Information About Federal Orders, Memos and Agency Guidance
We are closely monitoring all federal actions that could affect the University of Nebraska. While the full scope of these orders and proposed legislative changes continues to unfold, we are carefully monitoring these issues and taking proactive steps to support our mission and our community.
We have received many questions from faculty wondering whether their federally funded research has been impacted by any of the directives thus far. If you have questions, please reach out to your program director or your campus’s office of sponsored programs. If you receive notice that your work is affected, please immediately contact your office of sponsored programs.
Government Shutdowns and the NU System
Congress has not yet reached an agreement on federal funding for the next fiscal year, triggering a partial government shutdown on October 1. University of Nebraska is closely monitoring the situation and preparing for potential impacts on our students, faculty, staff, and research enterprise. Our FAQ page provides answers to common questions about how a shutdown could affect the university community. We will update this information as new details become available.
University-Wide Messages
A Message from NU Leadership on the Potential Federal Government Shutdown (9/29/25)
Email Message from President Gold on the February 25 Board of Regents Meeting (2/25/25)
Email Message from President Gold on OCR's Dear Colleague Letter (2/20/25)
Email Message from President Gold on Proposed Federal Changes (2/17/25)
Email Message from President Gold on Federal Funding (2/8/25)
Email Message from President Gold on Federal Funding (1/28/25)
A Message from NU Leadership on Our Commitment to You (1/24/25)
Federal Issue Updates
OCR "Dear Colleague" Letter: President Gold initiated a chancellor-led comprehensive review of potentially relevant activities on each University of Nebraska campus. This process allows each campus to evaluate its current programs, positions and policies and take appropriate measures to align with the Department’s directives with the information we have thus far. The University of Nebraska Board of Regents also held a special meeting on February 25 to review potential future changes to our Board bylaws and policies.
OMB Memo M-25-13: The Office of Management and Budget has rescinded M-25-13. Executive orders remain in effect, and federal agencies are continuing to review existing grants for compliance.
NIH F&A: On March 5th, a federal judge issued an injunction blocking this action and replacing the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO).
DOE F&A: On May 15, a U.S. district judge issued a nationwide preliminary injunction halting the Department of Energy (DOE) from “implementing, instituting, maintaining, or giving effect to the Rate Cap Policy in any form with respect to the institutions of higher education nationwide until a further order is issued. This nationwide injunction replaces the temporary restraining order in place since April 16, 2025.
U.S. ED RIF: The U.S. Department of Education announced a reduction in force (RIF). A letter from the Acting Under Secretary of Education outlines the impact on higher education. On July 14, the Supreme Court of the United States granted the Trump administration's request to temporarily pause an order from a federal judge that would require the reinstatement of previously fired U.S. ED employees.
NSF F&A: On June 20, a federal judge declared the National Science Foundation's standard 15% rate on Facilities and Administrative (F&A) reimbursements on new grants to colleges and universities, "invalid, arbitrary and capricious, and contrary to law." The rate cap is currently not effective.
DOD F&A: On June 19, a federal judge issued a nationwide temporary restraining order (TRO) blocking DOD from from implementing a 15% cap on indirect cost reimbursement rates on new or existing research awards.
Federal Government Shutdown: On Wednesday, October 21, 2025 at 12:01 a.m., a lapse in federal appropriations triggered a partial government shutdown of non-essential federal operations.
Agency Lapse of Funding Plans: The Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) has developed a compilation of federal agency lapse plans, available here.