Important Update on the Federal Government Shutdown
Dear UMB Community,
As of midnight Wednesday, the U.S. federal government officially entered a shutdown. Many in our community awoke to the news yesterday morning with feelings of uncertainty and questions about what the future may hold.
Today, I write to assure you that the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) remains fully operational. Classes, research, clinical care, and the day-to-day work of UMB will continue. Our mission endures, as does our commitment to every member of our community.
Although a federal shutdown of any length can bring delays or disruptions in some areas, we are prepared. To support you, we have created a website with answers to frequently asked questions on federally funded projects, financial aid, immigration services, and more. This website will be updated for the duration of the shutdown as more information becomes available.
Earlier this week, Vice President for Research Patrick O’Shea issued guidance to all UMB faculty regarding the potential impacts of a government shutdown on federally funded contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and sub-awards. If you are a principal investigator, we ask that you please review and share this guidance with those in your lab as well as with any research support staff.
Since January, the UMB Issues Management Advisory Group (IMAG) has worked to assess how federal policies might impact our University as well as higher education and scientific research at large. Today, about 70 of our colleagues across UMB serve on IMAG or one of four related task forces to ensure that our University remains steadfast in our mission, even in times of change. I once again thank all who advance these efforts: Your work remains instrumental to our ability to navigate the current landscape.
I also want to acknowledge that beyond our own campus, many of our students, staff, and faculty may feel direct effects of this shutdown in their families and communities. I encourage each of you to lean on your UMB colleagues for support. Further, I thank our faculty and supervising staff for leading with compassion and understanding through this period.
Although we do not know how long the government shutdown will last, we will continue to monitor any developments and share updates and resources as the situation evolves. Together, we will navigate this moment as we always do, guided by our mission and core values, strengthened by our community, and committed to serving others.
Sincerely,
Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS
President