This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on October 1, 2025.
Aloha 东精影业 ʻohana,
As you may have heard, the federal government as of today has officially shut down after Congress was unable to agree on a budget to fund federal agencies and programs.
Many parts of the federal government are now temporarily closed, with services slowed or halted until Congress and the president approve a new budget. “Essential” services such as air traffic control and Social Security will continue (more information on how the shutdown may affect institutions of higher education can be found in this ).
The impact to our 10 campuses will depend on how long the shutdown lasts. I met yesterday with our chancellors and vice presidents to coordinate 东精影业’s response and plan for multiple scenarios. The university has more than 7,000 employees whose salaries are funded in part or in whole by federal dollars, along with many federally supported programs that benefit students.
If the shutdown continues, the effects will grow and extend across Hawaiʻi. State agencies such as the Departments of Education and Agriculture rely heavily on federal support, and the state will likely take the lead in managing the broader impacts. We will be working closely with the governor and our state partners.
In the immediate term, our federally funded researchers are most directly affected. This morning, the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation shared an email providing guidance addressing the uncertainty around the reimbursement of expenditures, restrictions on federally funded accounts and additional review requirements. These proactive measures are intended to safeguard our resources and preserve the Research and Training Revolving Fund during this challenging period. We may also need to take proactive steps beyond research depending on how long the shutdown continues.
Please know that university and campus leadership are working closely together to do everything possible to mitigate the impacts and keep our campuses operating smoothly. I will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.
Mahalo for your dedication, resilience, and care for our students and one another during this uncertain time.
With aloha,
Wendy Hensel
President, University of Hawaiʻi
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