As a public institution, the University of Maine System (UMS) must comply with state and federal laws and policies. 

As changes occur, the responsible UMS offices including the Office of General Counsel and other stakeholders across the System review such changes to understand the potential impacts on our universities and provide practical guidance to our campus communities.

Given the volume of Executive Orders and federal agency directives released by the new administration that may affect our public universities, the System has created this page to provide updates and reliable resources as they become available and are relevant with UMS faculty, staff, and students. Be aware, however, that these resources may not always include the most current or completely accurate information. 

Please know that during this transition, directives from the federal government are coming quickly and their guidance has been subject to change, including as a result of court action. 

We encourage you to visit this page frequently for the latest updates and to reach out to your supervisor or appropriate university or System administrators if you have questions that are not adequately addressed with these resources. 

Helpful Resources

Latest Updates

Thursday, March 27 — Consistent with actions taken by other public and private universities across the nation, the University of Maine has paused all new offers of teaching and research assistantships and fellowships for the 2025-26 academic year as it assesses what funding will be available to support those positions. The institution continues to make offers of admission and intends to honor any financial commitments already made, although those will remain dependent on available funding.

UMaine’s decision to delay graduate student financial offers comes as the federal government has slowed making new awards and some of the flagship’s existing grants and contracts are being paused as the new Administration reviews them for alignment with its priorities. The federal funding uncertainty was compounded last week when the Legislature passed a so-called continuing services state budget that flat-funds the University of Maine System in the upcoming biennium.

Thursday, March 20 — The President has issued a new Executive Order aimed at closing the U.S. Department of Education. The order directs the Secretary of Education ” to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law, take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return authority over education to the States.” The order also directs the Secretary to “ensure that the allocation of any Federal Department of Education funds is subject to rigorous compliance with Federal law and Administration policy, including the requirement that any program or activity receiving Federal assistance terminate illegal discrimination obscured under the label ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ or similar terms and programs promoting gender ideology.” The University of Maine System will stay apprised of the Secretary’s implementation of the order and issue relevant updates and guidance in the event of direct impacts to institutions of higher education. 

Wednesday, March 19 — In response to a press release issued today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that states the University of Maine System (UMS) “has clearly communicated its compliance” with Title IX, Chancellor Dannel Malloy issued the following statement: “The University of Maine System has always maintained its compliance with State and Federal laws and with NCAA rules, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture also affirmed in a press release today. We are relieved to put the Department’s Title IX compliance review behind us so the land-grant University of Maine and our statewide partners can continue to leverage USDA and other essential federal funds to strengthen and grow our natural resource economy and dependent rural communities through world-class education, research and extension.”

Wednesday, March 12 — U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced Wednesday that after consulting with the Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was reversing its earlier decision to temporarily pause all funding for the University of Maine System (UMS). The System has $63 million in active USDA awards, mostly at the University of Maine.

In response, UMS Chancellor Dannel Malloy and UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy, who is also the UMS Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, issued the following joint statement: “The University of Maine System was thrilled to learn from Senator Collins that the USDA has agreed to lift its plan to temporarily pause our federal funding, which has been an unnecessary distraction from our essential education, research and extension activities that benefit Maine and well beyond. 

“Since our flagship’s founding as Maine’s land grant 160 years ago, funding from USDA has enabled us to strengthen and grow the state’s natural resource economy, sustain rural jobs and communities, and support hands-on 4-H youth development opportunities. To appreciate our incredible impact, one needs to look no further than Maine’s iconic wild blueberry industry, which has enjoyed a 500% increase in production over the past five decades because of world-class UMaine research and innovation directly supported by federal and state funding. We’re deeply grateful to Senator Collins for this encouraging news and eager to put the whiplash and worry of recent weeks behind us and keep up our good work to move Maine forward.”

Earlier that day, UMS had written to USDA seeking further clarity on the extent of the funding pause and the status of the Department’s Title IX compliance review. At no point since USDA announced its Title IX compliance review on Feb. 22 has that Department, or any other party, alleged any violation by Maine’s public universities of Title IX or any other federal or state law. 

UMS has not been directly contacted by USDA regarding its compliance review since Feb. 26.

Monday, March 10 — (Please see Wednesday, March 12 update for the most recent update.) The University of Maine System (UMS) learned Monday that its funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been temporarily paused.

An email forwarded to the University of Maine that appears to have originated from the USDA’s Office of the Chief Financial Officer directs the Department’s “awarding agencies and staff offices to temporarily no longer issue any payments or authorize any other releases of funding to Columbia University or the University of Maine System.” The message further stated, “This pause is temporary in nature while USDA evaluates if it should take any follow-on actions related to prospective Title VI or Title IX violations. Please take any necessary actions to effectuate this direction from leadership. This pause will remain in effect until further notice.”

