Dear CSU Community,

Many of you have read recent headlines about a potential federal government shutdown as early as this weekend. Like the rest of the country, we hope members of Congress reach an agreement that would avoid this kind of disruption. If a shutdown does occur, though, leaders at Colorado State University have been planning for it and are prepared to manage any impacts on our people and operations.

For the latest about the potential shutdown, CSU has created a Frequently Asked Questions page that will be updated as new information becomes available.

• For most students, faculty and staff, a federal government shutdown will have little to no impact. The bulk of CSU’s general operating funds are comprised of tuition and state support, so most of campus will continue to function normally even in the event of a federal shutdown.
• For students who receive financial aid from federal sources – including Pell Grants – we do not anticipate any impacts, assuming the shutdown is relatively brief. Experience from past shutdowns and our understanding of the current situation indicates that federal aid still will be paid, and our staff will continue to have access to the federal databases and systems needed to support our students’ financial needs.
• Students using veterans education benefits and active duty military with questions about their benefits should consult the Frequently Asked Questions page or contact the CSU Veterans Education Benefits team at (970) 491-6340 or gi_bill@colostate.edu.
• There is a potential impact on CSU’s research portfolio, much of which is funded by federal grants and contracts. Most day-to-day work associated with those projects will continue, though there could be delays in grant funding decisions, reimbursements and proposal approvals. Researchers who directly partner with federal agencies may not have access to federal employees or systems during the shutdown. The Office of the Vice President for Research is working directly with researchers and faculty to help navigate these challenges.
• Any employees who are personally impacted should reach out to their supervisors directly.

We are hopeful that any federal government shutdown will be resolved quickly. A longer shutdown could have broader implications. CSU is in contact with members of Colorado’s Congressional delegation and other federal leaders, and we are evaluating and planning for such scenarios so that we can be as prepared as possible.

CSU leaders will continue to ensure campus stakeholders are informed about impacts of the potential shutdown.

Sincerely,

 

Amy Parsons

President

Colorado State University