Dear Colleagues,

The Division of Research & Innovation is diligently tracking the impact of the recent Executive Orders (EO) on our research enterprise. Of particular importance is the EO "Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing" (Issued January 20). This EO has put into motion a 60-day review phase of all "equity-related" grants or contracts. Federal agencies have been given until February 10, 2025 to identify all programs being impacted by this EO. 

Federal funding agencies are beginning to issue guidance to university officials to suspend all grant activities related to DEI programs and activities. The continuance of such grant-related activities (including subcontracts) can result in incurred costs not being reimbursed by the federal government and requiring utilization of unbudgeted university funds to address federal funding gaps. It is our current understanding that individual Notice of Awards (NOA) will be modified to reflect specific actions that will need to be taken for each sponsored project. In the meantime, federal funding agencies have paused both the issuance of new NOAs and federal funding disbursements for open awards until the new guidance and award requirements are finalized. 

Please know that our Sponsored Program Administration office (SPA) is working closely with our Office of the General Counsel to continue to monitor and provide guidance as information becomes available. SPA is here to support you and to assist in providing consultation to address grant specific circumstances. I am also planning to institute weekly briefings with the Associate Deans for Research and Research Center/Institute Directors to ensure our collective teams are working collaboratively to help us navigate through this transition and assess the overarching impact on our research enterprise.

While the uncertainty regarding future and the immediate changes associated with the new federal administration are disruptive and disquieting, together our academic community will get through this challenging period through regular communication and ongoing support. As Michigan’s only urban top tier public research university, our research will continue to play a quintessential role in improving the quality and length of life of the communities we serve. 

Sincerely,

Ezemenari Obasi, Ph.D.

Vice President for Research & Innovation