Title VI refers to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits recipients of federal funds from discriminating on the basis of race, color or national origin. Title IX is a federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in schools and education programs that receive federal funding.

On Feb. 22, USDA announced it was initiating a Title IX compliance review of UMaine, though the Department alleged no wrongdoing by the public university. Three days later, USDA staff contacted UMS as part of that review. System staff provided timely responses to the federal agriculture department’s questions, which were not specific to any one UMS university and largely focused on whether biological males could compete on women’s sports teams. In verbal responses to USDA on Feb. 25 and written responses that followed on Feb. 26, the System confirmed its athletic programs were in compliance with relevant State and Federal laws and that UMS universities that are members of the NCAA are also operating in a manner entirely consistent with that association’s recently updated policies, which do not allow for varsity student-athletes assigned male at birth to compete in female sports. The System also explained to USDA that it is a quasi-independent State entity.

UMS had not received any further communication from USDA related to the Title IX compliance review since Feb. 26 until the email noting the funding pause was forwarded to the flagship on March 10. UMS is unaware of being subject to any compliance reviews by USDA or any other federal agencies pertaining to Title VI.

In FY24, the USDA awarded $29.78 million to UMaine for research and extension that directly benefited the state’s farmers, fishermen and foresters; supported education and youth leadership development through Cooperative Extension 4-H and other programs; solved industry challenges; improved Maine’s environment and quality of life; and made local food systems safer and more resilient. The University of Southern Maine also has several active USDA awards.

Wednesday, March 5 — The U.S. Department of Commerce announced it would renegotiate funding for Maine Sea Grant. In a statement in response, University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy said, “The outpouring of support for Maine Sea Grant and the stories that have surfaced since Saturday of its incredible impact on our state’s coastal communities and marine economy have been extraordinary and effective. We are deeply appreciative of Senator Collins’ leadership and relentless advocacy on behalf of Maine Sea Grant and those it has long served. The University of Maine looks forward to discussions with the U.S. Department of Commerce and NOAA in the coming days to determine a mutually agreeable work plan so that this critical federal funding can be restored and our science and outreach can continue to benefit Maine’s working waterfronts and all who depend on their sustainability and success.”

Friday, Feb. 28 — The U.S. Department of Education has issued a frequently asked questions document directed at universities, colleges, and PK-12 schools. The FAQ follows the Department’s Feb. 14, 2025 Dear Colleague Letter and provides information related to how the Department interprets the Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and how its Office of Civil Rights will interpret the ruling in enforcing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its implementing regulations.

Friday, Feb. 28 — (Please see March 5 update for more current information.) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) notified the University of Maine that it was immediately discontinuing funding for Maine Sea Grant. The termination letter from NOAA, which is a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, says that the activities of Maine Sea Grant, which has partnered with the federal government since 1971, “are no longer relevant to the focus of the Administration’s priorities and program objectives.”

Saturday, Feb. 22 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it had initiated a compliance review of the University of Maine related to the State of Maine and a recent Executive Order regarding student-athletes. In response, the University of Maine System issued the following statement: “The University of Maine System appreciates the media making us aware of the USDA’s letter, which recognizes our flagship’s record of success in securing funding from that agency but notably makes no allegations of any wrongdoing. Maine’s public universities will continue to comply with all relevant State and Federal laws and cooperate with any compliance reviews to ensure postsecondary educational opportunities and high-impact research continue to benefit our students, the state and this nation.“

Friday, Feb. 21 — A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction that temporarily pauses key provisions of two different Executive Orders, including those that direct federal agencies to terminate certain grants or contracts and create enforcement plans to deter some programs. 

Friday, Feb. 21 — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced it was initiating a compliance review of “the Maine Department of Education, including the University of Maine System, based on information that Maine intends to defy” a recent Executive Order regarding student-athletes. In response, UMS offers the following statement: “The University of Maine System would note the Department’s press release alleges no wrongdoing by Maine’s public universities, which will continue to comply with all relevant State and Federal laws and cooperate with any compliance reviews to ensure postsecondary educational opportunities and high-impact research continue to benefit our students, the state and this nation.“

Friday, Feb. 14 — The U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released a Dear Colleague Letter to articulate its interpretation of Federal nondiscrimination laws applicable to institutions of higher education and other recipients of funds from the U.S. Department of Education. The letter relies in part on the Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which found certain race conscious admissions practices to be unlawful. OCR indicates it interprets the law as prohibiting the consideration of “race in decisions pertaining to admissions, hiring, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, discipline, housing, graduation ceremonies, and all other aspects of student, academic, and campus life.” UMS is reviewing the letter and will issue relevant internal guidance if necessary.

Monday, Feb. 10 —  On Feb. 7, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) issued new guidance that reduces the facilities and administration (F&A) rate for all NIH grant awards to 15%, effective Feb. 10, 2025. In response, 22 states, including Maine, filed a lawsuit and on Feb. 10, a federal judge temporarily paused the change for Maine and other states included in the suit. (Update: On March 5, a federal judge extended the temporary pause until a final ruling on the Administration’s action.)

