Working Together Through Our Budget Planning

Dear Colleagues,

Thank you to everyone who joined yesterday’s town hall. I’m grateful for the time, attention, and thoughtful questions you brought to the conversation.

Across the country, colleges and universities are navigating shifting enrollment patterns and rising operational costs. UMA is experiencing many of these same challenges. At the same time, our commitment to affordability and access remains at the heart of who we are. As we make financial decisions, we are working carefully to protect the students and communities we serve.

As Aili Robinson shared during the town hall, our initial FY27 budget planning began with a projected gap of about $1.3 million. Addressing that gap is part of responsible planning that helps ensure UMA remains strong and sustainable for the future.

To help us manage the remainder of FY26 while we continue planning for FY27, we are taking several short-term steps focused on careful spending.

For the remainder of the fiscal year:

Spending restrictions will begin earlier than usual.
Marketplace purchases will require approval from the Chief Business Officer.
Beginning Friday, March 13, credit card limits will be temporarily reduced to $1 so purchases can be reviewed in advance.

If you need a higher credit card limit for a business purpose, please email Aili Robinson with the business purpose and anticipated expense amount, copying your supervisor.

Positions already posted will continue through the hiring process.
New vacancies will be paused until July 1 unless approved by the President’s Vice President group.
Travel should be limited to essential business that supports institutional priorities or required operations.

Departments are encouraged to review current commitments and identify opportunities to delay or reduce spending where possible. This includes reviewing open purchase orders and deferring non-critical facilities improvements until after July 1. Please continue submitting facilities work orders so needs can be documented and prioritized.

Alongside these immediate steps, we are continuing a broader review of how we operate across the university to ensure our programs, spaces, and resources align with UMA’s strategic priorities. In some cases, this work confirms that we are on the right path. In others, it will lead to adjustments that strengthen our ability to serve students.

One example is the consolidation of the Office of Institutional Research into a new structure reporting to Jonathan Henry, Vice President of Enrollment Management, to strengthen how we support data-informed decision making and institutional planning.

I know that conversations about budgets and change can create uncertainty. Please know that this work is being approached thoughtfully and with deep respect for the people who make UMA what it is.

What gives me confidence is this community. The dedication, creativity, and care you bring to your work every day is what allows UMA to serve students across Maine and remain a strong and vibrant institution.

Thank you for all you do, and for working together as we move forward.

Warmly,

Jen Cushman
President, University of Maine at Augusta

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Working Together Through Our Budget Planning

Managing expenses

Hiring and travel

Reviewing current commitments