Government Updates

The Cornerstone at UK with wet, reflective streets and a partly cloudy sky.

State budget update Campus Message

Eli Capilouto

Apr 2, 2026

Government Updates

Campus Community,State legislative leaders who have been negotiating the last several days agreed to a final version of the proposed two-year budget for the state and sent it to the Governor for his consideration.It is, as always, a complex document, particularly during a time when policymakers are trying to hold down expenses. Most state agencies, for example, would receive cuts over the next two years.Most universities, including UK, are receiving budget reductions as well, even as lawmakers are also investing in critical infrastructure across our campus.

Update on Office for Civil Rights agreement Campus Message

Eli Capilouto

Dec 9, 2025

Campus Messages, Government Updates

Campus Community, I want to share an update on a mandatory federal review we’ve conducted of university partnerships and memberships. What We Found Over the past 60 days, the Office of Legal Counsel and dozens and dozens of senior administrators and area budget officers have reviewed tens of thousands of records and contracts to determine whether any may be considered discriminatory because they may limit participation based on race, gender or similar characteristics.

This is a photo of the University of Kentucky campus.

Important update on federal actions Campus Message

Eli Capilouto

Oct 1, 2025

Government Updates

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has concluded that the University of Kentucky has violated the federal Civil Rights Act. Today, I want to share with you the details of that finding and what the federal government is directing us to do now.

Main Building with fall leaves in the foreground.

Partial federal government shutdown and its impact Campus Message

Eli Capilouto

Sep 30, 2025

Government Updates

The University of Kentucky is closely monitoring negotiations in Congress regarding funding for the federal government and a potential government shutdown. If funding legislation is not passed by midnight tonight, the federal government will partially shut down. The exact impact of a shutdown depends on its length.

This is a photo of the UK sign on University of Kentucky campus.

Update on Federal Actions

Eli Capilouto

Jul 7, 2025

Campus Messages, Government Updates

On July 4, President Trump signed into law a massive tax and spending package after passage by both chambers of Congress. The package represents an important challenge to our entire university and especially our health care system. Specifically, it contains a significant shift in funding for the way UK HealthCare has over the past several years fulfilled its mission to treat and heal the sickest patients, particularly in rural areas of Kentucky.

outside the front of Gatton Student Center

Update on Federal Actions

Eli Capilouto

May 23, 2025

Government Updates

Early Thursday morning, the House adopted its version of a large tax and spending bill, which now goes to the Senate for its review. A final package will have to be reconciled by both chambers before going to the President.

This is a photo of students walking during a class change on April 14, 2025, in Lexington, Ky. Photo by Carter Skaggs

Our Principles and Priorities as Kentucky’s University

Eli Capilouto

Apr 29, 2025

Government Updates

Campus Community, We are moving quickly into the final two weeks of the spring semester, a time that has traditionally been filled with anticipation, joy and celebration. But I realize that, for many, the recent policy changes facing our university — and higher education across the country — have resulted in questions and uncertainty.

This is a photo of a student walking to class on April 23, 2025, in Lexington, Ky. Photo by Carter Skaggs.

A Community Focused on Each Other, and Our State

Eli Capilouto

Apr 25, 2025

Government Updates

I know the past few months have caused feelings of uncertainty and strain for many members of the UK family. Today, at the Board of Trustees meeting, I presented the President’s Report (PR 1) that addressed the challenges facing higher education and how, together, we will move forward — with our mission to advance Kentucky as our guide.

Revocation of UK International Student Visas

Eli Capilouto

Apr 4, 2025

Government Updates

Campus Community,The University of Kentucky has learned that the Department of Homeland Security has revoked the F-1 student visas and/or status for a small number of international graduate students at UK.University officials immediately reach out to students in these circumstances to provide information and support. We recognize the impact visa and/or status revocation has on our students. I know, too, that this news will surface many questions.

Update on Federal and State Issues

Eli Capilouto

Mar 19, 2025

Government Updates

I want to provide you with important updates about what we’ve been tracking on the federal and state levels this week. The University of Kentucky has formally notified the PhD Project that UK is canceling any contractual relationship that exists between our institution and this organization. Last week, I informed campus that the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights notified us that UK is among 45 universities under review regarding the use of “racial preferences and stereotypes in education programs and activities.”

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