Cost Containment Message

COVID-19 has had a far-reaching impact on societies and economies, both locally and globally. In addition to the personal loss felt by many, negative economic impacts have been widespread. UTA’s response to COVID-19 has necessitated that we alter the ways we teach, learn, research, live, and otherwise conduct the University’s daily business.

While the impact on our budget projections and fiscal health has yet to be determined, we have adapted many programs, including how we conduct student recruiting, orientation, and retention. A significant number of our students have also received refunds for unused campus services and resources.

The uncertainty posed by these unforeseen and unprecedented challenges requires additional fiscal diligence on our part, while simultaneously balancing the institution’s mission and strategic goals and maintaining its academic excellence.

Our strategy is to achieve a balance of fiscal prudency, maintain student success, continue our progress toward achieving Texas Tier 1, retain talent, and avoid workforce reductions and furloughs as much as possible in the future.

We are implementing a strategic hiring freeze, while also pausing reclassifications and salary increases, until further notice, except in cases considered mission critical and in direct support of our strategic plan. Examples of mission critical positions may include, but are not limited to, those that support student success and recruitment or that fulfill Texas Tier 1 requirements. Given the current circumstances and the high degree of uncertainty, there will be no merit increase for fiscal year 2021. All other hiring will be suspended until further notice. In cases where an exception is requested for staff hiring, reclassification, and salary increase, it will be vetted by the Hiring Review Committee (HRC), and all faculty hiring and retention will require approval of the provost.
Additionally, all units are asked to adopt a more conservative approach to their spending decisions and limit expenditures to essential items. Spending including hiring personnel from external grants, gifts, endowments, and STARs funds shall continue to proceed in accordance with previously approved budgets.

We will continue to monitor the progress of the pandemic and adjust our strategies as we move forward. I ask that you please direct your questions to your vice president or dean.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our students and to the University as we have responded together to the quickly evolving COVID-19 situation. Through this challenge, I believe that our Maverick community has come together and become even closer. And I am confident that with the perseverance, innovation, and adaptability all of you have shown, UTA will emerge from these trying times a stronger university to serve Texas, the nation, and the world.