During a government shutdown, agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) generally pause new grant awards, proposal reviews, and program launches. Institutions with existing federal research awards may still be able to draw down previously obligated funds, but technical assistance, progress reviews, and application processing are typically suspended.

According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), most federal research staff and grant managers are classified as nonessential and furloughed, resulting in delays that can extend well beyond the shutdown itself. Past shutdowns have led to cancellations of reserved time on national lab instruments, closures of field research sites on federal lands, etc.

The impact on undergraduate research is not yet clear, but students applying for NSF, NIH or other federally supported programs might experience delays in response times to email and program timelines might change. UROP advises students involved in projects to stay in communication with project mentors and be attentive to program websites for updates.

CU Boulder’s administration is working to minimize disruptions to research and other grant-supported activities. In the unlikely event that students with UROP funding experience changes in their ability to accomplish project goals, such as the availability of mentors and/or resources, UROP will not withdraw previously awarded funding.
Ìý

Payroll Enrollment for Assistantships & Individual Grants

UROP pays student grant funding directly to recipients in one payment near the beginning of the awarded term.Ìý

Students need to complete the following steps to receive payment. If any part of the award has been designated for transfer to the department by the project mentor, the amount is noted in the official decision notice.

Timelines for Assistantships & Individual Grants

April 25, 2025 - Grant Acceptance Due
May 2, 2025 - Personal Information (PI) Due
May 10-16, 2025 - Direct Deposit Setup Window
May 30, 2025 - Stipend Pay Date
August 15, 2025 - Final Survey Due
August 29, 2025 - Mentor's Final Survey Due

April 25, 2025 - Grant Acceptance Form Due
May 2, 2025 - Personal Information (PI) Form Due
September 13-17, 2025 - Direct Deposit Setup Window
September 30, 2025 - Stipend Pay Date

For Fall Graduates

Nov. 21, 2025 - Final Survey Due
Nov. 28, 2025 - Mentor's Survey Due

All Other Recipients

April 10, 2026 - Final Survey Due
April 17, 2026 - Mentor's Survey Due

The next deadline will be February 13, 2026 and will award proposals in Summer 2026 and Academic Year 2026-27.

Who do I contact with questions?

UROP does not have access to most payroll information; for direct assistance, contact the Payroll Department.

Direct Deposit Questions:

Why can't I setup direct deposit?

You may need to wait until the "direct deposit window." If you are not an active employee, you will only be able to setup direct deposit during the dates posted. If you can't access your direct deposit information during the "direct deposit window," contact urop@colorado.edu.

Do I need to report hours to UROP?

No. You don't need to submit a timesheet (report hours) to UROP in the payroll system even though you might see us on your timesheet.ÌýBecause we use the payroll system to issue your award payment in a lump sum, the position is a temporary mechanism for payment.

Ìý

Empower inspiring students with transformative opportunities.Ìý

Support UROP