"We live in a moment where every part of our university is under stress and scrutiny. I know many of you who care so deeply about our mission are anxious, concerned, and even fearful," Capilouto began his five-minute video post.
The president of the state's largest university said the federal directives aimed at higher education have resulted in some difficult decisions, citing the move to call off special identity-based graduation ceremonies as one of them.
But he said UK believes following lawful directives is the best way to protect students, faculty, and the university as a whole. And the school is expanding its outreach in Frankfort and Washington in an attempt to convince policymakers of the importance of research, an area where the school has said proposed NIH cuts could slash more than $40 million annually if they take effect.
On the question of planning and budgeting, Capilouto said the school is working on strategies that prioritize the school's mission, its people, compliance with the law, and Kentuckians' access to specialty care only available through UK, among other issues.
"While significant, our current financial challenges and economic uncertainty in terms of reductions or changes to federal grant funding, are issues we will manage together in the long-term best interest of our institution," he said.
Capilouto is also promising to maintain clear communications with the campus in the coming weeks regarding the changing state and federal climate.
Updates on changes affecting UK can be found here.