Federal Actions

Meeting Federal Requirements, Supporting Our Community

North Dakota State University is committed to providing access, opportunity, and excellence as North Dakota’s land-grant institution. As federal actions unfold we are moving forward with a strategic focus — carefully adapting while ensuring compliance, minimizing risk and disruption and upholding the integrity of our university community.

Rooted in our land-grant mission, we remain focused on expanding educational access, driving research innovation, and strengthening industry and community partnerships. By thoughtfully integrating new procedures, we safeguard the university’s stability while positioning NDSU to lead through change — always with the goal of serving our students, faculty, staff, and the people of North Dakota and beyond.

Our approach is guided by collaboration and careful oversight. Through dedicated working groups, we are actively assessing federal developments, evaluating their impact, and aligning our operations to meet new requirements. This structured and proactive process ensures that we remain compliant while continuing to provide a seamless, high-quality experience for our students, faculty, and staff.

We recognize that change — especially when driven by external factors — can bring uncertainty and concern. As we navigate these evolving federal requirements, we understand that members of our university community may have questions and concerns about how these changes impact their work, responsibilities, or daily experiences. Please know that we are committed to transparency, open communication, and providing the necessary support to ensure a smooth transition. Our goal is not just compliance, but also to minimize disruption, protect the well-being of our students and employees, and uphold the high standards that define NDSU.

Guidance for Interactions with Federal Law Enforcement

The following guidance and FAQs are provided for NDSU faculty and staff should they ever encounter federal law enforcement officials on campus.

If any federal enforcement officer, including a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official, contacts you regarding NDSU or an individual at NDSU, assure them that you are not obstructing their work and refer them to the NDSU Safety Office at 701-231-8998.

Frequently Asked Questions

NDSU is not aware of any federal law enforcement activity on its campus at this time.

Assure them that you are not obstructing their work and refer them to the NDSU Safety Office at 701-231-8998.

NDSU will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our campus community while complying with the law. Support resources for students are available through the Dean of Students and the Counseling Center. Support resources for employees are available through Faculty Affairs and Human Resources.

You should not allow any stranger into a locked building such as a residence hall or office. However, if the law enforcement officer indicates that they have a warrant or is demanding entry, do not obstruct their access and call the NDSU Safety Office at 701-231-8998.

NDSU is obligated to protect the confidentiality of its educational records under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). NDSU may only provide educational records to law enforcement officials pursuant to subpoena, court order or other limited circumstances expressly required by FERPA. The NDSU Safety Office and the Attorney General’s Office are responsible for conducting the legal analysis for disclosure of records. Individual faculty and staff should not make these determinations.

The NDSU Safety Office is the point-of-contact because they have experience with external law enforcement agencies, and they are available 24/7. The Safety Office will communicate and coordinate with the Attorney General's Office to determine what legal issues are involved. The most common law enforcement issues for NDSU relate to accessing records and non-public areas of campus. These issues involve federal privacy laws (e.g., FERPA) and various constitutional provisions.

There is complexity in determining which records must be shared with federal authorities and where/when property is searchable – commonly involving subpoenas, search warrants and court orders. The NDSU Safety Office and the Attorney General’s Office are responsible for conducting the legal analysis. Individual faculty and staff should not make these determinations.

NDSU cannot provide personal legal services to students or employees. Please consult with a private attorney, Legal Services of North Dakota or Justice North.

Committee Representatives

Federal Coordination Dear Colleague Letter Federal Research

Learn More

For more background and key updates, explore the Federal Actions Resources page to stay informed and engaged with this evolving process.

Stay Informed

To ensure transparency and keep our community fully informed, we encourage you to stay updated by reviewing our previous communications on this topic. We are committed to providing timely and relevant updates as we continue to navigate this environment together. Please check back regularly for new information and resources.

Share With Us

We are committed to keeping our NDSU community informed as we adapt to new requirements and evolving procedures. We understand that navigating these changes may raise questions or concerns, and we are here to support you through this process.

Have a question?

Let us know, and we will be happy to provide clarity, offer support, and ensure you have the information you need to navigate these changes with confidence.

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Have an idea or suggestion?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, and together we can create solutions that enhance our experience and move us forward.

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Have a concern or issue?

Please let us know, and we will work to address it promptly and fairly, ensuring a positive and supportive environment for everyone.

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