Dear Members of the University of Rochester Community,
We understand that the number and the breadth of orders and announcements from the new Presidential Administration team are causing confusion and concern across the University and among our affiliates.
It will take some time for a clear picture to emerge, given the scope of many of the orders and the fact that legal challenges are already occurring. As a further example of the fluid nature of the current situation, earlier today the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced that it was rescinding a directive issued earlier this week that would have frozen federal funding subject to recent executive orders. However, OMB is continuing to review federal funding subject to the recent executive orders, and individual agencies are issuing orders to stop funding for some grants.
Our team in the Office of Government and Community Relations is carefully monitoring and evaluating the executive orders and other directives that have been issued since January 20. The team is in close contact with our Congressional delegation, with federal policymakers, our national associations, and with colleagues at other institutions to better understand our short- and long-term obligations and to evaluate the potential impact to our programs and services as a result of the new directives.
As we move forward, our best path lies in developing a response that aligns with our values and that accommodates the fast-changing nature of this very complex situation. We encourage everyone to continue normal operations to the greatest extent possible as we work under these uncertain conditions in the weeks and months ahead.
Work is already underway to ensure that we fully review each executive order and understand its effects before responding with specific direction. As we plan for potential impacts to our resources, operational activities, or programmatic objectives, we are mindful that the people of the University community remain our most valuable resource.
In the meantime, we’ve listed below initial guidance to address some of the executive orders.
Federally Funded Research
Our Office of Research and Project Administration can help address questions related to federal grant submissions, reports, and other matters such as no-cost extension (NCE) requests. We realize that many investigators have already been impacted, and we want to reassure you that our government relations team is strongly advocating for timely resolution of the abruptly canceled study sections and advisory councils. It’s important to note that, even during times when study sections and communications with NIH staff are suspended, grant submission and reporting deadlines remain in place (unless explicitly paused or changed). If you have additional comments, we welcome your input at SrVPforResearch@rochester.edu.
Federal Enforcement Actions
We will continue to protect the rights and privacy of our students, staff, faculty, and patients in accordance with our obligations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the federal Privacy Act and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). If federal agents arrive at any University location or approach you for information, contact your supervisor or the Department of Public Safety at 275-3333.
Inclusion and Equity
We are committed to maintaining an open-minded, respectful community. We value the contributions of everyone who is part of our community, and we recognize that everyone is here because we all want to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and to contribute to the success of our classmates, colleagues, patients, and programs. Our goal has always been to create a community of excellence in all its dimensions. In accordance with our obligations under federal law, we will continue to maintain that standard for our community.
International Student Services
We value the contributions of our international students and faculty, who have been members of our University community for more than 100 years. We will continue to support them with services and updates involving visa status, travel advisories, and other information. More information is available through the International Services Office.
Health System Enterprise
Many of the executive orders can have specific impact on delivery of our health care services and our efforts to improve the health in Rochester and across our region. URMC leadership has convened an executive rapid response team with representation from clinical operations, government relations, HR, and legal for ongoing timely review, response, and communications as needed. This team will call on transdisciplinary experts with direct knowledge of potential impacts and will provide details shortly of where teams can direct questions or concerns.
Thank You
Your genuine concern for the safety and well-being of our students, patients, and our faculty and staff colleagues reminds all of us of why we have chosen to make the University of Rochester our academic home. We care about each other as individuals, and we value all that each person brings to our community. We are stronger when we remain true to our Meliora spirit.
Sarah C. Mangelsdorf
President and G. Robert Witmer, Jr. University Professor
David C. Linehan
CEO, UR Medicine; Senior Vice President for Health Sciences;
and Dean, School of Medicine and Dentistry
Nicole S. Sampson
Interim Provost and University Professor, Department of Chemistry
Steven Dewhurst
University Vice President for Research
and Vice Dean for Research, School of Medicine and Dentistry