Updates on federal government directives impacting Emory

Jan. 28, 2025

Navigating Uncertainty

10 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Dear Emory Community,

In recent weeks there have been many directives, policy changes, and legislative proposals from the federal government that have serious implications for Emory. I have been collaborating closely with deans and university leadership to evaluate scenarios regarding these changes. While there is still tremendous uncertainty, we must stay true to the values that define our university while upholding the law.

The education, research, and patient care undertaken at Emory are as essential as they have ever been, and our commitment to academic freedom—the bedrock of teaching and discovery—is unwavering. Equally steadfast is our dedication to fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus environment that provides opportunities to talented individuals of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. This commitment is integral to our mission, and it is core to who we are as a university community. We will continue to make the case for inclusivity and the many ways it supports excellence at Emory.

With potential changes in university funding looming, Emory must take prudent measures to prepare for what may be a significant disruption to our finances. In addition to the ongoing impacts to research, we are tracking proposed regulations and legislation that could significantly affect other revenue sources, including a possible increase in the federal tax on university endowments. To reduce expenditures and create financial capacity, the university is immediately implementing the following steps:

A hiring freeze for staff positions
Limitations on faculty hiring
A freeze on compensation adjustments
Significant reductions in operating expenditures

Emory’s academic deans and unit leaders will soon share additional details about these measures, including how each step will be implemented and, where relevant, the exception processes related to hiring and compensation.

Many in our community have reached out to me personally to express their concerns and to ask what they can do to help during this uncertain time. First and foremost, please continue to take care of yourselves and each other. Show compassion. Recognize that each person at Emory is experiencing these changes differently and that grace and understanding are a responsibility we share. Above all, know that your work here is vitally important. You teach, you heal, you learn, you guide, you discover, and you innovate—all in service to humanity.

Sincerely,

Gregory L. Fenves
President

New Federal Policies

11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025

Dear Emory Community,

In recent weeks, the federal government has issued directives and policy changes that are impacting Emory and other universities across the nation. While much remains to be determined, and with litigation being filed by the Association of American Universities and other national associations, Emory’s leadership team is developing plans to navigate this period of substantial change. I understand how uncertain this moment feels. I urge you to support each other while remaining focused on your important work. Emory will adjust as needed to continue pursuing our goals and achieving our ambitions in education, research, and patient care.

The university depends on federal funding to power many important initiatives, including but not limited to critical support for our research enterprise. For decades, Emory faculty, scientists, researchers, and students have made tremendous breakthroughs that were spurred by our partnership with federal agencies that fund life-changing research. Now, elements of that partnership are evolving, and it will be challenging for the entire university.

The recently announced limitation from the NIH on grants is an example that will significantly reduce essential funding for research at Emory. Though much of this funding is tied to the sciences and medical research, a reduction of this magnitude affects the entire university. To put it simply: we are all in this together. And there will likely be more funding adjustments at the federal level in the weeks and months ahead.

At the same time, it is our responsibility to make a compelling case for the value of Emory’s research and scholarship as part of a national research enterprise that has propelled economic growth, health and well-being, workforce development, and international competitiveness in the United States. Today, I’m on Capitol Hill meeting with elected officials to discuss these matters as well as upcoming legislation in the new Congress. Emory has always had strong relationships with our elected representatives, and as in past years, I plan to regularly engage them during this session of Congress.

We are also working with national associations to coordinate our advocacy efforts and collectively make clear that the partnership between the federal government and higher education has benefitted our nation in profound ways and must continue to thrive. Additionally, leaders from our Office of Government and Community Affairs are meeting regularly with government officials and staff to explain the numerous impacts and benefits of your research. We will emphatically tell our story and proudly share the many extraordinary ways Emory serves our society.

University leaders and I will continue to provide updates as information becomes available. We are developing scenario plans and guidance related to budgets, hiring, and more in compliance with federal regulations and statutes. I look forward to speaking with the Faculty Council and University Senate about these issues at their meetings this month.

I know that the impacts of these policy changes are not abstract—they directly affect your lives and careers as well as the world-changing research and scholarship that is at the heart of the Emory mission. My promise to you is that we will do everything we can to advocate for Emory and position the university to continue on its trajectory, serving society through education, research, and patient care at the highest level.

Sincerely,

Gregory L. Fenves
President

New Policy Guidance from the NIH

4:21 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Over the past several weeks, teams from across the Emory enterprise have been working to monitor and respond to new federal directives and policy changes that affect some areas of our work. We have communicated with our research community about these impacts amid the uncertainty of a continually shifting landscape.

Today we are sharing an update that has serious implications for Emory. Yesterday evening the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released new policy guidance capping Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs for all new and existing grants at 15% beginning on Monday, Feb. 10. For Emory, this cap represents a roughly $140 million decrease in NIH F&A funding annually. F&A funding is essential to our research enterprise. Every life-changing breakthrough we pursue—from cures for diseases to the discovery of new medicines—is made possible by the laboratory infrastructure, research security, information technology, and state-of-the-art equipment this F&A funding provides.

To put it simply, this development could affect nearly every academic unit at Emory, with both immediate and long-term consequences for our scientific research, clinical trials, patient care, and other academic pursuits. When combined with other recent guidance, and other potential federal policy changes that may be focused on higher education, the risks to Emory—and indeed to all leading research universities—are compounded.

Emory moved swiftly last night to respond to this emerging guidance, including convening conversations with our peer institutions and national university associations. This work will continue throughout the weekend and into the coming days as we learn more. While we intend to advocate strongly for this essential funding, we want to underline that these impacts are serious and may result in changes to many facets of work across Emory. We anticipate having additional guidance to share next week.

We will continue to provide updates to you as they emerge. In the meantime, please take care of yourselves, and know that we are firm in our belief that the work you do changes lives for the better.

Best,

Ravi Thadhani
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs

Lanny Liebeskind
Interim Provost

Federal Government Directives

1:50 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

Over the past week we have monitored the announcements, directives and policy changes coming from the new administration—including the latest directive related to federal funding. Many specifics remain unknown. We understand that many of you are concerned about the impact of these changes on your academic and research pursuits. We have received your messages and share your concerns.

We are working with leaders across Emory, including academic deans, to understand how these directives impact the university. As Emory and other institutions across the nation navigate this uncertainty, we will communicate additional information—either directly to impacted individuals or more broadly as necessary—as it becomes available.

In times of change and uncertainty we are reminded of the critical nature of Emory’s mission: to create, preserve, teach and apply knowledge in the service of humanity. This mission will guide us in the weeks to come. We encourage each of you to remain focused on the important work that makes you a vital part of our community.

Best,

Ravi Thadhani
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs

Lanny Liebeskind
Interim Provost

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