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.

Inclusive Mentoring

Inclusion & Access

Make space for belonging with vigilance to the insidious nature of imposter syndrome and the external realities reinforcing it.

Self-Authorship

First-generation students and other populations new to the cultures of the academy should be empowered with the institutional literacy to author their own narratives of success, understanding how to contextualize failure and balance the often competing demands of academic excellence and personal well-being.

Campus Support

Culturally Aware Mentoring

To improve mentoring and support the persistence and success of historically minoritized students in science, the (NRMN) developed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to support a diverse workforce. In the , Byars-Winston and Crouse Quinn discuss how racism and a lack of cultural diversity awareness in mentoring relationships negatively impacts trainees. In the second video, they offer mentor training resources and strategies to help individuals become more culturally aware.

First Steps

Communicate the Norms

Take care to explain the cultural norms in your field, which can pose barriers for students unfamiliar with terminology, structures and goals.

Point out how students’ activities fit into the “bigger picture” of your work and broader field, which helps them see applications and increases engagement.

Clearly explaining and discussing expectations early can identify gaps in understanding and help students feel more comfortable asking questions. Creating a Mentor Agreement can help.

Many students have work and family commitments that complicate their schedules and pose barriers to participation without flexibility.

Mindful Mentoring

Be Attentive to Well-Being

The CU Red Folder describes how to recognize signs of distress, respond appropriately and direct students to campus resources.

Timely, specific—and, especially, public—positive feedback will help students gain confidence in their abilities; criticism should be private.

Telling students your professional story can help them see and navigate new pathways while overcoming "imposter syndrome."

Highlight opportunities to present, publish and pursue graduate studies, which is especially critical for historically minoritized students.

Inclusive Excellence

Lead an Inclusive Workplace

Celebrating diversity with a multicultural, identity-affirming approach is more beneficial than ignoring the differences among us.

Expressing ally identities from privileged positions can create “safe spaces” where all members feel welcome and comfortable.

Transparency in evaluations of student work helps ensure the work environment is not perceived as more beneficial to some groups.

Our campus has professional development resources to help with important dialogues about diversity, equity and inclusion.

Mentoring Guide

Empower inspiring students with transformative opportunities.

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