With the partial federal government shutdown continuing a record-shattering 34 days over spending disputes between President Trump and Congress, students are becoming concerned with how this lapse in services may affect them.
Funds allocated to certain student programs by the federal government, such as Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP), a program for students in the grades 7 through 12 to prepare for college, have stopped.
Many students fear the lack of disbursement of federal funds will also affect their ability to pay for school bills using federal aid, federal loans and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
“While the shutdown means no federal dollars are allowed to be spent in certain programs, the shutdown will have no effect on the delivery of federal student loans and federal aid, repayment of federal student loans, or the Free Application of Federal Student Aid,” wrote University of Wyoming President Laurie Nichols in an email to students on Tuesday. “The University of Wyoming is committed to work to help UW students continue their studies, regardless of what happens with federally funded programs affected by the federal government shutdown.”
Most students will be able to pay for their school bills, but those who rely on monthly stipends from the federal government may suffer more and may not receive that funding. Nichols assured students that those individuals would receive assistance from the University if the shutdown proves to be lengthy. UW Vice President Sean Blackburn will provide updates.
Government shutdowns are not a rare occurrence; there have been 21 complete or partial shutdowns since 1976. President Trump’s administration has experienced three shutdowns, including this one.
A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass a new spending bill or the President fails to sign it into law, forcing of all federally funded agencies that run out of funding to halt their services until an agreement can be reached.
The current government shutdown was caused by a dispute between Congressional officials and President Trump over the year’s budget plan. Trump requested $5.7 billion in funding for new and improved structures on the southern border wall, a request denied by House Democrats. In an attempt to compromise, some members of Congress proposed to allocate $5 billion that could only be used to improve current buildings and structures for increased border security.
The shutdown has shattered the previous 21-day record for longest lapse in funding.
With the government shutdown potentially continuing into the spring semester and federal funds not being distributed, students with concerns regarding their finances may contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid at finaid@uwyo.edu, Student Financial Services at billpay@uwyo.edu and/or the Dean of Students Office at dos@uwyo.edu or in Knight Hall, room 128.
For President Nichols’ full response to students, students can check their email box for a message titled as “A Message from the President: UW Will Help Students Affected by Partial Government Shutdown.”
Suggested pull quote: “The shutdown will have no effect on the delivery of federal student loans and federal aid.” – Laurie Nichols, University of Wyoming President
