U.S. Sanctions and Restricted Foreign Universities

The U.S. governnment maintains multiple "sanctions" programs which prohibit certain transactions with specified countries or entities. The types of prohibited activities vary by country and change frequently due to changes in foreign policy and international relations.

U.S. Department of Commerce Entity List 

The "Entity List" is a U.S. government compilation of foreign individuals, companies, and organizations deemed a national security concern, subjecting them to export restrictions and licensing requirements for certain technologies and goods.  

Research collaborations and the exchange of items or information with any Entity Listed institution, as well as visitors to UMD who are employed by, representatives of, or affiliated with any Entity Listed institution, must be vetted by the Research Security Office.

U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control List

OFAC administers a number of different "sanctions programs". The sanctions can be either comprehensive or selective, using the blocking of assets and trade restrictions to accomplish foreign policy and national security goals. 

As part of its enforcement efforts, OFAC publishes a list of individuals and companies owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, targeted countries. It also lists individuals, groups, and entities, such as terrorists and narcotics traffickers designated under programs that are not country-specific. Collectively, such individuals and companies are called "Specially Designated Nationals" or "SDNs." Their assets are blocked and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from dealing with them.  

OFAC maintains a search tool which includes the various OFAC sanctions lists, including the SDN List.