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2025 Federal Transition

The White House has issued executive orders (EOs) and policy changes that have understandably sparked uncertainty and concern within the Michigan State University (MSU) community. The full extent of these developments remains unclear and is likely contingent on subsequent interpretations by federal agencies, congressional action or the courts’ interpretation. In response, MSU’s Office of Government Relations, in collaboration with many offices across campus, is carefully examining how federal changes may impact MSU’s students, faculty and staff and core missions of research, teaching and outreach.

To facilitate this process, the Office of Government Relations leads MSU advocacy efforts with policymakers in coordination with higher education peer institutions such as the University Research Corridor, the Association of American Universities, the American Council on Education and the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities. Further, MSU’s federal relations team coordinates the university’s Rapid Response Working Groups, which include leaders from the Spartan community – and analyzes what the EOs and other federal policy shifts may mean for Michigan State and its stakeholders. These response teams serve as a source of expertise and provide a foundation for coordinating both immediate responses and the longer–term development of university policies and positions.

Throughout this process, the Office of Government Relations is committed to continuing to advocate for the university's priorities and keeping leadership, faculty, staff and students informed with the most current and accurate information.

For the latest updates in key areas, please see the following important links:

  • MSU Mission
    Amid a changing federal landscape, MSU remains committed to uplifting our core mission and values.

    Mission
    Our mission is to advance knowledge and transform lives by providing outstanding undergraduate, graduate and professional education; conducting research of the highest caliber; and advancing outreach, engagement and economic activities.

    Values
    As an institution of higher learning, Michigan State University is committed to the highest ethical and academic standards. As a public institution we are committed to transparent decision making and accountable governance. As a community, we commit to live these values.
  • MSU Leadership Messages

    Office of the President: Ongoing Communications
    This page serves as the central, ongoing resource for all communications and updates from the MSU Office of the President.

    Previously posted leadership messages:

    University Communications
    As of February 24, 2025 

    Message from Vice President and Chief Communication Officer, Emily Guerrant, update on federal impacts. 

    Office of General Counsel
    As of February 18, 2025

    Message from Provost and General Council regarding federal funding notices requesting certification from MSU. 


    Office of the President: Response to federal actions
    as of February 10, 2025:

    Presidential message regarding MSU's approach to addressing federal executive orders and directives impacting higher education.

    Office of the President: Update on Federal Financial Aid 
    as of January 28, 2025:

    Presidential message regarding a federal directive temporarily pausing the disbursement of certain federal financial assistance and clarifying that this does not affect aid provided directly to individuals, such as student financial aid.

    Office of Sponsored Programs: Ongoing Updates Re: Federal Transition 
    as of January 28, 2025:

    OSP discusses federal policy changes following the presidential administration transition, highlighting key shifts affecting research funding, reporting requirements, and agency priorities, with guidance on maintaining compliance.

    University Research: Executive Orders and Federal Response
    as of January 24, 2025:

    Vice President of Research and Innovation outlines potential impact of recent executive orders on federally funded research, particularly regarding restrictions on international collaborations. The university is assessing these changes to support ongoing research while ensuring regulatory compliance.

    Office of the President: Update on Federal Policies 
    as of January 24, 2025:

    Presidential message regarding emerging federal regulations affecting research security, international collaboration, and data management.

  • Resources for Researchers

    Sponsored Program Administration
    MSU's Sponsored Progam Administration page with updates on federal policy changes following presidential administration transitions, highlighting their potential impact on research funding, compliance, and agency priorities. It is intended to help MSU researchers stay informed and adapt to evolving federal requirements.


    Request from Office of General Counsel

    As a follow-up to President Guskiewicz’s update yesterday, and as federal updates emerge, the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), Contract and Grant Administration (CGA), Office of General Counsel (OGC) and many other units are working to assist and provide guidance.

    • If you receive a stop-work order, change in terms or other communication from the federal government on a specific project and OSP/CGA have not already been copied on the communication, please send it to the appropriate OSP/CGA contact.
    • You may receive notification of new terms relating to executive orders or requests for certification. Please contact OGC via this form. An OGC attorney will coordinate with OSP/CGA for review and to provide guidance.

     

  • Resources for Students
    Immigrant Support and Safety Resources 
    Support, resources, and guidance for undocumented students, including information on admissions, financial aid, legal assistance, and campus services. It aims to foster an inclusive environment that helps students navigate their academic and personal journeys. 

    Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS)
    OISS monitors changes in immigration regulations and policies affecting international students and scholars. Updates will be posted as they become available.
  • Engagement Opportunities

    Federal Financial Aid

    Ensure students can access and complete their education. Each year, Michigan State University students receive over $400 million in federal financial aid, supporting thousands in pursuing their degrees and future careers.

    Access to financial aid directly impacts graduation rates, student retention, workforce and economic development, and medical and technological advancements.

  • National Association Resources & Updates

    Association of Public & Land Grant Universities
    The APLU news page provides updates on federal policies, funding, and initiatives impacting public research universities.

    Association of American Universities
    The Association of American Universities (AAU) newsroom features press releases on key issues affecting research universities, including federal funding, policy advocacy, and academic initiatives.

    Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) 
    The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) is an association of research universities, medical centers, and affiliated institutions focused on advocating for policies that support federally funded research.

    American Council on Education (ACE) Policy and Advocacy: 
    Updates and resources on federal policies affecting higher education, including financial aid, research funding, and regulatory issues.

    National Association of College and University Business Officers
    Represents higher education institutions and provides guidance on financial management, policy, and operations.

    National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA)
    News, resources, and policy updates related to federal financial aid programs, regulations, and compliance for higher education institutions.

  • United States Department Resources

    Congress.gov
    Track legislation, congressional hearings, and policymaking that may impact research funding, student aid, and regulatory policies affecting universities.

    Department of Education
    This U.S. Department of Education news page provides updates on federal education policies, funding opportunities, and key announcements.

    Department of Education Federal Student Aid
    Track changes to federal financial aid programs, eligibility, and regulations.

    Department of Energy
    Directives page offers access to current policies, guidance, and operational requirements governing energy-related research and programs.

    Department of Health and Human Services
    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) news page provides updates on health policies, public health initiatives, and federal funding opportunities.

    Department of Homeland Security:
    Updates on immigration policies, international students, and security regulations impacting higher education.

    Federal Register
    The Federal Register provides daily updates on federal regulations, executive orders, and agency notices.

    National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    News page provides updates on missions, scientific advancements, and agency initiatives impacting space exploration and research.

    National Institutes of Health
    Highlights upcoming policy and compliance changes for federally funded research projects administered by the National Institutes of Health starting in 2025.

    National Science Foundation
    Executive orders affecting science, research, and federally funded initiatives.

    Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars & Memos
    Budgetary, grant, and procurement changes that impact federally funded programs in higher education.

    White House News
    Features official news, statements, and press releases directly from the White House, providing updates on executive actions and federal policy.

  • Federal Definitions and Supporting Docs

    U.S. Federal Register
    The daily journal of the United States Government.  Offers definitions and explanations of terms related to federal rulemaking, regulations, and notices.

    U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)
    The GAO provides definitions of terms related to federal auditing, budgeting, and policy, helping to clarify complex government processes.

    Congressional Research Service (CRS)
    CRS provides nonpartisan research and reports with definitions and explanations of complex policy issues.

    Congress.gov Glossary
    Glossary of legislative terms used in Congress, ideal for understanding bills, resolutions, and the legislative process.