This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on September 30, 2025.
Aloha UH ʻohana,
I hope your fall semester is going well. I have several important updates from Washington, D.C. Federal funding is set to lapse at midnight, and a government shutdown now appears inevitable. Should that occur, I will provide updates in the days ahead on the impact to our 10-campus system and our coordination with the state. For now, I want to begin with information on our official response to a federal proposal that could negatively affect international students.
Proposed rule on “duration of status” of international students
UH Mānoa submitted formal comments yesterday (Monday, September 29) opposing the Department of Homeland Security’s proposal to eliminate “duration of status” (D/S) for international students, specifically F-1 and J-1 students. The rule would impose rigid four-year limits, costly and time-consuming extensions and new restrictions on academic flexibility, disrupting research and degree completion. International students are essential to our mission, and we are urging DHS to withdraw the proposal and maintain current policy. You can read the submitted comments.
I know this is a major concern across our campus communities. My office, the Board of Regents and other leaders have heard directly from many of you urging us to act. We were already preparing a response, and your outreach reinforced that direction. Mahalo to everyone who took the time to reach out as your engagement is just another example of how deeply we care for one another.
Title III, Title VI and NHEP update
On September 18, I reported on the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to end discretionary funding for several Minority-Serving Institutions. Each campus is reviewing potential impacts and identifying critical services as we plan for next steps across the system.
We have received the positive news that the Department of Education will grant No-Cost Extensions for up to 12 months for the Title III funds that have received non-continuation notices. In practical terms, that means that we will be able to employ $10 million in funds over the next year, helping to mitigate the immediate impact of non-continuation.
GEAR UP award
I’m pleased to share that Hawaiʻi P–20 Partnerships for Education has been awarded a seven-year, $35-million GEAR UP grant. GEAR UP aims to increase the number of low-income students who graduate from high school and go on to complete college. For more than two decades, this program has supported thousands of Hawaiʻi students, beginning in middle school.
This highly competitive award is a testament to the outstanding work of the Hawaiʻi P–20 team. Congratulations to them on securing this grant, which will benefit students and families across our state.
As a reminder, please continue to check the Federal Policy Updates and Resources webpage, which is updated regularly with information on executive orders, federal actions and all of my prior messages.
Mahalo for your resilience, your dedication, and the care you show for our students and one another. I look forward to keeping you informed and working alongside you in the months ahead.
With aloha,
Wendy Hensel
President, University of Hawaiʻi
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