Important Updates and Positive Changes Ahead
Dear Colleagues,鈥
As part of our commitment to transparency, we want to share an important update about DU鈥檚 financial outlook for the fiscal year 2026. Like many higher education institutions across the country, we continue to experience unprecedented challenges, including shifting enrollment patterns, regulatory changes, inflation, and broader global pressures. These circumstances have led to a projected budget shortfall of approximately $6 million for the current fiscal year. We know this news may be concerning, but we鈥檙e responding with care for our community, a focus on our students, and a commitment to DU鈥檚 long-term stability. We are committed to balancing our budget by the end of the year.听
It鈥檚 important to share with you the meaningful progress we鈥檝e made in starting to close this gap. By thoughtfully working with the Chancellor鈥檚 Cabinet and deans, we have carefully considered every possible option and made every effort to minimize the impact on our faculty and staff.鈥
After discussions with the Chancellor鈥檚 Cabinet and deans, we have made the difficult decision to forgo merit increases for this year. Throughout these conversations, we heard repeatedly that our community values broad job preservation over individual merit increases during this period of uncertainty, which is a testament to the character of our faculty and staff. While foregoing merit will not fully resolve our financial challenges this year, it represents a responsible step forward in addressing any budgetary shortfalls. We deeply appreciate all that you contribute to DU, and we remain committed to recognizing and rewarding your efforts as conditions improve. 鈥
Although we cannot reward our outstanding faculty and staff as we would like financially through merit increases at this time, we do want to share some positive changes that reflect our continued investment in our people. After thoughtful evaluation of the Staff Senate鈥檚 proposal and additional discussions with deans and cabinet members, we are pleased to announce the following:鈥
- Expanded vacation time: Starting Jan. 1, 2026, all staff with less than 7 years of service will earn up to 22 vacation days per year from their first day of employment鈥攁n increase of 7 days from our current practice. We prioritize your well-being and encourage you to take time off regularly. You can maintain a maximum bank of 15 unused vacation days at a time. After 5 years of service, your maximum bank limit increases to 22 unused days. If you鈥檝e been with DU 7+ years, you鈥檒l continue to earn 24 vacation days per year, with a maximum bank of 22 unused days. 听
- Bereavement leave extension: Effective immediately, bereavement leave is extended to five working days, regardless of the location. Leave with pay is available to all appointed faculty and staff because of death of a family member.听
- Introducing a new floating holiday: To honor personal values and traditions, each employee will have a floating holiday added to their account on Jan. 1, 2026. This day should be used by the end of the fiscal year. Looking ahead, a new floating holiday will be deposited each fiscal year, to be used within that fiscal year.鈥
- Additional winter break closure: In lieu of the financial cost of hosting a formal holiday party, the University is delighted to offer an extended winter break closure on Dec. 22, 23, and 24. We will remain fully open on Dec. 19. Our hope is that these extra days off provide you with valuable time to relax, recharge, and enjoy special moments with loved ones. If you are an 鈥渆ssential鈥 employee and needed on Dec. 22, 23, or 24, you may work with your supervisor to take time between now and the end of the year in lieu of those days.听
- Expanded educational opportunities: In addition to our generous Tuition Waiver program, DU is proud to offer access to a new and exciting Tuition Exchange program. This program offers significant undergraduate and graduate tuition scholarships at over 700 colleges and universities nationwide and abroad for dependent children of full-time employees and is available immediately upon hire.听
We鈥檙e grateful to the Staff Senate and deans for their roles in helping shape much of the above. 听
In addition to these updates, as some of you know, we are also pleased to fully absorb the cost increases for our healthcare insurance premiums this year. This is one of the many ways we aim to recognize your dedication and care for your well-being. Thank you for all that you do. We are committed to continuing this momentum and exploring even more ways to support you in the future.鈥
We remain confident in our shared future. Together, we will continue to move forward with clarity, compassion, and commitment to our mission. 鈥
With gratitude,鈥
Jeremy Haefner鈥
颁丑补苍肠别濒濒辞谤鈥
Elizabeth Loboa鈥
Provost and Executive Vice 颁丑补苍肠别濒濒辞谤鈥
Mark DeLorenzo鈥
Senior Vice Chancellor of Business and Financial Affairs鈥
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