Metropolitan State University of Denver is monitoring evolving federal policies and regulations to assess any potential impacts on its mission and funding, including revenue streams related to grants, Interim Provost Matt Makley, Ph.D., wrote in a message to University faculty members this week.
Meanwhile, President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., has asked Academic Affairs leaders to initiate a coordinated effort among the University’s Government Affairs Office, colleges, schools and administrative departments that will evaluate the status of all current federal and state grants to ensure MSU Denver is prepared for any potential changes.
As part of this initiative, Government and External Affairs has launched a webpage dedicated to providing updates on policy changes and other developments at the local, state and federal levels of government. The page also provides guidance and resources related to the University’s response to potential shifts in the policy landscape.
While faculty and staff members have raised concerns about the implications of recent executive orders, Makley emphasized that federal funds cannot legally be withheld at this time. However, MSU Denver is proactively planning for all possibilities to protect its academic and research endeavors, he said.
Makley also advised faculty and staff members to remain focused on their work, and he reassured them that at this time, no University funds have been withheld due to executive orders and no stop-work orders have been received.
The latest information and updates will be available on the Government Affairs updates webpage. Specific research or grant-related questions should be directed to the Office of the Provost, and general federal policy concerns should be directed to supervisors, who will escalate them to deans and senior leaders for review by Government Affairs and the General Counsel’s Office.
“If you receive a directive related to federal grants and are uncertain about its validity or source, please contact the Provost’s Office or the Office of General Counsel for clarification,” Makley said. “We are here to provide guidance and ensure our community remains informed without unnecessary burden.”
