[Orgvpdue] DUE budget update

[Louie F Rodriguez]

Dear DUE Colleagues,
I hope your summer is going well!
I'd like to take a minute and share an update regarding UC Riverside's current budget situation and its impact on our Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE). As many of you know, UC Riverside is facing some budget challenges beginning with AY 2024-2025, per the Provost's communication to the campus on July 16. While this news is not ideal, it is my goal to ensure each of our staff members are well informed and privy to each step in this process moving forward.
First, UC Riverside's Campus Finance Committee voted to proceed with unit-level cuts of 4.5-6% (4.5% for Schools and Colleges and 6% for administrative units) of the overall permanent funding to help the campus offset its commitment to across-the-board increases for all faculty and non-represented staff. This means that every unit on campus-academic and administrative- will be required to return any salary savings resulting from resignations, retirements, or hiring delays at 4.5% to 6% by the end of September 2024.
What is the immediate impact on the DUE?
The DUE must return 6% or $520,000 of our total permanent allocation to campus.  Typically, we might use these funds for additional hires, programming, and in DUE's case, student programming, or carryforward for future initiatives.
What does this mean for DUE in the AY24-25?
DUE will need to operate within our reduced permanent budget and make adjustments where feasible. For example, we may need to reduce conference attendance and professional travel this year, wait until next year to purchase certain types of software, be extra meticulous on supplies or food purchases for events, or collaborate creatively to utilize existing resources to help get through the AY24-25. For example, DUE's retreat will be reduced to one day instead of two days to limit costs on room fees and food.  Again, I know this is not ideal. More importantly, I want everyone to know that despite our new cost-efficient methods, I do not expect any hiring freezes in DUE. This same sentiment has been reiterated by the Provost in her communication to campus referenced above.
I understand adjusting to these budget realities will be challenging for all of us, especially given the budget challenges we faced together during the pandemic.  Please know that I firmly believe our Division will persist as we always have. Your units are resilient, passionate, and committed to student success. While the challenges of the pandemic were long-lasting, we remained committed to the University and most importantly, supportive of our students.
I cannot say when or how changes may come from these budget cuts over the next few years. But, I will do everything in my power to communicate openly and ensure you receive full transparency. This includes garnering your insights and opportunities for collaboration for the Division. More specifically, I have heard your feedback regarding the need for more professional development, more opportunities for cross-area collaboration, and how to best grow and sustain our various programs, initiatives, and areas within DUE. With this feedback, I will be able to better assess and evaluate how these suggestions from all of you can be implemented while keeping in mind the budget challenges.
Amidst these challenges, please know that I am committed to finding ways to seek your input, support your vital work in the Division, and remain relentlessly committed to our Strategic Goals and student success for the Division and campus.
Best regards,
Louie
Louie F. Rodriguez
Vice Provost and Dean
Division of Undergraduate Education
Professor of Education
University of California, Riverside
Louie.rodriguez at ucr.edu<mailto:Louie.rodriguez at ucr.edu>
ue.ucr.edu<https://ue.ucr.edu/>

Executive Assistant: Mona Nelson
mona.nelson at ucr.edu<mailto:mona.nelson at ucr.edu> (951) 827-7750

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