Fiscal challenges to the state budget will impact the university system, and UNMC will respond with a balanced approach, with a foundation of solid growth and the protection of our core mission-driven programs, UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., said Monday.
In a message to the university community earlier in the day, University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds, Ph.D., emphasized that the university would be a strong partner to the state in navigating the budget downturn.
Dr. Gold, who has been working with Dr. Bounds and other university leaders on the university’s response to the state’s budget challenges, said UNMC will rely on the use of broad stakeholder input and on transparency in decision-making, metrics and outcomes.
In his letter, Dr. Bounds specified three steps he has taken:
- A university-wide hiring freeze for all positions that are funded in any part by state-aided dollars is in effect immediately. This includes positions for which searches are currently being conducted.
Exemptions will be granted for positions that the respective chancellor and I agree are absolutely
critical to our mission. - Chancellors, vice presidents and the executive directors of our university-wide institutes have been
directed to move forward only on travel and purchasing that they deem absolutely necessary. - Chancellors are responsible for engaging their leadership teams to make sure they have a process in
place for implementing budget cuts. Reduction processes, of course, must take into account our
commitment to shared governance, in which we would seek faculty, staff and student input before
making cuts.
Dr. Bounds also said he did not expect that reducing hiring and travel alone will solve the budget challenges ahead.
“As we navigate this challenge, our first priority will be protecting the academic enterprise of the University of Nebraska,” Dr. Bounds said. “We will not let a temporary economic downturn damage our long-term quality, momentum and competitiveness.”
Dr. Gold said, “These challenges provide an opportunity to identify efficiencies, as well as opportunities for enhanced collaboration both across the university system and within UNMC.”