AMHERST, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — UMass Amherst has entered a hiring freeze and departments are beginning work to prepare for possible budget cuts as the university is receiving less federal funding than in previous years. Any critical hires or expenditures over $50,000 will have to be approved by the provost or vice chancellor.
Administrative and academic departments have been asked to draft budgets with 3% and 5% cuts to prepare for possible financial futures.
The hiring freeze consequently leaves any vacancies empty, possibly indicating some classes may not be offered and class sizes will be bigger this year, impacting student experience. It will also reduce student jobs on campus.
The research side of the university will also be seriously impacted by cuts to federal funding. The university is currently working on a multitude of research projects including cyber security.