Spartan community:
We write to provide an update and acknowledge the strong concerns regarding potential changes to federal laws, policies and regulations that may impact our university and community.
Last week, we set in motion a leadership response process to coordinate the careful and timely review and assessment of the emerging changes and to try to understand what they may mean for our students, faculty, staff and missions around research, teaching, and outreach and engagement. These Rapid Response Teams are focusing on impacts on campus life, international students and scholars, research, teaching, and financial and tax policy implications.
This process will tap into the expertise of our university leaders and stakeholders. MSU’s Government Relations office is actively monitoring developments at the federal level, working closely with appropriate leadership across the university and coordinating the Rapid Response Teams. In addition, MSU will collaborate with its higher education partners, peer institutions and professional associations to thoughtfully engage with federal policy decision-makers in the coming weeks and months.
In some instances, we are hearing of temporary pauses regarding research and funding, some of which are standard for a new administration. Some decisions at the federal level may be delayed until new agency leadership is in place. Vice President for Research Doug Gage sent a letter to impacted faculty and programs this afternoon outlining more details related to impacted research projects.
Understandably, the changes outlined in the recently announced executive orders and proposed legislative shifts may create some uncertainty and concern. We have learned over the years in higher education that full participation of all lived experiences and perspectives is essential in being able to deliver on our core missions. And so, as the MSU community navigates these new waters and their potential impact on our campuses, we will move forward with purpose that has served this state and the world for nearly 170 years. This will include working closely with policymakers, listening to stakeholders, strengthening our community and staying grounded in our core values and mission.
Please know that no matter what happens, we all belong here. The university remains committed to research and educational excellence, inclusivity and dialogue, and we will continue as one team to navigate any changes and challenges that come our way.
Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D.
President
Thomas D. Jeitschko Ph.D.
Interim Provost
Kelly Tebay
Board of Trustees Chair