University leadership is bracing for potential disruptions to funding and governmental services as the federal government faces a midnight shutdown, according to a Tuesday statement. Despite the shutdown, University leadership maintained that Cornell is “well prepared to handle potential disruptions” in the event one does occur.
The federal government, as of 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, officially shut down, due to Democrats and Republicans in Congress being unable to pass a resolution to fund the government after Sept. 30.
The statement, sent by Interim Vice Provost for Research Gary Koretzky, Senior Associate Dean for Research Hugh Hemmings Jr. and Vice President for University Relations Kyle Kimball, explained that the government might temporarily halt operations, including those tied to higher education, research and federal funding should there be a shutdown.
“Cornell leadership has been closely monitoring discussions in Washington, D.C.,” the administrators wrote. “There is a strong possibility that the U.S. federal government will shut down at midnight, pausing government functions related to university education, research, and operations.”
The looming government shutdown comes amid Cornell’s increased financial uncertainty as the University balances at least $250 million dollars in federal research funding cut by the federal government since this spring.
Tuesday’s statement emphasized that the University has long had “contingency plans” for moments like this and reassured students, faculty and staff that the University does not foresee major interruptions to daily life on campus, including for students who receive financial aid or Veterans Affairs benefits. Students and employees seeking visa renewals might be met with delays depending on the length of shutdown.
Despite contingency measures, the statement cautioned that Cornell researchers and faculty connected to federal projects should remain attentive to updates.
“Where relevant, the university will send additional communications about response plans and resources,” the statement read. “If you are part of the broad Cornell research community that is sponsored by, or works with, federal government agencies, the university will provide additional guidance to support researchers.”
The email directed community members to resources for additional support, including mental health services for faculty, staff and students, as well as research guidance specific to federally funded projects.
The research guidance page outlines steps investigators can take to manage federally funded projects during a shutdown, including grant management strategies and links researchers to administrative contacts for project continuity support.
Administrators urged the community to stay informed and assured that while disruptions may emerge, Cornell remains prepared to safeguard research, operations and student support.
“If the shutdown proceeds, the university will share updates to the community when appropriate,” University administrators wrote.
Update, Oct. 1, 12:26 a.m.: This article has been updated to reflect that the government shutdown started at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday.
Kristie To is a member of the Class of 2028 in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Kristie is a senior writer for the News department and can be reached at kto@cornellsun.com.
