Today, University of California (UC) President Michael Drake announced a systemwide program to preserve jobs and avoid COVID-related layoffs to every extent possible, and to help us address the more than $2 billion budget deficit UC faces due to the pandemic. UC San Diego fully supports President Drake’s plan to protect jobs.
The financial impact of pandemic-related disruptions to UC San Diego’s academic enterprise and medical center is very significant. However, beginning in April 2020, UC San Diego has already taken extensive measures to mitigate this impact.
As a campus, a combination of budget cuts in the central and vice-chancellor budgets was achieved through strict hiring controls, some targeted staff redeployments, tight controls of non-compensation expenses and use of reserves. This was in addition to the UC-mandated freeze on academic and non-represented staff compensation. To achieve additional savings, we also froze capital projects worth over $1.7 billion and maximized the use of CARES funding provided by the federal government.
Our early and proactive response and our prudent financial management have resulted in a balanced budget: this will allow us to avoid COVID-related layoffs and curtailments through the end of fiscal year 20-21.
These actions have led to shared sacrifices across UC San Diego, and I am grateful to our dedicated and resilient staff and faculty, who continue to work selflessly during these most challenging times to support our teaching, research, and clinical missions. Please accept my heartfelt thank you for all you do. Stay safe.
