The University of Massachusetts announced a revision to its admission policy regarding Iranian nationals Wednesday afternoon.

According to a University news release, UMass will admit Iranian students into science and engineering programs with individualized study plans to meet the requirements of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012. The Act restricts Iranian citizens from obtaining higher education visas in the United States in preparation for research in nuclear or energy related research in Iran.

The release stated that the policy revision follows consultation with the State Department and outside counsel.

Previously, the University had banned Iranians from certain programs in the College of Engineering and the College of Natural Sciences as disclosed in a policy memo last week. The ban resulted in widespread outrage and debate. A State Department official told the Collegian Monday that this ban came without guidance from the State Department.

“This approach reflects the university’s longstanding commitment to wide access to educational opportunities, Michael Malone, vice chancellor for research and engagement, said of the revision in the release. “We have always believed that excluding students from admission conflicts with our institutional values and principles. It is now clear, after further consultation and deliberation, that we can adopt a less restrictive policy.”

The International Relations Club and Persian Student’s Association are hosting a discussion of the policy Wednesday night in the Campus Center with guest speakers ranging from professors to undergraduate students. According to an event on Facebook, over 100 students are planning to attend.

The University could not be immediately reached for further comment.

Marie MacCune can be reached [email protected] and followed on Twitter @MarieMacCune.