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.

Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder’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.
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Sidewalk Symposium

Developed and hosted in Boulder since 2018, UROP's Sidewalk Symposium invites undergraduates to create and share their research and creative presentations with chalk on campus walkways.

October 10, 2025


will be held Oct. 10, 2025, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Visual Arts Complex (VAC) Plaza—during Research & Innovation Week.

In the event of inclement weather, this event will move to the Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØArt Museum's Education Room and the start will be delayed to 10:00 am; participants will receive an email alert if the status changes.

UROP welcomes undergraduates at any stage of their project timeline to participate in this year's Sidewalk Symposium by creating project presentations—using nothing but chalk.

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The sign-up form asks students for the following information and sends project mentors email notifications inviting them to review submissions—and contact UROP as needed.

Student's Information

  • Preferred First and Last Name
  • Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder Email
  • Estimated Arrival Time (e.g. 9:00 am)
  • Will other students work with you? If so, provide full names in the space provided.

Project Information

  • Project Title
  • 150 Word Maximum: Describe your role in this project and explain when the project took place (or note if your work is ongoing).
  • Did the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) provide funding to support this project?

Project Mentor's Information

  • Preferred First and Last Name
  • Department or Program
  • Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder Email
Liability Waiver

I exercise my own free and voluntary choice to participate in the designated activity. I understand and assume all associated risks of the designated activity. Despite careful and proper preparation, instruction, medical advice, conditioning and equipment, there is still a risk of serious injury when participating in any activity/program. Understandably, not all hazards and dangers can be foreseen. Participants in a Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØsponsored program must understand that depending upon the particular activity may include but not limited to: dangers and injuries due to natural occurrences beyond human control or influence, exposures to community spread illnesses or diseases, trips, falls, sprains, strains, contusions, lacerations, fractures, broken bones, paralysis, concussions, and all other circumstances inherent to these activities. Use of a privately-owned vehicle, including the operation or as a passenger, may be an option while participating in the off-campus trip activity. The University of Colorado does not provide liability or physical damage insurance coverage on privately owned vehicles. The vehicle owner must provide the liability and physical damage insurance coverage for a privately owned vehicle. The University of Colorado does not provide health insurance for individuals participating in activities made available or sponsored by the University of Colorado. As such, you or your personal health insurance will be responsible for payment of medical services and care for any injuries sustained during the designated activity.

Contact us if you have questions or experience issues submitting the form.

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