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 shutdown
When the federal government shut down Oct. 1, UW leadership determined that the University could continue normal operations through at least Oct. 15. Fortunately, the flow of federal reimbursements and payments to the UW — including student aid, Medicare/Medicaid, and federal awards — has continued without significant delays.
In light of this, the University can continue normal operations through at least the end of October. With awareness that an extended shutdown could affect cash flow and increase the risk of award cycle delays, we will continue to assess business conditions to inform a recommendation later this month for the Nov. 1-15 period.
While grant submission portals remain open for researchers, applications will not be reviewed until the federal government reopens. Agency personnel are not available to answer questions about submissions or existing awards. In some cases, automatic e-mails from sponsor systems are not being generated and sent to the user. Updates on payment portals are open for most grant payments.
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.
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
MIT response to higher education compact
When the Massachusetts Institute of Technology declined the Trump administration’s invitation to participate in its Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education, MIT launched Understanding MIT, a website explaining its value and impact. In addition, the Association of American Universities president has issued a statement on the compact.
International
REMINDER: International scholar support survey
To gather feedback on the services it provides, Academic Personnel & Faculty’s International Scholars Office (ISO) is conducting an international scholar support survey through Nov. 15, 2025.
Resources for Researchers & Instructors
Open Access Week workshops
As part of Open Access Week, UW Libraries is offering free workshops for faculty, staff and students including Text Mining with Government Documents, 11 a.m.-noon, Thursday, Oct 16, Publishing on the Cheap, 1-2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22, and Accessing and Analyzing Government Data Sources, 11-noon, Thursday, Oct. 23.
Guidance for managing classroom disruptions
Campus Community Safety offers guidance to faculty, staff, instructors, teaching assistants and lab assistants to help them prepare for and respond to disruptions in classrooms, labs and other academic spaces. In addition, Campus Community Safety has posted general safety information and training information, as well as campus-specific resources for Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma.
REMINDER: 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: Accommodating students’ religious, cultural observances
Accommodating students’ religious and cultural observances is part of the University’s commitment to creating and maintaining an equitable academic community for everyone. The Office of the University Registrar has posted information for instructors about the requirements, descriptions of religious and cultural accommodations, and sample language to include on syllabi.