The UO's Budget
How we’re working through the challenge, together
The University of Oregon will need to cut $65M from its budget to avoid an ongoing annual budget deficit in the coming years. This deficit is largely the result of declines in enrollment caused by increased competition, federal action and declining population. Universities across the country are working through similar pressures.
These pages were created to share information on the process, timeline and principles used in developing approaches to address this deficit across the university.
In his May 2026 message, President Scholz has identified the following guiding principles for this process:
- We will elevate and invest in research strengths that can meet the needs of our communities and industry, attract the best talent, and differentiate this university.
- We will hire strategically, with a view to make the UO known for leadership and excellence in specific areas of research.
- We will invest in the quality of the student experience and make the University of Oregon a destination of choice for more students.
Share an Idea
Have a cost-saving suggestion? Our monitored inbox is open to anyone in the community, and every submission is reviewed.
Have any final decisions been made?
No. We’re in a data-gathering phase, not a decision-making phase. No final budget decisions will be made until late fall term, and the Board of Trustees meets in December.
Is my program or position being cut?
It’s too early to know. Units across the university are modeling a range of scenarios to inform possible options. This site and direct email messages are how you’ll know when something is actually decided.
Why does the university need to reduce its budget?
UO needs to close a recurring, structural gap of about $65 million by the end of 2026. “Structural” means it returns every year unless we address it, so one-time fixes won’t solve it. See the Process page for more.
Is this happening because someone made a mistake?
No. Universities across the country are working through similar pressures from enrollment shifts and funding changes. This is a sector-wide reality, while our approach is our own.
Who is actually making these decisions?
Ideas and input are shared responsibilities. On the academic side, the Provost’s Council (the provost and all eight deans) develops proposals that the Academic Modifications Advisory Committee (AMAC) reviews to gauge the possible impacts and implications of academic changes. The AMAC is a committee commissioned by the University Senate. On the administrative side, vice presidents develop proposals and identify savings across the enterprise. See the Process page for names and roles.
What are the “5%, 10%, 15%” scenarios I’ve heard about?
They’re modeling exercises every unit is running to understand tradeoffs at different levels. They are solely planning inputs, not targets, and they are not predictions of what will happen to any unit.
How can I share a question or an idea?
You can submit a cost-saving idea to our monitored inbox, budgetideas@uoregon.edu. We’re committed to reviewing every submission. Questions your manager or unit leader can’t answer can go to [placeholder contact/inbox].
How often is this site updated?
University Communications and the Provost’s Office update it jointly as the process moves. Check the Messages page for the latest, and rely on this site for what’s current.