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 shutdown
When the federal government shut down Oct. 1, 91探花leadership determined that the University could continue normal operations through at least Oct. 15. Fortunately, the flow of federal reimbursements and payments to the 91探花鈥� including student aid, Medicare/Medicaid, and federal awards 鈥� has continued without significant delays.
In light of this, the University can continue normal operations through at least the end of October. With awareness that an extended shutdown could affect cash flow and increase the risk of award cycle delays, we will continue to assess business conditions to inform a recommendation later this month for the Nov. 1-15 period.
While grant submission portals remain open for researchers, applications will not be reviewed until the federal government reopens. Agency personnel are not available to answer questions about submissions or existing awards. In some cases, automatic e-mails from sponsor systems are not being generated and sent to the user. Updates on payment portals are open for most grant payments.
The Office of Research continues to provide guidance and possible impacts to researchers and research award administrators who are directly affected by the shutdown. 91探花Finance, Planning and Budgeting, as well as the 91探花Federal Relations team, are keeping leadership apprised of developments. Check the 91探花Federal Relations blog for updates on federal government actions and developments.
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
MIT response to higher education compact
When the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to participate in its , MIT launched , a website explaining its value and impact. In addition, the on the compact.
International
REMINDER: International scholar support survey
To gather feedback on the services it provides, Academic Personnel & Faculty鈥檚 International Scholars Office (ISO) is conducting an through Nov. 15, 2025.
Resources for Researchers & Instructors
Open Access Week workshops听
As part of , 91探花Libraries is offering free workshops for faculty, staff and students including , 11 a.m.-noon, Thursday, Oct 16, , 1-2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22, and , 11-noon, Thursday, Oct. 23.
Guidance for managing classroom disruptions
Campus Community Safety offers guidance to faculty, staff, instructors, teaching assistants and lab assistants to help them prepare for and respond to disruptions in classrooms, labs and other academic spaces. In addition, Campus Community Safety has posted general safety information and training information, as well as campus-specific resources for Seattle, and .听
REMINDER: 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 2025-26. This program will provide training, engagement opportunities and community for up to 20 91探花researchers interested in increasing their capacity to engage public audiences about their research findings and expertise. Learn more about the program and how to apply by the November 1 deadline.听听听
REMINDER: Accommodating students’ religious, cultural observances听
Accommodating students’ religious and cultural observances is part of the University鈥檚 commitment to creating and maintaining an equitable academic community for everyone. The has posted information for instructors about the requirements, descriptions of , and sample language to include on syllabi.听