New WSU Webpage Addresses Government Shutdown

It’s been well over a week since the government entered a state of shutdown, after Democrat and Republican congresspeople failed to reach an agreement on the terms of a funding bill before the 2026 fiscal year, which began on Oct 1st 2025. 

In the midst of these changes, WSU has launched a new set of webpages to keep everyone informed as the University navigates turbulence in federal funding.

The VanCougar was provided a link to these pages from Brenda Alling, WSU Marketing and Communications Director. After contacting several potential sources from WSU-Vancouver and the WSU system as a whole, none gave any additional comment on how the Government Shutdown was affecting WSU specifically.

The Federal Updates page includes recommendations from WSU for faculty researchers on what to do during the shutdown, including if they receive any formal “Stop Work Orders” from a federal agency funding their work. 

WSU advises faculty researchers to continue their projects using funds from existing rewards until they receive such an order. Several agencies have already sent out formal “Stop Work Orders” in the past for any DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility) related activities. 

Awardees are also to continue submitting proposals for funding wherever possible, despite the fact that new and continuing awards may be delayed. The page also cautions faculty to refrain from traveling to reviews, conferences, meetings, or other events scheduled that may be tied to federal grants.

Meanwhile, a Memorandum from the US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon informs that the Department of Education (DOE) will keep on workers that deal in processing student aid such as Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student loans, meaning such aid can still be disbursed.

Students with borrowed loans will still be expected to make payments on their student debt during this time. The DOE will continue to process FAFSA forms, and students are encouraged to continue submitting their applications this year.

WSU encourages its community to check back to the Federal Updates Page and to keep themselves informed on updates. WSU also encourages them to be prepared with contingency plans in case their funding is lost, as well as to coordinate early with grant officers and avoid commitments that may become unsustainable as everyone navigates the current situation.

If you are concerned about how the shutdown might impact you, visit federalupdates.wsu.edu