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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UROP's Commitment to Social Justice and Equity

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)Ìýis housed in Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder'sÌýOffice of Undergraduate Education (OUE), which worksÌýthroughout the university to create an academic environment in which all students can succeed and thrive in the fullest expression of their individual identities.

We echo the OUE community'sÌýcommitment to inclusionÌýand strive to create a campus where all students feel they belong and are valued. We also advocate for equity and accessibility with shared principles of innovation and collaboration. InÌýpartnership with colleges, schools, programs and other units, we promoteÌýlearning opportunities, eliminate barriers to student success and work to improve the quality of the campuswideÌýundergraduate student experience.

We areÌýcommitted to recruiting and supporting students who have been historically marginalized in higher education—and invite dialogue about our programming.ÌýUROP is an active member of the campusÌýLEAD AllianceÌýand dedicated to providing all students access to the university's research and creative resources. We sincerely value and strongly support undocumented employees and students on ourÌýcampus, who enrich our community, and are committed to providing funding options for DACA, ASSET and/or undocumented students.

Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder's Land Acknowledgment

The Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØ, Colorado’s flagship university, honors and recognizes the many contributions of Indigenous peoples in our state. Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder acknowledges that it is located on the traditional territories and ancestral homelands of the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Ute and many other Native American nations. Their forced removal from these territories has caused devastating and lasting impacts. While the Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØ can never undo or rectify the devastation wrought on Indigenous peoples, we commit to improving and enhancing engagement with Indigenous peoples and issues locally and globally.ÌýWe will do this by:

  • Recognizing and amplifying the voices of Indigenous Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder students, staff and faculty and their work.
  • Educating, conducting research, supporting student success and integrating Indigenous knowledge.
  • Consulting, engaging and working collaboratively with tribal nations to enhance our ability to provide access and culturally sensitive support and to recruit, retain and graduate Native American students in a climate that is inclusive and respectful.

Learn about our continuing work.

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