Pay Cuts Proposed For UConn Non-Union 'Managers'

STORRS, CT — The University of Connecticut's top administrator has outlined pay cuts of between about 5 and 10 percent for non-union managers to partialy offset a projected $50 million shortfall in revenue related to coronavirus restrictions and shutdowns.

In a letter addressed to UConn managers and senior leaders, dated June 19 and released Tuesday, UConn President Thomas Katsouleas said the measures were "difficult" to propose "during this surreal experience of a guiding a flagship university through an unprecedented global pandemic."

The UConn trustees are slated to review the measures Wednesday.

Katsouleas said a shortfall in state revenues, a need to "de-densify" campuses and "underfilled" residence halls, plus "other expenses associated with keeping those on campus safe" have led to the largest projected budget deficit in UConn's history — about $50 million for the coming year.

Katsouleas said he expects a "rebound" but for the time being the following cuts will be in effect at the main campus in Storrs an d at the regional campuses and law school:

• Beginning in July, and continuing through fiscal year 2021, most non-union managers will be furloughed without pay for the "equivalent" of one day a month. The move translates to a pay reduction of just less than 5 percent annually.
• Those in "senior leadership roles," (including , Katsouleas) will take the "equivalent" of two furlough days a month, or a pay reduction of about 10 percent annually.
• Merit increases for most non-union managers have been canceled.

Similar measures for non-union managers at UConn Health are also likely, Katsouleas said.

"Should we see unexpected significant improvements to our fiscal situation in the months
ahead, we will certainly consider cancelling or reducing the number of planned furlough days," he said. "This is the case at most peer institutions across the country.

Other measures include:

• Implementing hiring and spending restrictions.
• "Advocating" for relief through the CARES act and Heroes Act.
• Requesting state assistance.

"We still forecast a shortfall of more than $50 million in the best case scenario for the coming year," Katsouleas said. "If there is a light at the end of the tunnel, it is that once the virus passes and we can resume full in-person operation, our student demand, faculty talent and alumni support have never been stronger.

"Moreover, we expect our student, philanthropic and research-based revenues to rebound. At this
time, the value of a research residential university experience is more valuable than ever given it
serves as a hub for scholars creating and sharing new knowledge in real time can help students make sense of the world and empower them to improve it. However, in the meantime, we are seeking all options to bridge to that time without making cuts that cause long-term harm."