Federal Policy Updates | University at Albany

The University at Albany has retained the services of Lewis-Burke Associates LLC, a Washington, D.C.-based federal relations consulting and lobbying firm with a proven history of success working with research universities to articulate and execute their federal agendas.

The firm shares important updates on administration actions that may impact higher education, including research, and produces newsletters that provide intel and funding opportunities across several key areas.

Access the Government Relations for Researchers website. Note: A UAlbany log-in is required to access policy updates and to sign up for and receive newsletters.

research

Guidance for UAlbany Researchers

Stay engaged with Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA)

If Principal Investigators (PIs) receive stop-work orders or other notifications directly from a funding agency, please forward to spa@albany.edu.

Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) will provide guidance on implementing the order and will handle any necessary follow-up communications with the funding agencies.

Proposal Submissions

SPA will continue submitting proposals as usual, as federal submission portals remain active.
Stay in contact with your research administrator or contact proposals@albany.edu within SPA for guidance.
Continue to submit a Proposal Request Form to indicate your intent to submit a proposal.
Verify sponsor submission deadlines and monitor any changes to funding announcements.
Review Step 2: Proposal Preparation & Submission of the Award Lifecycle on the Division of Research & Economic Development website for detailed guidance.

Active Awards/Projects

Continue spending as normal, unless notified otherwise.
If your research activities have been impacted by a stop-work order, email spa@albany.edu with any concerns and pause spending on those activities.
If you suspect an award activity may be impacted, consult with SPA (spa@albany.edu) before you consult your Program Officer (PO) for clarification. If you receive feedback please share the outcomes with spa@albany.edu.
Ensure all outstanding reports are submitted on time.
No-cost extensions and continuations: SPA will submit as normal if portals remain available.

Outgoing Subawards

Any official notifications from sponsors affecting subrecipient agreements must be forwarded to spa@albany.edu.

At Risk & Continuations

The Office of the Vice President of Research & Economic Development will assess "at-risk" accounts on a case-by-case basis.

Work collaboratively to develop contingency plans for payroll and expenses under affected awards.

Note: No subawards will be processed until an official Notice of Award (NOA) or obligation is received.

Plan for Contingencies

We are constantly reviewing the situation and if a contingency plan is needed, we will contact individual PIs regarding it.

If you have not received a communication about a project that you think should have been addressed, please contact SPA at spa@albany.edu.

Proactively Maintain On-time Reporting

Ensure all outstanding reports are submitted on time and be diligent in complying with sponsor reporting requirements.

For additional guidance, please visit the Researcher Guidance section of the Division of Research & Economic Development website.

Additional Resources for Students

Students with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Office of the Dean of Students at DOS@albany.edu.

students

Academic Support

Academic Advising: All undergraduate students have a dedicated advisor throughout their college career. Once a student declares a major, they also receive a departmental advisor.
Disability Access & Inclusion Student Services (DAISS): Students with disabilities can register with DAISS and request reasonable accommodation.
Tutoring & Academic Support: Free tutoring services are available to all UAlbany students. Explore peer tutoring, online tutoring and other academic support services.

Financial Guidance & Support

Financial Aid & Student Accounts: Our offices help students apply for financial aid and scholarships, enroll in payment plans and manage their student accounts.
Veteran & Military Student Services: VMSS supports UAlbany’s military-connected students and helps them secure military educational benefits.
Student Emergency Fund: These grants support UAlbany students who experience an unforeseen financial hardship or emergency.
Purple Pantry: All UAlbany students may access the Purple Pantry, a food pantry stocked with both food and toiletries.

Health & Well-being Resources

Emergencies: Get immediate help for a life-threatening emergency, an urgent medical or mental health emergency, or sexual violence.
Student Health Services (SHS): SHS provides compassionate and inclusive healthcare to all registered UAlbany students.
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS): CAPS provides professional mental health care to all registered students and consultations to campus community members, including instructors and families.
Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program: Middle Earth provides a peer assistance hotline for all students during evenings and on weekends, in addition to wellness coaching and programming.
Office of Health Promotion (OHP): OHP provides a variety of health promotion programs and services to support students. Health Navigators (healthnavigator@albany.edu) can help students learn about and connect with resources on- and off-campus that feel right for them.
Intercultural Student Engagement (ISE): ISE enhances community and belonging on a culturally dynamic campus. Access the Women's Resource Center, Multicultural Resource Center, Interfaith Center and Gender & Sexuality Resource Center.
LGBTQ+ Advisory Council: The council advocates for an inclusive campus environment that affirms the diverse and intersectional identities of our campus community. Access campus and local resources.

Resources for International Students & Scholars

Current Students & Scholars

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS): ISSS provides resources and information to new and current international students and visiting scholars, including guidance on visas and travel.
International Insurance: Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for all international students and scholars, and students on Education Abroad programs or other University-affiliated travel.
Residential Life: If you are reconsidering travel plans and need alternative housing or other campus assistance, please contact the Department of Residential Life at reslife@albany.edu or 1-518-442-5875.

Prospective Students

International Admissions: Prospective students applying to undergraduate academic programs at UAlbany should contact International Admissions with any questions or concerns.
Graduate School: Prospective students applying to graduate academic programs at UAlbany should contact the Graduate School with any questions or concerns.

Additional Information

New York State's Office for New Americans: The office’s hotline (1-800-566-7636) provides answers to immigration and naturalization questions and referrals to free legal help and programs.