First, thanks to all who responded to my question regarding proposal
submissions and funding levels for the current fiscal year.  I received 11
responses from small to large schools, but most were predominately
undergraduate institutions.

Eight of the 11 reported that submissions and funding are down, some
substantially (by as much as 40%) when compared to last year.  Two reported
level funding when compared to last year, and only one reported an increase
in submissions and funding.

Most respondents indeed attributed the downturn to the federal scene.  Some
added modifiers - the usual - high teaching loads, institutional culture,
and in one case, a reorganization.  However, everyone was in agreement that
the federal shutdown has had a severe impact on both our rates of
submissions and our subsequent funding. Also faculty with high teaching
loads are not as eager to take a risk preparing a proposal for a federal
agency when the threat of cancellation or suspension is very real.

We are looking at more foundations, but so is everyone else.  Are there any
other words of wisdom out there?  We have ridden out the storms before, and
we shall do it again, but in the meantime . . . . .
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SARAH THOMPSON, DIRECTOR
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND SPONSORED PROGRAMS
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
MT. PLEASANT, MI 48859
E-MAIL:xxxxxx@CMICH.EDU

Phone:  (517) 774-6777
Fax:  (517) 774-3439
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