Update on Administration Executive Orders — Jan. 29, 2025

As you may know, the federal government has issued several new policy directives over the last eight days. My office is working closely with the University of Maine System’s leadership, legal counsel, and national higher education organizations to actively monitor and understand the impact on students, faculty, and staff as well as on university policies, programs, and operations.

Some of the new federal directives have changed immigration enforcement policies and actions conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Office (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agencies. As a public university, we are committed to following all applicable laws and regulations. We also recognize that these changes may have implications for some members of the UMaine and UMaine Machias communities. These are uncertain times for all of us as we learn more about these executive actions and their ramifications.

For those reasons, we have prepared the following information and resources for your review and use as needed.

Campus Access: As a public institution, the University of Maine’s campuses and remote locations are generally open to the public. However, certain restricted-access spaces such as residence halls and research labs are designated for authorized students, employees, and visitors to protect the safety and integrity of people, programs, and operations. Per a longstanding university practice, non-university law enforcement officials, including those of immigration agencies, generally are not allowed to access restricted spaces without a warrant or being accompanied by authorized university personnel.

Responses by Faculty and Staff: In the event an immigration official contacts an employee in person or by other means, remain calm and ask the official to wait while you contact the UMaine Police Department (UMPD) at 207-581-4040 or through the Black Bear Safe campus safety app. Chief William Flagg, UMaine’s designated liaison, is well versed in the university’s obligations to outside law enforcement and the university’s protocols for protecting the legal rights of students and employees.

Recognizing the stress this situation and others may pose for employees and members of their households, I remind you that the UMS Employee Assistance Program is available as a resource.

Student Responses: If approached or contacted, remain calm and immediately contact UMPD at 207-581-4040 or through the Black Bear Safe campus safety app. As the university’s designated point of initial contact, UMPD will advise you on your rights and resources that are available to you. If you see someone else being approached, please refrain from interfering and contact Chief Flagg for guidance.

Students with concerns regarding immigration issues should look to resources like the National Immigrant Justice Center for assistance. Students are also encouraged to utilize the services of our Student Life offices: 207-581-1406 or um.studentlife@maine.edu for UMaine students; and 207-255-1320 or hope.shore@maine.edu for UMaine Machias students.

Student Records and Rights: The federal Family Rights and Protection Act (FERPA) protects the privacy rights of all students. Under FERPA, the only information about a student the university can release without the student’s express permission is the student’s “directory information.” Two exceptions exist:

• Students may opt out of having some or all of their directory information released. Details may be found here. If considering this step, carefully review and only choose options that won’t affect your ability to receive timely information about courses, deadlines, etc.
• The university is legally obligated to turn over directory information if it is subpoenaed for a law enforcement purpose. 

Much remains to be learned about how the recent federal directives on immigration enforcement, university programs and services, and research funding will affect our universities, and our students, faculty, and staff. We will continue to assess and update the community as more details are known. In the meantime, let’s work together to maintain a university environment that ensures a positive student experience and productive conditions for our employees and staff. Thank you for all you do to continue to cultivate a kind, compassionate, and caring community (quoting Robert Dana!).

Sincerely,
Joan Ferrini-Mundy
President
University of Maine and the University of Maine at Machias