For the first time in almost seven years, the federal government has shut down. The shutdown, which affects federal departments, including the Department of Education, began Oct. 1 after the Senate failed to pass a critical funding bill.
Though federal agencies are suspending operations, some federal student financial aid services remain operational. These services fall under mandatory spending, not annual appropriation bills, and are therefore not affected by the shutdown.
According to a memorandum from Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, the Department of Education will continue to disburse student aid, including Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student loans. Dispersal of veteran assistance will not be affected either.
Students with outstanding balances are also still required to make payments as usual, McMahon said. Failure to remain up to date on student loan payments may result in delinquency or default. Delinquency can result in late fees and negative credit reporting, while default can result in loss of tax refunds and wages.
McMahon said some services, like new grantmaking, will be suspended during the shutdown. However, due to when these grants are generally awarded, the impact will be minimal and schools will continue to be able to access previously awarded funds.
For the duration of the shutdown, the Office for Civil Rights will suspend investigations into civil rights complaints, McMahon said. Development and implementation of guidance, technical assistance and regulatory actions will also be paused, unless necessary for funded services.
On Oct. 1, WSU’s Office of Research issued guidance for researchers. According to the University, researchers should keep projects up and running, unless otherwise notified.
Researchers should continue following all deadlines and requirements for new or renewal proposals, though deadlines may be revised once federal agencies resume operations, WSU said. New and continuing awards will face delays, which may affect employment start dates.
Project initiation may also be delayed, with the Institutional Review Board and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee being affected by the shutdown.
