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
The U.S. Senate reached a deal late Sunday night which would reopen the government until Jan. 31, 2026. Included in this deal is a full year of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding and funding of certain appropriations bills including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Legislative Branch, reinstatement of reductions in force issued during the shutdown, and some other programs. While the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to pass the measure Wednesday, it is unclear when President Trump will sign the bill into law. Even if it is signed quickly, it will still take several weeks for the government to be up to full operational capacity again. Read the UW Federal Relations blog for details.
The direct effect of the shutdown on the UW over the first part of November has not materially changed from what was communicated in earlier messages. As a result, a decision has been made to continue our state of “normal operations” through Nov. 30 and continue ongoing impact assessment work.
Review panels and study sections continue to be cancelled. This may lead to delays in awards depending on the timing for rescheduling. UW leadership is aware that October and November are very busy months for review panels and is monitoring the situation.
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.
International
The UW lifts pause on filing new H-1B petitions
The UW is lifting its pause on the filing of new H-1B petitions. ISO will reach out to school, college and campus leadership to discuss strategies for affected cases, which may include exploration of other visa types, national interest exemptions, and delaying start dates. Units may consider paying the new $100,000 fee only for positions deemed essential and mission-critical, and where all other visa options have been exhausted. Such instances must be approved as follows: Tim Dellit, dean of the School of Medicine, will have final approval on UW Medicine clinical appointments, and Provost Serio will have final approval for all other faculty appointments in the schools, colleges and campuses. General operating funds (GOF), which come from state appropriations and tuition revenue, may not be used to pay the $100,000 fee. Other funds may be used with discretion.
Community
The UW Club reactivates for events, meetings, salons
As UW leaders explore and plan for the UW Club’s future, the building is reactivating for limited use for simple events, meetings, co-working and performances. Under the leadership of the UW Alumni Association and UW Retirement Association, the club offers free coffee on Thursday mornings and gatherings throughout the day for faculty, staff, retirees and alumni. School of Art faculty will present a series of art salons beginning 4 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20, to highlight campus artists through performances and conversations. Learn more about the UW Club’s present, past and future.
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
Resources for Researchers & Instructors
New directory of shared research facilities
The Office of Research is developing a new webpage to raise visibility of shared research facilities to better support potential users and strengthen the user base. Contact Adam Wojno, assistant vice provost for shared research facilities, wojno@uw.edu, if a facility you use is not currently listed.
REMINDER: Office of Research Seminar Series: Working With Foundations
Join Office of Research leadership, staff from the Office of Corporate & Foundation Relations, and featured faculty to learn how foundations operate and how to strengthen grant-seeking efforts with private philanthropic funders. The online seminar will be 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, Nov. 14. Register by Nov. 12. The link will be sent upon registration.
REMINDER: Open private funding opportunities for faculty, researchers
Faculty and researchers may search current open funding opportunities from private sources for their research and programs through a dashboard developed by the UW Corporate & Foundation Relations team.