Dear UC Merced Community,
As you may know, the federal government has largely shutdown due to an impasse in Washington DC. UC Merced has been preparing for this possibility. While the duration and impacts are uncertain, I want to share a brief update on what this means for our campus.
UC Merced remains open and operating normally. Federal financial aid for the current academic year—including Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study—is funded, and students should not experience disruptions in this area.
For our research community, federally funded projects already underway may generally continue, though reimbursements will be delayed and new grants, contracts, extensions, or supplemental requests will not be processed. It may be prudent to reduce expenses to the extent practical without significantly impacting the research. Principal Investigators should continue to submit required reports on schedule and may find additional guidance, including agency contingency plans as they become available, through the UC Office of Research and Innovation federal shutdown resource page. UC Merced’s Office of Research and Economic Development has identified the faculty who may experience impacts in the near term and will work closely with them to manage those impacts.
Despite the challenges we continue to navigate, our collective efforts are making a meaningful impact. That impact is being recognized, both here at UC Merced and across the country.
Following our recognition as a Top 25 university by US News & World Report, UC Merced has once again earned national recognition, this time by The Wall Street Journal. In its 2026 report of the Best Colleges in the U.S, the respected media outlet has named UC Merced the 14th best college in the nation.
Among public institutions, UC Merced ranked third in the entire country – up one spot from fourth in 2024 – and placed fifth amongst all universities, public and private, in California. The university was also recognized for its leadership in expanding opportunity, earning the No. 3 spot nationally in social mobility.
I recognize that many of you may have questions or concerns. We will continue to monitor the federal government situation closely and share updates in the Monday Memo or by email, as appropriate.
Thank you for your perseverance through these uncertain times and your commitment to the advancement of knowledge that is critical for a research university and our mission.
Fiat Lux,
Juan Sánchez Muñoz
Chancellor
