The University of Colorado (CU) leadership has issued a statement addressing the potential effects of the ongoing federal government shutdown on university operations. CU President Todd Saliman, along with chancellors from the system’s four campuses, communicated their commitment to safeguarding educational and research activities amid uncertainty.
In their message to the university community, they outlined how the shutdown results from Congress failing to reach an agreement on temporary funding for Fiscal Year 2026. They noted that while a short-term shutdown is expected to have minimal impact, a prolonged lapse could cause significant disruptions.
The communication states: “Because Congress remains at an impasse over how to temporarily extend federal government operations to allow themselves more time to negotiate final funding levels for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, which begins Oct. 1, the U.S. government is shut down. The impact of a federal government shutdown to CU will largely depend on its duration. 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.”
They further explained that most activities at federal agencies are paused unless deemed “essential,” resulting in furloughs and halted communications with agency staff. According to CU leaders: “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.” Past experiences suggest that research-related activities within federal agencies—such as proposal reviews and new awards—will also stop until appropriations resume.
Regarding student aid, CU officials clarified that existing levels for 2025-26 are protected by law but warned about possible delays in disbursement if the shutdown continues: “Federal student aid levels for the 2025-26 academic year will not be impacted by a shutdown since they are already in statute… Disruptions to the disbursement of federal student aid may occur, however, and become more likely if the shutdown is prolonged.” The U.S. Department of Education plans to furlough most Office of Federal Student Aid employees during this period and has already experienced workforce reductions earlier this year.
Due to changes in White House procedures for posting agency contingency plans online, CU announced it would independently compile these resources on its own Federal Relations website.
Concluding their statement, university leaders said: “We recognize the uncertainty and concern precipitated by a federal government shutdown. 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.”
