Dear Colleagues-Friends,
In the first few weeks of the new presidential administration, numerous executive actions have been issued that may impact higher education. We are actively monitoring these shifts in federal policy, and our UT Health Science Center leadership team is working collaboratively with President Boyd, the Chancellors from other UT campuses, the Office of the General Counsel, and the Government Relations team to ensure that we have a coordinated and systemwide approach to our compliance.
We will continue to do our work at UT unless specifically directed otherwise by a federal agency or based on a compliance risk assessment regarding a particular award. If you receive a communication from a federal agency that is specifically related to your work, please contact: David Mills at dmills14@tennessee.edu.
Additionally, we have received questions about how UT employees can communicate with government officials in response to the changing federal landscape. UT policy requires all contact with Congressional offices and other covered federal officials on behalf of the university be coordinated through the UT Division of Government Relations, Advocacy, and Economic Development. More information about the policy is available here.
Finally, as we navigate these challenges, we remain steadfast in our commitment to academic freedom, as outlined in Board of Trustees Policy BT0006 – Policies Governing Academic Freedom, Responsibility, and Tenure. The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees, as the governing body of our institution, recognizes that freedom of inquiry and expression is indispensable to our mission of discovery, teaching, research, and service.
The regulatory environment for higher education is rapidly evolving, and we will continue to keep you informed as we learn more. We are committed to our mission and to you as colleagues. Thank you for your dedication to our shared mission and for all you do for UT Health Science Center and the UT System.
With respect and gratitude,
Peter F. Buckley, MD
