The University of Rochester is monitoring and reviewing changes in federal policy, including recent executive actions, as well as other changes that may affect research programs and related activities. On this website you will find the latest updates and guidance for researchers, including specific guidance by funding agency.
We recognize there is question and concern as to whether federal funds allocated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) components in existing grants may be reallocated to other grant activities. We are continuing to monitor this and will provide updates as soon as they are available. We also recognize there is lack of clarity regarding how DEIA is being defined, particularly around “accessibility”. We are awaiting further agency clarification on this matter.
Faculty must comply with agency-specific mandates (review agency guidance). In cases where agencies have issued such mandates (which is not uniformly the case), they include requirements to cease “grant activity that uses or promotes the use of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) principles and frameworks” (according to the NSF). Such activity “may include, but is not limited to conferences, trainings, workshops, and considerations for staffing and participant selection” (NSF). Many agencies have also issued similar prohibitions regarding activities related to “gender ideology”.
Otherwise, continue working on federally funded projects if obligated funds are available and the sponsor has not issued a stop-work order. Review each agency’s specific guidance, summarized in the links below, noting that there may be differences or nuances in each agency’s approach and guidance.
Submit all required deliverables and reports, noting that sponsors may have adjusted content requirements, or may communicate such content adjustments in the future.
Some stop-work orders are being sent directly to investigators. Please forward copies of any such notices directly received to resadmin@orpa.fenxiong.net.
Contact your ORPA research administrator for questions related to federal grant submissions, reports, and other matters such as no-cost extension (NCE) requests.
Summary of Executive Orders: The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) has developed a resource page that provides links to information, analysis, government documents, and other resources about executive actions and changes in policies and practices affecting federally funded research.
