A Letter to Faculty: February 2025

February 10, 2025

Dear Faculty Colleagues,

Federal policy changes are on all our minds right now. Together, as a community, we must support each other through these challenging times. We must be unwavering in our commitment to our teaching, learning, and research missions. We must be steadfast in our support of all our students, faculty, and staff. 

As these changes continue, know that we are following them closely. Many of these actions are being challenged in various federal courts, and some are currently subject to court orders that prohibit their implementation. 

The announcement of a policy change on Friday by the NIH to sharply reduce the indirect cost recovery rate, if fully implemented, will have a significant impact on Wake Forest University and U.S. higher education in general. Our leadership team, including our colleagues from the Office of the Provost, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Legal, Global, Finance, Human Resources, and Government Affairs as well as other key stakeholders at Wake Forest University, is working diligently to understand the full impact. 

Faculty who have current research grants or are submitting grant applications are already receiving communications and advice from Kim McAllister, Vice Provost for Research, Scholarly Inquiry, and Creative Activity. Our Government Affairs Office, led by Associate Vice President Julia Jackson-Newsom, is tracking all changes (and anticipated changes) and working with University leadership, national academic organizations and our legislators to advocate for the University’s interests.

We know these rapid fire developments affecting higher education are unsettling and unclear. For guidance and support, please reach out to your Department/Area Chair, your Dean’s Office, or the Provost’s Office with your questions. Also, refer to this Wake Forest website for updates and contact the support team with the specific expertise you need. These teams will help us all remain in compliance with recent directives as new policies unfold. 

For additional updates and guidance related to the evolving research policy landscape specifically, we invite you to join the WFU Research Info Google Group managed by Vice Provost Kim McAllister.  We encourage you to continue your important and inspiring scholarship and research. If you receive specific guidance from a funding agency to alter your planned activities, please let us know immediately and we will work with you to interpret that guidance.

Thank you for all you are doing each and every day to advance the pursuit of our academic excellence in the spirit of Pro Humanitate.

Best Regards,

Michele Gillespie
Provost