We recognize the concerns stemming from the recent Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memorandum (M-25-13), which calls for a temporary pause on federal financial assistance programs, including grant disbursements and new awards, effective January 28th, 2025 at 5:00pm EST. This directive applies to all federal agencies and is part of an effort to align federal spending with theAdministration’s stated priorities.
As Utah’s leading public research institution and a distinguished R1 university, we remain steadfast in our mission to advance research, foster innovation, and drive solutions that improve lives locally and globally. University of Utah leadership is actively engaging with the State, federal agencies and other key stakeholders to ensure the voices and needs of our research community are heard.
We understand that this temporary measure may create uncertainty forresearchers and institutions reliant on federal support. The University of Utah is committed to:
Federal funding sustains cutting-edge research, workforce development, and economic growth in Utah and across the nation. We are closely monitoring developments, assessing the impact on our research community, and preparing for any adjustments that may be necessary to maintain our momentum.
Our commitment to excellence in research, innovation, and collaboration remains unwavering, and we will continue to advocate for the resources and stability required to fulfill this mission.
Thank you for your perseverance and dedication during this time of adjustment. Together, we will navigate these changes and continue the important work ofadvancing knowledge and innovation.
For ongoing updates and information please visit here.
Sincerely,
Erin Rothwell, PhD
Vice President for Research
Open House Meeting from APLU TODAY:
On New OMB Directive Freezing Programs and Loans
Zoom meeting today, January 28th, from 1 – 2 pm (MST). Link to themeeting below, for those that want to register to attend (or listen to later):
Late yesterday, OMB released a directive to federal agencies, directing a “temporary pause [on] all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance, and other relevant agency activities that may be implicated by the executive orders…” The freeze is effective tomorrow at 5pm ET (3pm MST). The freeze includes a pause on all activities “associated with open NOFOs, such as conducting merit review panels.” Agencies are further instructed to among other actions, cancel awards already awarded that are in conflict with Administration priorities. During the “temporary pause,” agencies are instructed to complete a comprehensive analysis of their programs and identify those that maybe be implicated by President Trump’s executive orders, reporting such to OMB by February 10. The directive does not apply to federal assistance provided directly to individuals.
Join us on Zoom today as Jon Fansmith, Sarah Spreitzer, and Heidi Tseu from ACE’s Government Relations and National Engagement team host a members-only, post-inauguration discussion of the new Trump administration and Congress and what they mean for higher education. Hear expert perspectives and ask our presenters your questions during this one-hour program.
If you can’t attend today, APLU will email a recording link to all registrants afterward.
COGR has put together a good resource with all available agency memos on the presidential transition.
