Dear university community, 

University leadership continues to work with the Nevada System of Higher Education and our Nevada Congressional Delegation to evaluate recent federal policy changes and their potential impact to higher education. 

There are more questions than answers right now, and I understand these developments can generate uncertainty and anxiety. The success of our students, faculty, and staff remains our priority, and we’ll continue to monitor current and forthcoming developments closely and communicate applicable updates along the way.

With respect to the recent executive order from the new administration to pause certain federal funding, we do know that current changes at this time do not apply to federal student financial aid, including Pell Grants, direct loans, and GI Bills for veterans. As of late Tuesday afternoon, a federal judge had temporarily blocked the order following a lawsuit. 

Chancellor Charlton and NSHE leadership shared a message this afternoon that reinforces our collective commitment to evaluating the impact on federal policy changes on our respective institutions within the state system of higher education. That message can be found at this link. 

Warm regards, 

Keith E. Whitfield, Ph.D.
UNLV President