10/19/2022
By Steve O’Riordan

With an uncertain financial outlook as UMass Lowell entered the fiscal year, university leadership decided to partially fund operating budgets across the university and hold in reserve a contingency while we waited for additional information.

Since this summer we have learned that our state appropriation exceeded our estimates, our room and board revenues are below budget as they continue to recover from the pandemic, and thanks to the hard work of our admissions team and entire campus community, our enrollment numbers met our budget expectations.

The net result leaves an additional $10.9 million from the contingency and the use of one-time funds for distribution to the operating funds of the academic and administrative units across campus.

During the last month, managers have worked with Senior Cabinet and Executive Cabinet leaders to present supplemental budget request proposals. With these requests totaling $17.4 million no area of the university will have their budget restored in full.

The Executive Cabinet evaluated requests through the lens of the vision articulated by the Chancellor and prioritized those that would lead to future revenue growth, particularly around increased enrollment and retention. Requests related to student mental health, paid experiential learning, the university’s transition to R1, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and contractual obligations were also given additional consideration. All budget distributions have now been completed and the result is that we have restored nearly three quarters of the initial reductions to departmental budgets.

While not part of the departmental operating budget, personnel makes up 57% of the overall annual budget. UMass Lowell’s Essential Hiring Committee continues to meet and evaluate personnel requests. University leaders know the high number of vacant positions continues to pose challenges across campus. We’re working hard to balance personnel and operational needs with a budget that still hasn’t fully recovered from pandemic impacts.

The impact of reduced budgets on campus operations and services will be seen and felt as inflationary pressures are not adequately addressed by this budget. The reallocation of resources to critical needs and services will continue to be our priority. However, despite the efforts of dedicated and resourceful staff, response times and service levels will be impacted. Your patience and support for your colleagues will be greatly appreciated.

While it remains true that UMass Lowell is in a much stronger position than many colleges and universities across the country, we know that fact doesn’t alleviate the stress that comes as the entire campus community works harder than ever to achieve our goals with the available resources. That is why we are working on multiple avenues to increase our resources. Our future success will come from increased revenues, not from asking each of you to continually do more with less. We know that’s not sustainable.

Thank you for your hard work, each and every day. Despite the challenges, your efforts are why the path before us looks brighter than ever.