In an email to University of Oregon faculty and staff, the president and provost identified $29.2 million in total recurring budget reductions that will substantially close UO’s structural deficit. Of that total, $4.3 million represents permanent, non-labor related savings gained through cost-cutting in supplies and other spending. Since the largest share of the Education and General budget is comprised of salary and other payroll expenses, closing the budget gap requires eliminating positions. Key facts about the latest budget reduction actions include:
- Fifty-nine vacant positions across nearly all employment categories were eliminated, mitigating the impact on employees in filled positions.
- One hundred seventeen filled positions across the university will be eliminated, roughly half of which occurred earlier this year. Employees in these positions will receive layoff notifications as soon as possible. Reductions are distributed across officers of administration, classified staff, career faculty and other staff.
- Budget allocations will be reduced for pro-tem faculty and student worker positions.
- Commitments to current graduate employees will be honored; however, the institution will be funding fewer new graduate employees in the future.
- Through careful consultation with deans, department heads and the University Senate, the university will be able to substantially close the budget deficit without eliminating any degree programs or eliminating any filled tenure-related faculty positions.
The departure of colleagues from the university is painful both for them and for those remaining at the UO. Transition support will be made available for all employees facing layoffs. This includes counseling, job coaching, financial advice and other resources.
The president and provost stated in their email, “We understand these decisions have an enormous impact on our community and that the budget deficit has been a source of anxiety for our staff, faculty, and students. While today’s message outlines the hard choices we’ve made, it also marks a turning point. These actions, although difficult, support the university’s precious mission of education and research.”
More information — including a recording of the town hall in June, links to Board of Trustees meetings, and a list of FAQs — can be found at StrengtheningUO.uoregon.edu.