Earlier this month, the University of Guam's acting President, Sharleen Santos-Bamba, told KUAM this about federal policy changes impacting some of UOG’s grant-funded programs.

“We’re remaining vigilant and paying attention to the news and the guidance as it trickles in. Information is slow to come–a lot of it, we’re getting from the news just like everyone else. So, we’ve asked our deans and directors and other administrators and PI’s of these grants to communicate directly with any of the grantors so that we get the most up-to-date information,” said Bamba. 

The university is now revealing the dollar amount of President Donald Trump’s Executive Order, which addresses Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, with $11.4 million in grants managed by the university’s research corporation affected.

As a result, UOG is having to adjust staffing and program funding. This means 11 grants and 40 student internships have been paused, and 12 employees are reassigned to other grants. 

Though the institution confirms no employees have been furloughed. 

Meantime, two federal judges issued separate rulings last week, temporarily blocking Trump's Executive Orders to end federal support for DEI programs and drastic cuts to the National Institutes of Health funding. 

Bamba shedded light on the information UOG received from the NIH as a result of the EO. 

“THE NIH has sent us some information about indirect costs. So, traditionally, it’s about 30% for indirect costs, which is revenue for the institution. They dropped that to 15%. So, we’re actually looking about half of our amount for indirect costs,” added Bamba. 

In a release, UOG said despite the challenges, it remains committed to ensuring minimal disruption to research and academic initiatives and is actively reallocating resources, expediting the drawdown of available grant funds, and engaging with federal agencies.   

UOG President Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez stated in part, “We are working closely with federal agencies to navigate these changes, protect our research programs, support affected employees, and sustain valuable opportunities for our students. Our priority is securing solutions that preserve UOG’s role as a hub for research excellence and economic advancement in Guam and the broader micronesian region.”