Guidance on Federal Regulations and Executive Orders
Below you will find updates and resources, including frequently asked questions, regarding the actions and policies of the new administration in Washington. Please note that this page is intended to be a resource for the RISD community as we navigate these changing times together. While this page will be updated regularly, it is neither an exhaustive report of all government activity nor is it intended to serve as legal advice.
In recent weeks, the US federal administration has enacted a series of executive orders and policy changes that may impact the RISD community and our work. RISD is closely following the changing landscape, monitoring how government directives may impact operations, and assessing the meaningful differences between directives and federal and state laws, and how those differences relate to operations legally. The implications of many of these measures are unclear and will likely depend on how they are interpreted and applied, both by agencies and, ultimately, the courts.
As we navigate these changes together, 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.
Last updated: April 8, 2025
Travel FAQ
How should individuals prepare for any travel bans or any other federal changes regarding travel?
As indicated in President Williams’ community message on international travel, RISD encourages community members to seriously consider, revise, or postpone travel plans that will require reentry into the US. In particular, international students, staff, and faculty, including US visa holders and permanent residents (“green card holders”), are encouraged to reconsider or postpone travel outside the US during these challenging times.
Immigration FAQ
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.
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.
How should faculty, staff, and students respond to questions on campus regarding US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or if ICE agents are present in academic or adminstrative buildings?
The appropriate response to federal immigration enforcement officials 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 ICE agents.
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 should we do if ICE 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.
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.
Gender / Title IX / Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (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.
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 the Research office 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.
Community resources FAQ
What external community resources, including legal referrals, are available to RISD community members?
referral list of immigration assistance 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.
What internal resources exist to support students?
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.
What resources exist to support employees?
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.