Impact

Federal and legislative information

Ohio State continues to monitor and review legislation and executive action brought forth at all levels of government.

As a public institution, the university will comply with all local, state and federal laws and regulations. At the same time, Ohio State is committed to maintaining an environment in which students, faculty and staff have the resources needed to fully participate and succeed in teaching, learning, research and patient care.

The implementation of legislation, executive orders and other changes often depends on interpretation by federal agencies and courts, so the university will rarely have clear answers right away on how a specific government action or policy will affect Ohio State.

A number of other factors also influence whether legislation or an executive order moves forward, or how it ultimately may be implemented. These factors include:

  • Which agency is responsible for implementation and if that agency needs to create rules or processes for implementation
  • The implementation timeline stated in the executive order or legislation
  • If there will be a public comment period
  • Legal action/court orders challenging the executive order or legislation

For anything with the potential to impact Ohio State, the Office of Government Affairs works with the Office of Legal Affairs and the appropriate units to convene university offices and partners to determine the impacts and, if applicable, work through implementation.

The university is actively monitoring and responding to the continually evolving landscape, and will continue to support students, faculty and staff. Offices, units and departments should not make changes to policies, procedures or rules without direction from the Office of Legal Affairs, Office of Academic Affairs or their senior vice president’s direction.

Below is guidance on specific issues as they arise.

Last updated: February 4, 2025

Guidance

University resources

Faculty with specific questions about their work in the classroom should contact the Office of Faculty Affairs. The Drake Institute also has helpful resources for instructors.

Faculty and staff with questions about human resources policy or procedure impacts should contact their Human Resources Business Partner.

Keeping the community informed

Ohio State will communicate information as needed to members of our community about changes or impacts. In accordance with the university’s Philosophy on Institutional and Leadership Statements, however, Ohio State refrains from taking institutional positions on matters that extend beyond the university. Ohio State, including leaders who represent the university, uses its voice judiciously and, when institutional or leadership statements are  issued, employs a framework to ensure decisions are made based on consistent factors. 

The university will monitor and respond to the continually evolving landscape while maintaining its support of students, faculty and staff.