Among the many Executive Orders released by the White House over the past week are several with direct potential impacts on higher education. A memorandum Monday from the Office of Management and Budget called for pausing payment of all federal grant, loan, or financial assistance, pending a review of programs to ensure compliance with new federal directives.
The confusion and consternation this “pause” created nationwide was reflected in significant pushback, with a federal judge in D.C. blocking it temporarily, followed by an announcement yesterday that it had been rescinded by the administration. We participated, along with other colleges and higher ed organizations, in urgent advocacy efforts, including through personal calls to our congressional representatives. While we are relieved at this outcome, the White House has emphasized that their review of federally funded programs remains in effect, and suspension of grant review processes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) indicates that efforts to align federal research and education funding with the priorities of the president’s Executive Orders will continue, as will our advocacy efforts.
Even as we process and respond to this evolving landscape, we also strive to focus on our own work and community. That community includes Northfield, and this week we are hosting a community open house for neighbors and city representatives where we will share updates on campus building projects, including the recently completed Multicultural Center, and other areas of interest.
We are delighted to report that plans for the long-awaited Mill Towns State Trail are progressing through our collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), with work anticipated to begin this spring, and anticipated completion by the end of 2026. This project seeks to improve pedestrian and bike access to our beautiful local landscape, offering greater safety and recreational opportunities for both the Carleton community and Northfield residents. A portion of the trail will run along the edge of the Arboretum, primarily following Spring Creek Road in the upper arb and running parallel to Canada Avenue in the lower arb. Plans include a pedestrian and bike crossing under Highway 19. More details can be found on the Arboretum website.
Featured in Carleton Today, January 30, 2025