A regular digest for UW faculty with updates on federal and national issues of relevance to their teaching, research and service; actions the University is taking; and ways for faculty to be involved.
Federal landscape
Government shut down
The federal government remains largely shut down as the U.S. House and Senate remain at a standstill in reaching a budget agreement. The House will remain in recess this week, which is likely to delay a resolution.
UW leadership is actively monitoring the situation and working to prepare for a variety of scenarios. At present, we anticipate that most UW operations will be able to function largely without disruption through at least the first two weeks of October. If the shutdown persists beyond that period, we will have to reevaluate university operations. Research on federal projects may continue, but review processes for new applications are delayed during the federal shutdown.
The Office of Research continues to provide guidance and possible impacts to researchers and research award administrators who are directly affected by the shutdown. UW Finance, Planning and Budgeting, as well as the UW Federal Relations team, are keeping leadership apprised of developments. Check the UW Federal Relations blog for updates on federal government actions and developments.
America’s Seed Fund’s future is uncertain
Congressional authority for the America’s Seed Fund — Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) — expired as of September 30, 2025. If no further action is taken by Congress, federal agencies may not be able to award funding under these programs, and solicitations may be delayed, cancelled, or rescinded. These U.S. government initiatives are designed to support startups and other small businesses in developing and commercializing innovative technologies in the national interest. CoMotion offers UW research teams and spinoffs guidance in pursuing these grants. UW spinouts have received more than 379 seed fund awards worth more than $209 million.
Key links
- Office of the Provost’s Federal Policy Updates
- UW Medicine’s Federal Policy Updates (UW NetID required)
- Office of Research’s Federal Policy Guidance
- UW Research Makes America
Tell us what you think
International
Compact agreements sent to nine universities
UW leadership is aware of the 10-page “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” that the Trump administration sent to nine universities with an Oct. 20 deadline for providing feedbackand a Nov. 21 goal of having the agreements signed. While the University of Washington was not one of the nine universities, we continue to monitor the situation as it develops.
Department of Labor application processing impacted by shutdown
While the federal shutdown is not impacting most visa processes, it will affect the U.S. Department of Labor processing of certain stepsfor H-1B and permanent residence applications. Academic Personnel & Faculty’s International Scholars Office (ISO) will contact UW units who have affected applications.
International scholar support survey
To gather feedback on the services it provides, ISO is conducting an international scholar support survey through Nov. 15, 2025.
Resources for Researchers & Instructors
Workshops, info sessions for researchers
In response to the evolving federal funding landscape for research, the Office of Research and our campus partners are facilitating a series of information sessions and workshops on a range of topics, from securing research funding to communications to AI resources. Some events will be in person and others on Zoom.
Engaging the public: Training offered for UW researchers
The UW Office of Research invites applications from UW researchers for the inaugural Research Impact Advocates cohort in 2025–26. This program will provide training, engagement opportunities, and community for up to 20 UW researchers interested in increasing their capacity to engage public audiences about their research findings and expertise. Learn more about the program and how to apply by the November 1 deadline.
Reminder: Digital accessibility requirements and resources
All of the University’s digital content, including academic course content, must be accessible starting on April 24, 2026, in accordance with the U.S. Department of Justice’s rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In addition to the resources posted at Teaching@UW and the ADA Digital Accessibility Initiative, instructors are receiving regular messages regarding resources and hands-on support throughout the academic year.
Impact
Support for graduate students
Because graduate students are particularly vulnerable to unexpected changes in federal funding, the University has launched a concerted fundraising effort seeking private support for current and future UW doctoral students. Gifts to the Graduate Student Research Resilience Fund will be administered by the Graduate School, as well as academic schools, colleges, and campuses.