Dear colleagues and students,
Congress has been unable to reach an agreement on a federal budget for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, and thus the federal government is in a shutdown. While the duration is uncertain, Dartmouth is prepared—actively implementing contingency plans and monitoring agency guidance as it becomes available.
Teaching, research, and campus operations remain open and active. Payroll will continue on schedule. We will keep you informed as agency guidance evolves, and we are focused on maintaining operations and supporting community members who are affected.
Guidance for students
- Previously awarded federal aid for 2025–26 is not expected to be disrupted. Some federal customer service functions are operating with reduced staff, so response times may be slower.
- If you rely on federal funding or have urgent financial-aid questions, contact Dartmouth’s Financial Aid office.
Guidance for faculty and research staff
- Many federal agency activities are paused or are operating with limited staff. Reviews, award actions, and routine agency communications are likely to be delayed. In most cases, work on active awards can continue if permitted by award terms. As Director of Sponsored Projects Jill Mortali wrote yesterday, you can email sponsored.projects@dartmouth.edu with questions about specific awards.
- Dartmouth is taking steps to bridge short‑term funding gaps and ensure continuity of critical functions, including payroll. Contact your dean for more information.
Rest assured, teams across campus are actively monitoring the situation and working to keep essential services running. We will provide timely updates by email as federal agencies issue new guidance.
Thank you for your professionalism and care for one another.
Sincerely,
Santiago Schnell
Provost