US Federal Government Shutdown

As you know, early this morning the U.S. federal government shut down, the latest in a series of shutdowns over the past several years. During this period, most government agency activities, services, and operations will be curtailed. At this point, it is unclear when the shutdown will end.

However, since a shutdown has implications for the university’s operations, including our research enterprise and several other areas impacting faculty and students, here are some important points to keep in mind:

• Research under an active grant or contract can continue, barring a Stop Work Order or the significant involvement of federal personnel.

• Federal funding agencies will not issue new grants, contracts, or amendments. Agency staff will not be available to provide technical assistance.

• Researchers can submit proposals according to posted guidelines as long as proposal preparation systems remain online. However, proposals will not be processed during the shutdown.

• Faculty on an IPA agreement with a federal agency should immediately reach out to the agency to determine next steps.

• Researchers with deliverables and/or reports due should submit, if submission portals remain open, and if unable to submit, should take and retain screenshots to document timely attempts to do so.

Beyond research, there are other implications from a shutdown:

• Students and faculty should be aware that the U.S. Department of State consular services will continue as long as existing funds remain. In the past, visa operations have been reduced or halted during shutdowns.

• Operations at the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security will likely halt, potentially affecting H-1B applications and related processes.

• The disbursement of Federal Student Aid is not impacted by a shutdown. However, students applying for funding (e.g. loans/loan forgiveness) may experience processing delays.

• International students—and other non-US citizens—may wish to postpone travel plans outside the U.S. until government services resume.

In the event of a long-term shutdown, additional guidance will be issued.

Respectfully,

Beth A. Winkelstein

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs