Board of Regents to reconsider declaration of financial exigency July 30

Dear UA Colleagues,

In light of the major reduction in the university's FY20 operating support from the State of Alaska, today the Board of Regents took the unprecedented action of considering a declaration of financial exigency. After extensive discussion, the vote was postponed until July 30 in order to provide additional time to consider the implications of the declaration and allow for the possibility of additional funding through ongoing legislative action. The regents will also meet again on July 22 to discuss plans for how budget cuts could be allocated.

According to several legislators who attended the meeting, legislative work in Juneau has not been completed. Before the special session concludes, the legislature is expected to introduce and pass an appropriation bill that may include supplemental operating or capital funds for UA. However, any such funding is subject to veto. The president is working closely with the governor and legislative leadership for that reason.

We have a huge task before us now to plan for such a major reduction while moving forward with the fall semester as advertised. Over the next 7 to 15 days we will be working on more detailed plans based on the direction received today.

Additional discussion will occur at the Board of Regents July 22 meeting. Details are being developed, and I know you are all anxious to hear clarification about the following:

• How termination under exigency affects benefits otherwise afforded through layoff or furlough policy;
• A designation of programs and units that may be terminated under this declaration; and
• Clarity on where and how reductions of programs and services will be enacted.

Please allow the next few weeks to outline our plans so we can provide these and other important answers to you and our university communities. Thank you for your patience and dedication.

#UAStrong Jim Johnsen

July Archive