Former President Biden spoke with students at the Harvard Kennedy School in an off-the-record study group on Wednesday at the invitation of his longtime adviser, Mike Donilon.

Donilon is one of nine fellows at the school’s Institute of Politics for the spring. He was the chief strategist for Biden’s 2020 campaign, served as a senior adviser to the leader during the first three years of his presidency and helped facilitate the Democrat’s reelection campaign. 

“The Institute of Politics gives students a chance to learn firsthand from prominent public servants across the political spectrum. Over the years, we’ve been honored to host former presidents and presidential candidates from both political parties, including George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Robert Dole, Jeb Bush, John McCain, Al Gore, and now President Biden, who was invited by his longtime advisor Mike Donilon,” the Harvard Kennedy School said in a statement to The Hill.

“As a school devoted to training the next generation of public leaders, we are proud to welcome senior policy makers and political figures representing a broad cross-section of views to engage with our students,” the school added.

The Kennedy School fellow did not announce the details of Biden’s appearance, and only a select group of students were asked to attend.

Students who serve as Donilon’s associates were invited to the event, despite typically having guaranteed access to study groups, The Harvard Crimson reported.

Officials heightened security by closing off the first floor of the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum from noon to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the outlet.

Biden’s team did not immediately respond to The Hill’s request for comment on the event.

His visit comes amid tensions between the school and the Trump administration, which has resulted in a $2 billion freeze in federal funds for the Ivy League. On Wednesday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the cancelation of more than $2.7 million in grants to the university.

Biden’s presence was not related to the conflict, according to the Boston Globe.