Navigating the complex federal landscape

Dear Colleagues,

As we navigate the uncertainty surrounding recent federal communications and executive orders, I have heard many students, faculty and staff express fear and anxiety about how these changes might affect their education, their scholarship and their livelihood.

Today, I want to outline for you the University of Minnesota’s approach to these circumstances and some tools available to you.

First, let me reassure you that our values and mission remain unchanged. Our University has thrived for more than 170 years, and we will not waver in our commitment to training the next generation of leaders, while generating the knowledge and innovations our society so desperately needs. We will continue to serve our state, nation and world, while we support each other.

We do not have all of the answers about the short- or long-term impact of this new federal landscape, which continues to evolve daily. Chancellors, deans and central unit leaders are developing contingency plans for how the University could respond, should the federal government follow through on its proposed cuts and mandates, including careful evaluation of our multiyear financial commitments.

At the same time, we will not overreact to what remains a very fluid situation. All of us have work to do to fulfill our shared mission, and University leaders will do everything in their power to minimize disruptions or distractions that might stand in our way. We will also continue to engage members of our University community in this planning process, knowing that we are much more effective when we work together.

Beyond scenario planning, the University is partnering with higher education associations to address the legality of federal directives that impact our public service mission. This includes stop-work orders on multiple federal grants.

We are actively assessing ways in which the University may support faculty and staff who are directly impacted by these stop-work orders. University leaders and I will provide you with updates as new details emerge.

We also encourage you to visit our Rapid Response website for the latest updates on a range of issues, including diversity, equity and inclusion; biomedical research funding; immigration; and information from and potential changes to the Department of Education.

Thank you, again, for the tremendous dedication and resilience that you continue to display during challenging times. I know that all members of our University community share my unwavering support for our land-grant mission and its extraordinary impact on countless lives across our state, nation and world.

As we move forward together, please know that we will continue to advocate on behalf of our amazing institution and its mission.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Cunningham
President