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.
 

Paying Students

Faculty are responsible for the payment of student team members and may use any method in compliance with the university's policy on paying students.

Who may I pay with UROP funding?

Students must be degree-seeking undergraduates at the University of Colorado Boulder throughout the grant term to be eligible for UROP funding and must not receive funding from another UROP source (e.g. Student Grant) during the same grant term.

What payment method does UROP recommend?

Faculty are encouraged to talk to student team members about payment and select the method most appropriate for their situation.  Area accountants can advise and assist paying students with employment, stipends or financial aid.

Stipends paid using the university's payroll system (job code 3205) are considered "Other Financial Aid" (OFA) according to the university's policy and all award information must be reported to the Office of Financial Aid. Grants, scholarships and awards received as OFA may need to be reported on tax returns if the amount exceeds qualified educational expenses as defined by IRS Publication 970. Grants and scholarships are listed on a 1098-T.

 

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