Dear Colleagues,
Negotiations between congressional leaders to avert a government shutdown remain ongoing. The University of California (UC) is hopeful and continues to urge the administration and Congress to reach a final deal on fiscal year (FY) 2026 funding that provides critical investments in UC priorities. As of September 29, 2025, none of the 12 FY 2026 appropriations bills has been signed into law. Without passage of the bills or a continuing resolution, all or portions of the federal government will shut down on October 1, 2025, the start of the 2026 federal fiscal year. We are monitoring the situation closely and will provide more information to our entire campus community, including research labs and health centers, as it becomes available.
If a short or partial federal government shutdown occurs, UC expects it to have limited, if any, immediate impact on educational services and financial aid programs, but our assessment will change depending on how long a federal government shutdown lasts and guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and each of the federal agencies. There is no precedent for a prolonged shutdown, so we will continue to keep a close watch on the developments of this issue.
Research Continuity
Federal agencies will be prohibited from issuing new grants/contracts, and federal staff may not be working.
Most research activities will continue throughout the shutdown without interruption, and all award deadlines should be met. Research administrative functions on existing awards may be impacted differently for each agency but should continue as normal unless instructed otherwise.
A limited number of individuals who have access to secure facilities on campus will be immediately impacted. We will reach out and notify these individuals directly as they are identified. These facilities will be subject to closure and will not be accessible until the government reopens. Please note that personal belongings, such as laptops without security information that are inside secure facilities, should be removed in advance of October 1, 2025. Additional guidance from specific agencies will be provided in the coming days.
NOTE: Researchers may receive additional instructions directly from federal contracting or program officers. If you receive such information, please notify your contract and grant officer immediately. For more information, email researchadmin@ucsd.edu.
Thank you for your continued patience as we respond to this evolving situation. We plan to continue proactively communicating with you throughout this situation. More information will be posted, as available, at keyissues.ucsd.edu/federal-government-shutdown.
Sincerely,
