The federal government began to shut down at 12 a.m. on Wednesday Oct.1, as a result of lawmakers failing to resolve a dispute over spending, leading to the first lapse in funding in nearly seven years, according to CBS News.
UW sent out a campus wide letter early Wednesday morning notifying students that campus leaders have prepared for this possibility over recent weeks and planned for multiple scenarios, including the risk that the shutdown lasts for multiple weeks.
“During the shutdown, the university’s goals are to provide guidance and advocacy for our community and limit disruption on campus to the maximum extent possible,” the letter said.
Student aid, including financial aid and scholarships, are not expected to be impacted, according to the letter.
During the shutdown, federal agencies will not issue new grants or contracts or renew existing projects, according to the letter. Federal facilities may also be inaccessible and visa processing is likely to be delayed.
Agencies were to begin implementing shutdown procedures on Wednesday morning to keep or send hundreds of thousands of workers home on leave, according to CBS News. Almost no federal workers, whether they are furloughed or not, will be paid until Congress reaches a deal.
UW is in a strong financial position entering the shutdown period, according to the letter. However, it is strongly encouraged to continue using financial restraint, such as limiting non-essential hiring and travel and implementing tighter controls on expenditures for federally funded projects, the letter said.
According to the letter, the Office of Federal Relations will post broader campus updates on an as-needed basis.
