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.

Â鶹Ãâ·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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Learning Outcomes

Student's Questions

ÌýÌý (6/7)

Rate your confidence (before and after):

Prompts for Research Projects

  1. I understand relevant contemporary concepts in my field of study (major)--the assumptions, vocabulary, theories, etc.
  2. I can make use of relevant primary research literature in my field of study (major)--e.g. journal articles--synthesizing in-depth information from sources representing various points of view and approaches.
  3. I can identify a specific question for investigation based on the literature in my field of study (major).
  4. I can design an experiment or theoretical test of a hypothesis, critically evaluating methods and materials.
  5. I can organize and synthesize evidence to reveal insightful patterns, differences, or similarities.
  6. I can state a conclusion that is a logical extrapolation from project results.
  7. I can relate results/conclusions to the "bigger picture" in my field of study (major), situating it appropriately with similar studies.
  8. I can assess the limitations and/or implications (ethical and otherwise) of my project.
  9. I can orally communicate the results of my project.
  10. I can write a paper for publication with an understanding of the ethical and legal restrictions on the use of published, confidential, and/or proprietary information.

Prompts for Creative Projects

  1. I understand relevant contemporary concepts in my field of study (major)--the assumptions, vocabulary, genres, oeuvres, media, etc.
  2. I can make use of relevant theoretical, aesthetic, or creative traditions in my field of study (major), synthesizing in-depth information from sources representing various points of view and approaches. Ìý ÌýÌý
  3. I can clearly state the objectives, point of curiosity, hypothesis/question, or guiding principles of my work.
  4. I can design a project to accomplish specific objectives, evaluating methods and materials.
  5. I can execute the creative process according to the professional standards in my field of study (major).
  6. I can analyze and interpret the significance of my work.
  7. I can relate my work to the "bigger picture" in my field of study (major), situating it appropriately with other work of its kind.
  8. I can assess the limitations and/or implications (ethical and otherwise) of my work.
  9. I can orally communicate the significance of my work.
  10. I can perform/exhibit my work according to the professional standards in my field of study (major), understanding the ethical and legal restrictions on the use of published, confidential, and/or proprietary information.
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Possible Responses

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