As you’ve probably heard in the news, the U.S. is headed toward a government shutdown. Because lawmakers in Washington, D.C., haven’t been able to agree on a budget and are unlikely to do so by October 1, some services provided by the federal government will pause.

Why It Matters: The good news is that a federal government shutdown should not significantly impact our university community in the short term. It will be business as usual at the University of Alaska; here’s why:

• How We Are Funded: UA receives funds from a variety of sources like tuition, fees, grants, and the state government. This money differs from the federal dollars that might be affected by a shutdown, so we can still operate as usual.
• Financial Aid Is Safe: If you receive financial aid, like Pell Grants or student loans, don't worry. These are important and will keep coming, even during a government shutdown. The vast majority of aid has already been distributed.
  • Students on Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants or Federal Work-Study will receive notice from their University’s financial aid office if there are any issues or complications with those programs.
• Our People: While some faculty and staff working on federally funded projects might be affected by the shutdown, our operations and services will run smoothly. Your classes, research, and campus services won't be interrupted.
• Research Continues: If you're involved in federally funded research or other federal grant-funded projects, the money for them should be in hand by now, so you won't be immediately affected.
  • If your funds in hand run out before the shutdown ends, all activities would likely have to stop unless other funding sources could be found and hopefully reimbursed by the relevant federal agency later. 
  • Reimbursements are at the discretion of the federal agency, and it is strongly recommended that faculty and researchers consult with their local Office of Grants and Contracts and program managers about how to handle any shortfalls that could occur in the next month and what are the expectations of activities to be undertaken during a shutdown. 

Stay Informed. Even though the government shutdown won't cause significant issues for UAA, UAF, and UAS right now, University leadership is paying close attention to developments in Washington. We’re continually assessing the impact on our Universities, and if the shutdown extends long enough to change our operations, we’ll communicate well in advance so you know what to expect.

The Bottom Line: While a government shutdown is a significant event in our nation, it should have very minimal impacts on students, staff, and faculty at UA. Despite the uncertainty, our Universities are well-prepared to continue offering quality education and support services.

September Archive