Harvard and University of Dayton Cut Positions Amid Financial Uncertainty

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Harvard University has announced a temporary hiring freeze for faculty and staff as it navigates financial uncertainties amid shifting federal policies. The decision aims to safeguard the university’s long-term financial health as it prepares for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget planning, which is currently underway.

Harvard’s President Alan M. Garber and Provost John F. Manning emphasized the necessity of strategic adjustments for spending in a letter to faculty and staff. The university, which developed contingency planning tools during the Great Recession and honed them during the COVID-19 pandemic, faces challenges that compel it to carefully examine its financial commitments.

“Part of our mission is financial stewardship,” Garber said. “These proactive steps are essential to ensure we respond to the changing environment of higher education and affirm our academic priorities.”

The hiring pause, effective immediately, is part of broader efforts to limit any long-term commitments that could further jeopardize the university’s financial position. Leadership across university schools has been asked to review discretionary spending and assess capital renewal projects.

Manning reassured the community that despite these measures, Harvard continues to advocate for higher education interests in Washington, D.C. “Preserving academic freedom and supporting our community’s research and teaching will always be our highest priorities,” he said, appreciating the faculty’s cooperation during this complex period.

Meanwhile, in Dayton, Ohio, the University of Dayton announced it would eliminate 20 staff positions and allow 45 faculty contracts to expire, as part of its response to declining enrollment and financial viability concerns.UD President Eric Spina attributed these reductions to a smaller pool of prospective students and waning public confidence in higher education.

<p“Higher education needs to change to remain viable,” Spina said. “This plan aims to avoid the financial pitfalls that many institutions are currently facing.”

The cuts at UD are intended to support financial health by redirecting about $25 million over three years to student services and infrastructure improvements. The university has observed its student population shrinking by approximately 12% to 14% compared to previous years, prompting fewer course sections and reduced staffing in response.

<p“Rather than eliminating programs, we are adjusting to the current needs of our students,” Spina stated, emphasizing that changes will be handled with care to ensure they do not affect educational quality.

As universities across the nation grapple with financial challenges, both Harvard and UD exemplify the tough decisions institutions must make to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.