A regular digest for 91探花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 shut down
The federal government remains largely shut down as the U.S. House and Senate remain at a standstill in reaching a budget agreement. The House will remain in recess this week, which is likely to delay a resolution.
91探花leadership is actively monitoring the situation and working to prepare for a variety of scenarios. At present, we anticipate that most 91探花operations will be able to function largely without disruption through at least the first two weeks of October. If the shutdown persists beyond that period, we will have to reevaluate university operations. 鈥疪esearch on federal projects may continue, but review processes for new applications are delayed during the federal shutdown.
The Office of Research continues to provide to researchers and research award administrators who are directly affected by the shutdown. , as well as the , are keeping leadership apprised of developments. Check the for updates on federal government actions and developments.
America鈥檚 Seed Fund鈥檚 future is uncertain
Congressional authority for the America鈥檚 Seed Fund 鈥� 鈥� expired as of September 30, 2025. If no further action is taken by Congress, federal agencies may not be able to award funding under these programs, and solicitations may be delayed, cancelled, or rescinded. These U.S. government initiatives are designed to support startups and other small businesses in developing and commercializing innovative technologies in the national interest. offers 91探花research teams and spinoffs guidance in pursuing these grants. 91探花spinouts have received more than 379 seed fund awards worth more than $209 million.
Key links
- Office of the Provost鈥檚 Federal Policy Updates
- ( 91探花NetID required)
- Office of Research鈥檚 Federal Policy Guidance
- 91探花Research Makes America
Tell us what you think
International
Compact agreements sent to nine universities
91探花leadership is aware of the 10-page 鈥溾�� that the with an and a Nov. 21 goal of having the agreements signed. While the 91探花 was not one of the nine universities, we continue to monitor the situation as it develops.
Department of Labor application processing impacted by shutdown
While the federal shutdown is not impacting most visa processes, it will affect the for H-1B and permanent residence applications. Academic Personnel & Faculty鈥檚 International Scholars Office (ISO) will contact 91探花units who have affected applications.
International scholar support survey
To gather feedback on the services it provides, ISO is conducting an through Nov. 15, 2025.
Resources for Researchers & Instructors
Workshops, info sessions for researchers
In response to the evolving federal funding landscape for research, the Office of Research and our campus partners are facilitating a series of on a range of topics, from securing research funding to communications to AI resources. Some events will be in person and others on Zoom.
Engaging the public: Training offered for 91探花researchers
The 91探花Office of Research invites applications from 91探花researchers for the inaugural Research Impact Advocates cohort in 2025鈥�26. This program will provide for up to 20 91探花researchers interested in increasing their capacity to engage public audiences about their research findings and expertise. by the November 1 deadline.
Reminder: Digital accessibility requirements and resources
All of the University鈥檚 digital content, including academic course content, , in accordance with the U.S. Department of Justice鈥檚 rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In addition to the resources posted at and the , instructors are receiving regular messages regarding resources and hands-on support throughout the academic year.
Impact
Support for graduate students
Because graduate students are particularly vulnerable to unexpected changes in federal funding, the University has launched a concerted fundraising effort seeking private . Gifts to the Graduate Student Research Resilience Fund will be administered by the Graduate School, as well as academic schools, colleges, and campuses.