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Higher education policy landscape

Peggy Agouris | Fri, Feb 14, 2025

The following message was sent to the W&M community from Provost Peggy Agouris and Senior Vice President Ginger Ambler – Ed.

Dear faculty, staff, and students,

Members of the William & Mary community have asked for our guidance regarding changing policies in Washington that have the potential to impact higher education and William & Mary specifically. Today, we write to share our approach to this shifting landscape. We have gathered several different topics below, together with updates and reminders of useful resources.

This community is justly proud of our values-based approach to teaching, learning, and research – anchored in longstanding commitments to belonging, curiosity, excellence, flourishing, integrity, respect, and service. At times of uncertainty, we remind ourselves how durable these values are. The idea of “belonging” (“who comes here belongs here”) has been integral to our campus culture for three-quarters of a century, dating back to William & Mary’s 1949 Student Handbook.

Thank you for continuing to send your questions our way so we can provide the guidance and resources you seek.

Sincerely,

Peggy Agouris

Provost

Ginger Ambler

Senior Vice President for Student Affairs & Public Safety

Updates on higher education policy changes

Executive orders from Washington that may impact higher education have proliferated this past month, with confusing stays and reversals. As they are announced, university leadership works closely with relevant departments to evaluate any potential impact to W&M. Our priority is to provide timely and accurate information. To do so, we draw on a strong Government Relations team and effective partnerships with the other state institutions in Virginia. At present, it is still too early to assess accurately the impact on William & Mary and VIMS. We will continue to update the campus through the spring as warranted.

  • For updates from the Vice Provost for Research and the Office of Sponsored Programs, click here.
  • For inquiries from the media, please direct them to University Communications (wmnews@wm.edu or 757-221-2630).
  • For questions about engaging with federal, state, and local officials, please refer to this published guidance.

Public safety resources

Here are additional resources following the recent campus message from Chief Butler. The William & Mary Police Department (WMPD) is a fully accredited police department in the state of Virginia. Officers provide professional safety services on campus including an active police patrol, all day every day. 

  • If you encounter anyone on campus you’re concerned about, contact WMPD at 757-221-4596. They will respond immediately. In the most urgent situations, use 911.
  • You can also use the RAVE Guardian App. This app works like a “blue light” in your pocket and connects you directly to WMPD. If you do not already have this app on your phone, links and instructions are available on the WMPD website.

Resources for students and employees

National and global events impact members of our community differently, often in challenging ways. Please draw on the W&M resources available to support you, including: