As the Trump administration threatens to pull federal funds from universities, including those for medical and scientific research, the University of California has announced a hiring freeze and additional cuts.
The University of California has implemented a hiring freeze and paused construction projects due to a significant budget shortfall. This decision was influenced by a $20 million deficit in the current fiscal year, projected to grow to $58 million next year, primarily due to a state funding cut of $32 million. The university's Office of the President has directed all campuses to halt new hires, except for essential positions, and to delay non-essential construction projects. This financial strain is attributed to a combination of factors including a decline in state funding, increased costs, and lower-than-expected revenue from enrollment. The university is also considering other cost-saving measures like reducing travel expenses and discretionary spending to manage the financial crisis.