January 28, 2025

Dear NDSU Community, 

We understand that many of you are concerned about the recent memorandum from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which temporarily pauses issuing federal grants, loans, and other financial assistance programs. This pause, effective January 28, 2025, at 5 p.m. EST, aims to allow a review of these programs to ensure alignment with the federal administration's priorities.  

We want to reassure our students that financial aid is still being disbursed today as scheduled.  The Department of Education has indicated that federal student loans and grants are not impacted by this temporary pause.  Students who have questions about their financial aid should contact One Stop (https://www.ndsu.edu/onestop). 

We want to reassure our faculty and staff that we are closely monitoring the situation and assessing how this may affect our university's operations and research initiatives. To proactively address these challenges, I have charged a working group led by Chris Wilson, Chief Compliance Officer. This group includes colleagues from across campus, representing Research and Creative Activity, Extension, Finance and Administration, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, Governance Leadership and the Attorney General’s Office. Their collective expertise will guide our response and ensure we support all affected members of our community.   

The working group will determine the impact of this pause and more information will follow.  At this time, all purchasing and hiring decisions on federally funded grants are going to be limited and need to be reviewed and approved, in advance, by NDSU’s Grant and Contract Accounting Office (https://www.ndsu.edu/grants/). 

In addition to our internal efforts, we are collaborating with colleagues across the North Dakota University System (NDUS) to share insights and strategies for managing this evolving situation which will help us coordinate our approach and advocate effectively for our university's needs. 

We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Questions not related to financial aid can be directed to Chris Wilson (christopher.s.wilson@ndsu.edu). 

We understand that this situation may be frustrating.  We are working hard to understand the impact on the campus community and will communicate information as soon as possible.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued dedication to NDSU. 

Sincerely, 

David Cook, President