State budget reductions force layoffs

As a direct result of severe cuts to its state-funded operating budget, the University of Washington Tacoma today announced reductions to its workforce. Affected employees were notified earlier today that their jobs would be either eliminated or reduced to part time, effective July 6.

UW Tacoma's share of the overall University of Washington budget cut is $5.1 million. After applying $1.25 million in tuition revenues, the remaining budget gap is $3.85 million, or 16 percent of UW Tacoma's base budget.

UW Tacoma was able to identify budget cuts amounting to approximately $2.4 million in operations and maintenance funds, but those were not sufficient to offset the funding cuts. Affected employees across campus include eight who will be laid off, six whose positions will be reduced to part-time and five who volunteered to reduce their hours. In addition, four to seven FTE equivalent lecturer positions, totaling $340,000 in salaries and four tenure track faculty positions that were frozen or vacant will be cut.

UW Tacoma Chancellor Patricia Spakes said the layoffs are unfortunate, but unavoidable. "I'm personally very disappointed that we have had to take this action, which does not reflect on the talents or commitment of these valuable employees," she said. "In making this difficult decision, we have protected our mission of educating students as our highest priority."

Laid-off employees have been given two months' notice and will receive support in preparing for job searches, including workshops and counseling.

In the capital budget, the state Legislature approved $34 million in funding for Phase III of the UW Tacoma campus build-out. Most of that will be used to renovate the Joy Building. Demolition will commence as soon as the new fiscal year begins. The Joy Building is expected to be ready for classes in fall of 2011.