Madison Reporter

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is taking steps to prepare for a potential federal government shutdown, which could occur on Friday, March 14. If Congress fails to reach an agreement on funding the government by that date, all "non-essential" federal operations will cease indefinitely.

University officials, including those from University Relations, Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP) in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, and other administrative offices have been preparing for this possibility over recent weeks. Their focus is on providing support and minimizing disruption on campus while ensuring timely dissemination of information.

A shutdown may impact university research operations significantly, depending largely on its duration and guidance from federal agencies. The potential effects might be more severe this year due to uncertainties surrounding federal research funding and recent layoffs at funding agencies.

Faculty working on federally funded projects can continue their research unless they receive a stop-work order from their granting agency. During a shutdown, federal agencies cannot issue new grants or renew existing ones. Additionally, most agency employees will be unable to respond to communications or update resources.

While student aid has mostly been distributed already, minimizing immediate financial aid disruptions, visa holders might face challenges if they are applying for changes in status during the shutdown period.

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs plans to keep principal investigators and researchers informed via updates on their website: https://rsp.wisc.edu/shutdown/. They also plan to share any available contingency plans issued by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget detailing how agency operations would be affected during a shutdown.