Fellow Bears,
As the first week of a new presidential administration comes to an end, I acknowledge that many questions and concerns have arisen about how the landscape could shift for higher education, and I am deeply concerned about any potential negative impacts on members of our university community. From diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to science funding, hiring and employment practices, and immigration, the new administration is signaling that changes are ahead. I recognize that this may feel unsettling for many.
There is a range of thoughts and feelings about the possible new regulatory environment, with many more questions about what the future holds than answers. What remains unchanged is my commitment to uphold the values and pursue the priorities articulated in our Rowing, Not Drifting 2030strategic plan. All individuals and perspectives are integral parts of our success and identity, and this will not change. Nurturing the growth of all students and supporting them throughout their educational journey to graduation and beyond remains a priority. Advancing critical inquiry and discovery is central to our mission as an institution of higher education.
My leadership team and I are closely monitoring all actions at the federal and state levels that may impact UNC and members of our university community, but we are not, at this point, taking any anticipatory steps to alter our programs, services, or activities. As the landscape evolves and where specific modifications are required, you will hear from me and other university leaders offering resources and guidance.
You will find resources for support on some of the topics covered by this week’s executive orders and federal policy changes at the end of this message. I invite you to contact me directly regarding any other topics of concern. Please watch for additional communications in the days and weeks ahead.
Sincerely,
Andy Feinstein
President
Immigration Enforcement
Tamra English, general counsel and secretary to the Board of Trustees (tamra.english@eduftp.net)
Immigration-related Support
Members of our Hispanic or Latine university community are encouraged to contact Rudy
Vargas, director of the César Chávez Cultural Center (rodolfo.vargas@eduftp.net or chavezcenter@eduftp.net).
Members of our international university community on F or J visas are encouraged to contact UNC’s Office of Global Engagement (international.advising@eduftp.net).
Cultural and Resource Centers
A full list of UNC’s cultural and resource centers and contact information is available
here.
Financial Aid
Office of Financial Aid (ofa@eduftp.net)
Federally Funded Research
Jeri-Anne Lyons associate vice president for Research and dean of the Graduate School
(jeri.lyons@eduftp.net)
Pamela Keener, interim director of Sponsored Programs (pamela.keener@eduftp.net)
