The following email was sent to students, faculty, and staff on January 22, 2025. It is published here for your convenience.

Dear students, faculty and staff,

This week marked the start of a new executive and legislative administration within the U.S. government, bringing changes to laws and policies affecting healthcare, research, education and our institution.

At the University of Michigan, we have established a process to carefully review these actions and understand their implications. This process draws on the deep expertise of the university’s leaders and stakeholders. Our aim, as President Santa J. Ono noted in his January 8th message, is to analyze new policies and establish a thoughtful approach for engagement with the new administration.

While emerging executive orders and legislative changes may bring uncertainty, we are committed to forging a path forward that includes working with policymakers, listening to our community and keeping our values in the foreground. As in any period of change, there will be a range of opinions and questions from our community.

Individual students, faculty and staff are free to exercise their right to free speech and expression. We support and encourage civil discourse, constructive debate and diverse viewpoints, which are hallmarks of any great public university.

Now and always, we will stay true to our mission. We will pursue academic excellence, advance field-defining research and dedicate ourselves to learning and teaching in ways that improve lives and make a meaningful impact in Michigan and on the world.

Sincerely,

Laurie McCauley
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Geoff Chatas
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Marschall S. Runge
Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs