The Budget Challenge
The UW Tacoma community is facing severe financial stress, as are all public higher education institutions in the state. On this website you'll find explanations of the important aspects of budget reductions and what they mean to you and your unit. For more detailed information, review the Budget Planning website.
Legislature identifies reductions
On Sunday, April 26, state legislators ended the regular 2009 legislative session and sent a state budget to the governor.
The following budget actions affect UW Tacoma:
- UW Tacoma's annual operating budget reduced by $5.1 million
- After applying $1.25 million in tuition revenues, the remaining budget gap is $3.85 million, or 16 percent of UW Tacoma's base budget.
- Enrollment frozen at 2008-09 level
- No salary increases for staff or faculty during the biennium
- Phase III, including renovation of the Joy Building, funded at $34 million
The impact of these budget actions will be layoffs to UW Tacoma employees:
- 8 full-time staff layoffs
- 1.6 FTE involuntary reductions (six staff members affected)
- 1.7 FTE voluntary reductions (five staff members affected)
- 14 FTE frozen/vacant staff positions cut
- 4 FTE frozen/vacant tenure track positions cut
- 4 to 7 FTE frozen/vacant lecturer positions cut (totaling $340,000)
Budget and personnel reductions hit UW Tacoma
As we deal with the unfortunate effects of the current economic situation, we are profoundly concerned for our colleagues being impacted by workforce reductions. We have lost a great deal of talent and commitment to the university, leaving a gap that is difficult to fill, both personally and professionally. These reductions hurt everyone and will have a lasting effect on UW Tacoma and on the citizens of Washington. All of us feel sad, but we will do all we can to ease the transition for everyone.
Resources available
The Human Resources office has arranged for workshops, resume help, counseling and other resources for personnel who have been laid off or had a reduction in hours, as well as anyone who may need help or guidance. Please do not hesitate to contact HR with your concerns.
Join the campus conversation
A campus discussion is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 12:30 p.m., in Carwein Auditorium. This will primarily be an opportunity for Chancellor Pat Spakes to answer questions about the budget reductions. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to attend. Faculty and staff can also give feedback via the campus forum.
Looking ahead
There is still much for which we can be grateful. The University of Washington Tacoma will survive and will not falter in its determination to serve our students by providing broad access to the high-quality education for which we are known. We will continue to grow and take our place as an integral part of the South Sound community.
