Ohio University evaluating potential impacts of temporary pause to select federal funding programs
UPDATE: On Wednesday, Jan. 29, the White House Office of Management and Budget rescinded a memo that had previously announced a temporary pause to federal funding programs that “may be implicated by the executive orders” issued by President Trump.
University leadership will continue to monitor this evolving situation and provide updates as needed. Additional information for OHIO researchers, including answers to frequently asked questions, will remain available online via OHIO's Research Division.
The following message was shared with all OHIO faculty and staff on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025.
Ohio University leaders in sponsored research, financial aid and grant-funded outreach programming across the University are actively reviewing evolving federal guidance following a Memorandum issued Monday, January 27 from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announcing a temporary pause to federal funding programs that “may be implicated by the executive orders” issued by President Trump.
The initial memo was broad and far-reaching. It was not targeted to higher education, but rather covered work funded through most federal agencies and impacting a multitude of sectors. The situation is rapidly shifting, and, like most universities, we are working diligently to understand the potential short and long-term impacts to our students and our research and outreach.
Importantly:
- The U.S. Department of Education issued a clarification late Tuesday, January 28, stating that the pause does not impact individual student aid such as Federal Pell Grants and Federal Direct Loans. Similarly, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has confirmed that GI Bill payments will not be impacted.
- Also late Tuesday, a federal judge blocked the pause on funding to existing programs, which was set to take effect at 5 p.m. the same day.
Guidance for Grant-Funded Research and Outreach
At this time, while we continue to assess guidance from federal agencies, faculty, staff, students and post-docs supported by federal funding in their research or outreach work should continue their normal activities unless otherwise directed by the Office of Research and Creative Activity.
We are aware of a small number of cease-and-desist orders that have been received related to specific research projects, as well as broad directives from select agencies in relation to grant-funded work that may have a diversity, equity and inclusive component. Principal investigators who receive orders or directives are asked to work directly with the Office of Research and Creative Activity on the appropriate operational response to those orders.
Continued Commitment to our Research Strategy
We recognize that the unprecedented nature of this temporary pause in funding has created some significant concern about the long-term availability of grant funding that supports important work across our University. It is imperative that we hold fast to our institutional mission and vision and remain committed to our research strategy.
Even as the federal government pauses to assess the new presidential directives, we can and will continue to develop new grant proposals and innovative research and engagement ideas while remaining ready to respond to shifting federal priorities.
The University will continue to share details as they become available. If you receive specific guidance from agencies regarding your sponsored program activity, or have specific questions, please contact orsp@ohio.edu.
Additional information for OHIO researchers, including answers to frequently asked questions, is available online via OHIO's Research Division.