage in J-1 activities, including authorized training and employment, as permitted by their exchange visitor program, for the period up to the end date of the DS-2019 submitted with the EOS.
J-1 nonimmigrants who timely file for EOS after March 17, 2027, may continue employment activities while their properly filed EOS is pending, for up to 240 days beyond the expiration of their authorized period of admission.
“Timely filed” means USCIS receives the EOS application on or before the expiration date of the authorized admission period, including the applicable 30-day grace period.
I’m an F-1 student, can I start another degree program after completing my current degree?
Yes, only if you begin a new program at a higher educational level.
I’m an F-1 student who just graduated. Can I begin a new education program at the same level or lower level?
No, lateral or reverse matriculation is not permitted as of September 15, 2026, unless your prior US degree was completed before September 15, 2026.
What happens if I stay in the United States after my authorized stay expires?
F-1 students or J-1 exchange visitors who overstay or violate their status will begin to accrue unlawful presence, which may lead to bars of entry into the United States after a specified number of days accrued, and affect future eligibility for US visas, admission, and immigration benefits.
What should I do now?
Students and exchange visitors should:
- Check your I-94 and I-20/DS-2019 end dates regularly and make sure you understand your I-94 Admit Until Date (AUD). Carry a copy of your I-94 at all times while you are in the US It is recommended you also carry copies of your passport, visa and I-20, or DS-2019.
- Keep your immigration documents updated and report any required changes to ISSA through Terra Dotta requests in a timely manner if you are an F-1 student. If you are an J-1 exchange visitor, email requests/updates to issa@risd.edu.
- Plan ahead if you need additional time to complete your program.
- Consult ISSA via advising session or email if you have questions about maintaining your F-1 or J-1 status.
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Gender / Title IX / DEI FAQ
What resources are available to students and employees regarding discrimination?
You may refer inquiries about sex-based discrimination and Title IX to RISD’s Title IX coordinator and/or the US Department of Education. You may reach RISD’s Title IX coordinator by contacting Emily Gleason at egleason@risd.edu or 401 454-6341; visiting 20 Washington Place, room 346; or by submitting an online reporting form.
Refer inquiries about all other forms of discrimination to RISD’s Title VI, Title VII, and ADA/504 coordinator, the US Department of Education, and/or the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. For RISD’s Title VI, Title VII, and ADA/504 coordinator, contact Alyssa Roush by emailing aroush@risd.edu or 401 454-6386, visiting 20 Washington Place, room 348, or submitting an online reporting form.
What does Title IX prohibit?
Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking. RISD will continue to prohibit sex-based and gender-based misconduct in accordance with the federal law.
Does RISD protect sex and gender identity?
Yes. RISD is committed to protecting its community members, including those who may feel discriminated against based on their sex and/or gender identity. Although the Office of Civil Rights, which is responsible for enforcing Title IX within the Department of Education, does not recognize gender identity or gender expression as a legally recognizable basis for discrimination, RISD policy does prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, gender identity, or gender expression. RISD will promptly respond to reports and hold community members responsible for discrimination or harassment based on these characteristics.
How do the executive orders, policies, and judicial changes affect how RISD handles Title VI, VII, IX, and/or the ADA/504?
As a nonprofit, private institution that receives federal funding, RISD must and will follow the laws that govern nondiscrimination, including but not limited to Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Accordingly, please see RISD’s most current nondiscrimination policy and procedures.
If individuals have further questions regarding Title VI, VII, IX and/or the ADA/504, who can they speak to?
If you have any questions regarding Title VI, VII, IX and/or the nondiscrimination policy and procedures, please contact Equity & Compliance.
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Research, grants, and federal funding FAQ
What should faculty and staff who receive federal grant funding be doing right now?
Faculty and staff should continue working on grant-funded projects. When feasible and within the objectives and regulations of the grant, principal investigators (PIs) should expend their funding expeditiously. Invoice expenses as soon as possible. PIs should familiarize themselves with contestable topics related to White House executive orders and, if feasible, rephrase how or what they emphasize in describing their work. Review your award documents to assess any vulnerabilities in relation to the executive orders.
Please contact Academic and Creative Partnerships if you have questions.
Will student internship and job opportunities be impacted by directives from the White House?
The impact of tariffs on the economy, along with immigrant and international directives, may result in caution and freezes in hiring of students and graduates for internships and jobs. Negative economic outcomes may present challenges in the search for opportunities, both domestically and internationally.
Students and alumni with questions about career opportunities may book an advising appointment using the ArtWorks platform.
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