The University of Utah plans to eliminate or reduce between 5 and 15 per cent of its non-faculty and non-clinical workforce over the next year as part of a broader workforce modernisation and restructuring effort.
The changes could affect between 285 and 855 positions out of the University’s approximately 5,700 non-faculty and non-clinical employees. However, the university said the figures do not represent a uniform workforce reduction across all departments.
It is reported that a company’s spokesperson said the 5-15 per cent range is not a university-wide target and will vary by function. Some workforce reductions are expected to occur through normal attrition and retirements, while others could involve the elimination of positions. The university said final decisions on the number and timing of affected positions have not been made.
The university said the restructuring is aimed at freeing resources for greater investment in education, research and patient care, while improving operational efficiency and aligning resources with its core priorities.
The university cited federal funding cuts, declining public trust in higher education and projected demographic changes as some of the challenges facing the institution. Utah’s college-age population and higher-education enrolment are expected to begin a multi-year decline from 2032.
Despite maintaining a strong financial position, the university said expenses are growing faster than revenues, making changes necessary to remain financially sustainable.
The modernisation programme includes initiatives to standardise processes, centralise functions such as HR, IT, finance and communications, improve planning and budgeting, and restructure retirement contributions to free funding for more competitive employee salaries.
The university said employees affected by the changes would receive support during the transition.
