Questions and guidance regarding the federal government shutdown and its impacts.

CU Boulder and federal funding

How much research funding does CU Boulder receive from the federal government?

CU Boulder received $474 million, or 72 percent of FY22 total research funding, from the federal government. CU Boulder currently has over 2,700 active prime awards with over 1,550 from federal sponsors. In addition, CU Boulder is a subawardee or subcontractor on over 560 awards originating from federal agencies. 

What areas of research receive federal funding?

Federal funding drives discovery and innovation of global importance in areas such as biosciences, energy, aerospace, fundamental sciences, and earth and environmental sciences, impacting the lives of people across the world. CU Boulder is among the top public university recipients of NASA research awards, for instance.

Campus impacts

How many CU Boulder researchers, students and staff are affected?

There are just over 1,700 research faculty and staff associated with active awards from affected agencies. About 500 researchers are unable to have access to labs. As the shutdown continues, the impacts extend further as members of our community are affected in their ability to pay bills, maintain housing and other financial commitments.
 

What is happening to items that require government approval?

If government approval is required for awards, researchers will not be able to purchase equipment, travel, hire subcontractors, etc.

While researchers may be able to submit proposals for new research grants during the shutdown, they will not be reviewed until the shutdown ends, resulting in a lag in research productivity and output.

Student impacts

Are students still receiving financial aid?

Federal Student Aid is currently funded and working. We have seen one or two minor changes in processes, but nothing that we cannot work around on a case-by-case basis.

What if a student cannot pay tuition or needs other aid due to shutdown impacts on family finances?

Students whose ability to pay their spring tuition bill by Feb. 5 is affected by the government shutdown have a couple of options. Those options, which may include receiving an adjustment of late and finance charges by the Bursar's Office, are outlined on the Bursar's Office impacts page. 

Student Support and Case Management (SSCM) serves as the primary resource for managing student issues and helps students achieve their academic and personal goals. They can provide CU and community resources, referrals to community providers, problem resolution, help with managing multiple or complex medical needs and crisis management.

Information on food assistance and emergency food boxes is available through the Volunteer Resource Center.

Faculty and staff impacts

What should I do if my institute is affected by the shutdown?

CU Boulder employees who work in institutes that are impacted by the shutdown, such as CIRES and JILA, must find alternate work locations.

I am in the process of hiring a new employee, what should I do?

E-Verify is currently down for all employers. I9’s are still required to be completed within three days of hire and the information will be processed through E-Verify as soon as the federal government reopens.