A message from the Leadership Team on Federal Actions
April 4, 2025
Dear URI Faculty, Staff, and Students:
Over the past two weeks, two important URI events have illustrated the powerful ways in which our community comes together to support one another, advance our mission, and tell our story.
Earlier this week, hundreds of faculty, students, staff, and elected leaders gathered at the Rhode Island State House to showcase the impactful work being done across our University. The event鈥擴RI Day at the State House鈥攄emonstrated not only the depth and breadth of research and public scholarship at URI, but the collaborative spirit that makes our work possible, and the intellectual curiosity of our community. The enthusiasm and energy in the State House Rotunda underscored the profound impact our work has across Rhode Island and on the lives of Rhode Islanders. You can read more about the event in the Rhody Today story.
And last week, our URI community filled Edwards Hall for a town hall event to discuss recent federal actions and their impact on URI and higher education. The 90-minute event included remarks from President Parlange and a panel discussion with several University leaders who addressed questions submitted by faculty, students, and staff. Among the key points addressed during the discussion were a continued commitment to our strategic plan, ; a sustained dedication to academic freedom; and a persistent focus on fostering an inclusive, people-centered culture. The event also exemplified the care our community has for URI and for each other, and the many ways we come together in community and support.
During the town hall event, several questions centered around University resources, which we want to again highlight here.
Federal Actions Updates Webpage
The site serves as a central hub of information, with links to research funding and compliance guidelines, the latest campus messages, and University resources and offices, as well as guidance regarding visits or inquiries by non-URI law enforcement officers. You can find the site at .
Office of Global Initiatives
URI鈥檚 Office of Global Initiatives continues to serve as an important resource for our community of international students, scholars, and staff on immigration and travel-related issues. You can contact the office at issoff@etal.uri.edu or 401-874-2395. URI also offers support through a 24/7 URI Office of Global Initiatives line at 401-874-4100.
Division of Research and Economic Development
The Division of Research and Economic Development continues to work directly with members of our research community on questions related to awarded projects and research funding from federal agencies or sponsors. Research-related updates are posted regularly on the .
Additional URI Resources
There are numerous departments, centers, and organizations at URI that support, affirm, and represent the various needs and identities of our community. Information about, and links to, several of those offices can be found here.
For more than a century, URI has been dedicated to big thinking 鈥� educating tomorrow’s leaders and innovators, addressing the world’s most complex challenges, and serving the people of Rhode Island as the state’s flagship public university. The events of the past two weeks have illustrated the steadfast commitment of our community to that enduring mission. Thank you.