Campus Guidance Regarding Recent Federal Directives

  • Update: U.S. Department of Education guidance regarding discrimination in higher education (Feb. 19, 2025) Expand dropdown

    To all employees,

    As you likely know, the new Presidential administration has issued a series of Executive Orders, directives, and other communications directing universities across the country to undertake a variety of reviews and actions. The process has been complex and created confusion about required actions at universities throughout the United States.

    Most recently, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) issued a “Dear Colleague” letter (the “Letter”) that contains wide-ranging guidance intended to end the use of race, color, or ethnic origin in programs, scholarships, and hiring at the nation’s universities. Universities are directed to comply with the Letter within 14 days or risk losing federal funding.

    Employees may understandably have questions about how the Letter might impact specific programs in their offices, or EMU in general. There is much uncertainty because the Letter leaves many unanswered questions and advises that there will be further guidance in coming months.

    In the meantime:

    • Lauren London, Leigh Greden, and Dwight Hamilton are coordinating the University’s review of the Letter and its possible impact on our campus. You may hear from them in the coming days with requests for information and assistance.
    • If you have questions about how this Letter may impact a specific program in your area, please email Lauren ([email protected]), Leigh ([email protected]), and Dwight ([email protected]). They will review your questions and respond as soon as possible. Employees should CC their supervisor on emails to Lauren, Leigh, and Dwight.
    • Please do not immediately change websites or programs in your area in response to the Letter. The University’s goal is to carefully examine all programs and implement a coordinated response that complies with the law.

    We understand that this is a chaotic time. Please know that we are here to support employees and students and provide information and resources to assist you in navigating these changes. To that end, we intend to provide periodic email updates as well as updates to this website.

    We value Eastern Michigan University’s vibrant and student-centered campus environment. We remain committed to creating a community that supports students and employees, and welcomes people from differing backgrounds and perspectives. We will not waver in our commitment that “All Are Welcome Here.”

    James Smith, Ph.D.
    President

    Rhonda Longworth, Ph.D.
    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

  • Reduction of Indirect Cost (IDC) funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Expand dropdown

    On February 7, 2025, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced that Indirect Cost (IDC) funding to universities receiving NIH grants would be capped at 15% effective immediately. These rates have, until now, been negotiated individually by universities. On February 10, 2025, a federal judge in Massachusetts halted this rate cut nationwide. A court hearing is scheduled for Feb. 21, 2025, at which several states, universities, and health systems will seek an injunction to halt the funding caps indefinitely. EMU is one of many universities that receive NIH grants, including IDC funding. The NIH’s decision would, if implemented, therefore result in an immediate loss of funding for EMU. 


    It is unclear at this time whether the federal government will impose similar reductions in IDC funding at other federal agencies. If so, the impact on EMU might be greater because NIH funding constitutes a relatively small portion of EMU’s federal funding.


    In the meantime, here is guidance for employees:

    • Individuals who manage grant-funded projects should continue their work within the available budget and guidelines.

    • Employees should monitor their email for updates on possible next steps from the University’s Office of Research Development & Administration (ORDA), Office of Grants Accounting, and especially from their program officer.

    • If principal investigators/program managers receive written updates about grant funding or directives from an external grant funding agency, they should immediately share that notice with Scott Teasdale ([email protected]), Director of ORDA.

  • Responding to federal law enforcement on campus  Expand dropdown

    Recent legislative actions and executive orders issued by the incoming White House administration have raised questions about how members of the campus community should respond if a federal law enforcement officer visits campus and requests information or access to campus space.

    If a federal law enforcement officer (such as an immigration enforcement officer) asks for access to campus space, presents a subpoena, or asks for information about an EMU student or employee, University employees should inform the officer that University employees are required to consult our Department of Public Safety. University employees should ask the officer for their name, identification number, agency affiliation and, if applicable, a copy of the subpoena. Ask the officer to wait. You should then call DPS at 734.487.1222 and notify them of the officer’s presence. DPS will then contact the University's Office of Legal Affairs and will work with you to finalize next steps.

  • Office of Management and Budget Directive Regarding Federally Funded Programs  Expand dropdown

    The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a directive on Monday, January 27, that paused significant amounts of federal spending. The OMB rescinded that directive on Wednesday, January 29. We nonetheless expect this issue will require future attention. In the meantime, individuals who manage grant-funded projects should continue their work within the available budget. Employees should monitor their email for updates on possible next steps from the University’s Office of Research Development & Administration (ORDA), Office of Grants Accounting, and your program officer. 

  • Eastern Michigan University resources in light of recent federal government actions (message to students, Feb.19, 2025) Expand dropdown

    Dear EMU students,

    We recognize that recent changes at the national level have created uncertainty for students at universities, including Eastern Michigan University. Please know that we are here to support students, listen to your concerns, and provide information and resources to assist you in navigating these changes. We remain committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where you can continue to thrive academically and personally.

    Some of the recent Presidential Executive Orders, directives, and proposed actions are creating confusion and uncertainty. Specific answers to your questions may not be immediately available because the administration has not provided full details regarding many of its actions and some are being challenged in court. But like universities across the country, we will continue to gather additional information, and consult with peers and other organizations to help us share information and assess the impact of these actions on our campus.

    We have developed an informational webpage to address some of the specific questions you may have related to possible actions by federal law enforcement officers and federal funding for grants and other projects. We will update this website as new information becomes available so you can return there for updates. We will also share additional guidance through campus emails.

    In the meantime, the most important thing we can do is carry on by supporting and respecting one another, pursuing excellence in the classroom, and engaging in personally rewarding activities that help lead to future careers and goals beyond your graduation.

    We are proud to provide a broad range of resources across campus that may help. If you need support with these or other matters, please contact the Dean of Students office or, if emotional support is appropriate, contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

    We value Eastern Michigan University’s vibrant and student-centered campus environment. We remain committed to creating a community that supports students and employees, and welcomes people from differing backgrounds and perspectives. We will not waver in our commitment that "All Are Welcome Here."

    James Smith, Ph.D.
    President

    Rhonda Longworth, Ph.D.
    Provost, Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

  • Jan. 29, 2025: Message to EMU employees from President Smith and Provost Longworth: Eastern Michigan University resources and protocols in light of recent executive actions

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    The Trump administration recently issued a series of orders that could potentially impact the EMU community. We know that unexpected change can create confusion and anxiety. Because the White House has not provided full details regarding these actions, specific answers to all questions may not be available at this time. We are, like universities across the country, gathering additional information from peers and other organizations to help us assess the impact of these actions.

    We have developed an informational webpage that addresses some of the specific questions you may have related to possible actions by federal law enforcement officers and federal funding for grants and other projects. We will update this website and share information through campus email as we receive additional information.  

    In the meantime, during these moments of uncertainty, the most important thing we can do right now is to focus on serving our students and each other and carrying on with our important programming. If you have specific questions regarding how a federal order may impact your work, please email [email protected].

    We value Eastern Michigan University’s vibrant and student-centered campus environment and remain committed to creating a community that supports our students and employees, and welcomes people from differing backgrounds and perspectives. We will not waver in our commitment that, “All Are Welcome Here.” 

    James Smith, Ph.D.
    President

    Rhonda Longworth, Ph.D.
    Provost, Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

This page will be updated as events warrant. Last updated on February 19, 2025.