Dear WashU students, faculty and staff,

We’re writing today to share an update on our current situation in light of proposed funding cuts and other actions at the federal level that could have a significant impact on WashU.

First, it’s important to acknowledge that this has been a time of uncertainty and stress for many of us. We want to assure you that we continue to do all we can to advocate for the university and make sure our elected officials understand the value and impact of our work in support of research, education, and patient care. At the same time, we’re also preparing for potential changes in our operations, while prioritizing our mission-critical work and the well-being of our community.

There are still many unknowns with regard to actions by the federal government. We’re closely monitoring developments concerning proposed cuts to NIH funding and the overall federal budget, proposed changes to the taxation of our endowment, and other issues that are important to our community, including immigration and the diversity of our campus. We do not know what the future holds, but we know we need to be prepared for whatever may come.

We always have a responsibility to ensure that we’re using our resources wisely. This is nothing new and we have been working to identify efficiencies in our operating budget since well before the new administration took office in January. Given the current circumstances, however, the need for even more careful stewardship of our finances is especially pronounced.

We all have a role to play in shaping our financial future. We’re asking everyone to be prudent in their spending and give careful consideration to how university funds are used. Until we know more specifically what we’re facing, we are not making dramatic changes. We are generally following our normal operations in addressing budget challenges. However, there are some steps we have taken or may need to take in the weeks and months ahead to help us weather this storm, such as:

  • Requiring prior approval from university leadership to fill open positions
  • Reevaluating the need to fill some senior-level faculty and staff positions
  • Pausing some campus construction projects
  • Reducing the number of students admitted to some graduate programs

As much as possible, we will find ways to gather input from our community as we develop strategies for navigating the road ahead. Details about any changes to policies or guidance will be communicated directly with members of our community as they go into effect. We will compile all related communications on the Federal Impacts page on washu.edu, so please feel free to bookmark that URL and check back for updates.

We remain hopeful that the impact of federal changes on universities like WashU will be reasonable and measured, and that we will be able to continue to fully serve society, to the great benefit of our region, the nation and the world.

Our community is resilient. Together, we can do anything. We are truly grateful for your commitment to WashU and for your support during this challenging time.

Sincerely,

Andrew D. Martin, PhD
Chancellor

Nichol L. Luoma, MBA
Executive Vice Chancellor for Administration and Chief Administrative Officer

David H. Perlmutter, MD
Executive Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs and Dean of the School of Medicine

Beverly Wendland, PhD
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs