PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — As students and families across the nation grapple with the effects of the federal government shutdown and uncertainty on its duration, Brown University implemented new measures this week to assist its undergraduate, graduate and medical students who are most directly affected.

Brown will offer penalty-free extensions on tuition payment deadlines to students who come from families in which members are affected federal employees. Extensions without penalty will also be offered to any student who receives tuition assistance directly from a federal agency and is awaiting an expected payment.

In addition, students in need of assistance for urgent expenses — such as food purchases, textbooks or funds for return travel to campus for the spring semester — can apply for emergency financial support. Brown will offer small grants and short-term emergency loans of up to $500 to assist eligible students.

“For families confronting the challenge of missed paychecks and uncertainty about the weeks ahead, the negative financial impact can be significant even in the short term,” said Dean of Financial Aid James Tilton. “We are committed to ensuring that no Brown student faces interruption to their studies due to the shutdown — these measures of relief are simply the right thing to do.”

Tilton said that because each student’s situation is unique, the University’s financial services and financial aid offices will offer one-on-one counseling to any affected student to determine what support measures can best assist them.