TO:  University of Idaho Faculty and Staff
FROM:  Scott Green, President
DATE:  Nov. 20, 2019
SUBJECT:  State Budget Reset and Voluntary Employee Furlough

We recently learned that Gov. Brad Little has asked all state agencies to reduce their budgets by 1% in FY20 and 2% in FY21. These reductions are intended to reset state spending and are not in response to a state budget shortfall. The revenue the state raises for this purpose will remain in the state’s reserves. We have communicated to the governor’s staff that we have already made $14 million in budget cuts, but the University of Idaho must nevertheless respond to this request and reduce our FY20 budget by 1% (approximately $1 million), before June 30, 2020. We must also plan to reduce our FY21 budget by 2% (approximately $2 million).

While everyone at the university is already working together to develop plans to cut costs in the short-term and the Sustainable Financial Model Working Group is developing a financial model to guide how the university manages its budget over the long term, the additional challenge of raising $1 million in this fiscal year is a one-time event and will be handled as such.

I know there are many questions about the changes coming and how colleges, units and the entire university will be impacted. We don’t have all the answers right now, but I can tell you the changes we make now will set the university up to be stronger, more focused, better able to deliver on our land-grant mission and meet the needs of our students and our state.

Voluntary Furlough

The feedback we have received from our community since the budget forum on Nov. 7 covers a lot of topics. One suggestion we have heard repeatedly, and one that brings me great pride in our shared commitment to our university, is voluntary employee furlough. While volunteering for furlough is no small thing, it is an expedient and immediate way for employees to help the university reduce costs and there appears to be strong interest from our employees to contribute.

To help us meet the estimated $1 million reduction in our current budget, the executive leadership team and I are participating in voluntary furlough. I will take five furlough days and 95% of the cabinet is also participating. Voluntary furlough is also an option to all eligible employees — all employees except teaching assistants, research assistants, temporary employees or anyone working in the United States on a H1B Visa. All eligible U of I employees may take up to five furlough days between now and late spring — dates vary for nine- and 12-month contracts. There is no requirement to participate, nor are there repercussions for those who decide not to participate. This is a very personal decision and we respect whatever choice you make.

You may take furlough for as little as one hour and as much as five days, but you cannot cancel classes for furlough. No work can be done while furloughed and all furlough must be pre-approved by your supervisor, as with any form of leave.

In addition, Non-Faculty Exempt (NFE) employees and non-teaching faculty who take furlough are limited to working no more than 40 hours, less the amount of furlough taken, in any week furlough is taken. This is a federal labor law requirement, explained in more detail in the voluntary furlough FAQ. If you decide to take furlough, you can record this time on your timesheet under the “Furlough” heading.

Long-term staffing is another area we are looking at to reduce costs, including a Voluntary Separation Incentive Program and an Optional Retirement Incentive Program. More detailed information about these two options will be provided to you soon.

As you consider whether voluntary furlough is right for you, my leadership team and I will continue to review comments and cost-cutting/saving ideas submitted through the online response form. No idea is too big or too small. I know that together we will put together the right combination of cost-saving measures to meet our goals and strengthen the institution.

If you have questions about this, please contact your supervisor or Human Resources at 208-885-3638.

Scott Green
President

president@uidaho.edu
uidaho.edu/president