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.
 

Accounting & Speedtypes

Accounting

Am I required to track and report expenses?

UROP does not require faculty to report spending or provide receipts but encourages recipients to consult with their area accountants about the management of award funding.

What can I do with unspent UROP funding?

If any funds are unspent after the award’s end-date, faculty may return funding or request extensions by contacting us.

Speedtypes

"Fund 10" ST are preferred, but UROP can also transfer to Fund 20, 26, 28 and 29 accounts. All departments must pay fringe on salary expenses, and the rate varies based on employee type (faculty, staff, student). GAIR will be charged if you use an auxiliary and self-funded operations speedtype (20, 26, 28, 29).

Do I need to create a new ST?

UROP does not require faculty to create new ST for these awards, but they may do so as desired.

What do I put on my application if I plan a new ST?

Faculty who wish to setup a new ST may wait to do so until decision notices are sent and should enter "000000" on the application form.

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