President Sian Beilock spent the day on Capitol Hill advocating for the value of higher education and federally-funded research. She emphasized the consequential impacts of a dramatic endowment tax increase with Sens. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Susan Collins (R-ME), discussed the need for better housing and child care options in New Hampshire with Reps. Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) and Chris Pappas (D-NH), and reconnected with Dartmouth alumni Sens. Angus King ’66 (I-ME) and Tina Smith T ’84 (D-MN).

Dartmouth joined several peer institutions in filing an amicus brief in support of Harvard’s lawsuit against multiple federal agencies and arguing for continued investment and university partnerships in scientific research. As outlined in the brief, universities leverage the funding received through highly competitive federal awards, in synergy with large investments of our own, to drive scientific discoveries, improve lives, and build economies. We also notified members of the Dartmouth community—faculty, staff, graduate students, and alumni—of this action.

On June 5, the White House issued a proclamation restricting entry into the U.S., effective June 9, for individuals from 19 countries who are not U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents and who do not have a current, valid visa. In response, the Office of Visa and Immigration Services sent messages to all current and incoming students and scholars from those countries. Provost David Kotz also sent a message to all faculty, staff, and students—which was forwarded to undergraduate families and international alumni—sharing the OVIS outreach and the actions Dartmouth continues to take in support of our international community.

President Beilock advocated for Dartmouth and higher education with key stakeholders throughout Washington, D.C. during a recent trip, which included attending the reception for the Davidson Institute's annual conference.

The U.S. State Department has reportedly halted interviews for student and exchange student visas. Then, on May 28, it was announced that the administration will “aggressively” revoke the visas of some Chinese students. The details of both developments remain unclear, but we know that many on campus and many incoming students may be affected.

The Office of Visa and Immigration Services, the International Student Experience Office, and several admissions officers sent messages to current and incoming students reassuring them that we are working to better understand the situation and where they can find additional guidance. International students are integral to the vibrancy and academic excellence of our community, and we are doing everything we can to support them.