(Jan. 22, 2018) -- With the federal government shutdown and furloughing of government employees, UTSA will be impacted in several areas. Here is the most recent update for faculty, staff and students.
UTSA students will continue to receive their federal grants and student loans during the shutdown. Federal student aid programs are forward-funded, putting most of the dollars for 2017-2018 awards in place. Direct loans and the PELL grant program will also continue to operate.
While the U.S. Department of Education's federal offices are closed, the majority of Title IV processors, call centers and websites remain operational.
Although UTSA's two VetSuccess on Campus counselors are furloughed and unavailable to assist students, most Veteran and Dependent education certifications (all Chapters except CH31) will continue to be processed by the UTSA Veteran Certification Office and submitted to VA Education Services. Nevertheless, students should expect a delay in VA Education Services' ability to process these inbound certifications due to the shutdown.
Chapter 31 awards must be manually entered each semester by a student's assigned Chapter 31 counselor. If a student’s award has already been entered for Spring 2018 semester, pay will be processed through the U.S. Treasury Department when that office is able. If the award has not yet been entered, students will need to wait until Chapter 31 counselors are able to return to work for assistance with entering their award.
UTSA Research Service Centers (RSCs) are prepared to assist researchers with federal grant proposals, awards and queries during the shutdown.
Researchers who have received a Notice of Award should continue with their projects and research without interruption, however government staff will be unable to assist or help with any questions or issues. Also, NIH Commons and NSF Fastlane are offline and unavailable. Deadlines will be reposted once the shutdown concludes.
Faculty members may continue to spend existing grant awards during the shutdown. The Office of the Vice President for Research (VPR) will continue to bill agencies as per award requirements. Pending requests, such as approval to re-budget, etc., should be put on hold and discussed with the appropriate RSC director.
Researchers who receive an official notice directly from a federal agency should contact their RSC director for guidance.
Additionally, UTSA researchers are advised to continue with their internal grant activities, unless otherwise directed by the VPR office.
UTSA leaders will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to the university community as they become available.
Learn more about the U.S. Office of Management and Budget's Agency Contingency Plans and updates.
Veterans who need to discuss alternative resources during a shutdown should contact staff at the Veteran Certification Office or Office of Veteran and Military Affairs.
Research pre-award questions should be directed to Can Saygin, Associate VP, Office of Sponsored Project Administration.
Research post-award questions should be directed to Beth Manning, Assistant VP, Office of Research Finance & Operations.
Researchers should also watch the VPR home page for updates and VPR's social media channels: UTSAResearch and @utsaresearch.
Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Join us as we celebrate and induct our students who are ready to begin their journey to becoming teachers.
Retama Auditorium & Galleria, Main CampusJoin the doctoral candidates for the Doctoral Conferreal Ceremony and celebrate their accomplishments.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusCelebrate the graduates from the biology, health and environment program.
Denman Galleria (SU2.01,) Student Union, Main CampusJoin us for the Veteran Cording Ceremony, a special graduation event honoring the journey of our veteran students. This ceremony celebrates your achievements and the unique path you've traveled to reach this milestone. You will have the opportunity to be corded on stage by someone of your choice—a loved one, mentor, or friend—or by our Director of Veteran and Military Affairs.
Richard Liu Auditorium (BB 2.01.02,) Main CampusCelebrate the graduates from the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, College of Education and Human Development, Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design and University College.
AlamodomeCelebrate the graduates from the College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and College of Sciences.
AlamodomeUTSA Staff Senate will be sponsoring the UTSA Great Staff Appreciation event for all staff employees.
H-E-B Student Union Ballroom 1 & 2, Main CampusThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
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We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
