Skip to main content

A Message from NU System Leadership on the Potential Federal Government Shutdown

  • published: 2025/09/29
Members of the University of Nebraska (NU) System leadership.

The email below was sent to all University of Nebraska (NU) System students, faculty, and staff from the Office of the President on Sept. 29, 2025.


Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

As you may know, Congress has not yet reached an agreement on funding the federal government budget for the next fiscal year, raising the possibility of a government shutdown on October 1.

While we do not know whether such a shutdown will occur, how long it might last or how significant the impact will be, we want you to know that the University of Nebraska is preparing carefully and we will keep you informed every step of the way.

We are in communication with our federal delegation, state leaders and campus leadership teams to understand what a shutdown could mean for our students, faculty, staff and research enterprise. If a shutdown does occur, we will continue to provide information to you as quickly and transparently as we can.

For most students, including those receiving federal financial aid, short-term shutdowns typically have caused little disruption. Research and grant activities, however, may be impacted if federal agencies pause new awards, delay reimbursements or issue stop-work orders. The longer a shutdown lasts, the greater the potential impact.

For more information and answers to common questions, please visit our webpage. This resource will be updated as new information becomes available.

We know this uncertainty is difficult. Please be assured that we will provide timely updates and guidance so you can plan accordingly. The University of Nebraska has faced very similar challenges before, and we will navigate this together—with care for one another and with our mission of serving Nebraska at the forefront.

With gratitude,

Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.
President, University of Nebraska System

Neal Schnoor, Ph.D.
Chancellor, University of Nebraska at Kearney

Rodney D. Bennett, Ed.D.
Chancellor, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Dele Davies, M.D.
Interim Chancellor, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA
Chancellor, University of Nebraska at Omaha