As the federal government shutdown began on Wednesday, leaders at the University of Colorado (CU) assured the university community that they are working to minimize disruptions to education and research. CU President Todd Saliman and the chancellors of CU’s four campuses issued a joint statement addressing concerns about how the shutdown may affect university operations.
The statement explained that Congress has not reached an agreement to extend federal government operations, leading to a shutdown as of October 1, which marks the start of Fiscal Year 2026. The impact on CU will depend largely on how long the shutdown lasts. According to CU leadership, “A short-term shutdown will likely result in minimal disruption of day-to-day operations. The impact may be more significant if the shutdown is longer.”
The communication noted that most activities at federal agencies have been paused due to a lapse in appropriations. While some essential functions continue, most federal employees are furloughed and cannot use their work email or phones. This affects communication with federal agencies and halts many research-related activities, including proposal reviews and new awards.
“During the shutdown, most federal employees will be furloughed. Communications with federal agencies will halt since staff are not allowed to use their work email or phones,” stated CU leadership. They added that “nearly all research and innovation related activities within the federal government will stop until funding is restored.”
Federal student aid for the 2025-26 academic year is expected to remain unaffected by the shutdown because funding levels were set earlier this year through legislation passed in March. However, delays in disbursement could occur if the shutdown continues for an extended period. The U.S. Department of Education plans to furlough 85 percent of its Office of Federal Student Aid employees during this time, which could worsen already reduced staffing following recent layoffs.
“In addition, the White House Office of Management and Budget instructed all federal agencies to implement additional RIFs that will remain effective even after federal appropriations are restored,” according to CU’s message.
CU officials said they are working independently to gather agency contingency plans after learning that these would not be posted on the White House website during this shutdown.
“We recognize the uncertainty and concern precipitated by a federal government shutdown,” wrote Saliman and campus chancellors Ken Christensen (CU Denver), Don Elliman (CU Anschutz), Justin Schwartz (CU Boulder), and Jennifer Sobanet (UCCS). “We are committed to keeping you informed, minimizing disruptions to the campuses as best as we can and working with Congress, other universities and national associations to do our best to protect CU education and research priorities during the shutdown and as FY26 negotiations continue.”
