An important message from President Ferrini-Mundy — Feb. 28, 2025
Dear fellow members of the UMaine and UMaine Machias communities:
UMaine was founded 160 years ago. Our founders undoubtedly would take pride in our progress and achievements. Above all, I believe, they would be struck by our fidelity to the original land grant mission. The learning, research, and outreach conducted at our university remain animated by a steadfast commitment to serve Maine’s people, the nation and, indeed, the world. These endeavors often require vigorous debate and the clash of ideas. These are indispensable features of discovery and the advancement of knowledge.
UMaine will continue to adhere to these principles and to affirm our values. In addition to our deep commitment to academic freedom and non-discrimination, the University of Maine remains an open, welcoming, compassionate university for all who enter our doors. And we place the success and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff first.
The university is not impervious to changes in society and politics. Recent Executive Orders and other directives issued by the Administration in Washington, D.C., have received considerable public and media attention. Broad in scope, these federal directives have generated uncertainty for a wide range of individuals, groups, and institutions about what those directives intend and their implementation.
The Executive Orders and other actions have both known and unknown potential implications for our nation’s universities and colleges, especially those like UMaine and UMaine Machias that rely on significant amounts of federal funding. Recipients of federal funds are required to comply with all federal law or risk losing federal funding.
Last weekend, we learned through the news media that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), one of the federal agencies from which UMaine receives research and program funding, was initiating a formal Title IX compliance review of our university. Title IX is the federal education law that protects individuals from discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities that receive federal funding.
To be clear, USDA has not alleged any wrongdoing by UMaine or UMaine Machias, including as it relates to Title IX. The University of Maine System has since been contacted by USDA and is cooperating with the review, as is our long-standing practice.
Higher education leaders, advocacy organizations, and professional societies here in Maine and across the country are assessing the potential impact of the Executive Orders and related actions on our missions, current and future students and employees, and the research and services our institutions provide in support of learning and the public’s well-being. The System maintains a web page on which it posts information about these federal directives and related matters.
As a public university, we have an obligation to comply with State and Federal laws. The situation is dynamic and changing rapidly, with several organizations challenging various elements of the Executive Orders and associated actions in the courts. That said, universities and colleges were given a February 28, 2025, deadline to comply with certain directives, and we are undertaking an assessment to avoid the significant consequences that could be imposed.
Members of the President’s Cabinet and I are communicating regularly with faculty, staff, and student leaders. Please be assured that UMaine and UMaine Machias leaders and I are working diligently with Chancellor Malloy and others at the System office to protect the fairness and integrity of our university communities while operating in compliance with the law. In addition, we remain in close contact with Maine’s Congressional delegation and national higher education organizations to stay on top of breaking developments.
I realize and appreciate your desire and need for answers as we navigate these uncharted waters together. My future updates will be mindful of that. In the meantime, please take care and thank you for all you do to extend and reciprocate the kindness and support of our Black Bear community.
Sincerely,
Joan Ferrini-Mundy
President
University of Maine and the University of Maine at Machias