The University of Utah is continuing a strategic effort to modernize its business and operational infrastructure to better prepare the institution for the long term. University leaders stated the initiative is intended to reprioritize spending and strengthen the university's ability to invest in its mission over the next decade and beyond.
According to university leaders, the modernization strategy connects several ongoing efforts into a common framework. This includes work in the Office of Advancement and the centralization of the Colleges of Liberal Arts & Sciences. Other active initiatives involve improving service through Operational Excellence, transitioning to centralized human resources, IT, and financial services through Coordinated Services, and implementing the Anaplan planning and budgeting platform.
University leaders noted that the university faces significant challenges, including declining public trust in higher education, scaled-back federal research funding, and a projected decline in Utah's college-age population starting in 2032. While the university remains financially strong, leaders noted that expenses are currently growing faster than revenues.
The modernization effort will impact the university's approximately 5,700-person non-faculty and non-clinical workforce. Leaders expect this workforce to become smaller by 5% to 15%, representing 285 to 855 positions, as work is consolidated, simplified, or eliminated. Chief Financial Officer Gary McArthur noted that while comparable efforts in other organizations have resulted in similar staffing reductions, this is not a university-wide target.
Chief Human Resources Officer Jeff Herring stated that while changes will occur, the university is committed to supporting any impacted employees. Some reductions are expected to occur through normal attrition and retirement, while others may involve the elimination of positions. The work is expected to proceed in phases, with some changes beginning during the 2026 calendar year and the goal of finishing by the end of the fiscal year in June 2027.
The goal of modernizing administrative operations is to redirect resources toward education, research, and patient care. This includes supporting faculty salaries, research, and the objective of increasing the graduation rate so 80% of students can complete degrees within six years. Specific questions regarding modernization projects can be directed to coordinatedservices@utah.edu.
