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.
 

Mission, Vision and Values

Vision

We strive to create a campus where all students feel they belong, know they are valued and have an enabling opportunity to realize the empowering potential of culturally-responsive mentorship. We work to connect learners to the academic and creative life of the campus and see experiential learning as a pathway to success open to all learners.

Mission

  • We offer accessible funding options for undergraduates to form partnerships with faculty for projects in all majors, fields of study and professional practice;
  • host inclusive events for students, staff and faculty to connect and grow;
  • enable culturally-responsive mentorship;
  • support a diversity of student-led campus publications;
  • collaborate broadly throughout campus to support student success and recruitment initiatives;
  • and work with national and global partners to advance best practices in experiential learning.

Values

  • Equity
  • Accessibility
  • Diversity
  • Curiosity
  • Lucidity
  • Enthusiasm
  • Creativity

Empower inspiring students with transformative opportunities. 

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