Madison Reporter

Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin, Provost Charles Isbell, Jr., and Vice Chancellor for Research Dorota Brzezinska have addressed the campus community regarding a recent federal memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The memo, issued late Monday, calls for a temporary halt on all federal agency grant, loan, and financial assistance programs. It also mandates a comprehensive analysis to ensure compliance with presidential policies.

A federal judge has since blocked this pause on open grant disbursements until Monday. The situation has caused significant uncertainty for the university and its partners, including state and local governments and non-profit organizations that depend on federal funding.

The leadership at UW–Madison is actively assessing the implications of the OMB memo. "Please know that we are actively assessing the OMB memo’s meaning, legality and impact," they stated in their message to faculty and staff. The National Institutes of Health clarified that ongoing clinical trials at NIH-funded institutions are not subject to this pause.

Despite uncertainties, federally funded research activities at UW–Madison are expected to continue as usual. "However...everyone should remain alert and adaptable as new information and directions become clear," advised Vice Chancellor Dorota Brzezinska.

Stop-work orders have been issued by some federal agencies in specific cases. Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP) is reaching out directly to affected principal investigators in these instances.

Importantly, the OMB order does not affect federal student financial aid such as Pell Grants or direct student loans. Most students have already received their disbursements for the semester.

Campus leadership is closely monitoring developments alongside state, federal, and coalition partners. Updates will be shared via the Federal Relations website as more information becomes available.