Cold Sweat U.: Federal Research Funding Disruptions and Strains on Public Affairs Education

This study examines the academic impacts on the field of public affairs from the unprecedented disruptions to federal research funding that took place at the beginning of the Trump II administration. We draw on focus groups with public affairs faculty and an online survey of university research administrators as an indicator of institutional responses. The study explores how these developments in the federal government have affected teaching and student support in public affairs programs. Participants reported increased uncertainty, heavier workloads, and heightened emotional labor as universities navigated chaotic funding conditions and public affairs confronted more limited career placement. The findings highlight that unstable federal support can disrupt learning and create significant challenges for public affairs programs. We call for improved communication and institutional strategizing to protect educational quality as universities manage continuing effects of recent funding disruptions and prepare for the likelihood of future policy challenges.