Federal agency actions continue to impact WWU research and program funding

NSF Grant Terminations

Four NSF grants have been terminated to date. Three were terminated on April 18, 2025, and a fourth on April 25, 2025. All four grants supported inclusion initiatives in STEM fields. Additionally, a fifth NSF grant also supporting inclusion in STEM, which was in the process of being transferred to another institution following a faculty member’s departure, was also terminated.

AmeriCorps Grant Termination

On April 25, 2025, AmeriCorps terminated WWU’s Civic Leadership & Engagement Corps (CLEC) program award, administered through the Washington Campus Coalition for the Public Good. The termination was effective immediately and required all member activities to cease. Under the order, AmeriCorps volunteers are to be exited under the "Compelling Personal Circumstances" (CPC) provision, allowing those who have completed at least 15% of their service hours to qualify for a prorated Education Award.

NIH Terms and Conditions

The NIH introduced updated Terms and Conditions related to recent Executive Orders that remain under legal review. 

Indirect Cost Rate Litigation

Changes to indirect cost recovery rates proposed by the NIH and Department of Energy remain paused subject to ongoing federal litigation.

No-Cost Extensions & New Proposals

No-cost extensions for existing federal awards continue to be processed as normal. Although a number of federal funding programs have been archived or removed, Federal agencies are continuing to accept and process new proposals for most programs.

New Award Activity

No new federal research awards have been issued to WWU since January 2025. Further delays, particularly from NSF, are anticipated.

International Student and Scholar Visas

As of April 28, 2025, WWU has not been notified of any international student visa revocations. Washington state media outlets have recently reported that student visa cancellations have occurred at some institutions in the state, but no such impact has been felt at WWU to date.

University leadership, Research and Sponsored Programs, and administrative partners continue to work closely with affected faculty, staff, and students to assess obligations, support transitions, and evaluate options for potential legal recourse. 

Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.