As about 10 federal grants have been frozen or stopped so far at the University of 蜜柚直播, faculty governance leaders say the 鈥渜uite limited鈥 bridge funding UA announced 鈥渋s unlikely to provide long-term support for terminated research programs.鈥
鈥淲e believe these funds are quite limited, as the university continues to recover from a financial mismanagement crisis while also committing to wage increases in the fall,鈥 they wrote in an update to faculty on the status of federal research and grants as the Trump administration cuts funding to universities.
The update was signed UA by faculty secretary Katie Zeiders, faculty chair Leila Hudson, faculty vice-chair Mona Hymel and faculty chair of the research policy committee Lucy Ziurys.
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UA officials, though spokesperson Mitch Zak, have declined to publicly disclose how much bridge funding UA will make available, nor where the money will come from, as the university aims to close out a $65 million budget deficit by July 1. Zak did not immediately respond to the faculty leaders鈥 stated concerns the bridge funding is too limited.
The grants that have been frozen or received 鈥渟top work鈥 orders 鈥渞epresent years of dedicated scientific research with significant impacts at the state, national, and global levels. Their abrupt termination halts critical research and disrupts progress in addressing real-world challenges,鈥 the faculty governance leaders wrote.
Also, some faculty have received questionnaires from federal agencies about their grants, with instructions to respond within 24鈥48 hours, they wrote. 鈥淪ome of the questions appear to reflect broad political stances of these organizations, making faculty unsure how to respond or uncomfortable answering.鈥
鈥淭his is a crucial time to remind faculty of the importance of academic freedom, which is fundamental to advancing knowledge,鈥 the faculty leaders wrote. 鈥... In research, this means we must have the freedom to pursue inquiries wherever they may lead. University research grants and operations are not part of political debates or rhetoric; rather, they are merit-based awards designated for specific tasks ....鈥
The update called on UA leadership 鈥渢o take bold steps to protect and advance our research mission in both the short and long term,鈥 including by helping faculty find new funding opportunities and adapt research programs 鈥渢o align with shifting agency priorities.鈥
鈥淐hampion our institution,鈥 they urged, 鈥渢hat has served as an economic driver for the local community, state, and nation, while also advancing scientific and technological research and producing top graduates and innovators.鈥
The Applied Research Building at the University of 蜜柚直播.聽
U of A faculty blast research VP on lack of plans for federal cuts