Thursday, Feb. 6 — The NCAA, of which multiple UMS universities are members, announced its Board of Governors has voted to update the Association’s participation policy for transgender student-athletes following the President’s Feb. 5, 2025 Executive Order. 

Wednesday, Feb. 5 — The President has issued a new Executive Order related to women’s and girls’ participation in sports, which is directed at federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Education. Multiple UMS universities are members of the NCAA, which has issued a statement in response to the order that reads, in part, that the organization “will take necessary steps to align NCAA policy in the coming days, subject to further guidance from the administration.” 

Monday, Feb. 3 — The Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities (APLU), of which the University of Maine is a member, has released an updated overview of federal Executive Orders (PDF) with a focus on those most relevant to institutions of higher education that may be of interest to the UMS community. 

Friday, Jan. 31 — A federal court has issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) directing federal grant-making agencies to “…not pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate… awards and obligations to provide federal financial assistance to the States, and… not impede the States’ access to such awards and obligations, except on the basis of the applicable authorizing statutes, regulations, and terms.” As the Court’s Order reflects, the above terms are temporary as litigation in the case is ongoing.

Friday, Jan. 31 — The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has announced it will enforce Title IX under the provisions of the 2020 Title IX Rule, rather than the 2024 Title IX Rule. Resources from the U.S. Department of Education pertaining to the 2020 Title IX Rule, now applicable again, are available here. 

Wednesday, Jan. 29 — The President has issued a new Executive Order related to combating anti-Semitism at schools and on university and college campuses. While the order is directed at federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Education, UMS is reviewing the order to determine any direct impacts to our universities and will issue relevant internal guidance if necessary. 

Wednesday, Jan. 29 — The President has issued a new Executive Order related to K-12  education. Because the order references teacher education, UMS is reviewing it to determine any potential impacts to our universities including UMS educator preparation programs and will issue relevant internal guidance if necessary. 

Wednesday, Jan. 29 — The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has notified federal agencies and executive departments that it had rescinded a previous order that required them to “temporarily pause all activities related to obligations or disbursement of all federal financial assistance.” The OMB recision follows a court-ordered temporary stay on the order but the White House has reinforced the President’s Executive Orders remain in effect. 

Wednesday, Jan. 29 — In response to questions from members of the UMS community, guidance has been provided to the Presidents that can be customized with information specific to their university related to immigration enforcement and then shared internally.

Thursday, Jan. 23 — The U.S. Department of Education has announced action the agency is taking to comply with the Executive Order related to diversity, equity, and inclusion and reverse policies and practices of previous administrations. This includes, but is not limited to, the dissolution of the Department’s Diversity & Inclusion Council and plans to remove more than 200 web pages from the Department’s website that housed DEI resources and encouraged institutions of higher education to promote DEI programs.

Monday, Jan. 20 — The new U.S. President has issued a number of Executive Orders that may impact UMS universities. The American Council on Education, of which UMS is a member, is tracking and analyzing Executive Orders here. The System and university stakeholders are reviewing all orders, including those related to :

Helpful Resources

  • UMS Federal Funding Overview: In FY24, the University of Maine System received $226.1 million in federal funds. This included $137.8 million in federal student financial aid, including federal Pell Grants ($35.8 million), federal student loan funding ($92.2 million), and federal work-study ($3.3 million); $87.9 million in federal grants, contracts, appropriations; and $355,000 in pandemic-related relief. Please note that the grants and contracts figure reflects federal revenues actually recognized in the System’s FY24 financial statements and not all awards issued or pass-through funds. 
  • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Guidance and Training: FERPA is a long-standing federal law that protects the privacy of a student’s educational records by ensuring a student’s personally identifiable information may not be shared unless the student consents or certain exceptions apply.  FERPA guidance most relevant to UMS may be found here (External Site). Additionally, UMS employees are expected to annually take UMS FERPA training, which can be found in UMS Academy. 
  • Federally Funded Research Impacts: To assist all UMS Principal Investigators (PIs), the University of Maine Office of Research Administration has created this web page (External Site) to provide timely updates specific to federally funded research activities.
  • UMS Employee Assistance Program: Employees and members of their households may access assistance online or at 1-866-365-0829 (TRS: Dial 711).
  • The State Higher Education Executive Officers (SHEEO), of which UMS is a member, provides a Daily Higher Education Policy Update newsletter that may be a helpful resource to those tracking higher education policy matters. To sign up, visit this web page (External Site). 
  • UMS Office of General Counsel: Faculty and staff may contact the Office of General Counsel at generalcounsel@maine.edu or (207) 581-5841 if their information needs are not fully addressed with these resources.