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.

Challenges & Future Directions

Storytelling continues to provide compelling pathways for students to connect with the academic and creative life of the campus—and find belonging in the global community of scholars.

By embracing failure and uncertainty as a part of everyone’s story, the Lightbulb Moment Initiative offers students the opportunity to see themselves as participants, contributors and change-agents. Supported by opportunities oriented toward growth and enabled by the cultivation of brave spaces, storytelling can advance social justice efforts in meaningful ways while providing opportunities for community building.

As we transition to a “new normal,” the dynamics of belonging will also evolve and require new approaches to building inclusive communities. In our efforts to reframe the narratives about undergraduate research on our campus, responses have included reluctance in being vulnerable to more overt resistance to our shift in focus. We remain committed to telling the full story with all the twists and turns of uncertainty and failure, and we will continue to explore new opportunities to cultivate dialogue.

The stories we tell about the work we do can expand the boundaries of our communities and make our campuses more empowering spaces for all students.

Lightbulb Moment

Empower inspiring students with transformative opportunities.

Support UROP