This email was sent to all PIs and Co-PIs on federal grants and RIO staff and forwarded to to UMN associate deans for research, Sponsored Financial Reporting and Sponsored Projects Administration staff, the UMN Certified Approvers group, and the Grants Management User Network by the Research and Innovation Office.
Dear Colleagues,
We have received questions regarding the purpose of our data collection request (“survey”) sent to federally funded PIs on February 5, 2025. We highly appreciate the feedback shared with us and want to take this opportunity to clarify the purpose of the survey and assure that participation is entirely voluntary.
This survey is intended to help the University better understand potential impacts on research activities should the President's Executive Orders be implemented by individual agencies. Specifically, we are gathering information on projects that might be subject to modifications or cessation. This effort will allow us to assess the breadth of potential scientific and financial impacts, as well as to plan for any necessary support or guidance.
Again, participation in this survey is completely voluntary. Faculty who choose not to participate in the survey will not receive follow-up messages. We understand that the evolving legal landscape may create uncertainty, and that some faculty may feel uneasy about sharing information that could later be requested by external entities.
When external entities request university records, those requests are subject to review by the Data Access and Privacy Office in the Office of the General Counsel. Requests are reviewed in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and other state and federal information disclosure laws.
If you choose to respond, your input will help the University gain a clearer understanding of the potential scientific and financial impacts of these Executive Orders, including projects that might be stopped entirely or those where we might be asked to remove a portion of the work on the award. Once we have a more comprehensive picture, we can better plan for potential assistance or guidance should that become necessary. Additionally, this information will strengthen the University’s ability to advocate for the critical importance of our research programs and activities to key stakeholders.
We also want to reaffirm that PIs should continue their federally funded research projects as usual. If you are contacted by a federal agency official asking you to take certain actions on your award, please consult with your SPA Grant and Contract Officer before responding to the agency. The University will work with the Office of the General Counsel to evaluate such requests and determine whether the university would be required to take action.
Given the rapidly changing nature of this situation, we encourage you to check the SPA Executive Orders and Other Policy Directives website regularly for the most up-to-date guidance. We will continue to provide updates as new developments arise.
We recognize that this is a complex and evolving situation, and we remain committed to keeping you informed. Your feedback is important to us, and we sincerely appreciate your time and engagement on this issue.
Best regards,
Pamela Webb
Associate Vice President for Research and Innovation
JoonHyung Cho
Assistant Vice President for Research and Innovation